The Hakuba mountain range of the Northern Alps, which Japan boasts to the world. The 10 ski resorts that stretch about 30km from north to south are called "HAKUBA VALLEY" and form a large mountain resort. Its scale is the best in Japan. In winter, the cold air that crosses over the Northern Alps creates an abundance of high-quality powder snow on the magnificent mountainous terrain. There are still quite a few people who move to Hakuba because of its charm, and so-called "ski bums". In addition, Hakuba is the core of inbound tourism along with Niseko. Let's take a look at some of the famous powder spots in the Hakuba area that have captivated ski and snowboard fans from all over the world, and their courses.
Tsugaike Mountain Resort
The best environment for powder backcountry beginners
Tsugaike Mountain Resort, which boasts the largest scale in HAKUBA VALLEY, has 10 courses with 1 gondola and 18 lifts. With an altitude difference of about 900m from the summit at an altitude of 1,704m to the foot of the mountain, you can exhilarately run down the long grooming barn with a maximum run distance of 5km.
The powder snow that falls on Tsugaike is commonly known as "TSUGA POW", and the quality of the snow never ceases to fascinate powder hunters. One of the reasons for this is the good environment of the backcountry (BC), which can be accessed by lift from Tsugaike Mountain Resort.
It is also known for its perfect environment for BC beginners. Geographically, there are few steep slopes and many gentle slopes and medium slopes, so there are many slopes that entry users can relax and enjoy. It is a ski resort that offers a great experience for powder lovers and backcountry beginners.
Tsugaike Mountain Resort's famous powder course
・TSUGAIKE POWDER DBD
The lecture program "TSUGA POW DBD" where you can fully enjoy "TSUGA POW" is a limited area of uncompacted snow within the ski resort management area. You can ski only after receiving a lecture and wearing an armband. It is a special place where you can enjoy Hakuba powder while learning about backcountry safety.
・Umanose course
Maximum slope: 19 degrees Average: 14 degrees / Distance: 1200m / Slope orientation: North
A course along the ridge where snow accumulates the most in the ski resort. Tsugaike's famous difficult course on a narrow ridge like the back of a horse. On the steep slope with a maximum slope of 32 degrees, there are continuous bumps large enough to hide people. Perfect for brushing up your mogul skiing skills. On clear days you can see Mt. Fuji.
・Tsuga no Mori Slope
Maximum slope: 23 degrees Average: 14 degrees / Distance: 630m / Slope orientation: Southwest
Superb fluffy snow that accumulates at an altitude of 1700m. Tsugaike's top slope. We are proud of the high-quality natural snow that is abundantly piled up at an altitude of 1700m. Surrounded by virgin forests, the mountainous mood and good views are also attractive. It is also here that TG PARKS, which is open until early May, is set up.
◆ Official HP / https://www.tsugaike.gr.jp/
Hakuba Cortina
Steep 42 degree overhead powder ride
Hakuba Cortina is located at the northernmost point of HAKUBA VALLEY that extends northward, and is said to have 10 to 20 cm more snow than other ski resorts. Cold air from the Sea of Japan crosses over the Northern Alps and brings a lot of snowfall to the area, but Cortina is the first to get it.
Six 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. Steep and deep powder riding, tree areas, hard bahns for advanced riders, superb views of the Northern Alps, hot springs, and endless fun.
Six 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. Steep and deep powder riding, tree areas, hard bahns for advanced riders, superb views of the Northern Alps, hot springs, and endless fun. From the top area, access to the vast backcountry in several directions is smooth, and it is a hero of Hakuba powder.
The compact, bowl-shaped slopes have long been famous among powder enthusiasts for their easy accumulation of snow. From the top area, access to the vast backcountry in several directions is smooth, and it is a hero of Hakuba powder.
Powder specialty course of Hakuba Cortina
・Hiedayama Course 2
Maximum slope: 42 degrees Average: 36 degrees / Distance: 625m / Slope orientation: North
The maximum slope is 42 degrees steep. You can experience a Steep & Deep ride that you can't taste anywhere else when the famous finest powder is piled up here. One of the best expert-only powder courses in Japan that you definitely want to go when the fresh snow falls. Let's ski non-stop to the bottom with a height difference of 321m and a total length of 625m.
・Antelope course
Maximum slope: 30 degrees Average: 17 degrees / Distance: 300m / Slope orientation: South
The overall length is also relatively short, making it perfect for intermediate powder practice. The slope faces south, so an early entry is best in terms of conditions.
