The Hakuba Mountain Range in the Northern Alps is Japan's world-famous destination. Stretching approximately 30km from north to south, the 10 ski resorts known as "HAKUBA VALLEY" make up a major mountain resort. Its scale is said to be the largest in Japan. In winter, the cold air that penetrates over the Northern Alps deposits abundant, high-quality powder snow on the magnificent mountain terrain. This allure has led many people to relocate to Hakuba, or so-called "ski bums." Along with Niseko, Hakuba is also a core inbound tourist destination. Here, we introduce the famous powder snow spots and runs in the Hakuba area, which continue to captivate ski and snowboard fans from around the world
Tsugaike Mountain Resort
The perfect environment for beginners to powder backcountry
Tsugaike Mountain Resort, the largest resort in HAKUBA VALLEY, has 10 courses with 1 gondola and 18 lifts. From the summit at 1,704m to the base of the mountain, the elevation difference is about 900m, and the longest run is 5km, allowing you to enjoy a refreshing run down the groomed runs
The powder snow that falls at Tsugaike is commonly known as "TSUGA POW," and its superb quality never ceases to fascinate powder hunters. One of the reasons for this is the excellent backcountry environment, which can be accessed by lift from Tsugaike Mountain Resort
This resort is also known for having the perfect environment for beginner backcountry skiers. Due to its geography and topography, there are few steep slopes and many gentle and medium slopes, so beginner skiers can enjoy a relaxed experience. This ski resort offers the perfect experience for powder lovers and backcountry beginners
Tsugaike Mountain Resort's famous powder course
・TSUGAIKE POWDER DBD
"TSUGA POW DBD" is a lecture-style program that allows you to fully experience "TSUGA POW" in a limited area of ungroomed snow within the ski resort's managed area. After attending a lecture, you can put on an armband and then ski down. This is a special place where you can fully enjoy Hakuba powder while learning about backcountry safety
・Umanose Course
Maximum gradient: 19 degrees, average gradient: 14 degrees / Distance: 1200m / Slope orientation: North
This course runs along the ridge where the most snow accumulates within the ski resort. It's a famously difficult course at Tsugaike, built on a narrow ridge resembling the back of a horse. The steep slopes, with a maximum gradient of 32 degrees, are lined with a succession of large moguls so steep they can hide a person. It's the perfect place to hone your mogul skiing skills. On clear days, you can see Mount Fuji
・Tsuganomori Slope
Maximum gradient: 23 degrees, average gradient: 14 degrees / Distance: 630m / Slope orientation: Southwest
The finest fluffy snow piles up at an altitude of 1,700 meters. This is the highest slope in Tsugaike. Only at an altitude of 1,700 meters can you expect to find such abundant, high-quality natural snow. The mountain atmosphere surrounded by virgin forest and the magnificent views are also appealing. TG PARKS, open until early May, is also located here
◆Official website: https://www.tsugaike.gr.jp/
Hakuba Cortina
Overhead powder riding on a steep 42-degree slope
Located at the northernmost tip of the stretching HAKUBA VALLEY, Hakuba Cortina receives 10 to 20 cm more snow than other ski resorts. Cold air flows in from the Sea of Japan, crosses the Northern Alps, and brings heavy snowfall to this area, but Cortina is the first to see the snow
Six lifts run along the course layout sandwiched between two ridges on either side of the base. Many of the 16 courses converge at the base where Hotel Green Plaza is located, making for efficient operation. There's endless fun to be had, with steep and deep powder riding, tree areas, hard runs for advanced skiers, spectacular views of the Northern Alps, and hot springs
Six lifts run from the base to a course layout sandwiched between two ridges on either side. Many of the 16 courses converge at the base, where Hotel Green Plaza is located, making for efficient operation. There's endless fun to be had, from steep and deep powder riding, tree areas, hard runs for advanced skiers, spectacular views of the Northern Alps, and hot springs. From the top area, there's smooth access to the vast backcountry in several directions, making this the king of Hakuba powder snow
The compact, bowl-shaped slopes tend to accumulate snow easily, making them famous among powder lovers for a long time. With easy access to the vast backcountry in several directions from the top area, this is the undisputed king of Hakuba powder
Hakuba Cortina's famous powder course
・Mt. Hieda Course 2
Maximum gradient: 42 degrees, average gradient: 36 degrees / Distance: 625m / Slope orientation: North
The steepest slope is an astonishing 42 degrees. When the famous, exquisite powder piles up here, you can experience a steep and deep ride that you won't find anywhere else. This is one of Japan's best expert-only powder courses, and is a must-try when fresh snow falls. Ski non-stop all the way to the bottom, with an elevation difference of 321m and a total length of 625m
・Antelope Course
Maximum gradient: 30 degrees, average gradient: 17 degrees / Distance: 300m / Slope orientation: South
The total length is relatively short, making it perfect for intermediate skiers to practice powder. The slope faces south, so it's best to start early in the season
・Mt. Hieda Course 3
Maximum gradient: 39 degrees, average gradient: 27 degrees / Distance: 690m / Slope orientation: North
You can enjoy a leisurely powder run while looking down at the hotel. The course is relatively wide and easy to ski on, so it's recommended for advanced powder run practice. The slope faces north, so the snow quality is excellent and if the temperature is low, you can enjoy powder all day! This is also after snowfall!
