During our visit to this laid-back ski lodge in Hakuba Valley, we found a surprisingly homey base camp that delivers both comfort and convenience. Located right on the slopes, you can literally ski to your door after a day carving through Japan’s legendary powder snow. The Australian-run kitchen dishes out hearty meals with an unexpected twist – think kangaroo burgers alongside traditional Japanese fare.
While the shared spaces and casual vibe create a sociable atmosphere perfect for swapping slope stories, light sleepers might find the thin walls a bit challenging during peak season. The distinctly Aussie flavor, while charming, might disappoint those seeking a purely traditional Japanese experience.
This place hits the sweet spot for sociable powder hounds who value location over luxury, particularly English-speaking travelers who might be intimidated by language barriers at more traditional Japanese lodges. Budget-conscious ski enthusiasts and small groups of friends will feel right at home here, especially with the convenient equipment rentals and shuttle services at their fingertips. It’s less suited for couples seeking a romantic getaway or travelers looking for an immersive Japanese cultural experience.
This hotel features in our 17 favorite hotels in Otari.
Good To Know
- Ski-in/ski-out hotel with easy access to Tsugaike ski lift, offering an ideal base for winter sports enthusiasts.
- Variety of non-smoking rooms with free WiFi, superb breakfast, and ski-to-door access, catering to diverse guest needs.
- On-site restaurant, Miso Phat, serving delightful Australian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere, using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
- Outdoor adventures like skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking available, with free shuttle services to nearby attractions and ski resorts.
- Convenient transportation services, including free shuttles to ski areas and equipment rentals/storage, enhancing the focus on skiing and snowboarding enjoyment.
Hotel Highlights
The Phat Packers hotel offers an exceptional ski-in/ski-out experience, with convenient access to the nearby Tsugaike ski lift and various other renowned ski resorts in the area.
Guests can take advantage of the on-site ski equipment hire and ski school, ensuring they’re well-equipped and prepared for the slopes.
The hotel’s location scores an impressive 9.6/10, and it’s just 5.7 km from Hakuba Cortina Ski Area and 8.4 km from the popular Happo-One Ski Resort.
After a day on the mountain, guests can unwind in the shared lounge, enjoy a hearty meal at the on-site restaurant, or sip cocktails at the bar.
Accommodation Options
Offering a range of non-smoking rooms, The Phat Packers caters to the needs of its guests.
Visitors can enjoy the shared lounge, restaurant, bar, and sun terrace on the property. The hotel’s popular facilities include free WiFi, a superb breakfast, ski-to-door access, ski equipment hire, ski school, luggage storage, and laundry services.
Guests can also take advantage of the on-site restaurant, Miso Phat, which serves Australian cuisine.
With its convenient location near several ski resorts, The Phat Packers provides an excellent base for winter sports enthusiasts.
Dining Experiences
Guests at The Phat Packers can indulge in the on-site restaurant, Miso Phat, which serves up a delightful array of Australian cuisine.
The restaurant offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for refueling after a day on the slopes. Diners can enjoy fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and expertly crafted dishes that showcase the best of Australian flavors.
From hearty stews to creative vegetarian options, the menu caters to a variety of tastes. Guests can also unwind in the bar area, which features a tempting whisky selection.
With its convenient location and exceptional dining experience, Miso Phat is a highlight of the hotel’s offerings.
Recreational Activities
Beyond its exceptional dining experience, The Phat Packers caters to guests’ love for outdoor adventures.
Being situated in the heart of Japan’s renowned ski country, the hotel provides easy access to some of the best slopes in the region. Guests can take advantage of the hotel’s ski-to-door access, ski equipment hire, and even ski school lessons.
For those seeking alternative activities, the hotel offers:
- Free shuttle services to nearby attractions and ski resorts
- Billiards and evening entertainment for apres-ski fun
- Opportunities to explore the stunning local scenery through hiking and snowshoeing
- Access to a variety of winter sports such as snowboarding and sledding
The Phat Packers truly understands the needs of its adventurous guests, ensuring they make the most of their winter wonderland getaway.
