Hakuba Valley is located in northwestern Nagano Prefecture. Ten ski resorts are scattered across an area stretching from Omachi City's Jigatake Ski Resort in the south to Otari Village's Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort in the north, stretching from north to south in a straight line of about 25km.
Most of the resorts face east, with the Northern Alps at their backs. Some ski resorts have slopes that extend north and south, so many of the slopes are north-facing and offer excellent conditions for runs. Most of the resorts have large slopes with runs exceeding 5,000m in length.
At the base of the ski resorts, there is a ski town with hot springs, accommodation, restaurants, ski and snowboard shops, and more, offering plenty of fun after a day of skiing.
This environment is rare not only in Japan but even globally, and countless people are drawn to its charm. This is evidenced by the fact that skiers from all over the world have been visiting over the years, with the 2023-2024 season seeing a record high of 1.65 million visitors, including 570,000 foreigners.
What are the benefits of making Hakuba Valley your home base? Let's explore this from seven perspectives.
24-25 Hakuba Valley All-Mountain Season Pass Types and Prices
The 10 ski resorts that make up Hakuba Valley each have a large difference in altitude and slopes facing different directions. They also have a wide variety of courses, including ungroomed runs, various parks, and carefully maintained groomed runs, and their overall strength is already known around the world.
Please refer to the brief summary of the 10 ski resorts at the bottom of this article.
The 24-25 All Mountain Season Pass (hereafter referred to as the Valley Pass), which can be used at all the ski resorts in Hakuba Valley, will be on sale again this year. There are four types of passes available
| Denomination | Adult price | Children's fee | Sales period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super early bird price | 117,500 | 62,000 | July 16th (Tue) - August 29th (Thu) |
| early bird price | 145,000 | 76,300 | August 30th (Friday) - October 31st (Thursday) |
| regular price | 175,000 | 92,300 | From 11/1 (Fri) |
| Repeater discount price | 105,800 | 56,000 | July 16th (Tue) - August 8th (Thu) |
Just like with regular early bird discount season passes, the earlier you buy, the cheaper it is. The regular price is 175,000 yen, sold from November 1st onwards. The difference compared to the super early bird price is 57,500 yen. With a difference of 30,000 yen compared to the early bird price, it's best to buy as early as possible. There are many different types of common season passes depending on the region and ski resort group, but you don't have much time to worry about it
Purchase from this website:
https://www.hakubavalley.com/
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What are the benefits of the Hakuba Valley All Mountain Season Pass?
1. Constant snowfall and high-quality snow
Although the way snow falls has changed since a few decades ago, and there are environmental changes such as rain sometimes falling in January, the benefits of the Ushiro-Tateyama mountain range behind the ski resort, which reaches an altitude of nearly 3,000m, are immeasurable.
The cold air that comes in from the Sea of Japan over the Northern Alps brings constant snowfall and high-quality snow to the area. It's interesting to note that the amount and quality of snow varies greatly between Mt. Jijigatake at the southern end and Hakuba Cortina at the northern end, depending on how the cold air enters.
2. the season for a long time
The opening season for the 10 ski resorts runs from late November until Golden Week, when the resorts close. The timing varies depending on the snow conditions.
Incidentally, the earliest ski resort opening dates for the 2023-2024 season were November 30, 2023, for Tsugaike Mountain Resort, Able Hakuba Goryu, and Happo-one. The latest ski resort closures were May 6, 2024, for Able Hakuba Goryu and Tsugaike Mountain Resort. That's a full six-month ski season. With a valet ticket, you can freely choose from the 10 ski resorts and ski for just over five months.
