Sun Alpina Kashimayari Hakuba is a well-loved ski resort that caters to a broad range of skill levels, with a particular emphasis on beginners. The slopes are known for being easy and not too steep, offering a fun and comfortable skiing experience. The resort is commended for its excellent grooming of the slopes, ensuring a smooth ride for visitors. However, it's worth noting that the more challenging slopes often open later in the season due to infrequent snow in the early winter of Hakuba.
The resort is praised for its fantastic snow quality, especially from January to March when more courses open. However, at the start of the season, only two lifts are typically running. Despite this, many visitors are impressed by the resort's efficiency, with no long queues for lifts reported.
A highlight of Kashimayari is its kid-friendly nature. The resort offers good activities for children and a ski school with effective teaching methods that quickly build children's confidence in skiing.
Aside from its slopes, Sun Alpina Kashimayari Hakuba is also known for its on-mountain food. The restaurant is recognized as one of the best in Hakuba Valley, offering good food at reasonable prices.
The resort is popular among the locals of the nearby town of Omachi and typically less crowded than other resorts in the area. This gives it a more relaxed, spacious feel, with visitors often feeling like they have the mountain all to themselves. Moreover, the resort provides plenty of free parking spaces, adding to its convenience.
While the resort is mostly catered to Japanese, it's been gaining popularity among tourists who are drawn to its unique charm and good value for money. However, visitors should be mindful of their skis and poles as there have been instances of theft.
In terms of infrastructure, Kashimayari has a few areas for improvement. For example, visitors have to exchange their season passes for a paper ticket at the start and end of each day. Nevertheless, the resort is considered an underrated gem in Hakuba Valley. With its range of terrain, excellent service, and serene environment, Sun Alpina Kashimayari Hakuba offers a memorable skiing experience for all visitors.