Have fun with your family at Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort! Introducing features and surrounding spots

What is Hakuba Happoone Ski Resort?

Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort, located in Happo, Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture, was established in 1928 and is one of Japan's oldest ski resorts. In 1998, it was also the venue for the Nagano Winter Olympics. From the summit, located at 1,830m, you can enjoy a spectacular panorama of the Hakuba Sanzan in the Northern Alps, as well as Mt. Myoko, the Togakushi Mountain Range, Mt. Asama, and the Yatsugatake Federation.

A ski resort where you can enjoy Japan's best powder snow

The appeal of Hakuba Happo-one Ski Resort is definitely the quality of the snow. Many skiers and snowboarders gather from all over the world every year to enjoy some of the best powder snow in Japan. The longest skiing distance is 8,000m, and there are 16 courses in total.

Hakuba Happo-one Ski Resort has a wide range of courses that appeal to advanced skiers, so you may have the impression that it is a very difficult ski resort.

However, it is a ski resort that the whole family can enjoy, as it has beginner courses, a snowland where small children can play with sleds and play equipment, and a kids park.

There are a variety of courses for advanced users, including tree runs!

Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort also has a variety of courses for advanced skiers where you can enjoy the finest powder snow and thrilling tree runs. Here we will introduce 5 courses.

Rice ball off-piste

You can enjoy the finest powder snow on the course that goes down from the Skyline Course to the Panorama Course in one go. The upper part is an open barn (on uncompacted snow) with a slope of over 30 degrees, and there are many kickers (jumping platforms). The lower part is a thrilling tree run area, and is a course for very advanced climbers.

Incline: Maximum 33 degrees, average 27 degrees

Difficulty level: Advanced

Maximum distance: 500m

Observation course

This is a powder snow course for extremely advanced skiers that was also used at the Nagano Olympics. Since you will be sliding down an open slope with a maximum slope of 37 degrees in one go, you will need not only skill but also the courage to complete the slide. The starting point is a viewing spot that overlooks the Southern Alps, and the view alone is spectacular.

Incline: Maximum 37 degrees, average 30 degrees

Difficulty level: Advanced

Maximum distance: 250m

Kurobishi off-piste "URAKURO"

This is an off-piste (artificially unleveled) area on the north side of Kurobishi No. 3 Pair Lift. This is the most difficult course at Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort, and requires a high level of skiing technique. Located at an altitude of 1,600m, the natural snow is extremely light and fine-grained, allowing you to enjoy powder snow like no other.

Incline: Maximum 31 degrees, average 27 degrees

Difficulty level: Advanced

Maximum distance: 800m

Olympic course I

This is the men's downhill course for the Nagano Olympics. The slope is gentle at first, but at the end it becomes quite steep, with twisting slopes and bumps waiting for you. Starting from Kurobishidaira, the Kurobishi slope, we will cross the panoramic slope, Russi Jump, and finally descend to the Kokusai slope. This is an advanced course with no detours.

Incline: Maximum 35 degrees, average 31 degrees

Difficulty level: Advanced

Maximum distance: 3,000m

Olympic course II

This is the women's downhill course for the Nagano Olympics. Starting from Kurobishidaira on the Kurobishi slope, you will ski down the steep slope from the panoramic course to Umatome Jump. At the end of the course, the slope continues to be gentle, and the goal is Sakka slope. There is also a detour route, so don't worry.

Incline: Maximum 35 degrees, average 31 degrees

Difficulty level: Advanced

Maximum distance: 2,650m

An attractive course that the whole family can enjoy!

The slopes at Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort have the image of being very difficult, but there are also beginner and intermediate courses that the whole family can enjoy. Here we will introduce 7 courses.

Nagiyama slope

This ski slope is located at the entrance of Hakuba Happo-one Ski Resort. It is easily accessible, with two large free parking lots and a shuttle bus stop nearby that takes you to hotels and other ski resorts.

The slope of the course is up to 35 degrees, and is suitable for intermediate skiers, and Nagiyama No. 2 and Nagiyama No. 3 lifts are available. Once you get off the Nagiyama No. 2 lift, there is also a step-up course for beginners where you can practice ``sliding,'' ``stopping,'' and ``turning,'' which is also recommended for beginners.

