Secluded amidst rugged alpine scenery in the north of the Hakuba Valley away from the hustle and bustle of the main resort area, Hakuba Norikura Ski Resort, or Hakunori for short, is popular for its wide variety of courses, excellent powder and relaxed local atmosphere. With a range of facilities, accommodation and hot springs, it is well-equipped to offer the ideal snow resort getaway for everyone from couples to families, and groups of mates to solo travellers. Hakunori has 14 courses for all levels, from the legendary steep inclines and deep powder of the Expert and Skyview Courses, to the gently undulating Family Course. The Skyview Course in particular is one of the resort’s most famous, boasting a generous width of 250m, a 20º to 38º incline, and jaw-dropping views. The slopes include other features like tree runs, moguls, a terrain park and a kids park with free rafting and tubing, and they are interconnected with neighbouring Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort – adding even greater variety. The Hakuba Alps Hotel at Hakunori has ski-in, ski-out access to the slopes, and is especially well-worth visiting for its spa and natural hot spring. Unique to the local area and open to outside visitors, its Cure House health spa has features like a jet bath, body-massaging Jacuzzi, beating shower, lie-down bath and steam sauna, and beautiful night views of the slopes.