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

Why is Hakuba Valley so popular? Why is it attracting foreign tourists?

Hakuba Valley is a mountain resort that spreads across the foothills of the Northern Alps in northwestern Nagano Prefecture. It consists of the three villages of Hakuba, Otari, and Omachi, and when people say "Hakuba ski resort," they are referring to the entire Hakuba area.

Hakuba Valley attracts many skiers and snowboarders from overseas, and there are many reasons why it has become so popular that it is known as the "Switzerland of Japan."

Powdery snow and stunning nature

People who have visited Hakuba Valley unanimously praise the high-quality snow and the spectacular natural scenery.

Hakuba Valley is located in the Northern Alps, a chain of mountains reaching 3,000 meters above sea level. Because of its high altitude, the temperature is low in winter and it is characterized by dry, powdery snow.

From the summit and slopes of the mountain you can see the foothills of the Northern Alps. Many people become addicted to powder landing surrounded by beautiful nature once they have experienced it.

There are many Japanese staff members who can speak English

One of the features of Hakuba Valley is that there are many English-speaking staff members. There are also many English-speaking ski and snowboard schools and accommodations, so even first-time visitors to Japan can feel at ease.

In recent years, local high schools have begun to focus on English education, and international schools have opened, with the entire region aiming to revitalize global communication.

Snowliner is convenient as it goes directly to the slopes

Hakuba Valley is easily accessible from many directions, making it popular with tourists who are unfamiliar with Japan.

The Snowliner express bus provided by Japan Youth Travel Co., Ltd. runs directly from Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Yokohama, etc. to Hakuba Valley. It's easy to travel with large luggage.

Snowliner reservations here

There are plenty of accommodation options, including hot springs

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

For those who want to stay for a few days and ski to the fullest, there are plans that include lift tickets and accommodation. There are also inns where you can savor meals made with local Shinshu ingredients, making them popular with tourists who want to enjoy not only winter sports but also Japanese cuisine.

Hakuba Valley's 10 best ski resorts

There are 10 ski resorts in Hakuba Valley, and by using a common lift ticket called the "Hakuba Valley Pass" and the shuttle bus that runs between the ski resorts, you can enjoy all of them for the entire day.

From here, we will introduce the attractions and features of the 10 ski resorts in Hakuba Valley.

Hakuba Village

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

Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field

Hakuba Iwatake Snowfield features 26 courses, the most in the area, that can be enjoyed by anyone from beginners to advanced skiers. The spectacular 360-degree natural scenery is a highlight, and you can enjoy a variety of courses while taking in the extraordinary scenery.

At the summit there is a terrace called "HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBAOR" that offers a panoramic view of the Northern Alps. We recommend relaxing in the cool air with a hot drink in hand.

There are two hot springs located very close to the slopes, and a new sauna facility has also just opened, so you can enjoy both activity and relaxation in the same day.

Hakuba Happoone Ski Resort

Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort boasts being the largest in the Hakuba Valley. With a total run of 23,000m, and the longest run of 8,000m, the slopes are equipped with a wide variety of courses that can be enjoyed by beginners to advanced skiers. For those who want to fully experience Japan's powder snow (JAPOW), we also recommend the ungroomed super advanced area.

For those visiting Japan for the first time, there is a bus terminal and a tourist information center for foreigners certified by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). There are souvenir shops, so you can enjoy both winter sports and souvenir shopping at one ski resort.

Hakuba47 Winter Sports Park

Hakuba47 is popular for its excellent snow quality, and the "Tree Riding Zone" where you can ski through ungroomed forest snow is overwhelmingly popular among advanced skiers and snowboarders. With a wide variety of courses, you can also enjoy the adjacent "Able Hakuba Goryu" if you purchase a joint lift ticket.

47PARKS, known as the most traditional snow park in Japan, is equipped with over 10 features, including half-pipes and kickers. There are also features for beginners, making it a great choice for first-time park visitors or as an activity for family trips.

Able Hakuba Goryu

Able Hakuba Goryu is characterized by its dynamic courses that make use of the natural undulations of the terrain. The "Champion Expert Course" park has a steep slope of up to 35 degrees and is an ultra-advanced course with a series of deep bumps, making it one of the most difficult courses in Hakuba Valley.

For beginners, we recommend the Toomi Slope. It has well-maintained groomed runs, and you can choose from three lifts depending on your level. The neighboring Iimori Slope has many runs for families, making it a flexible ski resort that can accommodate a wide range of people.

Hakuba Sanosaka Ski Resort

At Hakuba Sanosaka Ski Resort, about 80% of the slopes are made up of courses for beginners to intermediate skiers. Because the terrain is not easily affected by the wind, even those who are not yet accustomed to using the lifts can safely aim for the summit.

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

Otari Village

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

Tsugaike Ski Resort

Big Snow Resort is known for its long run, with the longest run being 5,000m, and its long season that can be enjoyed until Golden Week. It features gentle slopes throughout, with 50% of the slopes being for beginners and 30% being for intermediate skiers.

The powder snow at Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort is known overseas as "TSUGA POW." Many fans visit the resort to enjoy the excellent quality of the snow.

Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort

Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort features a wide range of courses on its slopes, and is famous for its Sky View slope with a maximum gradient of 38 degrees and a width of 250m. It is highly popular for its panoramic view of the Northern Alps and the amount and quality of snow, which allows you to enjoy deep powder.

At the base of the mountain is the Hakuba Alps Hotel, which offers popular accommodation and package plans. A combined ticket that also includes access to the neighboring Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort is also available, allowing you to enjoy the silvery white landscape of Hakuba Valley to your heart's content over a consecutive stay.

Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort

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

The snow quality on Hiedayama Course 2, with an average gradient of 36 degrees, is particularly outstanding, and even experienced skiers and snowboarders will be very satisfied with the first run down the slopes in the morning after a snowfall.

There is also an official hotel and a day spa at the base. There is also a popular kids' park where even small children can play safely and a snow play park, so people of all ages and genders can enjoy the charms of the snow country.

Omachi City

We would like to introduce you to a ski resort in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture.

Kashimayari Ski Resort

For families with small children, we recommend Kashimayari Ski Resort, which offers a wide range of services for families. Aiming to be "Japan's No. 1 resort for families to make their ski debut," the resort features a slope exclusively for those making their snowy mountain debut and unique rules to ensure the safety of children.

In addition to an indoor playground with athletic equipment and a ball pool, the resort also offers a reservation-only daycare center and private rooms. In addition to activities on the slopes, the resort is packed with indoor facilities that the whole family can enjoy.

Jigatake Ski Resort

Jijigatake 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 used to riding the lifts can take the "Little Troika" to the top of the slope. In addition, you can enjoy activities such as snowmobile experience tours.

summary

Hakuba Valley, where each slope is filled with its own unique charm, is an extremely popular spot that attracts many skiers and snowboarders from not only Japan but also overseas. By using a common lift ticket, you can enjoy multiple slopes at once, so you can arrive at the slope smoothly and enjoy it to the fullest.

If you are visiting Hakuba Valley from overseas or from afar, it is convenient to take the express bus, which will take you directly to the Hakuba ski resort. There are also buses such as the Snowliner that depart from terminals such as Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, and Yokohama, so make good use of them to fully enjoy the charms of Hakuba Valley.

Snowliner reservations here