Incline: maximum 35 degrees, average 17 degrees

Difficulty: Intermediate

Maximum distance: 750m

Riesen slalom course

This is the signature course representing Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort, and is connected to the upper part of Mt. Nagi slope. You can use the Riesen Quadlift and enjoy a wide range of long courses with an elevation difference of 800m.

It is characterized by large slope changes and is a very popular course, so bumps may form in the afternoon.

Incline: Maximum 30 degrees, average 20 degrees

Difficulty: Intermediate

Maximum distance: 3,045m

Shirakaba slope

This is a slope for beginners and intermediate skiers that serves as the starting point for the gondola. Be careful as the slope gets steeper towards the bottom of the slope.

There is ``Adam Plaza'' at Sanroku Station, which is equipped with changing rooms and toilets. There is also a ticket office and sales of sporting goods and souvenirs. There are multiple parking lots nearby, including paid ones, as well as a shuttle bus stop that takes you to hotels and other ski resorts.

Incline: maximum 20 degrees, average 11 degrees

Difficulty level: Beginner

Maximum distance: 500m

Sakka slope

This ski slope is characterized by its gentle slope and spacious course. It is recommended for beginner skiers and snowboarders as well as small children to practice, and we also hold ski lessons for beginners. On the slopes, you can use Sakka No. 2 lift and Sakka No. 3 lift.

At the entrance to the slopes, there is a convenient ``Snow Plaza Sakka'' that has a ticket office, restaurant, and restrooms.

Incline: maximum 18 degrees, average 10 degrees

Difficulty level: Beginner

Maximum distance: 600m

panoramic ski slope

This slope is popular among intermediate skiers and can be climbed using the gondola or Kokusai No. 1 lift. It has a wide variety of slopes with a combination of intermediate slopes and gentle slopes, so you can ski while looking at Mt. Myoko and the Togakushi Mountain Range.

If you are worried about skiing down the panoramic slope, there is also a detour through the forest, so you can try it with confidence.

There are also ``Yeti'' and ``Sun Terrace Panorama'' at the top and bottom of the slopes, respectively, where you can take a break for lunch or coffee.

Incline: maximum 25 degrees, average 16 degrees

Difficulty: Intermediate

Maximum distance: 700m (1,200m for detour forest road course)

Nakiyama Snow Land

A snowland with a moving belt with a dome that can be enjoyed by both families and beginners. The land is protected by a safety net, so it's perfect for small children to play sledding, as well as debut skiing and snowboarding. (Admission fee: 1,200 yen for adults and children (3 years old to elementary school students), 600 yen for villagers for both adults and children)

Usagidaira Kids Park

If Nagiyama is closed, we will open it. It is located right next to the gondola summit station at an altitude of 1,400 meters. There is also a rest house next door, so you can use it with peace of mind even with small children. (Free admission)

[Meals] There is a kids room so you can feel safe bringing your children! restaurant

There are many restaurants within the Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort that use local Hakuba ingredients. Here we will introduce three restaurants that are safe to bring your children, as they are equipped with kids' rooms.

Snow Plaza Sakka Bear's Cafe

Bear's Cafe, located at Snow Plaza Sakka, the entrance to Sakka Slope, is a 250-seat restaurant where you can enjoy pasta, hamburgers, curry, and more. A kids room and nursing room are also available.

cafeteria yeti

This cafe is located on the second floor of Usagidaira Terrace, which is adjacent to the mountaintop gondola station. We offer menus made with local ingredients, such as roast beef bowl, Shinshu specialty sauce cutlet bowl, and Sanzoku-yaki bowl. It has a seating capacity of 350, and is equipped with a children's room and a nursing room.

Karuizawa Primo Hakuba store

It is located on the 1st floor of Usagidaira Terrace, adjacent to the gondola summit station. We are particular about using Shinshu-grown ingredients, and offer dishes such as Nozawana pasta and Shinshu mushroom pizza. There are also sofa seats, a kids room and a nursing room.

[Accommodation] Relax with your family! Hotels near the slopes

There are many hotels around Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort where you can relax with your family. Here we will introduce three hotels that can be accessed from each slope by foot or by shuttle bus.

Rosenheim Hakuba

Rosenheim Hakuba, about a 2-minute walk from the Mt. Nagi slopes, is a hot spring resort hotel with a Scandinavian-style exterior. We use Happo Onsen, which is also known as the ``Beauty Hot Spring'', and uses natural hot springs. You can enjoy a spectacular view of the Northern Alps from the open-air bath.