◆Official website: https://www.hgp.co.jp/cortina/ski/
Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort
The quality and quantity of dry powder is outstanding even in the Hakuba area
Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort is a powder land of 100% natural snow that spreads out at the foot of Mount Hakuba Norikura, at the northern tip of the Northern Alps. Located in the inland part of HAKUBA VALLEY, and due to its high altitude, it is famous for the large amounts of dry powder that fall
The beautiful backcountry, with its broad-leaved beech forest, can be accessed from the slopes, attracting hardcore powder snow fans from not only Japan but also overseas
The slopes are roughly divided into the Wakaguri Slope and Satomi Slope areas. There are 14 unique courses, including a 2,000-meter long course that drops directly below the summit and a downhill course surrounded by conifers. There is a wide variety of courses that can be enjoyed by everyone, from families to experts. Another major attraction is the beautiful panoramic view of the Hakuba mountain range that can be enjoyed from the top of the slopes
Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort's famous powder course
・Sky View Slope
Maximum gradient: 38 degrees, average gradient: 25 degrees / Distance: 500m / Slope orientation: South
Located at the top of the slope, it offers the best views, snow quality, and face. With a maximum gradient of 38 degrees, an average of 25 degrees, and a dynamic width of 250m, it is one of Hakuba Norikura's famous steep slopes. When it snows, you can enjoy deep powder overhead, making it a paradise for powder lovers
・Expert course
Maximum gradient: 35 degrees, average gradient: 25 degrees / Distance: 700m / Slope orientation: East
This slope is also legendary, with a maximum gradient of 35 degrees. The deep powder during snowfall is a treat only for advanced skiers. A sign at the entrance will inform you whether the slope is open or not
・Snake course
Maximum gradient: 30 degrees, average gradient: 25 degrees / Distance: 700m / Slope orientation: East
A steep, ungroomed slope with a backcountry feel that runs along the No. 2 Pair Lift. Perfect for powder snowfall
◆Official website: https://www.hakunori.com/
Hakuba Happo-one Ski Resort
The overwhelming scale and variety of slopes make this one of the best in Japan
If you're serious about skiing, there are few ski resorts that can compare to Happo. With an elevation difference of 1,071m, one of the highest in Japan, the trails extend from the top of the slope to ridges in four directions, most of which are medium-steep slopes that are plenty challenging to ski. The reason Happo is considered the king of Hakuba is because of the wide variety of slope directions and undulations. Powder, moguls, terrain, and everything else is top-notch quality
For powder lovers, the appeal of Happo lies in the backcountry fields off the slopes. There are plenty of places where you can ski down an elevation difference of about 1,000m on the mountain behind the slopes with just an hour's hike. While it's easy to get to, a three-hour climb will take you into one of Japan's most advanced alpine areas. Happo has such a diverse range of faces. Let's start by enjoying the endlessly fascinating and profound powder snow in Happo
Hakuba Happo-one Ski Resort's famous powder course
・Skyline
Maximum gradient: 32 degrees, average gradient: 16 degrees / Distance: Approximately 1000m / Slope orientation: North
This ski resort has a particularly varied terrain, making it a must-see for freeriders. The overall terrain is bowl-shaped, and it avoids the influence of the wind, making it easy for fresh snow to remain. From the top to Skier's Left, the terrain continues in a valley, so we recommend using the wall on the left side to ski down
Skier's Right has a gentle slope on the ridge. You can ski down into the valley from anywhere, so enjoy skiing down one side of the slope. The slope below the lift line at the bottom is often rough powder because there are many ski marks
・OMUSUBI
Maximum gradient: 33 degrees, average gradient: 27 degrees / Distance: Approximately 500m / Slope orientation: East
The off-piste course "Omusubi," which comes into view as soon as you leave the gondola summit station, is an ungroomed deep powder spot for advanced skiers. There is a gate, and the course is open or closed depending on the inspection by patrols on days with good conditions between early January and early March
The upper section is undulating and has many jumping points. The lower section is a somewhat dense tree run. If you go too far to the skier's left, the traverse to return to the gate at the bottom will become longer, so be careful. This is a special place where you can soak up the finest powder piled up on the slopes
・Black back
Maximum gradient: 31 degrees, average gradient: 27 degrees / Distance: Approximately 800m / Slope orientation: North
This off-piste area stretches across the northern slope of Kurobishi Pair Lift No. 3. Due to its high altitude and north-facing location, you can enjoy some of the best powder runs depending on the timing. When you look up, you'll be greeted by a spectacular view of the dynamic mountains of the Northern Alps
It's worth skiing this course just to experience this situation. It's prone to wind, and has a mix of snowdrifts and icy sections, making it quite difficult, but the sense of satisfaction when you finish is unbelievable
◆Official website: https://www.happo-one.jp/