Norikura / Cortina

Found at the northern point of Hakuba Valley, Norikura and Cortina twin resorts are the perfect combo for powder lovers and cruisers alike. Norikura often flies under the radar but boasts beautifully groomed beginner and intermediate runs, alongside some of the best off-piste powder stashes in the valley. Connected to Cortina by chairlift and road, you can easily explore both resorts in one day. Head to the Cortina side to find one of the two famous ski-thru coffee shacks (hot tip: their toasted chicken sandwich is a must after a morning chasing fresh powder). Most dining options are within the resorts. Other than the Mexican restaurant at Butter Hotel (Norikura), your best bet for dinner and drinks is in nearby village Tsugaike.

RESORT: walking distance to Norikura resort, connected to Cortina, great range of terrain (especially on a powder day)
ACCOMM: affordable accomm close to a ski resort, some ski in/ski out
FESTIVAL: check that your accommodation will shuttle you to nearby Tsugaike to catch the bus to Main Arena (the bus does not stop in Norikura or Cortina)

All Snow Machine packages include:

• 5 or 7 nights accommodation in Hakuba
• 4 day lift pass for Happo One, Goryu & Hakuba 47, Iwatake, Tsugaike, Norikura & Cortina
• Snow Machine festival pass