Hakuba Ski Resort in Nagano, home to Japan's premier powder snow
Japan's ski resorts are known for excellent snow quality and top-notch facilities. But apart from Niseko and Sapporo, there are dozens of ski resorts worth visiting!
Hakuba Ski Resort in Nagano Prefecture is also a must-visit for all types of skiers, whether you’re a beginner or a pro. Hakuba is a snowy village in the Japanese Alps. It’s packed with mountain resorts with terrains and slopes for all ski levels.
Plus in 2023, Hakuba Ski Resort underwent significant upgrades, adding more lifts and chairs and even introducing snowmobiles. In addition to skiing, visitors can enjoy various winter activities like ice sculpture exhibitions, hot air balloon rides, and ice fishing!
Introducing Hakuba Ski Resort
Credit: Hakuba Valley
Hakuba, located in the stunning Japanese Alps, is a premier ski destination known for its incredible alpine scenery and top-notch powder snow. Hakuba Valley is home to 10 ski resorts in total — each offering something unique for every level of skier.
- Jigatake Snow Resort
- Kashimayari Snow Resort Family Park
- White Resort HAKUBA SANOSAKA
- ABLE Hakuba Gorya Snow Resort
- Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park
- Hakuba Happo-one Snow Resort
- Hakuba Iwatake Ski Resort
- Tsugaike Mountain Resort
- Hakuba Norikura Onsen Snow Resort
- Hakuba Cortina Snow Resort
We’ll talk about each one in detail — so read on to find out more!
2024/25 Hakuba Ski Season and Day Passes
Hakuba’s ski season is usually from mid-December till early April. The snow’s condition is at its best between January and February, while the peak season is from late December to early February.
Plan your visit to Hakuba accordingly but take note that if you want to ski during the snow and slope’s best months, large crowds are expected to flock to the ski resorts so just be ready for that.
Hakuba Valley Day Pass
The Hakuba Valley Day Pass is the perfect way to explore multiple ski resorts in the region without hassle. It offers access to all 10 resorts in Hakuba Valley, including popular spots like Happo-One, Hakuba47, and Tsugaike Kogen. One-day and multi-day passes (up to 10 days) are both available.
With just one pass, you can easily hop between different slopes, making it ideal for skiers and snowboarders who want to experience a variety of terrains. The pass also includes free shuttle bus rides between resorts, providing a convenient way to get around and maximize your time on the mountain.
How to get to Hakuba Ski Resort from Tokyo
There are several ways for you to get to Hakuba from Tokyo using Japan’s convenient public transportation. You can go via bus, train, or car.
1. Bullet train then bus
The fastest way to get to Hakuba Ski Resort from Tokyo is by Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station — taking just 1 hour and 30 minutes. Once you get to Nagano Station, go to the east exit then board a bus that goes straight to Hakuba. The bus ride should take about an hour.
2. Direct Express Bus
Take an Alpico Express Bus from Tokyo Station to Hakuba Station. The bus ride should take about 5 hours with two rest stops. Please expect longer travel time during holidays and weekends.
3. Limited Express Train
The Limited Express “Azusa” train is a convenient and scenic way to travel from Tokyo to Hakuba. Running directly from Shinjuku Station, the train takes around 4 hours to reach Hakuba, offering a comfortable ride with spacious seating and beautiful views of the Japanese Alps along the way.
This direct service is perfect for skiers and snowboarders looking to avoid the hassle of multiple transfers, as it takes you straight to the heart of the Hakuba Valley, making it easy to start your adventure on the slopes right away. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak winter season!
4. Car Rental
Yep, you can rent a car and drive from Tokyo to Hakuba too! The trip should take about 3 hours and 30 minutes. This is a unique way to experience the country, and you can even extend your ski trip to go on a Japan road trip.
Plus for those who plan to bring your ski equipment, having a car would be convenient in transporting it around.
Hakuba Ski Resorts to Visit
Here comes the fun part — deciding which ski resorts in Hakuba to check out. Let’s get to know the 10 Hakuba ski resorts that you can visit during your Japan ski trip.