3.Choose from 10 ski resorts to suit your conditions, preferences, and mood
Powder skiers can choose a ski resort by checking the snow conditions and course conditions within a 25km radius from north to south. Even if the snow conditions are not good, there are options such as choosing a ski resort with a north-facing slope that is less affected by sunlight
For those who want to ski all over the slopes, it's fun to try out the best runs at each ski resort at different times of the year. You can enjoy the changes in the challenge depending on how firm or loose the snow is
Park lovers can choose from a variety of parks with different features, and even if the park they want to visit is undergoing maintenance, there are other options
In addition, even if the southern part of Hakuba Valley and the lower elevations experience snow mixed with rain, you can avoid the rain by heading to the northern area or higher elevations. Also, lifts and gondolas may be unexpectedly suspended due to wind. Being able to adapt flexibly to these weather conditions is another benefit of a valley ticket
4.No need to line up at the lift ticket counter
The Valley Season Pass is an IC card with your photo on it. All nine ski resorts except for Jigatake use a common automatic ticket gate system, eliminating the need to change tickets at each resort. It may seem like
a small thing, but it's a huge benefit, as it means you won't miss out on the best opportunity to ski the freshest runs first thing in the morning by having to wait in long lines.
5.Great value for those who ski a lot
The average price of a one-day pass for Hakuba Valley's 10 ski resorts for the 2023-2024 season is ¥5,870. Reflecting the current social climate, this average price has risen by about ¥1,400 from ¥4,470 in the 2022-2023 season. Given
that the price of combined passes has also increased, it's not hard to imagine that lift tickets at each resort will be more expensive.
Dividing the ¥117,500 super early bird price for the 2024-2025 season by the average one-day pass price for the 10 resorts, it takes roughly 20 ski trips to break even. That's two and a half months, assuming you ski every weekend in a month at Hakuba Valley.
Assuming you'll be able to ski for just over five months during the 2023-2024 season, this figure will save you money on the remaining three months.
6.You can go skiing without any worries
The peace of mind of being able to ski at any of the 10 ski resorts, whenever and wherever you want, is surprisingly great. It also means you can ski according to your preferences and mood, so even if it starts raining heavily just as you start skiing, with a valet ticket you can easily give up and switch your mood by visiting another ski resort or enjoying the town at the base.
You can also try skiing at different ski resorts in the morning and afternoon, or have lunch at a restaurant at the base. Sometimes you can take a break from skiing and just relax while enjoying the scenery, expanding the variety of ways to enjoy a ski resort.
7.There are various benefits
Although it's not widely known, there are some perks only available to those who have a volleyball pass. A typical example is free use of the shuttle bus that connects the 10 ski resorts.
In addition, discounts on day-trip hot spring bathing fees and night-time lift tickets are also included every year.
As you can see, the valley pass, which allows you to ski at all 10 ski resorts, has many advantages over a season pass at just one ski resort. Hakuba Valley ski resorts have slopes to satisfy any type of skier, including powder, park, freeriding, carving, and mogul runs. What's more, the top of the ski resort also provides access to a vast backcountry area (*1).
Hakuba Valley is a place worth returning to for multiple seasons.
*1 Hakuba Valley has established safety tips for the entire area to help you enjoy the ski resorts and backcountry safely. Please refer to website
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Hakuba Valley's 10 ski resorts, listed from south to north
Jiigatake Ski Resort
The spacious single barn is perfect for beginners and families
This local ski resort is located on the left hand side on the way to Kashimayari. There are four lifts. The slopes have an elevation difference of 260m and an average gradient of 13 degrees, making them generally medium to gentle slopes. As a result, the ski resort is enveloped in a peaceful atmosphere, making it the perfect place for families with children and those trying skiing or snowboarding for the first time. For the 2023-2024 season, a park centered around jibs has been set up in the base area (the 2024-2025 season is yet to be decided).
https://jiigatake.com/
Kashimayari Ski Resort Family Park
Long runs and beautiful scenery
This ski resort is popular for its easy access from the Azumino IC on the Nagano Expressway and for its fun, medium-to-gentle slopes. From the slopes, you can look down on Lake Nakatsuna, Lake Aoki, and Azumino, and it is popular for its great location where you can ski with Mount Kashimayari in the background. It has indoor attractions that even children who can't ski can enjoy, as well as a long snow slide, and is very popular with families. On the other hand, it also has slopes where you can ski for long distances over the rich natural terrain, and is popular with skiers.
