Summary of ski resorts in the Hakuba area|HAKUBA VALLEY, the place where free skiing evolves 

The interestingness of Hakuba continues to spread!
This mountain has this evolution

The Hakuba mountain range of the Northern Alps, which Japan boasts to the world.

The rugged and beautiful mountainous area attracts many mountaineering enthusiasts, skiers, snowboarders, and tourists from all over the world throughout the four seasons. The 10 ski resorts that stretch about 30km from north to south at the foot of the Northern Alps are called "HAKUBA VALLEY" and form a large mountain resort. Its scale is the best in Japan.

Photo/Hiroya Nakata Skier/Tadahiro Yamaki
Provided by BRAVOSKI

In winter, the cold air that crosses over the Northern Alps creates an abundance of high-quality powder snow on the magnificent mountainous terrain. Even now, there are still quite a few people who are fascinated by white horses and move there, or so-called “ski bums”. In addition, Hakuba is the core of inbound tourism along with Niseko. What is the reason why it attracts ski and snowboard fans all over the world?

Being there itself is a pleasure
. Hot springs, food, and "hospitality" in the Hakuba area.

There are other reasons why many foreigners visit the Hakuba area besides "slide".

Hakuba is a hot spring village with 6 sources.

Starting with Hakuba Happo Onsen, a natural hydrogen hot spring, and open-air baths with a panoramic view of the three mountains of Hakuba, there are nearly 10 hot springs that can be used even on a day trip, making it a healing spot for skiers. And Hakuba is full of charm of food. Satisfaction is also high as a gourmet restaurant where you can enjoy local cuisine, such as gourmet food using the fruits of the mountains and the seafood from the Sea of ​​Japan. In addition, foreigners highly value Hakuba for its "hospitality". Hakuba Village has a unique culture that embraces diversity, so anyone can feel at home there.


[HAKUBA VALLEY 10 ski resorts] Let
individuality with a common pass

HAKUBA VALLEY is the general name for the 10 ski resorts that surround 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,'' it is creating new value and appeal as a single snow resort. How many mountains have you skied? Let's check what kind of ski resorts are connected.

Hakuba's "JAPOW" Hakuba Cortina attracts domestic and foreign powder hunters
|HAKUBA CORTINA

Photo/Wataru Sugimura Skier/Tatsuya Tayagaki
Provided by BRAVOSKI

Hakuba Cortina is located at the northernmost point of HAKUBA VALLEY, which stretches from north to south.

This is because cold air from the Sea of ​​Japan crosses over the Northern Alps and first drops snow on Cortina, which is in the northernmost part of the country. In addition to having a high powder hit rate, it also features plenty of steep slopes for powder riding. The morning after the fresh snow fell, serious powder hunters with backpacks, helmets, and fat skis lined up in front of the lift.

Recently, the number of foreign skiers who come to Hakuba Cortina in search of JAPOW is steadily increasing, making it truly a world-class powder paradise. Seven lifts are built on the course layout sandwiched between two ridges on the left and right from the base. Many of the 16 courses can be turned efficiently because they can join the base at the Hotel Green Plaza. Deep and steep powder riding, tree areas, hard bahns for advanced riders, superb views of the Northern Alps, hot springs, and Hakuba Cortina's fun never ends.

Top altitude
1,402m
Longest run
3,500m
Elevation difference
530m
Maximum slope
42°

16 courses

6 lifts
Gondola
-base
ropeway
-book

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

Recommended video of Hakuba Cortina


Norikura
Onsen | Hakuba Valley

Hakuba Norikura has the same size as the neighboring Hakuba Cortina, but is actually a little-known spot.
The locals who want to avoid the fierce powder competition usually enjoy the powder at their own pace in Hakuba Norikura, while watching the powder freaks, including foreign groups gathering in Cortina. It is not defeated by Cortina in the degree of fulfillment of the self-responsibility area.

The ski resort is divided into two areas, left and right, with a course layout that spreads horizontally. 9 courses on 9 lifts. Above all, 80% of the entire slope is for intermediate and advanced skiers, so the skiing response is excellent. Compared to the Hakuba area, it has a relatively relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.

