Hit the slopes and beyond at Otari Village
Otari Village, located in Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano-ken, is renowned as the powder snow capital of Hakuba Valley. With its three relaxed resorts, it offers some of the finest skiing and snowboarding experiences in the entire valley. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, Otari Village has something to offer for everyone.
How to Get There
Getting to Otari Village is relatively easy. You can choose to travel by bus or train, depending on your preference and convenience. If you’re coming from Nagano City, there are many buses that run throughout the day between Nagano Station and Tsugaike Kogen. The journey takes approximately one hour and 30 minutes. If you’re coming from Matsumoto, you can take the Oito Line and change at Shinano-Omachi station. The journey from Matsumoto takes about two hours.
Getting Around
Once you arrive in Otari Village, getting around is a breeze. The village offers a convenient shuttle bus service that connects the ski areas and provides easy access to the Happo Bus Terminal, which serves as a gateway to Hakuba’s ski resorts. The shuttle bus is a convenient and reliable mode of transportation, allowing you to explore the various ski areas and make the most of your time in Otari Village.
Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort
One of the highlights of Otari Village is the Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort. With its 20 lifts and 10 courses, it is the second-largest resort in the Hakuba Valley. The resort is known for its beginner-friendly slopes as well as its stunning mountain views from the intermediate slopes. If you’re into snowboarding, Tsugaike Kogen offers long snowboarding runs and backcountry access, which adds to its popularity among snowboarding enthusiasts. In addition, starting from March, you can even experience the thrill of heli-skiing from 2,200 meters.
Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort and Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort
Another must-visit ski resort in Otari Village is the Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort. It is located at the northernmost part of the Hakuba Valley and its slopes are directly connected to the Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort. The unique feature of Cortina is that it is one of the 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, making it convenient for visitors to explore and enjoy the slopes of both areas. Cortina is particularly famous for its deep powder snow, making it a mecca for powder enthusiasts. Unlike other Hakuba resorts that strictly monitor backcountry activity, Cortina has designated self-responsibility areas that provide the best tree riding and off-piste experience in the valley.
For Apres-Ski
After a long day on the slopes, it’s time to relax and unwind. Otari Village is home to nine onsen (hot spring) facilities where you can soak away your fatigue and rejuvenate your body. If you’re staying in Otari, Tsugaike Kogen offers the most options for a night out. Additionally, there is an evening shuttle that runs between the resorts, making it convenient for visitors to explore different dining and entertainment options.
In conclusion, Otari Village is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. With its three relaxed resorts offering a wide range of slopes for all skill levels, breathtaking mountain views, and convenient transportation options, it is no wonder that Otari Village is considered the powder snow capital of Hakuba Valley. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn how to ski or an experienced snowboarder seeking thrilling backcountry adventures, Otari Village has something for everyone. So pack your bags, hit the slopes, and experience the magic of Otari Village for yourself.
Note: The information provided may be subject to change due to COVID-19. Please check the official website for the latest updates.
Address And Maps Location:
Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano-ken
Find Location And Direction On Google Maps
Subscribe, follow travelbloggerindonesia.com