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 altitude 1,402m | Longest run 3,500m | Elevation difference 530m | Maximum slope 42° |
 |  |  |  |
16 courses | 6 lifts | 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. "Hiedayama Course 2" is a highly recommended course for powder snow lovers.
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
| running distance | 625m |
| slope | Maximum 42 degrees/Average 36 degrees |
| direction of the slope | North |
| Shortest access method | Cortina No. 2 Quad Lift → Cortina No. 4 Pair Lift |
Lift operation start time for access | 8:30 |
Number of people queuing before lift operation starts on weekends and holidays | about 50 people |
B. The Itadaira Course has a moderate slope and is perfect for warming up your legs.
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
| running distance | 600m |
| slope | Maximum 31 degrees/Average 26 degrees |
| direction of the slope | South |
| Shortest access method | Cortina No. 2 Quad Lift → Cortina No. 4 Pair Lift |
Lift operation start time for access | 8:30 |
Number of people queuing before lift operation starts on weekends and holidays | about 50 people |
C. Hiedayama Course 1: Located next to the lift, it's a highly popular course with a stream and fun 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
| running distance | 640m |
| slope | Maximum 35 degrees/Average 23 degrees |
| direction of the slope | east |
| Shortest access method | Cortina No. 2 Quad Lift → Cortina No. 4 Pair Lift |
Lift operation start time for access | 8:30 |
Number of people queuing before lift operation starts on weekends and holidays | 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
Fat ski rental with advice from staff
When the snow is good, you'll want to ski on fat skis. This is the time to take advantage of the rental service. Expert staff who are experts on the local snow will give you detailed advice based on the conditions of the day, making it a popular choice for all users. A ski set costs 6,000 yen per day. Rentals for two days or one-hour extensions are also available.
Information
Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort
12860-1 Chikuni Otsu, Otari Village, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Prefecture 399-9422
Re-edited from 2020BRAVOSKI vol.1