Hakuba Area Ski Resorts: HAKUBA VALLEY, the birthplace of freeskiing　

The fun of Hakuba continues to grow!
This mountain has evolved so much.

The Hakuba Mountain Range in the Northern Alps is Japan's pride and joy. This rugged yet beautiful mountain range attracts many mountain climbers, skiers, snowboarders, and tourists from Japan and abroad throughout the year.

Ten ski resorts stretching approximately 30km north to south at the foot of the Northern Alps make up the largest mountain resort in Japan, known as "HAKUBA VALLEY."

In winter, cold air sweeps in from across the Northern Alps, depositing abundant, high-quality powder snow on the magnificent mountain terrain. There are still many people who are captivated by Hakuba and move there, or so-called "ski bums." Hakuba is also a core inbound tourist destination, alongside Niseko. What is it that attracts ski and snowboard fans from all over the world?

Being there is a pleasure in itself -
hot springs, food and hospitality in the Hakuba area

There are other reasons besides skiing that attract many foreign visitors to the Hakuba area.

Hakuba is a hot spring resort with six hot springs. There are nearly 10 hot springs that can be used for day trips, including Hakuba Happo Onsen, a natural hydrogen hot spring, and an open-air bath with a panoramic view of the Hakuba Sanzan mountains, making it a soothing spot for skiers.

Hakuba also has plenty to offer in terms of food. It is also highly satisfying as a gourmet destination where you can enjoy local cuisine, including delicacies made with mountain produce and seafood from the Sea of ​​Japan. What's more, foreigners highly praise Hakuba for its hospitality. Hakuba Village has a unique culture that tolerates diversity, making it a comfortable place for anyone to visit.

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[10 HAKUBA VALLEY Ski Resorts]
Experience 10 unique resorts with a common pass

HAKUBA VALLEY is the collective name for the 10 ski resorts encompassing the Hakuba area (Omachi City, Hakuba Village, and Otari Village). With the vision of "aiming to be one of the top 10 snow resorts in the world," the area is creating new value and appeal as a single snow resort. How many mountains have you skied on? Let's take a look at what kind of ski resorts are connected

Hakuba's "JAPOW" attracts powder hunters from both Japan and abroad
| HAKUBA CORTINA

Located at the northernmost tip of the north-south stretch of Hakuba Valley, Hakuba Cortina receives 10 to 20 centimeters more snow than other ski resorts. This is because cold air from the Sea of ​​Japan flows over the Northern Alps and dumps snow first on Cortina, the northernmost resort. Hakuba Cortina boasts a high powder yield and abundant steep slopes ideal for powder riding.

The morning after a fresh snowfall, serious powder hunters line up in front of the lifts, backpacks, helmets, and fat skis in hand. Recently, the number of foreign skiers visiting Hakuba Cortina in search of JAPOW has steadily increased, making it a truly world-class powder paradise.

Seven lifts connect the base with a course layout sandwiched between two ridges. Many of the 16 courses converge at the base, where Hotel Green Plaza is located, making for efficient skiing. With deep and steep powder riding, tree areas, hard runs for advanced skiers, stunning views of the Northern Alps, and hot springs, Hakuba Cortina offers endless fun.

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

16 courses	6 lifts	Gondola - Unit	Ropeway - Book

◆Official website: https://www.hgp.co.jp/cortina/ski/index.html

■ Hakuba Cortina recommended video

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Enjoy powder snow at your own pace at
Hakuba Norikura Onsen, a hidden gem | HAKUBA VALLEY

Hakuba Norikura is about the same size as its neighbor, Hakuba Cortina, but is actually a hidden gem. Locals who want to avoid the fierce powder snow competition typically enjoy powder snow at their own pace at Hakuba Norikura, while the foreign and other powder freaks gather in Cortina. It
is not inferior to Cortina in terms of the variety of ski areas at your own risk.

The ski resort is divided into two areas, left and right, with a wide-open course layout. There are nine courses on nine lifts. 80% of the slopes are for intermediate and advanced skiers, so the skiing is excellent. It has a relatively laid-back and relaxed atmosphere compared to other areas in the Hakuba area, making it a pleasant place to ski.