1. Jigatake Snow Resort
Nestled in the Hakuba Valley, Jigatake Snow Resort is a small and relaxed option perfect for families and beginners looking to escape the crowds. The resort features gentle slopes and wide-open runs that are ideal for honing your skills.
One of its unique highlights is the serene, forested setting, allowing skiers to glide through beautiful tree-lined courses with picturesque views of the surrounding Nagano mountains. There’s also a dedicated children’s area with fun snow activities like sledding, making it an excellent choice for those traveling with young kids.
2. Kashimayari Snow Resort Family Park
Amazing alpine views await at Kashimayari Ski Resort, another medium-sized and less crowded option for travelers on a Japan ski trip. Here, they offer a good variety of courses for beginners up to advanced skiers. But what really makes this ski resort stand out are the outstanding views of the Northern Japan Alps and Kashimayari Peak. If you ski on Course 5, you’ll even chance upon the beautiful view of Lake Aokiko.
They have a forest track here as well if you’re up for a scenic ski. For those with kids, the ski resort offers a Pokemon-themed snow park for sledding and tubing!
3. White Resort HAKUBA SANOSAKA
The last one on our list is Sanosaka Ski Resort, packed with lake views and family-friendly slopes. While most of the slopes are good for beginners and families with kids, they also have ski areas for intermediate and advanced skiers. The New Paradise course is quite steep so intermediate and advanced skiers will surely be challenged. And hey, don’t forget to marvel at the beautiful view of Lake Aoki, as this is the highlight attraction of the ski resort.
4. ABLE Hakuba Goryu Snow Resort
Photo Credit: Colton Jones on Unsplash
This beginner-friendly ski resort is probably one of the most popular ones in Hakuba, along with Hakuba 47 Ski Resort. Here at Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort, the beginner slopes located in Toomi and Iimori are flat and wide, making it totally safe for first-timers. They offer beginner lessons in these areas too, both for kids and adults. Since the slopes in Toomi are especially spacious, skiing at night is allowed, so long as you stay in the area only.
As for advanced skiers, there are slopes and terrains located high up in the Iimori area called the Champion course. The slopes there are steep and challenging so it’s definitely perfect for those who have much experience already.
As you ski, make sure to stop and admire the Northern Alps right in front of you!
5. Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park
Photo Credit: Leo Mendes on Unsplash
While Hakuba 47 Ski Resort is not as big as Hakuba Goryu, it’s still a must-visit because of its terrain parks perfect for intermediate and advanced skiers. Take note that Hakuba 47 and Hakuba Goryu are linked together, so if you’re a beginner, you better head on to Hakuba Goryu instead.
Immediate-level skiers can go to Route 1 or the area right below the gondola to ski. For advanced skiers, Routes 2 and 3 are for you! Steep slopes with obstacles along the way await you. They are also known for their terrain park with fun obstacles if you want to add some fun to your skiing experience. As for those who enjoy a challenge, drop by their tree runs (natural skiing areas) with a route that’s surrounded by trees.
6. Hakuba Happo-one Snow Resort
Photo Credit: Tomas on Unsplash
Known to be the oldest and biggest ski resort in Hakuba, Happo One Ski Resort boasts several slopes good for beginners and pros. While it’s mostly dominated by advanced skiers because they mostly have steep terrains, beginners can opt to ski at the other slopes the resort offers. Some not-to-miss slopes here are the Kurobishi and Kitaone.
For those with children, there are two kiddie areas for your little ones who want to play in the snow or want to learn the basics of skiing. One is located in Nakiyama, while the other is in the Sakka region. The beginner slopes are also located in the Sakka region. Apart from skiing, your kids can also go sledding!
While you’re here, make sure to capture the breathtaking views from the top of the Northern Japan Alps.
7. Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field
Photo Credit: Leo Mendes on Unsplash
This medium-sized ski resort is perfect for those looking for a less crowded area to ski. Much like the previous ski resorts mentioned earlier, Iwatake Ski Resort houses several slopes too that are good for intermediate and advanced skiers.