Address: 3750 Hokujo Happo, Hakuba Village, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Prefecture

Official website: English display supported http://www.rosen-h.com/en/ *English supported site

Hakuba Mominoki Hotel

Hakuba Mominoki Hotel, about a 5-minute walk from the international ski slopes, is a resort hotel nestled in the forest at the foot of the Northern Alps. The interior of the hotel is decorated with warm and elegant antique furniture, allowing you to enjoy a luxurious and quiet space. The vast grounds also include a restaurant, bar (some open only in winter), and a visitor center.

Address: 4683-2 Hokujo, Hakuba Village, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Prefecture

Official website: https://www.mominokihotel.com/en/snow/ *English site

Hakuba Highland Hotel

Hakuba Highland Hotel, located approximately 15 minutes by shuttle bus from Happo Gondola Station, is a hotel that boasts Hakuba Himekawa Onsen. The open-air bath offers a spectacular view of the Northern Alps. Also, during the winter only, a drying room is available for storing skis, snowboards, boots, poles, etc.

Address: 21582 Hokujo, Hakuba Village, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Prefecture

Official website: https://www.hakuba-highland.net

[Night Leisure] Use the shuttle bus to go to the night town

The Hakuba area has many izakayas and bars, as well as plenty of nightlife activities. Here we will introduce three shops that you can enjoy using the shuttle bus. Please use this as a reference as it also includes travel time on foot or by taxi.

drinker's shop

Nonjae, about a 4-minute taxi ride from Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort, is an izakaya where you can enjoy wild vegetable soba sets made with buckwheat flour from Azumino, Genghis Khan, and sukiyaki. We have vegetarian menus and English menus. We also have a wide variety of alcohol, especially Japanese sake, mainly from local Shinshu brands.

Hakuba Tap Room

Hakuba Tap Room, located inside the Hakuba Panorama Hotel, which is about a 14-minute walk from Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort, is an izakaya where you can enjoy 16 types of craft beer. Meals are mainly Western food that goes well with beer, such as chicken cutlets, hamburgers, and fries. We also have a pizza menu for children under 12 years old and a playroom, making it a popular restaurant for families.

Reservations are accepted via email or phone. Advance reservations are recommended.

BAR REFUEL HAKUBA

BAR REFUEL HAKUBA, about a 6-minute walk from Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort, is a stylish restaurant and bar with a carefully designed interior. It is unique in that it is open until 2am. The store's specialty is its large hamburgers. They have a wide variety of alcoholic beverages, and are recommended for people who want to have fun until late at night.

[Hot spring] Refresh your mind and body! Day trip hot spring

In addition to hotels, the Hakuba area also has hot spring facilities for day trips. We will introduce three hot spring facilities that will soothe your tired body after enjoying snow activities.

Happo no Yu

It is located at the entrance to Hakuba Happo Onsen Town, a short walk from the Happo Information Center. This is the largest day trip hot spring in Hakuba Happo Onsen. You can see Hakuba Sanzan from the bathtub, which will soothe your body and mind.

Mimizuku no Yu

It is located on the way to Happo from JR Hakuba Station (about 10 minutes walk). The open-air bath is characterized by soft water, and you can enjoy the view of the Northern Alps. It might be a good idea to stop by after enjoying skiing or snowboarding, or after having a meal around JR Hakuba Station.

Sato no Yu

It is located about 7 minutes walk from Hakuba Happo-one Ski Resort. It is a small hot spring with a distinctive hexagonal exterior. The historic bathtub, which opened in 1986, has a somewhat nostalgic atmosphere and warms your body slowly. This is an outdoor bath that is used by many people staying in Hakuba.

If you want to go to Hakuba Happo-one Ski Resort, the ``Snow Liner'' is convenient!

A convenient way to get to the charming Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort is by taking the ``Snow Liner'', a direct bus that departs from Tokyo. Since you can choose where to get on and off the Snow Liner, you can travel directly from Tokyo Station, Haneda Airport, or Narita Airport to Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort. Also, during the winter season from December 15, 2023 to March 29, 2024, it runs every day, and the pricing is easy to understand, making it easy to make reservations.

For more information, please visit the official website in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean.

Click here to reserve the Snow Liner