CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING Host of the  Nagano Olympics’ Cross-country events,  Hakuba has four  courses  to select from for the nordically inclined from early December through late March. The Olympic course is 200¥ and free at the other 3 courses.  Gear can be hired at all the resorts or at all the main Hakuba rental shops. The Nagano `98 Olympic Cross-country course (aka Kogijo Snow Harp) Courses – 5km (beginners), 3.3km (beginners), 6 km (intermediate/advanced) Hakuba Iwatake Cross-country course Courses – 1km (beginners), 3km (all levels), 5km (all levels) Tsugaike Kogen Cross-country course Courses – 3km (all levels) SNOWSHOEING A day of snowshoeing can be one of the highlights of your stay in Hakuba.  There are beautiful low-lying ares in close proximity to the lodge where you can hear only the sound of the snow crunching under foot while you make your way through the snow-covered forests and traditional Shinto shrines.  For the more adventurous,  head up one of Hakuba’s many spectacular ridges that  are seemingly custom made for snowshoeing while taking in the full scale beauty of the Northern Alps. Pack a lunch and have a winter picnic, catch a glimpse of  a kamoshika (wild Japanese serrows), or get a guide to take you to hidden hot springs. Snowshoe gear and guides can be hired at nearby Evergreen Outdoor Center. **Check out their evening Snowshoe and Chocolate Fondue tour!** www.evergreen-hakuba.com/wintertours/snowshoe.php