Hakuba Valley is located in the northwestern part of Nagano Prefecture. Ten ski resorts are scattered within an area of approximately 25km in a straight line from north to south, stretching from the Jigatake ski resort in Omachi City to the Hakuba Cortina ski resort in Otari Village.
Most of these resorts face east, with the Northern Alps behind them. Some resorts also have slopes extending north and south, resulting in a large number of north-facing slopes offering excellent conditions. Furthermore, the majority of these resorts boast large-scale slopes with longest runs exceeding 5000m.
In addition, ski towns with hot springs, accommodations, restaurants, and ski/snowboard shops spread out at the foot of the resorts, ensuring a fulfilling experience after skiing.
This environment is rare not only in Japan but also globally, and countless people are drawn to its charm. As evidence of this, skiers from all over the world visit year after year, and in the 2023-2024 season, a record-breaking 1.65 million people visited, including 570,000 foreigners.
What are the advantages of having Hakuba Valley as your home area? 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 significant elevation differences and diverse slope orientations. With a wide variety of courses, including ungroomed runs, various parks, and meticulously groomed slopes, their overall capabilities are already known worldwide. A
brief summary of the 10 ski resorts is provided at the bottom of this article for your reference.
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
| Ticket type | 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 here:
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
Compared to several decades ago, the way snow falls has changed, and there are environmental changes such as occasional rain in January, but the benefits provided by the Ushirotateyama mountain range, which reaches an altitude of nearly 3000m behind the ski resort, are immeasurable.
Cold air coming from the Sea of Japan over the Northern Alps brings consistent snowfall, and it drops high-quality snow in this area. It's also interesting that the amount and quality of snow differ completely between Mt. Jiigatake at the southern end and Hakuba Cortina at the northern end, depending on how the cold air enters the area.
2.for a long seasonく楽しめる
The operating season for the 10 ski resorts starts in late November in some years and continues until Golden Week when the resorts close. The timing varies depending on the snow conditions.
For example, in the 2023-2024 season, the earliest ski resorts to open were Tsugaike Mountain Resort, Able Hakuba Goryu, and Happo-one on November 30, 2023. The latest ski resorts to close were Able Hakuba Goryu and Tsugaike Mountain Resort on May 6, 2024. The skiable season lasts for almost half a year. With a valet pass, you can freely choose from the 10 ski resorts and ski for 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 valet season pass is an IC ticket with your photo on it. Since the nine ski resorts other than Jigatake use a common automatic ticket gate system, there's no need to change tickets at each ski resort you visit.
It may seem like a small thing, but the benefit of not missing out on the best opportunity to ski on the freshest slopes first thing in the morning, without having to stand in long lines, is huge.
5.Great value for those who ski a lot
The average price for a one-day pass for the 10 ski resorts in Hakuba Valley for the 2023-2024 season was 5,870 yen. Reflecting current trends and the times, the average price has risen by about 1,400 yen from 4,470 yen in the 2022-2023 season.
Since the price of the combined pass has also increased, it's easy to imagine that the price of lift tickets for each individual ski resort will also increase.
Dividing the 2024-2025 super early bird price of 117,500 yen by the average price of a one-day pass for the 10 ski resorts, it works out to roughly 20 skiing sessions to break even. 20 sessions would
take two and a half months if you skied at Hakuba Valley every weekend for a month. Assuming you can ski for the 2023-2024 season, which is about five months, you'd be saving money for the remaining three months.
6.You can go skiing without any worries
The peace of mind that comes from being able to go skiing at any of the 10 ski resorts anytime, anywhere, without any worries, is surprisingly significant. It's like being able to ski according to your preferences and mood, but for example, even if it starts raining heavily while you're skiing, if you have a valet ticket, it's easier to give up and switch gears, perhaps by hopping to another ski resort or enjoying the town at the base. It
also expands the ways you can enjoy skiing, such as skiing at different resorts in the morning and afternoon, or having lunch at a restaurant at the base. Sometimes you can even spend time relaxing and enjoying the scenery instead of skiing intensely, thus broadening the variety of ways you can enjoy a ski resort.
