Perfect location for ski-in ski-out, directly beside ski lift. The host is extremely kind to pick us up during frozen snowy days, and help us deliver our luggage back home. Definitely my only choice for accommodation in Zao!

The room was well presented, clean, warm and comfortable, with another surprise, the bed in the loft. The hot bath was lovely, you booked a 40 minute slot, and it has a view of the ski slope immediatelyoutside, along with the chair lift. The cafe restaurant is very handy (especially given the location!) and caters to a lot of ski-in patrons during the day. Prices are typically higher than those of the other eateries in town but the advantage of it being a few flights of stairs instead of a trek up the snowy slope made it worth it. The music in the cafe is often played on the slopes outside (and it's the slope they light up for night skiing) so adds an interesting atmosphere. Your hosts are lovely! An older couple do the cooking and the young couple (complete with a bubbah on mum's back during the day) take care of the rest.

The 100m trek up the ski slope to get to the 'winter' entrance. It was an interesting challenge that was not advertised. Be aware you cannot drive to this accommodation during winter. At all. (When they say ski-in-ski-out they are right on the money, literally!) The taxi will deliver you to the Zao Base Centre - JUPEER, and from there you are on your own. Which meant for me an hour wait in the upstairs Cafe watching the hotel disappear in the falling snow, reappear briefly then disappear again. After an hour it cleared sufficiently that I was game enough to try it. Remember it's a ski slope...uphill...

We had a wonderful stay at Der Barte. Takeshi san and his parents looked after us well in every aspect. It was great location for skiing in and out. Nutritious & well balanced breakfast gave us a good run on the slopes every morning. And the delicious dinner with Takeshi san’s good collection of music comforted us every evening after a whole day skiing. The room is not big but warm and cozy enough. We look forward to coming back to Der Barte again. Thank you for everything Takeshi san.

Love the fact that it’s situated on Uwanodai Slope. Food at the restaurant was tasty (Had the peperoncino and chocolate Mont Blanc two nights in a row) Friendly staff! Great bath as well.