[Nagano/Hakuba] Compare it to Hokkaido! Ski resorts with great access and great value for money

Recommended for skiers from overseas! Why Hakuba Ski Village is chosen over Hokkaido

Differences in transportation access

Hokkaido in Japan is world-famous as a winter skiing destination, but in recent years Hakuba Ski Village in Nagano Prefecture has also been chosen by many international tourists. Hakuba Village's easy access and safety are particularly attractive for those who are not confident in their driving skills or do not have an international driver's license.

Major ski resorts in Hokkaido, such as Niseko and Furano, are often more than two hours away by car from New Chitose Airport, and driving on snowy roads in winter can be a major challenge for foreigners who are not accustomed to it. There is also the risk of blizzards and frozen roads, which can lead to traffic congestion and delays, which can be a real problem.

Meanwhile, Hakuba Ski Village is easily accessible by public transportation, taking about an hour and a half by bullet train from Nagano Station from major cities like Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, and then another hour by bus or taxi. You can travel safely without worrying about driving on winter roads. Another great thing about using the bullet train and bus is that it cuts down on travel time, allowing you to spend more time skiing and sightseeing.

Cost benefits

Traveling to Hokkaido can be expensive, especially in winter, as airfares tend to be expensive. Additionally, renting a car or using a shuttle bus to travel from the airport to the ski resort can add to your transportation costs.

In contrast, Hakuba allows you to keep travel costs down by using the Shinkansen, and there are multiple shuttle buses and direct buses between Nagano Station and Hakuba, as well as to Hakuba ski resorts, so round-trip travel costs can be kept low. Furthermore, many accommodations, rental shops, and lift tickets are more reasonably priced than in Hokkaido, making it easy to save on overall travel costs, which is a major attraction of Hakuba.

Safety and peace of mind

Hokkaido experiences heavy snowfall in winter, which often leads to poor visibility due to frozen roads and snowstorms, making driving risky. Traveling at night or early in the morning during winter is especially dangerous.

Although Hakuba is also a snowy region, the roads in Nagano Prefecture have a well-established snow removal system and a well-developed transportation infrastructure, making travel relatively safe. The abundance of public transportation options, such as the Shinkansen and express buses, also provides peace of mind in terms of safety. This is a major advantage, especially for first-time visitors to the mountains in winter or for families.

With its convenient access, reasonable cost, and safety , Hakuba Ski Village is a place we can confidently recommend to travelers who want to enjoy winter sports!

Fulfilling winter sports experiences: Introducing the top four ski resorts

This time, we will introduce four of the most popular ski resorts in the Hakuba area. Each has its own unique features, and offers a fulfilling winter sports experience that caters to a wide range of needs, from beginners to advanced skiers.

Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field

The greatest attraction of Hakuba Iwatake Snowfield is the magnificent 360-degree panoramic view of the foothills of Hakuba. From the summit, you can enjoy the magnificent view of the Northern Alps, and skiing in a truly spectacular natural landscape. The slopes at the summit are wide and gentle, so even beginners can take on the challenge with peace of mind by taking the gondola up in one go.

There is a wide variety of courses for beginners to advanced skiers, and there is also a snow park and cross-country course. It is characterized by its all-round enjoyment of a variety of winter sports. At the summit, HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR is a cafe and terrace with a spectacular view, where you can spend a luxurious time sipping coffee and looking out at the Northern Alps.

In addition, the winter-only "IWATAKE WHITE PARK" is a very popular tourist spot where you can enjoy snow sculptures, snow huts, and swings with spectacular views. A great point is that it offers a variety of activities that allow you to experience the winter nature, in addition to skating.

Tsugaike Mountain Resort

Tsugaike Mountain Resort is a large ski resort that boasts a vast scale and abundant snowfall, with the 3000m-high Northern Alps as its backdrop. Its greatest feature is the large, gentle slope that stretches 1200m in width, making it an ideal environment for families and beginners.

Using the 4,000m-long gondola lift, you can enjoy a long cruise of about 5km, and experience an exhilarating run. There is also a powder area called "TSUGAPOW DBD," a kids' area, and an area for beginners, making it a friendly place for children making their snow debut and beginners alike.

Another great thing about this resort is that it operates for a long season, allowing you to ski right up until Golden Week. They also hold an event called "SNOW WOW!", which you can enjoy with friends and family, and it is popular with a wide range of people.

Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort

Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort is located at the northernmost tip of the Northern Alps, and attracts visitors with its magnificent views of the mountains looming before them. It features a tranquil atmosphere and romantic location that makes it feel like a private resort, and offers easy runs that beginners and families can enjoy with peace of mind.

With a full-scale slope with a maximum gradient of 38 degrees and a mogul course, the resort offers a wide variety of courses that even advanced skiers will enjoy. There is also an off-piste area where you can enjoy smooth, natural powder snow, and you can also try snowscooting, telemark skiing, and snowshoeing.

There is also a hot spring facility nearby where you can relax and soothe your fatigue after skiing. This ski resort is perfect for those seeking a quiet and peaceful environment, or those who want to enjoy a hot spring as part of their experience.

Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort

Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort boasts some of the most abundant snowfall in the area, and is popular for its tree runs and ungroomed slopes. The wide variety of courses that make use of the natural terrain can be enjoyed by skiers of all levels, from intermediate to advanced.

The adjacent Hotel Green Plaza Hakuba boasts 253 guest rooms, making it one of the largest in the area, and also boasts an extensive hot spring facility. After skiing, you can soak in the hot springs at the hotel and spend a blissful time soothing your daily fatigue. What's more, the resort offers a wide range of cuisine, from Japanese, Italian, fast food, and cafe menus, making it a resort that will satisfy even the most discerning gourmets.

In addition to skiing, the resort is also home to a wide range of facilities, including hot springs, restaurants, and shopping, making it a great place to stay and enjoy a comfortable stay.

A comprehensive guide to Hakuba Ski Village's attractions: access, safety, and a variety of ski resorts

Hakuba Ski Village is easily accessible from major cities such as Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, and is a popular winter sports destination that is both cost-effective and safe to visit. Not only is it easily accessible, but it also has a wide range of accommodation options and shuttle buses, making it an easy place to visit for first-time visitors and families.

The ski resorts introduced here - Hakuba Iwatake Snowfield, Tsugaike Mountain Resort, Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort, and Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort - are all attractive ski resorts with their own unique characteristics. They offer an environment that can be enjoyed by a wide range of skiers, from beginners to advanced skiers, so why not choose a ski resort that suits your needs and create some wonderful winter memories?