Hakuba Cortina is known as the powder capital of Hakuba for a couple of reasons… the huge amounts of snow it gets and for the innovative step (at least in Japan) of opening up the tree area to the public. And these aren’t just ordinary tree runs; they are steep (up to 42°), and the trees are well spaced. Nestled in the heart of the Japanese Alps, this snowboarding paradise offers a playground of thrilling terrain. From challenging chutes to perfectly groomed runs.