Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort, located in Hakuba Village in Nagano Prefecture, is a long-established ski destination set against the dramatic backdrop of the Northern Alps. The slopes are blanketed in 100% natural powder with a soft, silky feel. Courses range from gentle routes perfect for beginners to steep, ungroomed terrain that challenges intermediate and advanced skiers. With a snow park and halfpipe, the resort is also popular among snowboarders.

In recent years, more international visitors have been coming to experience Cortina’s excellent snow quality and diverse terrain. Access is convenient, with the resort about a 15-minute drive from Hakuba Station and within easy reach of Nagano City. This makes it a comfortable choice for both day trips and multi-day stays.

Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort offers something for every type of visitor, from complete beginners to experienced skiers and snowboarders. Gentle beginner slopes and dedicated kids’ areas make it an excellent place for children to enjoy their first time in the snow. The resort also features a Snow Play Park that operates during the day and into the evening, along with a kids’ house and ski lessons designed for young learners.

For more advanced riders, Cortina’s 100% natural powder blankets ungroomed trails, steep runs, and the snow park, creating plenty of excitement. Courses at around 1,400 meters provide sweeping views of the Northern Alps, adding to the sense of adventure.

With easy access from both Hakuba Station and Nagano City, the resort is convenient for day trips or longer stays. On-site hotels and relaxing hot springs make it a welcoming option for families, couples, and groups of friends, ensuring a comfortable and memorable visit.

One of the biggest highlights of Hakuba Cortina is its 16 ski courses, all covered in top-quality natural powder snow. The resort sits in a bowl-shaped area with the hotel at the base, and every course leads downhill to the same central location. This makes it easy for families and friends to meet up after each run, no matter which course they choose.

Because of this layout, the chance of getting lost on the slopes is very low, which adds an extra sense of security for beginners and families. Many visitors appreciate this natural, built-in safety feature along with the excellent snow quality.

Our top recommendation is the Ikenoda Slope. With a width of about 200 meters (about 650 feet) and a gentle gradient between 10 to 16 degrees, this is the resort's main slope that beginners and children can ski safely on.

At the very bottom of the slope is the Kid's Play Park, a playground for sledding or playing in the snow.

The Hieda-yama Course is an advanced run with a maximum slope of 42°. From the 1,400-meter summit, skiers can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Northern Alps, the Myoko mountain range, and more.

This is one of the best places to find quality powder snow in Hakuba Cortina Snow Resort and experts on snow activities should absolutely check it out!

If you want to enjoy a wide range of activities such as skiing, snowboarding, or racing, the Warabidaira slope is highly recommended. That means you can really focus on your techniques here, sliding and turning as much as you like on this course without having to worry about being a nuisance to another skier or snowboarder nearby.

Lift tickets are universal passes valid at both Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort and Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort. All lifts and courses at both resorts are available for use.
・Total number of lifts: 15
・Total number of courses: 30

Purchasing lift tickets online is significantly more economical than buying them at the ticket counter. For example, while an adult 1-day pass costs 6,200 yen at the counter, the online price is 5,400 yen, providing a discount of 800 yen. From the second online recharge onward, the price is even lower at 5,200 yen. For details, see the official website.

At the rental counter, a full range of ski and snowboard equipment, as well as ski wear (Jacket and pants), is available for rent. This allows visitors to enjoy skiing or snowboarding easily, making it convenient and reassuring for beginners and travelers. For details, see the official website.

At Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort, several ski schools offer lessons for a wide range of levels and needs.

Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort offers two dedicated areas for children: the Kids Park Area located on the slopes, and the Snow Play Park situated in a separate zone. Families can enjoy both areas, ensuring that even small children have a memorable and enjoyable time in the snow.


Kids Park Area
Located right in front of the hotel, this gentle slope area is perfect for small children and first-time snow play. Kids can try unique sleds and snow tubes, allowing families to enjoy winter fun together. With plenty of wide snow fields to run around, even beginners can play safely and comfortably. Admission is free.

Snow Play Park
This snow-themed activity park features a giant kamakura (snow dome) and a magical snow-covered forest. It is located about a 10-minute walk from the base area of Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort. The Snow Play Park offers two programs, “DAY” and “NIGHT,” allowing visitors to experience different activities and atmospheres depending on the time of day.

The DAY program is packed with exciting winter experiences unique to snowy regions. Highlights include enjoying a warm lunch inside a kamakura (snow dome), trying popular activities like snowshoeing and making ice treats on the snow. Visitors can also embark on a snowcat adventure across the sparkling snowfields, or collect sap from maple trees, available only during early spring, to make maple syrup and enjoy a cup of maple tea. The program is full of nature-based experiences that showcase the charm of a snowy landscape.

On the other hand, the NIGHT program offers magical nature experiences that can only be enjoyed after dark. Guests can experience the night kamakura illuminated by lanterns, enjoy nighttime sledding, gather around a bonfire, roast oversized marshmallows, and observe the star-filled sky.

It’s a perfect spot for creating unforgettable winter memories with activities that feel completely different from the daytime experience.