・Hiedayama Course 3
Maximum slope: 39 degrees Average: 27 degrees / Distance: 690m / Slope orientation: North
You can enjoy the powder run slowly while looking down at the hotel. The course is relatively wide and slippery, so it is recommended for advanced powder run practice. Because it is a slope facing north, the quality of the snow is excellent, and if the temperature is low, it will be powder all day long! Also after the snow!
◆ Official HP / https://www.hgp.co.jp/cortina/ski/
Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort
The quality and quantity of dry powder stands out even in the Hakuba area
Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort is a 100% natural snow powder land that spreads out at the foot of Mt. Shirouma Norikura, the northern tip of the Northern Alps. Located in the inland part of HAKUBA VALLEY, it is famous for its high altitude and large amounts of dry powder.
The backcountry with beautiful broad-leaved beech forest can be accessed from the slopes. Core powder fans come not only from Japan but also from overseas.
The slopes are largely divided into two areas: the Wakaguri slope and the Satomi slope. There are 14 unique courses, including a 2,000-meter long course directly below the summit, and a downhill course surrounded by coniferous trees. A variety of course variations that everyone from families to experts can enjoy. Another great attraction is that you can enjoy a beautiful panorama of the Hakuba mountain range at the top of the slopes.
Powder specialty course at Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort
・Sky View Slope
Maximum slope: 38 degrees Average: 25 degrees / Distance: 500m / Slope direction: South
At the top of the slopes, the view, snow quality, and face are the best and strongest. With a maximum slope of 38 degrees, an average of 25 degrees, and a width of 250m, it is a famous steep slope of Hakuba Norikura. When it snows, you can enjoy deep overhead powder.
・Expert course
Maximum slope: 35 degrees Average: 25 degrees / Distance: 700m / Slope direction: East
This is also a legendary steep slope with a maximum slope of 35 degrees. Deep powder during snowfall is a pleasure only for advanced skiers. Whether or not it is open will be announced on the signboard at the entrance.
・Snake course
Maximum slope: 30 degrees Average: 25 degrees / Distance: 700m / Slope direction: East
A steep, uncompacted slope with a backcountry feel along the second pair lift. The aim is powder at the time of snowfall.
◆ Official HP / https://www.hakunori.com/
Hakuba Happoone Ski Resort
The overwhelming scale and variety of slopes are among the best in Japan
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. 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.
The charm of Happo for powder enthusiasts is also in the backcountry field outside the slopes. There are plenty of places where you can ski an altitude difference of about 1000m on the back mountain after hiking for an hour. On the one hand, it's easy, but after climbing for about 3 hours, you can step into one of the most high-level alpine areas in Japan. Happo has such a variety of faces. Let's start with Gelepau to enjoy the never-ending, deep charm of Happo.
Hakuba Happo-one Ski Resort's famous powder course
・Skyline
Maximum slope: 32 degrees Average: 16 degrees / Distance: About 1000m / Slope orientation: North
Among the ski resorts, this is a course that is especially full of terrain changes, so it is a place that freeride lovers can't miss. Overall, the topography is like a mortar, and fresh snow tends to remain due to the influence of the wind. From the upper part of the skier's left, the terrain of the valley continues, so it is recommended to use the wall on the left side while skiing.
Skier's Right is a gentle slope on the ridge. Since you can slide into the valley from anywhere, let's ski while enjoying the slope. The slopes below the lift line in the lower part often become rough powder because there are many traces of slipping.
・OMUSUBI
Maximum slope: 33 degrees Average: 27 degrees / Distance: About 500m / Slope orientation: East
The off-piste course “Omusubi” that catches your eye as soon as you exit the gondola summit station is a deep powder spot with uncompacted snow for super advanced skiers. Gates are set up, and patrols check the course on good days from early January to early March to determine whether the course is open or closed.
The upper part is undulating and has many jump points. The lower part is a somewhat dense tree run. If you go too far to Skier's Left, the traverse will be longer when returning to the lower gate, so be careful. It is a special place where you can immerse yourself in the finest powder that is abundantly piled up on the vines.
・Back black
Maximum slope: 31 degrees Average: 27 degrees / Distance: About 800m / Slope orientation: North
An off-piste area that stretches across the northern slope of Kurobishi No. 3 Pair Lift. Due to the high elevation and north facing, you can enjoy the finest powder run depending on the timing. If you look up, you can see the dynamic mountains of the Northern Alps jumping in.
It is worth skiing this course just to taste this situation. It is easily affected by the wind and has a mix of snowdrifts and icy spots.
◆ Official HP / https://www.happo-one.jp/