Japan’s largest ski resort is building a “beach” 1400 metres above sea level

Hakuba might be known for its bottomless powder or as one of the host venues for the 1998 Winter Olympics, but it would not be anyone’s first choice for a beach holiday. Resort management is hoping that’s about to change.

On July 26, Hakuba Mountain Beach will open to the public – a spa facility, of sorts, that will feature jacuzzis, hammocks, food and beverage outlets, and two “gondola” saunas (yes, you’ll be sweating it out in a gondola car).

The facility is being constructed on top of the Happo One gondola, and will give beachgoers views of Mount Asama and the surrounding Japanese Alps. It will be open in winter too, though details remain scarce at this stage. Might we see après-ski sessions in the jacuzzi or warm-ups in the sauna in between laps? It remains to be seen.

Entry to the beach (via the gondola) will be 1780 yen for adults and 950 yen for children. Watch this space for more information.