Top altitude 1,300m	Longest run: 2,500m	Elevation difference: 600m	maximum slope 38°

12 courses	9 lifts	Gondola - Unit	Ropeway - Book

◆Official website: https://www.hakunori.com/

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Tsugaike Mountain Resort | HAKUBA VALLEY: Unlocking the potential of serious powder snow

Tsugaike Kogen is one of the largest ski resorts in HAKUBA VALLEY. From the 1,704m summit to the base, the elevation difference is approximately 900m. A long, groomed run of over 4km is available.

The upper slopes feature a tree run area and access to the backcountry area. The lower section is divided into two sections, boasting wide, gentle slopes—one of the largest in Japan—connected by a long, medium-sized run. In total, one gondola and 18 lifts provide 10 runs.

Powder lovers cannot miss the "TSUGA POW DBD." The system allows you to ski the "Tsuga Pow" area at the top of the gondola. Before you can ski, you must receive a lecture on potential dangers and skiing precautions in the pristine area, and receive an armband. This ski resort offers a great opportunity for beginners to backcountry skiing, learning about backcountry safety and personal responsibility.

Top elevation : 1,704m	The longest run is 4,900m	Elevation difference: 904m	maximum slope 35°

10 courses	18 lifts	1 gondola	Ropeway - Book

◆Official website: https://www.tsugaike.gr.jp/

■ Recommended videos for Tsugaike Kogen

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Hakuba Iwatake Snowfield, a treasure trove of playful terrain where natural features remain intact

Iwatake, sandwiched between Happo and Tsugaike, doesn't get much of a spotlight, but it's actually one of Hakuba's top ski slopes, secretly frequented by locals. The main reasons are its ideal terrain for freeriding, the only slope in the Hakuba area that leads to the Northern Alps, and the low competition for powder.

The slope design, which preserves the natural beauty of the terrain, makes Iwatake so appealing. Large bowls, undulating ridges, and streams, which are ungroomed, become prime powder areas after fresh snowfall. The number of ungroomed runs has expanded year by year, now totaling seven. The long runs from the summit to the base also offer fun wall-to-wall skiing. There

's also a permanent, high-quality mogul run. Iwatake offers a wide variety of runs to enjoy, snow or not. If you don't know about it or don't go, you're missing out.

Top elevation 1,289m	The longest run is 3,800m	Elevation difference: 539m	maximum slope 35°

26 courses	8 lifts	1 gondola	Ropeway - Book

◆Official website: https://iwatake-mountain-resort.com/winter

■ Recommended video of Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field

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Powder, terrain, groomed skiing, and moguls: all top-notch in
Hakuba Happo-one | HAKUBA VALLEY

For serious skiing, there are few ski resorts that rival Happo. With an elevation difference of 1,071 meters, it's one of the highest in Japan. From the top of the slope, trails extend along four ridges, most of which offer challenging, moderately steep slopes. Only at Happo can you speed 1km down groomed runs that are perfectly packed from top to bottom. Feel like an alpine racer and hone your high-speed carving skills.

Another reason Happo is considered the king of white horses is the sheer variety of slope orientations and undulations. Everything from powder to moguls to top-

notch terrain is top-notch. Omusubi, a gated, ungroomed freeriding area, is a deep powder spot for advanced skiers. This limited area is open only on good days between early January and early March, subject to patrol inspections. It's a special place to soak in the finest powder, piled high on the slopes.

Top elevation : 1,831m	The longest run is 8,000m	Elevation difference : 1,071m	maximum slope 35°

14 courses	20 lifts	1 gondola	Ropeway - Book

◆Official website: https://www.happo-one.jp/

■ Recommended videos for Hakuba Happoone

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Hakuba47 Winter Sports Park | HAKUBA VALLEY: North-facing slopes with the best park in Hakuba

Of all the ski resorts in HAKUBA VALLEY, this one faces the most north. The slopes are at an altitude of 820m to 1,614m, and most of the slopes face northeast, so the snow quality is excellent. Although the slopes are compact, you can ski over a wide area, including a tree area set up outside the course that is open to members only

Long runs along the ridge, steep upper slopes, tree riding zones, mogul slopes... many spots have attracted freeskiers, but Hakuba47's greatest asset is arguably its "47PARKS." The park occupies the entire length of one lift, and is packed with more than 30 items along its 600m length. Laid out beside the lift, the visual impact is truly impressive. It has trained professional riders and led the Hakuba park scene, and it remains the undisputed leader to this day

Top elevation : 1,614m	The longest run is 6,400m	Elevation difference: 794m	maximum slope 32°

8 courses	5 lifts	1 gondola	Ropeway - Book

◆Official website: https://www.hakuba47.co.jp/winter/

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Hakuba Goryu, a comprehensive ski resort with a loyal following

The upper slopes are characterised by a long ski season, which runs from late November through to the end of the Golden Week holidays in May. The slope layout is made up of three distinct sections - Alps, Toomi and Iimori - and each has its own area, including a mogul course, park and kids' slope.

