白馬
Hakuba Valley was one of the first areas in Japan to become an international ski destination. Home to the Japanese Alps and some of the highest mountains in Japan, the area offers steep descents for those who are up for the challenge. Hakuba also has resorts catering to families and learners. The sheer number of ski fields makes Hakuba a great holiday destination and with the all valley ticket, you can explore them all.
The Hakuba Valley is made up of 10 ski resorts, when taken together makes for 1000 hectares of skiable terrain. There is enough variety here to satisfy skiers and boarders of every level.
The popular Happo One Is a sprawling ski field with something for everyone. It has the highest vertical drop in the area at 1070m. From the top you can link four runs for a combined skiing distance of 8000m. There are also 3 special designated powder areas for experts.
Hakuba 47 is a freestylers mecca with a massive park and competition half pipe. Next door is Goryu with 3 areas to ski - Alps-daira, Tohmi and Iimori. Hakuba 47 and Goryu can be skied on a combined ticket.
Cortina’s secret is that it somehow gets more powder than the other Hakuba resorts and it has several ungroomed powder areas and tree zones for you to enjoy it. Next door, Norikura is more suited to beginner and intermediate skiers and boarders. Both Norikura and Cortina are linked and can be skied on a combined ticket.
JIgatake is the best resort for beginners and families. Most of the slopes are easy greens and there are widely spaced tree runs when you want to challenge yourself.
Iwatake is also great for skies and sightseers. The gondola takes you to the summit where you take in panoramic views of the mountain ranges and a plateau where you can engage in snow play. The wide slopes are well suited to beginners and intermediates and there are powder areas for experts.
Tsugaike is the largest resort in the Hakuba and one of the best resorts for beginners with half of the runs being easy greens. For experts, head to the special TsugaPowDBD powder areas.
Kashimayari is a family focussed ski resort with a large Pokemon themed snow park area. The gentle slopes and covered snow escalators are ideal for beginners.
With a max slope of 23°, White Resort Sanosaka is suited to beginners and intermediate skiers and boarders.
The Hakuba Valley pass gives you access to all resorts in the valley. You also get free rides on the shuttle bus.
Hakuba is well connected by trains with a trip from Tokyo taking just under 4 hours. During the Ski Season there is a shuttle bus from Narita and Haneda airports to the resort area.
The Hakuba Valley shuttle can be used to visit every resort in the valley. However the trip can take some time and you are not guaranteed a space. Renting a car would give you the most flexibility and plus ski other Nagano areas like Maderao, Lotte and Nozawa Onsen are a short trip away.
You are not limited in Hakuba as there are plenty of restaurants and stalls serving up local and International flavours. You can dine in classy restaurants on the slope or grab a quick bite from food trucks. Good restaurants will fill up during ski season, so make sure to book ahead.
There are 3 main areas in Hakuba Village - Happo area, the Wadano area and Echoland. The Happo area is walking distance to the lifts with the most accommodation options and nightlife with accompanying revelers.
Wadano is also walkable to the slopes but quieter with premium hotels and lodges in a forest setting. Where you would stay to avoid the revelers. Echoland is an option if you plan on driving. Generally less expensive while still having the amenities.
Ski in ski out options in Hakuba include the iconic red roofed Green Plaza Hakuba onsen hotel at the base of the Cortina resort. In Norikura there is the Hakuba Alps hotel. At Happo One, Iwatake and Tsugaike there are slope side accommodation options from lodges to apartments.