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

12 courses

9 lifts
Gondola
-base
ropeway
-book

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



Tsugaike Mountain Resort | HAKUBA VALLEY

Among the HAKUBA VALLEYs, Tsugaike Kogen is a big scale.

The altitude difference from the summit of 1,704m to the foot of the mountain is about 900m. You can run down a long grooming barn that exceeds 4km. The slope has a tree run area at the top and access to the backcountry area.

The lower part is composed of two parts with a wide gentle slope that boasts the largest area in Japan. A long course with medium slopes connects them. It has 10 courses with 1 gondola and 18 lifts. “TSUGA POW DBD” is a must-have for powder lovers. The "Tsugapau" area at the top of the gondola is a system where you can ski.Be sure to receive a lecture about the dangers that can occur in the natural area and cautions when skiing, and you must receive an armband before you can ski. It's becoming In terms of backcountry safety knowledge and self-responsibility, it is a ski resort that provides a great experience for backcountry beginners.

Top altitude
1,704m
Longest
run 4,900m
Elevation difference
904m
Maximum slope
35°

10 courses

18 lifts

1 gondola
ropeway
book

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

Recommended video of Tsugaike Kogen



Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field | HAKUBA VALLEY

Photo/Shin Otsuka Skier/Kazuya Furuse, Noriko Fukushima
provided by BRAVOSKI

Sandwiched between Happo and Tsugaike, Iwatake is hard to spotlight, but it is actually the top of the slopes that Hakuba locals secretly frequent.

The main reasons for this are that the terrain is perfect for freeriding, that the Hakuba area is the only area that has a slope that can be skied toward the Northern Alps, and that the rate of powder competition is low. Iwatake is very attractive because of its slope design that preserves the charm of the natural topography.

Large bowls, undulating ridges and creeks are uncompacted and are great powder areas after fresh snow. The non-compacted snow course has expanded year by year, and now it has expanded to 7 courses. Also, on the long course from the summit to the foot of the mountain, you can also play against the wall. Furthermore, a high-quality mogul barn is also permanently installed. Mt. Iwatake has a perfect selection of courses that can be enjoyed with or without snow. If you don't know or don't go, you will lose money.

Top altitude
1,289m
Longest
run 3,800m
Elevation difference
539m
Maximum slope
35°

26 courses

8 lifts

1 gondola
ropeway
-book

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

Recommended video of Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field


, where powder, topography, grooms, and bumps are top-notch
| HAKUBA VALLEY

If you really want to pursue skiing, there is no ski resort that comes out on the right side of Happo.

The altitude difference is 1,071m, which is one of the best in Japan, and the course extends from the top of the slope to ridges in four directions, most of which are moderately steep slopes that are sufficiently slippery. To be able to fly 1km from Groomburn, which is snow-smoothed from top to bottom, is something that can't be beat. I want to improve my high-speed carving with the feeling of becoming an alpine racer. Happo is considered to be the male of Hakuba because there are many other variations such as the direction of the slopes and undulations.

Powder, bumps, terrain, everything is top notch quality. "Omusubi", which is gated as an uncompacted freeriding area, is an uncompacted deep powder spot for super advanced riders. It is a limited area that is open after a patrol check on days with good conditions from early January to early March. It is a special place where you can immerse yourself in the finest powder that is abundantly piled up on the vines.

Top altitude
1,831m
Longest run
8,000m
Elevation difference
1,071m
Maximum slope
35°

14 courses

20 lifts

1 gondola
ropeway
-book

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

■ Hakuba Happo-one recommended video


Hakuba47
Winter Sports Park | HAKUBA VALLEY

Here is the most north facing ski resort in HAKUBA VALLEY. The slopes are located at an altitude of 820m to 1,614m, and most of the slopes face northeast, so the quality of the snow is excellent. Despite its compact size, the slopes can be skied over a wide area, including a membership-based tree area set outside the course.

Long runs along ridges, steep slopes at the top, tree riding zones, bumpy slopes... Many spots have attracted free skiers, but Hakuba47's strongest weapon is "47 PARKS". The whole park is the size of one lift, and over 30 items are packed in the total length of 600m. Because it is laid out on the side of the lift, its visual power is a masterpiece itself. He has trained professional riders and led the Hakuba park scene, but he is still the undisputed boss.

