The charm of Hakuba continues to spread!
This mountain is evolving in its own way.
The Hakuba mountain range in the Northern Alps, a source of national pride for Japan, is a rugged yet beautiful mountain region that attracts numerous mountaineering enthusiasts, skiers, snowboarders, and tourists from both Japan and abroad throughout the four seasons.
Ten ski resorts, stretching approximately 30km from north to south at the foot of the Northern Alps, form a massive mountain resort known as "HAKUBA VALLEY," renowned for its scale and perhaps the largest in Japan.
Provided by: BRAVOSKI
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?
The mere presence there is Pleasure:
the hot springs, food, and hospitality of the Hakuba area.
There are reasons other than skiing why so many foreigners visit the Hakuba area.
Hakuba is a hot spring resort with six natural springs. From Hakuba Happo Onsen, a natural hydrogen hot spring, to open-air baths with panoramic views of the Hakuba Three Mountains, there are nearly 10 hot springs that can be enjoyed even on a day trip, making it a relaxing spot for skiers.
Hakuba also boasts plenty of culinary delights. It is a highly satisfying place for foodies, offering local cuisine using mountain produce and seafood from the Sea of Japan. What's more, foreigners highly appreciate Hakuba's hospitality. Hakuba Village has a unique culture that embraces diversity with tolerance, making it a comfortable place for anyone to visit.
[HAKUBA VALLEY 10 Ski Resorts]
Enjoy the unique characteristics of 10 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
INDEX
- HAKUBA VALLEY Hakuba Cortina
- HAKUBA VALLEY Hakuba Norikura
- HAKUBA VALLEY Tsugaike Kogen
- HAKUBA VALLEY Hakuba Iwatake Snowfield
- HAKUBA VALLEY Hakuba Happoone
- HAKUBA VALLEY Hakuba47 Winter Sports Park
- HAKUBA VALLEY Able Hakuba Goryu
- HAKUBA VALLEY Hakuba Sanosaka
- HAKUBA VALLEY Kashimayari
- HAKUBA VALLEY Jigatake
"JAPOW" of Hakuba that captivates powder hunters from Japan and abroad.
Hakuba Cortina, the
Provided by: BRAVOSKI
Hakuba Cortina, located at the northernmost point of the north-south stretching HAKUBA VALLEY, receives 10-20cm more snow than other ski resorts. This is because cold air flowing in from the Sea of Japan crosses the Northern Alps and first drops snow at Cortina, the northernmost point. It boasts a high rate of powder hits and an abundance of steep slopes perfect for powder riding.
The morning after a fresh snowfall, serious powder hunters, backpacks, helmets, and fat skis, line up in front of the lifts. Recently, the number of foreign skiers coming to Hakuba Cortina in search of JAPOW (Japanese powder) has been steadily increasing, making it truly a world-class powder paradise.
Seven lifts run along a course layout sandwiched between two ridges on either side of the base. Many of the 16 courses can be efficiently accessed as they converge at the base where Hotel Green Plaza is located. Deep and steep powder riding, tree areas, hard-packed runs for advanced skiers, spectacular views of the Northern Alps, and hot springs—the enjoyment at Hakuba Cortina is endless.
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| Top elevation : 1,402m | Longest run: 3,500m | Altitude difference 530m | maximum slope 42° |
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| courses 16 | lifts 6 | Gondola base | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:https://www.hgp.co.jp/cortina/ski/index.html
■ Hakuba Cortina recommended video
Enjoy powder snow at your own pace at the hidden gem,
Hakuba Norikura Onsen | HAKUBA VALLEY
Hakuba Norikura is a hidden gem, despite being roughly the same size as its neighbor, Hakuba Cortina. Locals who want to avoid the fierce powder competition typically enjoy powder at their own pace at Hakuba Norikura, while powder enthusiasts, including international visitors, flock to Cortina.
In terms of the abundance of areas where you can ski at your own risk, it's on par with Cortina.
