Set in Nagano Prefecture’s Kitaazumi District, the Hakuba area is best known as HAKUBA VALLEY, one of Japan’s largest and most exciting ski destinations. With multiple ski resorts spread across the valley, the sheer scale is impressive. From gentle beginner slopes to steep runs and powder-filled terrain for experts, there is something here for every level.

What really sets Hakuba apart is its lively, international vibe. Skiers and snowboarders from around the world gather here each winter, and the fun does not stop when the lifts close. The area is packed with great food spots, cozy cafés, and soothing hot springs, making après-ski just as enjoyable as time on the slopes. Whether you are chasing fresh powder or unwinding in an onsen, Hakuba delivers a winter escape that feels both adventurous and indulgent.

What keeps riders from around the world coming back to Hakuba year after year is its incredible combination of heavy snowfall and top-tier powder.

Hakuba regularly sees an astonishing 11 to 14 meters of snowfall each season, thanks to moisture-rich snow systems rolling in from the Sea of Japan. In higher-elevation areas, this snowfall turns into remarkably light, dry powder, creating conditions worthy of Hakuba’s reputation as one of the true homes of Japow.

What makes Hakuba especially appealing is the balance of its snow quality. Compared to Hokkaido’s ultra-dry powder, Hakuba snow contains just a touch more moisture. That slight difference helps build a solid, reliable base while still delivering deep, floaty turns on powder days. The result is a smooth, confidence-boosting ride that feels stable yet playful, even when the snow stacks up fast.

This abundant snowfall pairs perfectly with Hakuba’s dramatic terrain. Off-piste areas and tree runs are a major draw, especially at big-mountain resorts like Happo-One and Hakuba Goryu–47, where long vertical drops make every run feel epic. Many slopes also face north, meaning they stay shaded and preserve fresh snow longer throughout the day. From first chair to last run, Hakuba delivers consistently excellent conditions that keep the stoke high.

Hakuba’s biggest draw is that a wide variety of ski resorts are gathered within one expansive valley, all connected by the HAKUBA VALLEY TICKET, which lets you move freely between resorts. Few destinations offer this level of variety so seamlessly in one place.

If you are chasing steep slopes and long, thrilling runs, Happo-One is a must. It hosted events during the Winter Olympics and remains a favorite for experienced skiers and riders. For families or anyone who enjoys terrain parks, Hakuba Goryu and Hakuba 47 stand out. Hakuba 47 in particular is known as one of Japan’s top freestyle hubs, with serious parks and jump lines that attract riders from around the world.

On days when you want a quieter, more relaxed vibe, resorts like Sanosaka with its lake views, the friendly and local-feeling Jiigatake, or the calm atmosphere of Hakuba Norikura Onsen are excellent choices. Across the valley, English-friendly services and an international atmosphere are the norm, making Hakuba especially easy to enjoy for overseas visitors.

After a full day on the slopes, unwind in one of the many onsen or settle into comfortable accommodations scattered throughout the area. From world-class skiing to memorable après-ski, Hakuba delivers a complete snow resort experience that truly lives up to its global reputation.

Peak Season (January to February)
January and February are Hakuba’s peak months, when cold temperatures lock in deep snow and consistently excellent conditions. This is the most reliable time for light powder days and a solid snow base, with slope conditions at their best all season. The area comes alive with visitors from Japan and overseas, creating a lively, international atmosphere.

Early Season (December)
Hakuba’s ski season typically begins from early to mid-December. Operations usually start on higher-elevation terrain and runs supported by snowmaking, so skiable areas can be limited depending on snowfall. That said, crowds are lighter, making this a good time for a quieter start to the season and relaxed early turns.

Spring Ski Season (March to Early April)
From March through early April, spring skiing takes over. Warmer temperatures and clearer skies make for comfortable days on the slopes, with soft snow and well-groomed runs ideal for cruising. The contrast between lingering snow and the feel of early spring adds a unique charm to late-season skiing in Hakuba.

Getting to Hakuba is easier than it might look, and there are several smart options depending on your travel style. Here are three of the most popular ways to reach the valley.

Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano Station (about 80–100 minutes), then transfer to an express bus bound for the Hakuba area (around 60–70 minutes). It is fast, reliable, and comfortable, with no driving required. This is the most popular route for international visitors.

Direct buses run to Hakuba from major hubs such as Shinjuku (Busta Shinjuku), Ikebukuro, and even Haneda and Narita airports. This option is especially convenient if you are traveling with bulky ski or snowboard gear, as you can go straight from the city or airport to the mountains with minimal hassle.

