While Andy and Ella headed off early to Happo-One the closest resort to our lodge, Katy and I enjoyed a sleep in, a lazy breakfast, time to read and just relax in the beautiful sunshine through the south facing windows!
Ella returned mid morning and was keen to join our adventure into town. It was a decent walk and we arrived at a cafe that was too posh and fully booked. Our only real option was the trusty Starbucks next-door. From there Ella had had enough and took herself off to the ski jump, while Katy and I checked out several outdoor equipment shops followed by a lap of the supermarket.
From there we also made our way along the snowy streets to the Olympic Ski Jump arriving as Ella was leaving! Built in the early 1990's, the ski jump has a big 120m jumping platform and a small 90m jumping platform which can be used all year round. The 1998 Winter Olympics games held in Nagano utilised this jump.
We entered the facility via the tunnel paid the entry fee before being ushered onto the chairlift which scooted us up to the base of the tower. The elevator ascended to various levels where we appreciated spectacular views of the jump and the Hakuba Valley. Athletes who jump off these must be crazy!
On the way home, we spotted an animal that looked like a cross between a deer and a goat. I had no idea what it was. Googling revealed it was a Japanese Serow also known as a Kamoshika. A lucky sight for us!
We arrived back at the lodge before Andy who was still making the most of his solo ski day!
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