Cross-Country Ski / Langlauf

Today we received an inquiry about cross-country skiing near our Arisaka House.

What a great idea! I haven't done proper cross-country skiing since my childhood, where I participated in a 14km Volkslauf in the Black Forrest. Although I did use my touring skis a few year ago to reach Honzawa Onsen in Winter ( a6 hour uphill treck), and saw other people use it a bit further up in Yatsugatake.

A quick search has revealed the following possibilities:

1. Blanche Takayama (20mins) is rumoured to have a 4km track and rental of equipment, although I still need to confirm this. It can be reached even under snowy conditions, but winter tyres are required, and chains should be carried.

2. Utsukushigahara a high mountain plateau, cross-country and snowshoe tours/rental available. This website seems to be operated by a hotel, which judging by their website is not as good as Inakahome, so don't stay there. Getting there is also a little bit of a concern, as it is very high up (dangerous road conditions in winter). We will check it out and post some updates.

3. Nagato Highland Farm, normally a dairy farm producing loads of icecream and expensive rare cheese, uses its cow pastures as cross-country tracks. My comment would be - make sure there is enough snow if you value your equipment!

For those of you who like downhill activities, here is one extra information: Blanche Takayama is Ski ONLY. So if you have snowboarders in your group, you had better drive a few minutes further to Echo Valley.

We will check out those options, and post an update once we have the facts