Proximity to Ski Areas
Located just steps away from the Tsugaike ski lift, The Phat Packers boasts an unbeatable position for ski enthusiasts.
Guests can hit the slopes in mere minutes, making the most of their time on the mountain. The hotel’s ski-to-door access means you can glide right back to your room after a thrilling day of skiing or snowboarding.
And with Hakuba Cortina Ski Area just 5.7 km away and Happo-One Ski Resort less than 8.5 km, there’s no shortage of world-class slopes to explore.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, The Phat Packers’ prime location puts the joys of the Japanese Alps right at your fingertips.
Transportation Services
The Phat Packers offers a range of convenient transportation services to simplify guests’ travel and maximize their time on the slopes.
The hotel provides:
- Free shuttle service to and from the nearby Tsugaike Kogen Ski Area, only a kilometer away.
- Evening shuttles to the town center, allowing guests to explore the local dining and nightlife options.
- Complimentary transfers to other popular ski resorts in the area, including Hakuba Cortina and Happo-One.
- Ski equipment rentals and storage, making it easy for guests to hit the slopes without the hassle of lugging gear.
These thoughtful transportation amenities ensure guests can focus on enjoying the exceptional skiing and snowboarding the region has to offer.
Booking and Policies
When guests are ready to book their stay at The Phat Packers, they’ll find a straightforward process.
Check-in is from 3 PM to midnight, and check-out is from 6 AM to 10 AM.
While children of any age are welcome, the hotel doesn’t provide cots or extra beds. Unfortunately, pets aren’t allowed.
Guests must pay with cards, as the hotel doesn’t accept cash.
Cancellation policies vary by accommodation type, so guests should carefully review the conditions when booking.
With these simple policies in place, guests can focus on enjoying the hotel’s convenient location and excellent skiing amenities.
Guest Feedback
Guests have raved about their experiences at The Phat Packers, awarding the hotel a fabulous 8.9/10 rating based on 115 reviews.
The staff’s accommodating and helpful nature was particularly praised, earning a 9.3/10 score. The hotel’s cleanliness and comfort were also well-received, scoring 8.7/10 and 8.8/10, respectively.
Guests appreciated the large, comfortable rooms and excellent location for skiing.
Highlights included:
- Convenient shuttle service
- Ski-in/ski-out access
- Attentive staff
- Excellent breakfast with a notable whisky bar
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the Rooms Have Coffee/Tea Making Facilities?
The rooms don’t seem to have coffee/tea making facilities, based on the information provided. The hotel’s amenities focus more on skiing-related services and facilities rather than in-room appliances.
Is There a Gym or Fitness Center On-Site?
No, the hotel does not have a dedicated gym or fitness center on-site. However, guests can enjoy the nearby ski slopes and take advantage of the hotel’s ski-to-door access and equipment rentals for a great workout on the mountain.
Can I Store My Ski Equipment Securely?
Yes, the hotel provides secure ski equipment storage. Guests can store their skis, snowboards, and other gear in the on-site ski equipment hire shop and avoid the hassle of carrying it back and forth.
Is There On-Site Childcare or Babysitting Services?
Unfortunately, The Phat Packers doesn’t offer any on-site childcare or babysitting services. However, they welcome children of all ages and can provide recommendations for nearby childcare options to help make your family’s ski trip more convenient.
What Is the Check-In and Check-Out Time on Weekends?
On weekends, the check-in time is from 3 PM to midnight, and the check-out time is from 6 AM to 10 AM. Guests should refer to the hotel’s policies for specific details on weekend check-in and check-out times.
The Sum Up
The Phat Packers is the ultimate winter getaway in Japan’s Nagano region. With its cozy accommodations, excellent dining, and unparalleled access to the slopes, this hotel offers an unforgettable experience for adventure-seeking travelers. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or simply seeking a snowy retreat, The Phat Packers is the perfect choice for your next snow-filled escape.