Drivers from the Tokyo area usually access Hakuba via the Azumino IC, while those coming from Kansai or central Japan typically use the Itoigawa IC. Having a car is ideal if you want maximum flexibility to explore multiple resorts. Just be sure to come prepared for winter driving. Snow tires are essential, and a 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended. All major resorts offer ample parking.

The first ski resort we recommend for beginners in Hakuba is Jigatake Ski Resort. Most of the slopes are gentle, and the wide, open main run offers excellent visibility, making it an ideal place for first-time skiers and families making their snow debut.

Higher up the mountain, you will find mellow tree-lined intermediate runs where you can enjoy a quieter atmosphere and, on clear days, sweeping views over the Azumino area. In the kids’ zone, the “Troika” lift allows small children who cannot ride standard chairlifts to safely access sledding and play areas, making it especially popular with families.

Courses
Jigatake Ski Resort features a relaxed course layout centered on beginner to lower-intermediate skiers. The main Echo Slope is a wide, gentle run with excellent visibility, while the kids’ park includes a dedicated beginner area designed with safety in mind. Popular runs include the Kamoshika Course with a maximum length of about 4,900 feet (1,500 m) and a scenic forest course. For more confident skiers, courses such as Raicho, Rabbit, and Poruru offer slightly steeper terrain.

Lift Ticket Prices
・One-day lift ticket: Adults 5,400 yen / Seniors & students 4,400 yen / Children & dogs 3,200 yen

Rental Prices (Examples)
・Ski or snowboard set (1 day): Adults 4,500 yen / Children (elementary school age and under) 3,500 yen
・Ski wear set (1 day): Adults 4,000 yen / Children (ages 14 and under) 3,000 yen

Ski School
Jigatake Ski Resort offers a range of officially certified ski and snowboard schools focused on helping beginners and intermediates enjoy skiing safely and confidently. Options include SAJ-certified ski schools, SIA-certified academies, and JSBA-certified snowboard schools. Lessons are available for kids, adults, families, and private groups, with skill tests and junior certification programs also offered.

Family-Friendly Information
The kids’ park at Jiigatake provides a safe, dedicated space for young children to enjoy sledding and playing in the snow. Located within the family area, the gentle terrain is perfect for first-time snow experiences. Play equipment and snow-play facilities are available, allowing parents and children to relax and have fun together in a secure environment.

The second beginner-friendly ski resort we recommend is Able Hakuba Goryu, which features 24 courses spread across three areas: Alps-daira, Toomi, and Iimori. The high-altitude Alps-daira area is known for opening early in the season and staying open until Golden Week, offering one of the longest ski seasons in Hakuba. Excellent snow quality and sweeping views of the Northern Alps make this area especially popular.

The Toomi and Iimori areas are characterized by wide, gentle slopes, making them ideal for beginners, kids, and families. In the evening, visitors can also enjoy one of the largest night skiing areas in the region.

Courses
Able Hakuba Goryu offers a wide variety of terrain, ranging from gentle to moderate slopes for beginners and intermediates, to steeper sections and powder zones for advanced skiers and snowboarders. The Toomi and Alps-daira areas are connected, allowing for enjoyable long cruisers and tree runs. With lift access shared with Hakuba47, the range of terrain options expands even further.

Lift Ticket Types & Prices
・One-day lift ticket: Adults 9,500 yen / Seniors 9,000 yen / Youth (ages 13–22) 6,500 yen / Children (elementary school age) 4,500 yen

Representative Rental Prices
・Ski or snowboard set (1 day): Adults 6,200 yen / Children (18 and under) 2,500 yen
・Wear set, top and bottom (1 day): Adults 4,500 yen / Children (18 and under) 2,000 yen

Ski & Snowboard Schools
Several ski and snowboard schools operate at Able Hakuba Goryu, offering programs in Japanese, English, and other languages. In addition to the Hakuba Goryu Ski School, Hakuba Snow Sports School provides group and private lessons in English, Chinese, French, and more. Lessons are available for all levels, from first-timers to advanced riders, and are designed to be family-friendly.

Family-Friendly Information
The base facility, Escal Plaza, is well equipped for families, with a kids’ snow play area, the indoor play space “Woodland,” and childcare and daycare services. The Kids Area and sledding zones near the base make it easy for children to enjoy the snow, while nursing rooms and diaper-changing facilities ensure a comfortable experience for families spending the entire day at the resort.

