Hakuba Valley｜The charm of Hakuba Ski Resort, which Japan boasts to the world

Why is Hakuba Valley popular? Why overseas travelers are paying attention

Hakuba Valley is a mountain resort located at the foot of the Northern Alps in northwestern Nagano Prefecture. It is made up of three areas: Hakuba Village, Otari Village, and Omachi City, and when we say ``Hakuba Ski Resort,'' we refer to the entire Hakuba area.

Hakuba Valley attracts many skiers and snowboarders from overseas, and there are many reasons why it is so popular that it is nicknamed the ``Switzerland of Japan.''

Smooth powder snow and spectacular nature

People who visit Hakuba Valley unanimously praise the high-quality snow and spectacular nature.

Hakuba Valley is located in the Northern Alps, which is a series of mountains with an altitude of 3,000 meters. Due to its high altitude, winter temperatures are low and it is characterized by dry, smooth snow.

The foothills of the Northern Alps can be seen from the mountaintops and mountain slopes. Many people become addicted to powder landing while being surrounded by beautiful nature once they experience it.

There are many Japanese staff who can communicate English.

One of the features of Hakuba Valley is that many staff members can speak English. There are many English-speaking ski and snowboard schools and accommodation facilities, so even those visiting Japan for the first time can feel at ease.

In recent years, local high schools have been focusing on English education, and international schools have opened, aiming to revitalize global communication throughout the region.

Convenient snow liner with direct access to the slopes

Tourists who are unfamiliar with Japan are also advised that Hakuba Valley is easily accessible from many directions.

The express bus ``Snowliner'' provided by Japan Youth Travel Co., Ltd. operates directly from Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Yokohama, etc. to Hakuba Valley. It is also easy to move with large luggage.

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Plenty of accommodation facilities including hot springs

The Hakuba area is also famous as one of Japan's leading hot spring areas, with many hot spring facilities dotted around Happo Happo.

For those who want to stay for a few days and explore Hakuba Valley, we also offer a set plan that includes lift tickets and accommodation. There are also inns where you can enjoy meals made with local Shinshu ingredients, making the area popular with tourists who not only want to enjoy winter sports but also enjoy the taste of Japan.

10 ski resorts that Hakuba Valley is proud of

There are 10 ski resorts in Hakuba Valley, and you can enjoy all of them all day long by using a common lift ticket called the ``HAKUBA VALLEY TICKET'' and the shuttle bus that runs between the ski resorts.

Here we will introduce the charm and characteristics of 10 ski resorts in Hakuba Valley.

HAKUBA VILLAGE

Introducing a ski resort in Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture.

Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field

Hakuba Iwatake Snowfield is characterized by having 26 courses, the most in the area, that everyone from beginners to experts can enjoy. The magnificent 360-degree view of nature is breathtaking, and you can enjoy various courses while admiring the extraordinary scenery.

At the top of the mountain, there is a terrace called ``HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBAOR'' that overlooks the Northern Alps, and we recommend relaxing in the cool air with a warm drink in hand.

There are two hot springs right next to the slopes, and a new sauna facility has also opened, so you can enjoy both activity and relaxation in one day.

Hakuba Happoone Ski Resort

Hakuba Happo-one Ski Resort boasts one of the largest areas in Hakuba Valley. With a total running distance of 23,000m and a longest run of 8,000m, the slopes are equipped with a variety of courses that can be enjoyed by everyone from beginners to advanced skiers. For those who want to fully experience Japanese powder snow (JAPOW), we also recommend the super advanced area with uncompacted snow.

For those visiting Japan for the first time, bus terminals and foreign tourist attractions certified by JNTO (Japan National Tourism Organization) are convenient. There is a souvenir shop, so you can enjoy both winter sports and purchasing souvenirs in one ski resort.

Hakuba47 Winter Sports Park

Hakuba 47 is popular for its excellent snow quality, and its ``Tree Riding Zone'' where you can ride through a forest of uncompacted snow is overwhelmingly popular among advanced skiers and snowboarders. It has a unique course, and if you purchase a common lift ticket, you can also enjoy the adjacent ``ABLE Hakuba Goryu'' as a set.