Top altitude
1,614m
Longest
run 6,400m
Elevation difference
794m
Maximum slope
32°

8 courses

5 lifts

1 gondola
ropeway
-book

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


Comprehensive ski slope Hakuba Goryu with strong fans
| HAKUBA VALLEY

The upper part of the slope is characterized by a long season where you can ski from the end of November to the end of May.

The ski slope layout consists of three unique slopes, "Alps", "Tomi" and "Iimori", and there are dedicated areas such as mogul courses, parks, and kids slopes. The view from the Alps-daira ski slope is outstanding when you go up in one gondola. There are courses where you can enjoy uncompacted snow and bumps on the side of the slopes, and courses where the entire surface becomes uncompacted snow after it snows. The wide barn Toomi Slope at the bottom is also open for night skiing. The upper part of the slope is connected to Hakuba47, so you can enjoy variations with it.

Top altitude
1,676m
Longest run
5,000m
Elevation difference
926m
Maximum slope
35°

15 courses

13 lifts

1 gondola
ropeway
-book

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


, where you can have fun in a compact
space | HAKUBA VALLEY

If you enter Hakuba Village from Nagano City or Matsumoto City, Hakuba Sanosaka is the closest and most accessible, and is said to be strong against the wind and the lifts never stop.

Despite its compact size with 5 lifts, it's packed with all kinds of fun, and it feels like you can casually go out with your friends. It seems to be a perfect ski resort for beginners and intermediate skiers. The most popular lakedown course is a 1.5km scenic cruising that looks like you are sliding into Lake Aoki.

The not-too-difficult mogul course, which has artificial bumps on a flat middle slope, is a pioneering permanent course in Japan. In addition, there is a slope (on the 3rd quad side) that you can enjoy with your dog (fee required, pledge required). *Because the road to the parking lot on the 3rd quad side is covered with snow, a 4WD studless tire equipped vehicle or tire chains are required.

Top altitude
1,676m
Longest run
5,000m
Elevation difference
926m
Maximum slope
35°

15 courses

13 lifts

1 gondola
ropeway
-book

◆ Official HP / https://sanosaka.jp/


you can enjoy free riding with peace of mind even if you go with your family
| HAKUBA VALLEY

With a bowl-shaped topography centered on the center house, the layout consists of three parts: the north and west upper slopes with a sense of openness, and the Nakaami slope that slides down to Lake Nakaami. Because West Mt. is on the northern slope, it is often blessed with good quality snow. Along Kashimayari's signature course, the 5A/B/C course, where you can enjoy an exhilarating cruising at the bottom and a steep slope of 38 degrees at the top, the tree run area is also open to the public. The freestyle park is located at the bottom of the Nakatsuna slope.

Attractive services will appear in the 2022 season!

A fast-track skiing that can be skied before the normal lift operation starts (8:30), and a powder cat tour will start in the 10th lift area at the top of the slope. Kashima Yari is a family-friendly ski resort. In the 2022 season, a snow activity park with Japan's largest snow tubing course "Tubers High" was newly established in the central area. Fully functional with a 140m long moving belt. The kids park is 500 yen and you can play as much as you want. If you are traveling alone, there are accommodation facilities on the slopes, and if you stay in a dormitory, you can stay for just 2,000 yen, which is very convenient.

Top altitude
1,550m
Longest run
5,000m
Elevation difference
720m
Maximum slope
38°

12 courses

7 lifts
Gondola
-base
ropeway
-book

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


Beginners and family-friendly "Best debut slope"
Mt. Jiiga | HAKUBA VALLEY

Jigadake_From the official website

A local ski resort that appears on the left on the way to Kashimayari.

Most of the slopes with four lifts are wide and have gentle slopes with good visibility, making them ideal for beginners and families. With the latest artificial snow machine, it is slippery and safe to enjoy. There are no advanced skiers flying at high speed here, so you can relax and enjoy yourself. There is also a children's special area for toddlers, which is perfect for families with children on holidays playing in the snow. There is also a snowmobile experience.

Top altitude
1,350m
Longest run
3,500m
Elevation difference
440m
Maximum slope
35°

13 courses

5 lifts
Gondola
-base
ropeway
-book

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


* Information as of the end of December 2021. For details, please refer to the official website of each ski resort.

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