The ski resort is divided into two areas, left and right, with a course layout that spreads out horizontally. There are nine lifts and nine courses. In particular, 80% of the slopes are for intermediate and advanced skiers, so the skiing experience is excellent. The relatively relaxed and calm atmosphere within the Hakuba area is very pleasant.
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| Top elevation 1,300m | Longest run: 2,500m | Elevation difference of 600m | maximum slope 38° |
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| courses 12 | lifts 9 | Gondola base | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:https://www.hakunori.com/
Unleashing the full potential of powder snow at
Tsugaike Mountain Resort | HAKUBA VALLEY
Tsugaike Kogen is one of the largest resorts in the HAKUBA VALLEY. With an elevation difference of approximately 900m from its 1,704m summit to the base, it boasts a groomed run of over 4km that can be enjoyed at high speed.
The upper part of the resort features a tree run area and provides access to the backcountry. The lower part is divided into two sections: a wide, gentle slope, one of the largest in Japan, and a long, intermediate-slope course connecting the two. The resort has 10 courses, accessed by one gondola and 18 lifts.
"TSUGA POW DBD" is a must-visit for powder enthusiasts. This system allows access to the "Tsuga Pow" area at the top, accessible by gondola. Skiers are required to receive a lecture on potential dangers and safety precautions within the natural area, and to obtain an armband before skiing. This makes it an excellent opportunity for backcountry beginners to learn about backcountry safety and personal responsibility.
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| Top elevation : 1,704m | Longest run: 4,900m | Elevation difference: 904m | maximum slope 35° |
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| courses 10 | lifts 18 | gondola One | Ropeway ? |
◆Official Website:https://www.tsugaike.gr.jp/
■ Recommended videos for Tsugaike Kogen
A treasure trove of playable terrain where the natural landscape remains intact
Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field:
Provided by: BRAVOSKI
While Iwatake is often overlooked, nestled between Happo and Tsugaike, it's actually one of the top resorts secretly frequented by Hakuba locals. This is largely due to its excellent freeriding terrain, the fact that it's the only resort in the Hakuba area with slopes leading towards the Northern Alps, and the relatively low competition for powder.
The resort's design, which preserves the natural beauty of the terrain, makes Iwatake incredibly appealing. Large bowls, undulating ridges, and ravines, ungroomed, become prime powder areas after fresh snowfall. The number of ungroomed courses has expanded year after year, now reaching seven. Furthermore, the long course from the summit to the base offers opportunities for wall riding.
In addition, a high-quality mogul run is permanently established. With courses to enjoy whether there's snowfall or not, Iwatake is a place you'll regret missing out on.
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| Top elevation : 1,289m | Longest run: 3,800m | Elevation difference: 539m | maximum slope 35° |
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| courses 26 | lifts 8 | gondola One | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:https://iwatake-mountain-resort.com/winter
■ Recommended video of Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field
Powder, terrain, groom, moguls—everything at
Hakuba Happo-one
If you're serious about pursuing the ultimate skiing experience, there are few ski resorts that can compare to Happo. With an elevation difference of 1,071m, one of the highest in Japan, courses extend from the top of the slopes in four directions along the ridges, most of which are moderately steep slopes offering plenty of challenging runs. Only at Happo can you blast down a kilometer of perfectly groomed slopes from top to bottom. It's the perfect place to hone your high-speed carving skills and feel like an alpine racer.
is considered the best in Hakuba not only because of the variety in slope direction and terrain, but also because of the abundance of other features. Powder, moguls, terrain—everything is of first-class quality.
"Omusubi," a gated area for ungroomed freeriding, is a deep powder spot for super-advanced skiers. It's a limited area that is opened only on good days from early January to early March after patrol checks. It's a special place to immerse yourself in the finest powder with its pristine surface.
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| Top elevation : 1,831m | Longest run: 8,000m | Elevation difference : 1,071m | maximum slope 35° |
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| courses 14 | lifts 20 | gondola One | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:https://www.happo-one.jp/
■ Recommended videos for Hakuba Happoone
a north-facing ski resort boasting the best park in Hakuba.
