A PAW-tastic Adventure
It was a crisp winter morning and the sun was just starting to peek over the mountains as I loaded my gear into my car. My trusty companion, a golden retriever named Tiffany, jumped excitedly into the back seat, wagging her tail and panting with anticipation. We were headed to the abandoned Highland ski resort for a day of fun on the slopes. Highland was a beginner lower intern is located on the east side of the valley and finished operations in 2009. As we drove, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement building within me. Skiing with Tiffany is always a special experience. She loves the snow as much as I do.
I quickly got dressed and grabbed all of my gear, including my trusty companion, and started to make my way up the mountain in snow shoes. As I stepped out into the crisp mountain air, I could feel the excitement building within both me and my trusty companion. We made my way through the snow-covered trails, the sound of my snowshoes crunching through the snow the only noise around me. The higher we climbed, the more breathtaking the views of the Hakuba peaks became. The snow-covered mountain was a winter wonderland, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and gratitude for the natural beauty that surrounded me.
At the top, we decided to take a break and have a break. We sat on the snow and enjoyed rice balls and hot cocoa while taking in the beautiful views of the valley. Tiffany happily munched on a few dog treats that I had brought along and sat next to me, her tail wagging, enjoying the peace and quiet of the abandoned resort. The Highland ski resort must have once been a bustling place, filled with skiers and snowboarders enjoying the slopes.
Tiffany and I began to make our way down the slope, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of exhilaration as I skied through the untouched powder. The snow was not too deep, and I could tell that tiffany was having the time of her life as she bounded through the snow behind me. She went flying down the slope, flailing her arms (or paws) in every direction. She looked like a snowball rolling down a hill. The Highland resort had been closed for over a decade, and it was interesting to see how nature had taken over. The slopes were slightly overgrown with trees and brush, surprising what 15 years of growth can yield. Tiffany seemed to be having just as much fun as I was, her tongue lolling out of her mouth as she panted with excitement.
As we skied together, I couldn’t help but think about how lucky I was to have such a great companion by my side. Tiffany is not just a pet, she is my best friend, and I couldn’t imagine a better way to spend a winter day than skiing with her by my side.
As the slope came to an end, I was exhausted but happy. I had accomplished my mission, and even more surprisingly, I had a ski-loving dog. We packed up our gear and headed home, Tiffany already dreaming of our next adventure on the slopes.
There are few things better than getting out and experiencing nature with your dog by your side. The Hakuba Valley during the warm summer months, with its abundance of rivers and lakes, is an ideal place to bring your best friend.
The fun does not need to end when the winter begins! The Hakuba Valley’s warmer months are transformed during wintertime – every twist of the trail reveals new landscapes to be explored. Playing with your dog in the snow is a great way to get exercise and fresh air during winter, while taking in some incredible views and bonding with your favorite furry friend.
In certain snow conditions, usually in Hakuba’s soft powder, snow balls up in the fur on your dog’s paws, underbelly, and legs. These ice balls can make it difficult for your dog to walk, and they can occasionally result in significant pain. If you do see ice-ball buildup, break the big chunks into smaller ones and comb them out with your fingers. Do this sooner rather than later – the bigger they are, the harder they are to break!
During winter, dogs are allowed on the Noah gondola lift at Iwatake Snowfield. At the top, there is a dedicated dog play area in the Iwatake White Park area where our four-legged friends can be let off the leash. Here, they are able to run around and enjoy the fresh snow in the dog run. Please note that no skiing or snowboarding with dogs is allowed. A round trip on the gondola is 700yen for each dog.
