OTARI

BEGINNERTSUGAIKE KOGEN

The first thing that strikes you about Tsugaike is the treeless, 1.2-kilometer wide slope that dominates the southern end of the resort. This massive beginner area, known as "Kane-no-naru-oka", features three parallel quad lifts that ferry families and first-timers to the top, for the long, gradual descent back to the base. In addition to the gentle gradient, the vast scale ensures it never gets too crowded, making it by far the best location in all of the Hakuba Valley for kids, learners and those looking to gain more confidence. In fact, beginner terrain covers the entire lower half of the mountain with a total of five lifts servicing a "beginner's ticket area" that can be accessed with a separate, discounted lift ticket. Add to this the recent addition of an established international snowsports school offering private and group lessons as well as onsite daycare, and Tsugaike definitely lives up to its "Queen of the Green" nickname as the can't-miss destination for those traveling with children or just starting out on the snow.