Surrounded by forests and lakes, Hakuba Sanosaka Ski Resort is a relaxed, scenic ski area where around 80 percent of the terrain is designed for beginners and intermediate skiers. Some courses offer front-row views of frozen Lake Aoki in winter, making this resort especially popular with families and those who prefer to ski at an easy, unhurried pace.

The resort offers courses for a wide range of skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers. This makes it a reassuring choice for groups or families where everyone skis at a different level.

Courses
The resort features around 10 courses, including the scenic “Lake Down” run overlooking Lake Aoki. Most terrain is aimed at beginners and intermediates, with a longest run of about 2,100 meters and a vertical drop of approximately 460 meters. Tree-lined sections and limited ungroomed areas add variety, while the overall layout allows skiers to practice comfortably and enjoy beautiful lake views as they descend.

Lift Ticket Types & Prices
・One-day lift ticket: Adults 5,400 yen / Elementary school students 1,900 yen (includes Snow Friends Park admission)

Representative Rental Prices
・Ski or snowboard set (1 day): Adults 5,000 yen / Children (elementary school age and under) 2,000 yen
・Wear set, top and bottom (1 day): Adults 3,500 yen / Children (ages 14 and under) 1,500 yen
Note: Rental equipment must be reserved online in advance.

Ski & Snowboard Schools
Hakuba Sanosaka Ski Resort hosts six different ski and snowboard schools, offering lessons for everyone from young children to advanced riders. Some schools provide instruction in English and Chinese, making it easy for international visitors to improve their skills in a comfortable learning environment.

Family-Friendly Information
The resort features “Snow Friends Park,” equipped with a moving walkway, where children can enjoy snow play, sledding, and pre-ski practice in a safe setting. There is also a free-play zone for building snowmen and exploring the snow, giving kids plenty of space to play freely. On the second floor of Kastor Plaza, a dedicated kids’ room is available, allowing children to rest and warm up indoors after time on the snow.

Next, we move on to a resort especially recommended for advanced skiers and riders. Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort (pronounced "hah-poh-oh-nay") is one of Japan’s most iconic ski areas and was a main venue of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. The resort is also known for its wide range of on-mountain restaurants, where you can enjoy everything from Japanese comfort food to international cuisine.

With a vertical drop of over 1,000 meters from summit to base, Happo-One offers some of the most impressive terrain in Japan, along with high-quality powder snow. One of its standout features is the longest run, stretching up to 8,000 meters. The vast scale of the mountain means it is impossible to ski everything in a single day, making it a perfect destination for skiers looking for serious, big-mountain riding.

Courses
Happo-One features around 16 courses, with a longest run of approximately 8,000 meters and a vertical drop of 1,071 meters. Terrain ranges from gentle beginner slopes to steep advanced sections, including Olympic-level courses. The mid-mountain area connects a variety of popular runs such as Panorama, Kokusai, and Sakka, allowing skiers to freely combine routes and enjoy highly customizable long descents.

Lift Ticket Types & Prices
・One-day lift ticket: Adults 8,700 yen / Seniors 8,400 yen / Children (ages 6–17) 4,350 yen

There are many ski and snowboard rental shops around Hakuba Happo-One.

Representative Rental Prices
・Ski or snowboard set (1 day): Adults 5,000 yen / Children (elementary school age and under) 4,000 yen
・Wear set, top and bottom (1 day): Adults 4,000 yen / Children (ages 14 and under) 2,000 yen

Ski & Snowboard Schools
Happo-One is home to several partner and local ski schools, many of which offer lessons in English. For example, Evergreen International Ski School provides group and private lessons for both children and adults. The Happo-One Ski School also offers convenient lesson packages that include equipment rentals.

Family-Friendly Information
“Nakiyama Snowland” at Hakuba Happo-One is equipped with an 80-meter moving walkway and clearly separated areas for sledding and practice, making it safe for beginners and young children. The snow play area includes various play structures, food trucks, rest areas, and nursing rooms. Admission is a flat 1,500 yen for ages three and up, offering families a comfortable space to enjoy a full day in the snow.

The second ski resort recommended for advanced skiers is Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the northernmost peaks of the Northern Alps, the resort offers a romantic, almost private-resort atmosphere that feels far removed from the crowds.

The wide, open slopes include gentle courses suitable for beginners and families, but the real appeal lies in its more challenging terrain. With slopes reaching up to a 38° gradient and dedicated mogul courses, advanced skiers will find plenty to keep them engaged.

Hakuba Norikura is also known for its light, natural powder snow. In addition to alpine skiing and snowboarding, visitors can enjoy snow scooting, telemark skiing, and snowshoeing, making it a versatile destination for snow lovers.

