A belated Happy New Year to everyone. It seems to have been snowing every day since Christmas. Though we haven’t had the huge dumps that we normally associate with Hakuba, to have continual powder snow is a great bonus. There are few small bushes poking through on the lower slopes but the storm rolling in this weekend should cover them up until spring. 

Restaurants and shops have reported brisk business from the international customer. Though not necessary, we would recommend booking a restaurant in advance, more so on the weekend. 

This year’s hottest wear seems to be clothing from the new “Hakuba” brand. Everyone wants to buy a hoodie or a T-shirt. You can get them at Bamboo café or the Tokyu Hotel.