Hakuba47 Winter Sports Park | HAKUBA VALLEY,
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
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| Top elevation : 1,614m | Longest run: 6,400m | Elevation difference: 794m | maximum slope 32° |
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| courses 8 | lifts 5 | gondola One | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:https://www.hakuba47.co.jp/winter/
a comprehensive ski resort with a strong following.
Able Hakuba Goryu,
The upper part of the resort boasts a long season, open from late November to after the Golden Week holidays in May. The resort layout consists of three distinct areas: "Alps," "Toomi," and "Iimori," each with its own dedicated areas for mogul runs, a snow park, and a kids' slope.
Taking the gondola up, the view from the Alpsdaira slope is spectacular. There are also courses where you can enjoy ungroomed snow and moguls off the side of the slopes, as well as courses that become completely ungroomed after snowfall. The Toomi slope at the bottom, with its wide runs, also offers night skiing. The upper part of the resort is connected to Hakuba47, allowing you to enjoy a variety of skiing experiences by combining the two.
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| Top elevation : 1,676m | Longest run: 5,000m | Elevation difference 926m | maximum slope 35° |
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| courses 15 | lifts 13 | gondola One | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:https://www.hakubaescal.com/winter/
VALLEY
Hakuba Sanosaka | HAKUBA
Entering Hakuba Village from Nagano City or Matsumoto City, Hakuba Sanosaka is the closest and most easily accessible resort, known for its strong wind resistance and consistently running lifts. Despite its compact size with only five lifts, it offers a variety of fun activities, making it perfect for a casual getaway with friends. It's an ideal ski resort for beginners and intermediate skiers.
The most popular Lake Down course offers a scenic 1.5km cruise that feels like you're skiing down Lake Aoki. The mogul course, with its flat, moderately sloped terrain and artificial bumps, is a pioneering example of a permanent mogul course in Japan. There's also a dog-friendly slope (near the 3rd Quad lift) (fee applies, waiver required).
*Note: Access to the parking lot on the 3rd Quad lift side is via snowy roads, so a 4WD vehicle with studded tires or snow chains is necessary.
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| Top elevation : 1,676m | Longest run: 5,000m | Elevation difference 926m | maximum slope 35° |
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| courses 15 | lifts 13 | gondola One | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:https://sanosaka.jp/
safe and enjoyable freeride destination for families.
Kashimayari | HAKUBA VALLEY - A
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
For the 2022 season, exciting new services will be introduced! These include first-track skiing, allowing you to ski before the regular lift operation begins (8:30 AM), and the launch of powder cat tours in the 10th lift area at the top of the slopes.
Kashimayari is a family-friendly ski resort. For the 2022 season, a new snow activity park featuring "Tubers High," one of Japan's largest snow tubing courses, has been added to the central area. With a 140m long moving belt, it's fully functional. The kids' park offers unlimited play for 500 yen, and there's also a childcare facility, making it a great option for skiers with children. For solo travelers, accommodation is available on the slopes, with dormitory rooms starting from 2,000 yen per night.
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| Top elevation : 1,550m | Longest run: 5,000m | Altitude difference 720m | maximum slope 38° |
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| courses 12 | lifts 7 | Gondola base | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:https://www.kashimayari.net/snow/
, the perfect slope for beginners and families – the ideal place to start skiing
| HAKUBA VALLEY
This local ski resort appears on the left side of the road on the way to Kashimayari. With four lifts, most of the slopes are wide, open, and gentle, making it ideal for beginners and families. The latest snowmaking machines have been installed, making it easy to ski and safe to enjoy.
There are no high-speed advanced skiers here, so you can relax and enjoy yourself without worry. There is also a dedicated area for toddlers, making it perfect for families with children to enjoy a snow play holiday. Snowmobile experiences are also available.
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| Top elevation : 1,350m | Longest run: 3,500m | Altitude difference 440m | maximum slope 35° |
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| courses 13 | lifts 5 | Gondola base | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:https://www.jiigatake.com/
*Information current as of the end of December 2021. Please refer to the official website of each ski resort for details