47PARKS, known as Japan's most traditional snow park, is equipped with over 10 items including half pipes and kickers. We also have items for very beginners, so it's recommended as a first-time park experience or as an activity for a family trip.

Able Hakuba Goryu

Able Hakuba Goryu is characterized by a dynamic course that takes advantage of the undulations of the natural terrain. The ``Champion Expert Course'' park has a steep slope of up to 35 degrees and is an extremely advanced course with many deep humps, making it one of the most difficult courses in the Hakuba Valley.

``Tomi Slope'' is recommended for beginners. This is a well-maintained compacted snow course, and you can choose your favorite course from three lifts depending on your level. The adjacent ``Iimori Slope'' has many family-friendly courses, and is a ski resort that is appealing for its flexibility and can accommodate a wide range of people.

Hakuba Sanosaka Ski Resort

Approximately 80% of the slopes at Hakuba Sanosaka Ski Resort consist of courses for beginners to intermediate skiers. The terrain is not easily affected by wind, so even those who are not yet accustomed to using lifts can safely aim for the summit.

For intermediate and advanced skiers, we recommend the "carving slope" with a maximum slope of 23 degrees. This course attracts skiers and snowboarders who want to further hone their skills, and is also known as a sacred place for technical snowboarders.

OTARI VILLAGE

We would like to introduce a ski resort in Otari Village, Nagano Prefecture.

Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort

A big snow resort known for its long runs with a longest run distance of 5,000 meters and a long season that can be enjoyed until Golden Week. It is characterized by a gentle slope throughout, and consists of 50% beginner courses and 30% intermediate courses.

The powder snow at Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort is even nicknamed "TSUGA POW" overseas. This is a ski resort that many fans visit for its superb snow quality.

Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort

Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort is characterized by a wide variety of courses on spacious slopes, and is famous for its sky view slope with a maximum slope of 38 degrees and a width of 250 meters. It is popular for its panoramic view of the Northern Alps and the amount and quality of snow that allows you to enjoy deep powder.

At the foot of the mountain is the Hakuba Alps Hotel, which is popular for its lodging and set plans. We also sell common tickets that allow you to enjoy the adjacent Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort, so you can stay multiple nights and enjoy the silver world of Hakuba Valley to your heart's content.

Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort

Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort is a ski resort where you can enjoy the finest powder snow made of 100% natural snow.

The snow quality of Hieda Mountain Course 2, which has an average slope of 36 degrees, is particularly exceptional, and even the most skilled skiers and snowboarders will be satisfied with the ski slopes that are first seen in the morning after a snowfall.

There is also an official hotel and a day-trip hot spring at the foot of the mountain. The kids park and snow play park, where even small children can play safely, are also popular, and people of all ages can enjoy the charm of snow country.

Omachi City

Introducing a ski resort in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture.

Kashimayari Ski Resort

If you are a family with small children, we recommend Kashimayari Ski Resort, which has a wide range of services for families. This ski resort aims to be ``Japan's number one resort for families to make their ski debut,'' and features a slope exclusively for snowy debuts and unique rules to protect children's safety.

In addition to an indoor playland where you can enjoy play equipment such as athletics and a ball pool, it is also attractive that it is fully equipped with a childcare center that requires reservations and private rooms for private use. In addition to activities on the slopes, there are many indoor facilities that the whole family can enjoy.

Jigadake Ski Resort

Jigadake Ski Resort is a ski resort recommended for beginners to intermediate skiers.

In addition to being equipped with one of the largest kids' parks in Japan, measuring 55m x 95m, children who are not yet accustomed to using lifts can climb to the top of the ski slopes using the ``Chibikko Troika.'' You can also enjoy activities such as snowmobile tours.

summary

Hakuba Valley is a very popular spot with many skiers and snowboarders from both Japan and abroad, each slope having its own charm. If you use a shared lift ticket, you can enjoy multiple slopes at once, so you'll want to arrive at the slopes smoothly and make the most of your time.

If you are visiting Hakuba Valley from overseas or far away, it is convenient to take the express bus, which takes you directly to the Hakuba ski resort. There are also buses like the Snowliner that leave from terminals such as Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, and Yokohama, so make sure to take advantage of them and enjoy the charm of Hakuba Valley to the fullest.

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