Hakuba47 WINTER SPORTS PARK

back to the origins of skiing
The Charms of Telemark Skiing

Seiji Yamada is the 21st manager of the Yamada Inn at Otari Hot Springs. Born in the old established Edoperiod inn, he put on his first ski boot at the age of three and competed in alpine skiing as a student, eventually becoming a demonstration skier for the SAJ and working to popularise resort skiing for 12 years. He is among only a small handful of people who attained this certification at the minimum age of 23.
Seiji Yamada's grandfather, Hiroshi, is known as the earliest pioneer of skiing along the Oito Line. The first ski area in Otari Hot Springs goes back to the Taisho Era. There are records of skiing classes in the elementary schools, spreading the fun of skiing among children of the snow country. As mountain climbers from the city came in the snowy season and learned how to use skis, courses were opened, and guides were trained. At this time, bindings did not secure the heel, so the equipment they had was exactly the same as telemark skis. It was an effective way of getting around on the snow.

Seiji Yamada

BBorn: March 19, 1966
Yamada is the 21st generation manager of the Otari Hot Springs Yamada Inn. He is a former National Demonstration Skier recognised by the Ski Association of Japan. He competed three times in Interski, the world cup of demonstration skiing. Breaking out of the framework of basic skiing, he has competed in world telemark skiing championships. He is also active in mountain guiding and rescue operations, a multi-talented sportsman.

What's a lesson like at the 47 Ski School?

Every skier wants to be able to ski the way they imagine they can. "I want to look cool when I ski..." "I want to ski gracefully..." or "I want to ski like that guy..." Everyone comes knocking on the door with their own hopes, and the 47 Ski School is ready to answer those skiers' desires.
To start lessons, fill out an application at the reception desk of the school, which is also a café. When you're prepared, ride the gondola up and begin your lesson.

Your conversation with the instructor in the sometimes swaying gondola is the first step of the lesson. The instructor is taking this opportunity to check your aims and character. Are you a hard-core type, do you want to ski carefully, should the lesson be playful, or should there be a few rests during the lesson... The lesson is conducted based on the information collected here.

Warming up at 47's igloo village.
The "Kamakura" Igloo Festival

The "Kamakura" Igloo Festival is held in the middle of Hakuba47's snow season in the beginning of February. An incredible variety of sculptures are produced. When you see the giant snowmen on the slopes it will remind you of the unshapely ones you made as a child!

Let's go directly to the main event area where the igloos are lined up. There are big ones and little ones, and inside you can sit down and have a rest. Going a little bit further, you'll see ones that look more like caves than igloos, with a number of entrances. Step inside and find a charming bar counter set up. Interior passages to other igloos give the place a sense of space. It's warm and cozy, and a beer would go down perfectly! Then, you notice a scent that is perhaps not so familiar to the slopes. You drift toward the aroma at a counter made of ice, where steam gushes out of a pot. Going in further you see ski boots lying about, and people who look like they're ready to doze off with their legs under heated tables. What kind of dreams do people have in igloos?

There is a lot of space inside the igloos. They're comfortable enough to sit down in.

The toy igloo. Inside are many nostalgic toys.

Horseback rides are available. It's a rare chance to ride a horse on the snow.

The various snow sculptures on the slopes brighten up the festivities.