Courses
The resort features 12 courses, with a strong focus on intermediate and advanced terrain. The longest run stretches approximately 2,500 meters. From the gentle Hakunori Family Course to wooded trails and expert-only lines, the variety is impressive. With a shared lift pass, skiers can also access neighboring Cortina, expanding the range of possible routes.

Lift Ticket Types & Prices
・One-day lift ticket: Adults 6,200 yen / Children (elementary school age) 3,500 yen

Representative Rental Prices
・Ski or snowboard set (1 day): Adults 5,500 yen / Children (elementary school age and under) 3,500 yen
・Wear set, top and bottom (1 day): Adults 4,000 yen / Children (ages 14 and under) 2,500 yen

Ski & Snowboard Schools
Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort has official ski and snowboard schools located around the slopes, offering SAJ- and JSBA-certified lessons. Programs range from kids and beginner classes to level-based instruction for skill improvement. “Frontier Hakuba” provides lessons primarily in English, as well as Indonesian, Italian, and Spanish. Private lessons in English and Chinese can also be booked through schools such as Evergreen.

Family-Friendly Information
The kids’ park is conveniently located right next to the hotel-side slope entrance, making access quick and easy. The entire area is enclosed with safety netting, allowing children to play freely and safely. A variety of snow-play equipment is available, and best of all, use of the kids’ park is free, making it a great option for families.

The third recommendation for advanced riders is Hakuba47 Winter Sports Park. Its snow park is one of the most popular in the Hakuba area and is an absolute must-see. From a full-scale halfpipe to kickers and a wide range of features in various sizes, the park is designed for riders who want to push their limits and refine their skills.

Courses
The resort features eight courses with a combined run length of approximately 13,570 meters and a maximum elevation of 1,614 meters. Hakuba47 is known for its varied natural terrain, including tree runs and a well-developed terrain park. With a wide selection of jumps and features, riders of all levels can progress at their own pace while enjoying the park-focused layout.

Lift Ticket Types & Prices
・One-day lift ticket: Adults 9,500 yen / Seniors (ages 65–79) 9,000 yen / Youth (ages 13–22) 6,500 yen / Children (ages 6–12) 4,500 yen

Representative Rental Prices
・Ski or snowboard set (1 day): Adults 6,000 yen / Children (ages 12 and under) 4,000 yen
・Wear set, top and bottom (1 day): Adults 5,000 yen / Children (ages 14 and under) 3,500 yen

Ski & Snowboard Schools
Hakuba47 hosts several schools, including the official Hakuba47 Ski Academy and Hakuba47 Snowboard School. Lessons are available in Japanese and English, with both group and private options. Programs cater to complete beginners through to advanced riders, and include kids’ lessons and fun-ski programs, making it easy to find the right fit.

Family-Friendly Information
The base center at Hakuba47 is equipped with a kids’ room featuring toys and rest areas, as well as a nursing room. These facilities make it easy for families with young children to spend the day comfortably at the resort.

HAKUBA VALLEY brings together ten ski resorts spread across the Hakuba, Otari, and Omachi areas. With the Hakuba Valley All-Area Lift Pass, you can ski at all of them using a single pass, making it easy to hop between different resorts in a single day and experience the valley’s incredible variety.

Passes are available in options ranging from one day to ten days, making them ideal for both short trips and longer stays. For example, the 10-day pass is valid for 16 days from the first day of use.

For the 2025–2026 season, a one-day all-area pass costs 10,400 yen for adults and 6,000 yen for children ages 6–12. Children under 6 ski for free. Purchasing in advance through the official online shop offers additional savings, so planning ahead is well worth it.

Another big advantage of HAKUBA VALLEY is its convenient shuttle bus network, which connects all of the ski resorts across the area. By choosing one base area, you can easily explore multiple resorts during your stay. While the shuttle buses normally require a fee, skiers using the Hakuba Valley All-Area Lift Pass can ride the shuttle buses for free on the same day they ski, which is a great bonus.

Please note that night skiing shuttle services and late-night shuttle buses are not included.

By making smart use of the all-area pass, you can ease into the trip on beginner-friendly slopes, then gradually step up to iconic Olympic courses once you find your rhythm. It is an ideal way to experience the full range of what Hakuba has to offer.

HAKUBA VALLEY offers an impressive range of ski resorts suited to everyone from first-time skiers to seasoned experts. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Northern Alps and some of Japan’s finest snow as you make the most of your winter getaway.