https://www.kashimayari.net/snow/
White Resort Hakuba Sanosaka
The spectacular view of the lake is a highlight
This ski resort has many flat, medium-gentle slopes. The groomed runs that lead down to Lake Aoki are a secret favorite. The extraordinary feeling of crossing the railroad crossing from the parking lot to the ski resort is also fun. Because it is the southernmost resort in Hakuba Village, there is often fresh snow remaining on the sidelines even if you arrive in the afternoon during snowfall
Able Hakuba Goryu
Three distinctive slopes. Connected to Hakuba 47 at the top
It is characterized by its spaciousness and variety of slopes, including the three main slopes located at the top and bottom, and Hakuba 47, which connects between them. The upper Alps Daira slope is 1,680m above sea level, making it great for skiing over a long period of time. GORYU WAVE, a new snow park with overlapping snow swells created by Fujita Kazushige and course director Hoshino Hideyuki, is also popular. The night skiing that can be done at this snow park is becoming increasingly popular every year. Apparently, many locals purchase a volleyball ticket and night season pass as a set.
https://www.hakubaescal.com/winter/
https://www.oito.co.jp/iimori/winter/
Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park
A long north-facing slope and the best park in the area
Of all the ski resorts in Hakuba Valley, this one has the most northerly slopes. The long runs along the ridge, the steep slopes in the upper areas, and the tree areas will pique the curiosity of advanced skiers. The highlight is the park on Route 4, where the entire course is filled with park items. During the season, a big event is held, attracting skiers from all over the country. It's fun just to watch the riders riding from the lift that runs parallel to the course.
https://www.hakuba47.co.jp/winter/
Hakuba Happoone Ski Resort
With an elevation difference of 1,071m, the slope offers some of the best skiing in Japan
One of Japan's biggest ski slopes, with an elevation difference of over 1000m. The packed snow-covered Riesen Slalom course in the morning is addictive, with the changing terrain and the thrill of the fall. To the right of the Gondola Summit Station, there is a large triangular slope called "Omusubi" that crosses a valley and is a powder zone that only opens when the conditions are right. As you go higher, the scenery with a sense of height opens up, allowing you to experience the true Hakuba scenery.
https://www.happo-one.jp/winter/
Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field
The course heading towards the Northern Alps offers some of the best views in the area
Walls, banked terrain, and hidden hit points are scattered all around the ski resort, including along the courses, making it a popular destination for ski enthusiasts. The view of the Northern Alps that spreads out before you from the summit is the best in Hakuba Valley. Many non-skiers also visit HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR at the top of the mountain to enjoy the 360-degree panorama. A new gondola, currently under construction, is scheduled to open in December 2024.
https://iwatake-mountain-resort.com/winter
Tsugaike Mountain Resort
Powder and park. We are proud of our long distance cruising
Enjoy a long groomed run stretching over 4km from the top of the slope to the base. The varying slopes are plenty of fun to ski on. At the bottom of the ski resort, you'll find one of the widest beginner slopes in Japan. Other notable attractions include Tsugaike Powder DBD, where you can ski off-piste, and TG Parks, where the layout and location of the park changes depending on the season
Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort
A hidden gem of powder snow that's popular with locals
The ski resort has a long north-south layout, with the east-facing slope at its core, and slopes on the north and south sides of three ridges extending east. Because you can choose the slope depending on the conditions, it has attracted the attention of locals who are adept at sensing the situation. Another feature is that each run is neither too long nor too short, allowing you to ski at a good pace. It is full of unique charms, such as 11 pair lifts that provide access to the backcountry area, and runs where you can bring your pets along
Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort
The reputation of the area's best powder snow extends beyond the ocean
After snowfall, groups of people wearing helmets and carrying thick skis line up for the lifts, creating a truly powdery slope. Most of the area surrounded by two ridges is skiable at your own risk, and when there's fresh snow, the cheers of powder-loving enthusiasts enjoying tree runs echo through the area. Meanwhile, the funnel-shaped course layout makes it hard to get lost, making it popular with families as a safe place to ski. Enjoy the slopes while staying at a hotel at the base that offers ski-in/ski-out access