7.There are various benefits
Although not widely known, there are perks available only to those with a volleyball ticket. A prime example is free rides on the shuttle bus connecting the 10 ski resorts.
Other perks typically include discounts on day-trip hot spring bathing fees and discounts on night lift tickets.
Thus, the valet pass, which allows you to ski at all 10 ski resorts, offers many advantages over a season pass for just one ski resort. Hakuba Valley's ski resorts have slopes to satisfy every skier, whether it's powder, park, freeriding, carving, or mogul skiing. Furthermore, you can access a vast backcountry area from the top of the ski resorts (*1). Hakuba
Valley is a place worth visiting for many seasons.
*1 Hakuba Valley has established Safety Tips that are common to the entire area for safely enjoying skiing and backcountry activities.websitePlease refer to
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Hakuba Valley's 10 ski resorts, listed from south to north
Jigatake Ski Resort
The spacious single barn is perfect for beginners and families
This local ski resort is located on the left side of the road leading to Kashimayari. It has four lifts. The slopes have an elevation difference of 260m and an average gradient of 13 degrees, making them generally moderately gentle. Therefore, the resort has a peaceful atmosphere, making it ideal for families with children and those trying skiing or snowboarding for the first time. For the 23-24 season, a jib-focused park was installed in the base area (plans for the 24-25 season are undecided).
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 Interchange on the Nagano Expressway and its enjoyable gentle and moderate slopes. From the slopes, you can overlook Lake Nakatsuna, Lake Aoki, and Azumino, and the excellent location with Mount Kashimayari as a backdrop makes it a favorite among families. It also boasts indoor attractions and long snow slides that children can enjoy even if they can't ski, making it a popular choice for families. On the other hand, it also has long slopes that allow for extended runs through the rich natural terrain, attracting a certain level of support from serious 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
Hakuba Escal is characterized by its vast size and variety of slopes, including three main slopes located at the top and bottom, and Hakuba 47, which allows access to both. The upper Alpsdaira slope is at an altitude of 1680m, making it enjoyable for skiing over a long period of time. The "GORYU WAVE" snow park, a new type of snow park where snow undulations overlap, designed by Kazushige Fujita and course director Hideyuki Hoshino, is also popular. Night skiing, which also includes access to the snow park, is becoming increasingly popular each year. Many locals reportedly purchase a set of valet tickets and night skiing season passes.
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
Hakuba Valley's ski resort boasts the most north-facing slopes. Long runs along the ridges, top-to-bottom gliding, and the steep slopes and tree areas in the upper regions will pique the curiosity of advanced skiers. The highlight is Route 4's park, where an entire course is filled with park features. Big events are held there during the season, attracting skilled skiers from all over the country. Even just watching the riding from the lifts running parallel to the courses is enjoyable.
https://www.hakuba47.co.jp/winter/
Hakuba Happo-one Ski Resort
With an elevation difference of 1,071m, the slope offers some of the best skiing in Japan
This is one of Japan's premier ski resorts, offering an elevation difference of over 1000 meters. The groomed Riesenslalom course in the morning is incredibly addictive, with its changing terrain and exhilarating drops. To the right of the gondola's summit station, across a valley, lies the large triangular slope known as "Omusubi," a powder zone that opens only when conditions are right. As you ascend, breathtaking views unfold, offering a truly quintessential Hakuba experience.
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
With walls, banked terrain, and hidden hit spots scattered throughout the resort, including along the sides of the courses, this ski resort attracts enthusiasts who love to ski on challenging terrain. Furthermore, the panoramic view of the Northern Alps from the summit is unparalleled in Hakuba Valley. HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR, located at the summit, is visited by many non-skiers who enjoy the 360-degree panoramic views. 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