Take the gondola straight up to the Alps Daira slope for an outstanding view. There are runs where you can enjoy ungroomed snow and moguls on the side of the slope, as well as runs that become completely ungroomed after snowfall. The wide Toomi slope at the bottom is open at night. The upper slope is connected to Hakuba 47, so you can enjoy a variety of runs by combining both.

Top elevation : 1,676m	Longest run: 5,000m	Elevation difference 926m	maximum slope 35°

15 courses	13 lifts	1 gondola	Ropeway - Book

◆Official website: https://www.hakubaescal.com/winter/

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Hakuba Sanosaka: A compact and packed-in experience

If you enter Hakuba Village from Nagano City or Matsumoto City, Hakuba Sanosaka is the closest and most accessible resort, known for its wind resistance and constant lift operation. Although it is compact with only five lifts, it is packed with a variety of fun activities, making it a great place to casually go for a quick getaway with friends. It is the perfect ski resort for bringing beginners and intermediate skiers.

The most popular Lake Down course offers a spectacular 1.5km cruise that feels like sliding into Lake Aoki. The not-too-difficult mogul course, with artificial moguls placed on a flat, medium slope, is a pioneering permanent course in Japan. There is also a slope (on the 3rd Quad side) that you can enjoy with your dog (fee required, agreement required).

*As the road to the parking lot on the 3rd Quad side is covered in snow, you will need a 4WD vehicle with studless tires or tire chains

Top elevation : 1,676m	Longest run: 5,000m	Elevation difference 926m	maximum slope 35°

15 courses	13 lifts	1 gondola	Ropeway - Book

◆Official website: https://sanosaka.jp/

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Kashimayari | HAKUBA VALLEY - A safe freeride destination for the whole family

The bowl-shaped terrain, centered around the center house, is a three-part layout consisting of the open North and West upper slopes, and the Nakaami slope that descends all the way to Lake Nakaami. West Mt. is often blessed with good quality snow due to its north-facing slope. The upper slope is as steep as 38 degrees, while the lower slope offers exhilarating cruising. There is also a tree run area along Kashimayari's signature course, "5A, B, C Course." The freestyle park is located at the bottom of the Nakatsuna slope

In the 2022 season, attractive services will be introduced! First Track skiing will allow you to ski before the regular lift operation starts (8:30), and Powder Cat tours will also be available in the 10th lift area at the top of the slopes.

Kashimayari is a family-friendly ski resort. In the 2022 season, a Snow Activity Park was newly opened in the central area, featuring Japan's largest snow tubing course, "Tubers High." It is also fully functional, with a 140m long moving belt. The kids' park offers unlimited play for 500 yen, and there is also a daycare center, which is great for skiers with children. There is also accommodation on the slopes for single travelers, and dormitory rooms are available from 2,000 yen for a room only.

Top elevation 1,550m	Longest run: 5,000m	Altitude difference 720m	maximum slope 38°

12 courses	7 lifts	Gondola - Unit	Ropeway - Book

◆Official website: https://www.kashimayari.net/snow/

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The perfect debut slope for beginners and families:
Mount Jigatake | HAKUBA VALLEY

This local ski resort appears on the left hand side on the way to Kashimayari. Most of the slopes with four lifts are wide and have gentle slopes with good visibility, making it ideal for beginners and families. The latest artificial snow machines have been installed, making it easy to ski and enjoyable in safety.

There are no advanced skiers here who drive at high speeds, so you can enjoy it at a relaxed pace with peace of mind. There is also a children's area, making it perfect for families with children on a snowy holiday. There is also a snowmobile experience available.

Top elevation 1,350m	The longest run is 3,500m	Altitude difference 440m	maximum slope 35°

13 courses	5 lifts	Gondola - Unit	Ropeway - Book

◆Official website: https://www.jiigatake.com/

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*Information current as of the end of December 2021. Please refer to the official website of each ski resort for details