Hakuba Valley Hakuba Cortina | The area's best powder spot, attracting attention from both within Japan and overseas | Nagano

Hakuba Valley boasts an abundance of snow, and many people visit in search of powder. Hakuba Cortina, located in the northernmost part of the valley, is popular with many hardcore skiers not only for its excellent snow quality but also for its many slopes with a wide variety of slopes

　The slopes fan out from Green Plaza Hakuba at the base, and most of the courses connect to the base area. Another appealing feature is the excellent accessibility to all courses, allowing you to ski efficiently

DATA

Top elevation : 1,402m	Longest run: 3,500m	Altitude difference 530m	maximum slope 42°

courses 16	lifts 6	Gondola base	Ropeway - Book

Snow Data from 2015 to 2019

	Late December	January	February	March
average snowfall	150cm	250cm	283cm	233cm
Average temperature	-5℃	-6℃	-5℃	-2.3℃

Recommended Powder Course

A.The "Hiedayama Course 2," a top recommendation for powder snow enthusiasts.

First thing in the morning, head to the Cortina No. 2 Quad Lift in front of the hotel. Then, transfer to the Cortina No. 4 Pair Lift and head for Hiedayama Course 2. From the top of the mountain at an altitude of 1,344 meters, you'll ski down a steep slope with an average gradient of 36 degrees and a maximum gradient of 42 degrees, creating an exhilarating run

Run distance	625m
Slope	Maximum 42 degrees/Average 36 degrees
Slope direction	north
Shortest access method	Cortina No. 2 Quad Lift → Cortina No. 4 Pair Lift
for access Lift operating start time	8:30
on weekends and holidays Number of people lining up before the lift starts operating	About 50 people

B.The "Itadaira Course" has a moderate slope and is perfect for getting your legs used to the sport.

Next, we headed to the Itadaira Course. This is a signature course located almost in the center of the summit area, and offers some of the lightest snow in Japan

Run distance	600m
Slope	Maximum 31 degrees/average 26 degrees
Slope direction	south
Shortest access method	Cortina No. 2 Quad Lift → Cortina No. 4 Pair Lift
for access Lift operating start time	8:30
on weekends and holidays Number of people lining up before the lift starts operating	About 50 people

C.The Hiedayama Course 1, located next to the ski lift, is a highly visible spot with its challenging stream terrain and enjoyable walls on both sides.

Then, take the 4th pair lift back to Hiedayama Course 1. With an average slope of 23 degrees, this course is perfect for intermediate skiers. It's a stream-like course where you can enjoy the natural terrain along with fluffy powder

Run distance	640m
Slope	Maximum 35 degrees/Average 23 degrees
Slope direction	east
Shortest access method	Cortina No. 2 Quad Lift → Cortina No. 4 Pair Lift
for access Lift operating start time	8:30
on weekends and holidays Number of people lining up before the lift starts operating	About 50 people

　Hakuba Cortina is so popular that the powder snow sometimes disappears within an hour of opening, so it's important to check the weather forecast and be well prepared

Recommended Topics

Information

Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort,
12860-1 Chikuni Otsu, Otari Village, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Prefecture 399-9422

Re-edited from 2020 BRAVOSKI vol.1