How to Japow

Want to go to Japan? Hakuba is the closest valley of ski resorts to Tokyo, and boasts the best terrain to be found in the country that spends the most per person on snow removal every year. Here's a few tips from Planks Team Rider Neil William to make sure the froth factor is fulfilled:

1. There are ski transfer buses directly from Tokyo Narita airport to Hakuba.

They'll drop you at the bus station in the middle of the village and most hotels or lodges will pick you up from there. A local train/bullet train/bus combo is available from Narita and Haneba which is faster but more expensive and means you have to change in Tokyo and Nagano.

Interesting fact: Tokyo is crazy clean for how big and busy it is. The Tokyo fish market and tiny fresh sushi restaurants near it are highlights if you want to spend some time in the capital doing something other than crazy partying.

You can see Mt Fuji from Tokyo. Didn't know that did you? Photo Anna Smoothy

2. Kamoshika Views is a great place to stay.

If you're looking for a relaxed hostel vibe with a host who can give you good tips on where to score the best pow, Russ is a kiwi who's been in Hakuba for 8 years and has things pretty dialled there. He'll pick you up from the bus stop and drive you where you need to go, be it the supermarket, ski resort, onsen, pub or best ski shop in town- Rhythm. And it's nice to stay up on the hill with a beautiful view over the valley (when it's not dumping). Building jumps outside the lodge is also encouraged.

The Amerikiwi crew leaving for a day shredding in the Russ bus. Photo Neil Williman

Crazy Frenchie, Anna Smoothy and Elmo Cotter scoping out the night session. Photo Jack Harker

3. Cortina and Tsugaike have the steepest lift accessible terrain.

Japan has a reputation for the terrain not living up to the snow quality but the runs at these two resorts are definitely steeper and longer than I expected. The 'dam run' at Cortina and the front face off the top 2 chair at Tsugaike were favourites, but make sure the top lifts are open before you buy a lift ticket. Other resorts have sick freeride terrain too but it's often forbidden, which can be a tease if the run straight under the chair looks rad, but there may or may not be a couple of places to get in and out of it without ski patrol seeing you and taking your pass.

It's much more fun if you put your hands in the air! Photo Franz Magdics

4. The 'Japanese Alps' are actually a thing, and you can ski tour them from resorts.

I was pretty damn impressed with the backcountry in Hakuba, and it seemed like the best way to access it was to ski tour from Happo-One resort (the biggest one which has lifts straight from town). Some of the back bowls are pretty avalanche prone though so try to go with someone in the know.

It went perfectly bluebird... the day we were leaving. Photo Neil Williman

But it was still fun to hike for it the other days. Photo Max Kroneck