They have a terrain park, north and south courses, and the Iwatake back bowl, all for skiers with experience! At the peak of the mountain where the ski resort is located is the Mountain Harbour Cafe which is known for its great muffins and coffee, all paired with stunning views.
There’s also a sledding area and igloos near the gondolas, perfect for families and kids!
8. Tsugaike Mountain Resort
Tsugaike Ski Resort is large, but not many people know about it. Since it’s a massive ski resort, it offers a wide variety of slopes and courses for all types of skiers — beginner, intermediate, and pros.
It’s located a bit further away than the other ski resorts in Hakuba, but going far is worth it as this ski resort is not as crowded as the popular ones. Beginners can enjoy skiing at the lower slopes, offering wide spaces. Intermediate and advanced skiers can go to the Uma No Se and Champion courses with steep and wide slopes.
They also have two terrain parks for those who prefer to ski and have some fun with obstacles along the way. Tree runs are present here too, but require registration and a short lecture to ensure every skier’s safety.
There are areas below the gondola for your kids to practice skiing or go sledding too, if you’re visiting with kids. They have indoor play areas as well for those who prefer playing indoors.
9. Hakuba Norikura Onsen Snow Resort
Photo Credit: Colton Duke on Unsplash
Hakuba Norikura Ski Resort is said to be Cortina’s sister resort as they are located close to each other. This medium-sized resort is a must-visit too, especially for beginners and intermediate skiers. Unlike most ski resorts in Hakuba, this one is spread out across the mountain and not located on top of it.
Beginner skiers can head on to the Hakunori Family course located close to the ticket office. Just nearby are the Wakaguri Forest course and Satomi Central course where the ski areas are relatively flat and wide, perfect for beginners and first-timers still honing their skiing skills.
Immediate and advanced skiers can go straight to the Satomi Ridge course for challenging slopes which offer great snowy mountain views as well.
10. Hakuba Cortina Snow Resort
Photo Credit: Delphine Ducaruge on Unsplash
Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort is known as the powder capital of Hakuba because of its huge amount of snow and an abundant number of tree runs. They have the Itadaira One course and Warabi Daira course with steep slopes and tree zones like the Hiedayama area for intermediate and advanced skiers. Since all the slopes here are a bit tricky, both intermediate and advanced skiers are highly advised to wear protective gear and also avalanche equipment.
For beginners, it’s best to stay on the Ikenota course as it offers a flat and wide skiing area.
Where to Stay in Hakuba Ski Resort
For your Hakuba accommodation, it will depend on the ski resort you’re going to. There are hotels within the area of the ski resorts already. For families and big or small groups, there's the option to check in at the Hakuba Yamano Hotel or The Ridge Hotel & Apartments.
Hakuba Yamano Hotel
Hakuba Yamano Hotel offers multi-bed rooms and a warm ambiance overall. All of the rooms here, whether modern or traditional, have free WiFi, an LCD TV, and a private bathroom. There’s also a hot spring bath for those who feel like resting after skiing. The hotel has a snack bar, coffee house, and a restaurant that serves Japanese and Western cuisine.
The Ridge Hotel & Apartments
The Ridge Hotel & Apartments, on the other hand, offers modern rooms and apartments with up to four bedrooms. This is your best option if you plan to stay for a longer time. Each room has a TV, free WiFi, a kettle, and a safety deposit box. Some rooms even have a balcony. Their apartments can accommodate up to eight people! They also have a bar and vending machines for snacks and drinks.
Sierra Resort Hotel Hakuba
Another option to consider is Sierra Resort Hotel Hakuba, located in a private forest with outdoor hot springs. The rooms here are spacious and offer nature views. Each room has a TV, tea/coffee maker, and a private bathroom.
The main dining restaurant at this resort offers an exquisite blend of Japanese and European cuisine that is sure to tickle your tastebuds. Some must-haves include Kobe beef, sukiyaki, and sashimi. They also serve hotpot noodles here if you’re craving something warm and comforting.
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