FAQs
How can I book ski & snowboard lessons? Are there options for kids as well as adults?
For beginners we strongly recommend starting off with a lesson (even if it’s just half a day), as it will make your time on the mountain more enjoyable and lessen the chance of injury.
When booking lessons, there are options to book into private or group lessons. Depending on how many people in your skiing party, if you have 3-4 people or more, a private lesson will work out to be more economical and you can choose to meet at whichever mountain you please.
If booking into a group lesson, you’ll be generally matched with other people within your age group & skill level.
The most popular ski-schools amongst Canopy guests, and we also highly recommend..
#1. Hakuba Ski Concierge
Offering top-tier quality service, and customised private ski or snowboard lessons.
Hakuba Ski Concierge Signature Lessons & Guided Experiences are completely customized and include door-to-door transport and a choice of resorts. Nadine & her team also offer great lessons for kids.
Book now, this boutique ski school fills up fast!
#2. Frontier Ski School
Based at Hakuba Norikura Resort, Frontier Ski School is on our doorstep.
Options to book at other resorts depending on the weather conditions. Martin will guide you through this at the time of booking. The team will collect you from Canopy to get you straight to the slopes!
Book now with Frontier Ski School
Tip: When booking lessons, please book at Tsugaike, Norikura or Cortina if possible as these resort is closer to Canopy and will make your day much smoother. However, we are more than happy to drive you to Happo-One if you happen to book with Evergreen Ski School.Â
Recommendations for Back-Country Tours:
Our #1 pick is Northern Heights Guiding.Â
With over 20 years of guiding experience in Japan and Canada, James & his team has the knowledge and professional skills to lead you safely through some of Hakuba’s best on-resort runs, off-piste powder terrain and backcountry areas.
Northern Heights Guiding is in high demand, so book now.
Is there a Baby-Sitting/ Child- Minding service available at Canopy?
1. Hakuba Baby Sitting are excellent and will happily accommodate you for your baby-sitting needs. See their website to enquire or for further information: hakubababysitting.com
2. Mommy Smile Baby-Sitting is also fantastic. Book here.
Tip: Book baby-sitting in advance, this service is in very high demand, and our recommendations book up quickly.
You will need to prepare lunch in advance for your kids, when booking a full day in-lodge sitter.
Do I need to be an experienced skier or snowboarder to ride at Cortina Resort?
Nope! Cortina Resort has a long wide run at the base that is perfect for beginners. If you’re after a little more variety, then Norikura Resort is also ideal for beginners and is right next door! In fact, you can ski between Norikura and Cortina Resort.
If I stay at Canopy, will I be restricted to only skiing at Cortina Resort?
If you’re feeling adventurous or maybe the snow conditions are better elsewhere, we have our morning shuttle that drives as far as Happo-One every day, and will collect you in the evening.
We stop by Tsugaike, Iwatake & Happo One.
Where & how do I purchase lift tickets?
Lift tickets can be purchased at each resort, on the spot. Each resort varies in price, and full & half tickets are available.
Alternatively, purchase an all mountain ticket (gains you access to each resort in the valley on the same pass) and can be charged up to the amount of days you wish to ride.
See the Hakuba Valley website for more information: https://www.hakubavalley.com/en/ticket
Tip: We have exclusive discount tickets for Cortina Norikura Resort for our Canopy Guests! These can be purchased from our reception desk.
We have dietary requirements, is it possible still eat at your restaurant if I require menu changes?
Yes of course! We’re very happy to accommodate anyone with any dietary requirements with prior notice.
We have friends staying elsewhere and they would like to join us for dinner at Canopy, is that possible?
Yes, the more the merrier! Outside guests are very welcome to enjoy our bar & restaurant area any day from 16:30. Not sure how to get here? Get in touch with Emily to arrange a booking and enquire for transport to and from Canopy.
Can I send my luggage to Canopy Cortina prior to my stay?
Yes. Travelling in Japan may seem complicated, but in fact it’s quite systemised. One of our favourite services is Yamato Luggage Courier (Black Cat), known as ‘takkyubin’.
You can send your luggage (including ski & snowboard bags) from the airport, another hotel or a convenience store straight to us! We’re happy to store your luggage prior to your stay to allow you to travel lighter to Hakuba.
Can I travel to Canopy Cortina by car?
Yes. It’s possible to hire cars easily in Japan – or to drive your own. You’ll gain lots of freedom to explore anywhere in the valley at your pleasure. If travelling to Canopy Cortina by car, please ensure it’s a 4WD, especially during the winter season!
Do you speak Japanese?
We are English speaking, however we use our best ability to speak Japanese and have Japanese speaking staff available. When booking, our emails can be easily translated, and upon arrival to the lodge we have everything you need to know written in Japanese (room & house information and bar & restaurant menus).
What do I need to organise before my winter trip to Canopy?
The main things to organise to ensure your holiday runs smoothly are: transfers, lessons or tours and ski / snowboard hire. Leave the rest to us!
Canopy guests receive a travel checklist when booking to make ski-holiday planning a breeze.
Please feel free to contact us with any further questions or requests for your stay. Our aim is for you to have a magnificent ski holiday.