Hakuba, Honshu

Born2ski have been offering Group and individual trips to this our favourite ski area in Japan and with the added Plus of access to 10 Different ski areas – As Japan’s premier ski region, the Hakuba Valley offers more terrain, vertical rise and advanced ski slopes than anywhere in Japan. Having hosted the 1998 Winter Olympic Games and numerous FIS World Cup events, the Hakuba Valley has a well-established international reputation as a world-class ski destination.

From one end of the valley to the other and with 10 resorts accessing over 130 ski runs as well as providing access to incredible off-piste terrain of the Japan Alps, Hakuba’s reputation as a serious skiers and snowboarders’ destination is well balanced across all levels. This combination of world-class skiing, abundant snowfalls, sunny skies and over 9 ski resorts truly makes Hakuba Valley a precious gem among the rugged Japan Alps. From complete novices to expert skiers, the Hakuba Valley Lift Pass & area provides some of the best skiing in Japan.

There is everything from gentle beginner slopes, to steeps, bumps and long groomers, and of course, plenty of fresh powder. Happo One Resort is Hakuba Valley’s premier resort, boasting some of the highest snowfalls and longest vertical pitches in all of Japan, while Hakuba 47 and Goryu’s terrain challenges everyone from first timers to experts. Tsugaike and Iwatake resorts are also well suited to the beginner and intermediate levels, with long cruising trails and plenty of powder runs for those who wish to explore. Hakuba’s reputation as a serious skiers destination is often balanced with a unique ski area, offering something for everyone.

Endless half-pipes, terrain parks, gullies, hits, powder bowls and steeps are awaiting you this season in Hakuba. From Kashimayari to Hakuba Cortina, the variety of terrain on offer is guaranteed to satisfy all levels. For the beginner, learn to snowboard with great views, English speaking instructors and gentle slopes at any one of the ski resorts. For the experts, fantastic powder conditions, jumps, half-pipes, terrain parks and plentiful freestyle action is waiting to be experienced. Make your choice, as every resort has plenty to offer snowboarders any winter in Hakuba.

Favourites among the resorts are Happo & Hakuba 47 with their challenging terrain. Also, Tsugaike’s and Hakuba 47’s board parks and one of our favourites Cortina with its light, dry, deep powder and ungroomed trails are always popular.

The jewel of the Hakuba Valley, and the most famous resort on mainland Japan, Happo One (pronounce “oh-neh”) boasts 1,100 metres of vertical and four different ski base areas. Having hosted the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, and now renowned domestically and internationally, the resort has a large variety of runs and exceptional  backcountry opportunities.

Happo One Resort is located approximately 2 km from the Hakuba train station, the scenic drive up to the resort offers some of the most spectacular mountain back drops in all of Japan. The Happo village and Wadano areas surround the base of the resort, and here are the majority of the accommodations we use from Full Service Hotels with their own onsens to some excellent self catering apartments.

Happo-One is the largest and most popular resort in the Hakuba Valley having served as the host for the 1998 Olympics and the Free Ride World Tour. Happo boasts 1701 meters of vertical drop and has a steep pitch making it best suited for intermediate and advanced skiers.

Kid Friendly Spaces on Nakiyama and Saka Slopes

Cortina looks small, but looks are deceiving! Cortina is a powder mecca, boasting huge snowfalls, epic tree skiing, vast beginner’s areas and some very steep treed and piste runs. The secret is out about Cortina and powder hounds here especially after a dump, because everyone knows when it snows 30 cm in Happo, it dumped 50 cm in Cortina. With almost 15 metre snowfall per season, the small resort has a big backing of fans, and offers something for everyone. Come and experience the true “Japow” here!

There is an unmissable large resort hotel at the base with great facilities. The iconic red-roofed Tudor-style building is in fact Hakuba’s largest hotel with over 250 rooms, and can be seen from most runs acting as a point of reference to help you find your direction. There are a number of great restaurants you can choose for lunch, and an expansive hot spring bath separated into male and female.

Goryu is connected with Hakuba 47 & Iimori and offers some of the best terrain in the valley, from wide open beginner and intermediate runs to challenging steeps. With these resorts combined, the total skiable area is comparable to that of Happo One.

For those staying in central Hakuba, Goryu is the most popular resort for night skiing with extensive base facilities and restaurants. Goryu itself offers a number of great accommodations to suit all budgets, as well as a number of atmospheric bars and restaurants.

As Japan’s premier ski region, the Hakuba Valley offers more terrain, vertical rise and advanced ski slopes than anywhere in Japan. Having hosted the 1998 Winter Olympic Games and numerous FIS World Cup events, the Hakuba Valley has a well-established international reputation as a world-class ski destination.

Happo One Resort is Hakuba Valley’s premier resort, boasting some of the highest snowfalls and longest vertical pitches in all of Japan, while Hakuba 47 and Goryu’s terrain challenges everyone.