Ride with the Hakuba Valley Pass for multi-resort access: Kashimayari, Jigatake, White Resort Hakuba Sanosaka, Able Hakuba Goryu, Hakuba 47, Hakuba Happo-one, Hakuba Norikura, Hakuba Iwatake, Tsugaike, and Hakuba Cortina．
Hakuba Happo-one Snow Resort, host of the 1998 Nagano Olympics, is renowned for steep slopes, an 1,071m vertical, and runs up to 8,000m. With terrain for all levels, great powder, and diverse dining options, it’s a top destination best enjoyed over multiple days.
ABLE Hakuba Goryu offers three ski areas—Alps-daira, Toomi, and Iimori—with 17 courses in total. Alps-daira stands out for its long season, lasting until Golden Week, and stunning North Alps views. Toomi and Iimori cater to beginners and families, with Toomi also featuring one of the area’s largest night skiing zones and well-maintained slopes.
Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park is famous for its lively snow park, featuring kickers and various fun items for riders. It’s a great spot to ski, snowboard, or simply watch others in action while enjoying the friendly atmosphere. From the summit, you can also connect to Hakuba Goryu, with both resorts accessible on a dual mountain pass.
Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field offers a 360° view of the Hakuba mountains, with a gondola ride to the summit. The resort features wide gentle slopes, challenging courses, a snow park, and cross-country trails for all levels. Non-skiers can enjoy the gondola, South lift, the HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR terrace, and IWATAKE WHITE PARK for scenic sightseeing.
Set against the 3,000m North Alps, this resort is known for heavy snowfall and stunning scenery. Its 1,200m-wide slopes are ideal for families and beginners, while the 4km gondola offers a scenic, non-stop ride to the top. Highlights include the famous “Tsuga-Pow DBD” powder zone, beginner-friendly long courses, kids’ areas, and relaxing onsen.
At the northern edge of the North Alps, this resort combines stunning views with a private, romantic feel. Wide, gentle slopes suit beginners and families, while advanced riders can tackle a steep 38° run or mogul course. With both groomed and ungroomed terrain, powder conditions shine here, and activities like snow scoot, telemark skiing, and snowshoeing add extra variety.
Late Nov–Dec
Resorts beging opening the lifts near the top of the mountain since higher altitude gets colder first.
Jan
Coldest temps and frequent storms. This period has the deepest snow.
Feb
Prime mix of powder and clearer windows in weather.
Mar–Apr
Sunny spring laps. Great for families and views.
Natural hot springs bubble through Hakuba—perfect post-ski.
Nagano comfort classics:
Fly into Tokyo (HND/NRT) or Matsumoto. Most visitors take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano, then a direct bus (≈1 hr) to Hakuba.
Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano, then bus to Happo or Echoland. Some limited express trains run to Hakuba Station via Matsumoto.
Hakuba Valley shuttles connect resorts all day. Check first/last-bus times—especially if finishing away from your base.
Alpine Terrain & Avalanche Safety
Hakuba’s steep alpine bowls and tree zones can be serious. Heed patrol, check local avalanche advisories, carry proper gear, and go with qualified guides if leaving the pistes.
