Other Activities

If you are into  cross-country you can check out the Olympic cross-country courses,  the scenic Nordic courses at Minekata and Tsugaike ski resorts, and trails winding through some of the most spectacular terrain in the Japan Alps.

Various resorts offer guided ski/snowboard and snowshoe tours, snow tubing, tobogganing, snow rafting and spring heli-skiing.

If you are into history and culture, visit Matsumoto Castle, Nagano's famous Zenkoji Temple and the snow monkeys at Jigokudani hot springs.

If you need to relax after a long day on the mountain, you can soak in one of the many onsen (hot springs) in the region.

Hungry? There are a number  of great bars, restaurants and coffee shops in the valley that are highly recommended.