For details, see the official website.

At Hotel Green Plaza Hakuba, the official hotel of Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort, even non-guests can enjoy the on-site hot spring. Hakuba Cortina Bijin no Yu features a sodium bicarbonate spring known for its skin-beautifying properties. The water comes from the hotel’s own source, drawn from 1,221 meters underground at the base of the Northern Alps.

Fees: Adults 1,000 yen, elementary school children 500 yen (tax included), children under elementary school age free
Towels are provided free of charge, and body soap, shampoo, and conditioner are available.
To use the hot spring, please register at the hotel front desk.

Types of baths

At Hakuba Cortina Bijin no Yu, you can enjoy eight types of baths:
・Open-air rock bath: A rock bath with views of the Northern Alps
・Hinoki (cypress) bath: A relaxing bath infused with the scent of cypress
・Herbal bath: A medicinal bath that warms the body and promotes relaxation
・Pouring bath: A bath where water is poured over your body and head
・Loyly sauna (men only): A dry sauna with hot steam to promote sweating
・Mist sauna (men only): A high-humidity sauna for gentle relaxation
・Rock salt sauna (women only): A sauna with rock salt for beauty and sweating benefits
・Cold bath: A bath for cooling down after a sauna session

Resort Tattoo Policy
At Hakuba Cortina Bijin no Yu, guests with tattoos are not permitted to enter. However, 10 cm × 14.5 cm cover stickers (880 yen) are available for purchase, and guests may bathe if their tattoos are fully covered.

After a full day on the slopes, take a break and enjoy a warm meal while admiring the snowy scenery. Here are the main dining options at Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort.

Restaurant “Alps”
Located on the 2nd floor of Hotel Green Plaza Hakuba, this is the resort’s most popular restaurant. In addition to the classic “Cortina Curry,” the seasonal “Large Hill Curry” has joined the menu. Other offerings include ramen made with Shinshu miso and hearty hamburg steaks. Guests can enjoy a relaxed meal with views of the slopes.

Tea Lounge “Lyrical”
Situated on the 1st floor of Hotel Green Plaza Hakuba, this lounge serves a wide range of drinks, sweets, and lunch dishes. From coffee and light snacks to authentic Italian meals, it is the perfect place for a comfortable mid-ski break.

CAFE KONIS
Located next to the Warabi-daira slopes and the hotel, this café and food spot offers coffee and hot meals that warm you up instantly, ideal for a quick stop between runs. For more details, see the official website.

If you are staying at the official hotel, Hotel Green Plaza Hakuba, the Tea Lounge “Lyrical” is a great place to unwind. From 8 PM to 11 PM, the café restaurant transforms into a bar with a spacious, relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy drinks at your own pace. A two-hour all-you-can-drink plan is also available, featuring a variety of beverages such as beer, local sake, wine, and whiskey.

The recommended way to access Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort is by train and bus. Of course, you can also drive, but if you feel even slightly uncertain about driving on snowy roads, it’s better to avoid using a car.

Take a train to the nearest station, then transfer to a bus to reach Hakuba Cortina Snow Resort.

・From Azumino IC via Nagano Expressway: approximately 90 minutes
・From Nagano IC via Joshinetsu Expressway: aproximately 90 minutes
・From Itoigawa IC via Hokuriku Expressway: approximately 50 minutes

Please contact your planned hotel for inquiries.

Hakuba and its surrounding area offer plenty of attractions beyond skiing and snow play. Here are some representative spots that can help you plan your winter trip.

The Hakuba Ski Jump Stadium was used for ski jumping during the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics and remains an active venue for competitions. From the observation deck, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the jump hills and the Northern Alps, making it perfect for witnessing thrilling jumps and taking memorable photos. Family-friendly features include guided tours of the jump hills and photo spots, making it an ideal destination for winter sports enthusiasts and tourists alike.

Hakuba Oide Park is a nature-rich park offering views of snow-covered forests and the surrounding mountains. Walking paths and observation areas are available, making it ideal for scenic strolls and photography. With fewer visitors, the park offers a tranquil winter atmosphere, making it a perfect stop for sightseeing between skiing or hot spring visits.

The official hotel of Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort, Hotel Green Plaza Hakuba, comes highly recommended. This European-style resort features a distinctive red triangular roof and is conveniently located just a 10-second walk from the slopes.

Hakuba Cortina Snow Resort's much-acclaimed ski slopes are located just in front of the hotel building, so quick and easy to roll out of bed in the morning and get dressed for a day of sporting activity!

With plenty of rooms catering to different visitors' needs, whether large groups or individuals, everyone can feel welcome here, whether they fancy relaxing in a cozy Western-style room or lounging in a spacious maisonette.

Dinner is served buffet-style, with a staggering number of mouth-watering dishes to try. The Live Kitchen section is a highlight of the restaurant here.

This is where your chosen plate of sushi or teppanyaki is prepared fresh, right before your very eyes. And don't worry about the kids: it turns out there's plenty of children and baby food on the menu as well. No wonder families love this place!