Hotel New Bernina

The inn is a handy spot for skiing, especially for beginners and families, since it’s close to the lifts at Kane-no-naru-oka (Kane-no-naru-oka). Rooms and bathrooms were clean, and the futon was warm and comfortable. They also gave us discount coupons for a rental shop and grocery store, with 10% off. They’d thought of lots of useful extras, more than at other ski resort inns we’ve stayed at: another surge protector, extra clothes racks, free tea bags, chopsticks and cups, a mini refrigerator, and hot water available all day and night. When I felt unwell on the second day, they helped me a lot. A heater outside the bathroom would make things better, but the inn was still good in other ways.

The food was delicious, and the rice balls I ordered for the next morning were warm and comforting after I had to give up climbing Mt. Hakuba because of bad weather. I’d booked this hotel for its location near the gondola and because reviews praised the food. It was clean throughout, with fresh linens, and even as someone sensitive to smells, I was comfortable there. The alcohol was surprisingly reasonably priced. I’d stayed the night before the planned climb.

I stopped here on my way back from a July hike in Hakuba. The location was ideal, three minutes on foot from the gondola station and Tsugaike Kogen bus stop, and right at the Bell-Ringing Hill slope. The whole place was spotless. My six-tatami Japanese-style room seemed recently renovated, with new tatami and comfortable beds. The futon and sheets were crisp. It had air conditioning, though I didn’t need it at night, plus six hangers, a TV, and a safe. Dinner was tasty, and so was the white rice. Since I had an early start the next day, they made me onigiri. Hot water is available around the clock, and the drink corner has coffee, black tea, green tea, and roasted green tea. The fridge and freezer are shared but usable. I read that there was a washing machine, but didn’t know about it at the time, and should have asked. Hand towels were in the room; bath towels can be rented. There’s also a nearby shop renting ski gear and clothing, so you can ski without bringing your own. Many guests are from overseas, and there are English signs around the inn. The route to JR Hakuba Oike Station is a paved downhill road and seems like it should be an easy walk for hikers, about 40 minutes? I didn’t walk it this time.

For a trip focused on skiing in Tsugaike, this small family-run inn is a good-value traditional place to stay. The facilities are a bit old and many are shared, but it’s complete and wasn’t crowded during my stay. Breakfast and dinner are inexpensive, and there are plenty of other food options within walking distance. Prices are affordable, and the inn isn’t far from the gondola. It’s very close to the neighboring ski lift, just a short walk over in the morning. Ski gear storage and a drying room are available, as are ski pass discounts. The place was clean and tidy, and there’s a bathroom. The downsides: the toilets and bathroom are shared, the mattresses are Japanese style, and the service wasn’t especially enthusiastic. It’s not luxurious, but suited me well for skiing.