Coldish weather has truly returned and the skies opened late last night to unleash some fat fluffy flakes on us this morning... with no sign of letting up for a bit.  After a late February which saw some fabulous bluebird days but not too much in the way of new snow, it is definitely nice to see the powder back on form.

A significant amount of new snow overnight has tailed off a bit giving us good visibility and some fresh stuff to enjoy today. Guest's heading out from the hotel today had that gleam in their eye saying that this was going to be a good one! Today is "Girls Day" in Japan... it's not a holiday as such, but it is an important day for Japanese families. When you are passing through the lobby today please have a look at our display! Weather information from www.snowjapan.com

Well, our warm snap has finally run it's course, and we're getting a bit more sensible weather for this time of year. Nothing brings a smile to the face of guests and staff like a good brace of snow!

A few pictures from Mr. Yabu up on the mountain today. Conditions still pretty good if you know where to look. He also had the chance to take dinner yesterday at Sumo-tei in Echoland, just a few minutes away from Happo and the hotel, where you can eat really sumo wrestler food served up by an honest to goodness former sumo wrestler. The food is great, and the sumo master himself is quite the character... a great nights outing and dinner for those in the mood.

The Foundation Day long weekend is just winding down here in Hakuba and in Japan, and in some ways it is what could be considered the peak of the season.... at least skier number wise.  The town was definitely hopping this weekend, and a few of our longer staying guests took the wise move of taking a rest from the hills.  The always popular snow monkey tour was a good option.

The Gondola station was busy this morning, as you can see by the photo, but by this afternoon the unlucky working stiffs will be back in their cars or the train back to Tokyo, and those visiting from overseas will have the place to themselves for the most part 

All in all, the 30cm or so of fresh stuff we got overnight and more on the way Tuesday apparently should set things up for a very very good week!

Fashions come and go, and some, well, should stay gone but...  These fine gentlemen from Western Australia have graced the hotel for the last week or so and in the spirit of a "lads" outing one of them has had the pleasure each day of donning...  "the yellow jumpsuit from the 80s".  Worn with style and panache it helped me identify them with 100% certainty from the opposite slope at Cortina the other day.

Can't thank these guys enough for their spirit, their keen interest in Japan and Japanese food, and their all around sense of good fun around the hotel.  See you back next year!

Ventured out to Cortina today, at the far end of the valley.  Cortina, despite it's relative distance from central Hakuba and Happo (about 45 min by shuttle bus) is well loved and for good reason.  It's a comfortable resort, not too big, not too small, sees some of the best snowfall around and is centered around the Green Plaza Hotel which boasts a few nice places to eat as well as a very nice onsen.  Well worth a day of your trip!

I'm currently in the midst of research for buying a new board for next season, and Will at the Boarding Co. was kind enough to set me up today... nice ride, and good service (picked up from the hotel, fitted up, and whisked back to the hotel in a flash).  Cheers for that.

http://theboardingco.com/index-english.php

Have to admit, warmed my heart a bit seeing "I love Hak" carved into the snow....  spend a day like I just had and I'm pretty sure you will too!

A simply fantastic sunny day where the mountains surrounding Hakuba come into perfect focus.  Managed to tear myself away from the hotel for a bit of a ride at Tsugaike...  

Even better today however, as we had a good treatment of snow this morning before the sky cleared for another clear sunny day.  Jealous of all those out there!

Dining in Japan is, in many ways, one of the highlights of most peoples visit.  The range of food, the presentation and the obvious love the Japanese have for eating wellis something that one can feel in every eating establishment in the country, no matter how exclusive or how humble.  In Happo, surrounding the Hakuba Springs Hotel, we have a multitude of traditional options, from Soba (Nagano speciality), to Nabe (hot pot) to the most beloved of Japanese dining and drinking traditons, the local Izakaya.

One thing not to overlook however, is our Restaurant Jardin.  Chef Minohara's take on French cuisine cosistently draws rave reviews from our guests, both Japanese and those visiting from abroad.  So yes, take in all that Japan has to offer in the way of traditional food, but also make sure you reserve at least one night to join us for what we think may be the meal you look back on as the best of your stay.

Restaurant Jardin

Being on snowshoes, of course, opens up the backcountry to skiers and boarders, but it's also a very relaxing way to simply ... take a walk.  Which I did this morning up past Obinata no Yu (Obinata Hot Spring) and skirting along the river coming down off one side of the Hakuba Happo One Resort.  The snow was gently falling and the occasional person came whooshing by me on their way out of the backcountry, but for the most part I was alone with my thoughts.  

Arrived at the hotel ready for another day in winter wonderland.