Otari Village 小谷村

Renowned as Hakuba Valley's powder snow capital, Otari Village's three relaxed resorts offer some of the finest skiing and snowboarding in the valley.

Otari is accessible by bus or train.

From Nagano City , many buses run throughout the day between Nagano Station and Tsugaike Kogen, about one hour 30 minutes away.

From Matsumoto , take the Oito Line, changing at Shinano-Omachi station about two hours away.

The Otari Shuttle Bus connects the village ski areas and makes the trip to the Happo Bus Terminal for access to Hakuba's ski resorts .

With 20 lifts and 10 courses, Tsugaike is the second largest resort in the Hakuba Valley. It's great for beginners and boasts impressive mountain views from some of its intermediate slopes. Long snowboarding runs and backcountry access add to its popularity. Heli-skiing from 2,200 meters begins in March.

Cortina is Hakuba Valley's northernmost resort, and its slopes link to Hakuba Norikura Onsen next door. This makes it one of only two paired areas in the valley, the other being Hakuba Goryu and Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park. A single lift ticket covers both resorts, as does the Hakuba Valley Ticket.

Cortina, in particular, is renowned as a deep powder mecca. While Hakuba resorts tend to strictly monitor backcountry activity, Cortina has self-responsibility areas that provide what many consider the best tree riding and off-piste experience in the valley.

After a long day of powder, head to one of the village's nine onsen to soak away your fatigue. If you're staying in Otari, Tsugaike has the most options for a night out. An evening shuttle runs between the resorts.

The latest information may differ, so please check the official website.