Hakuba Valley

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Hakuba Valley is a popular ski resort area. The valley is well-known as a venue at the 1998 Winter Olympics giving it international recognition.

The area averages around 11 meters of annual snowfall and is one of the best places in Japan for skiing. There are 10 ski resorts, 146 ski lifts, and over 200 runs suitable for beginner to advanced levels. All 10 ski resorts are accessible via the Hakuba Valley Day Pass, a one-day pass for 6,600 yen.

To get to Hakuba from Nagano City, there is an express bus that takes about 75 minutes.

10 Ski Resorts in Hakuba Valley

Happo-one Ski Resort – Hakuba, Japan

Photo by buck82 / CC BY-NC 2.0

1. Happo-one

Happo-one is the largest and most central ski resort. It’s closest to Hakuba Station and the town. There are 22 lifts with 16 courses. Levels: 30% beginner, 50% intermediate, 20% advanced. It is popular with intermediate to advanced skiers.

Hakuba47 – Hakuba, Japan

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2. Hakuba47

Hakuba47 is next to Happo-one and it is the next most popular ski resort. There are 5 lifts. Levels: 30% beginner, 40% intermediate, 30% advanced. It is popular with advanced skiers.

Goryu – Hakuba, Japan

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3. Goryu

Goryu is next to Hakuba47 and has more slopes suitable for beginner and intermediate skiers. The same lift ticket can be used for both Hakuba47 and Goryu. It has 12 lifts. Levels: 25% beginner, 40% intermediate, 35% advanced. It’s 35 minutes via shuttle bus from Hakuba Valley.

Iwatake Mountain – Hakuba, Japan

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4. Iwatake Snow Field

Iwatake is on the other side of Happo-one. There are 15 courses and 16 lifts. The slopes are best for intermediate skiers. Levels: 30% beginner, 50% intermediate, 20% advanced.

Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort – Hakuba, Japan

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Otari Village

5. Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort

Tsugaike is the second largest ski resort with 20 lifts and 10 courses. It’s the best resort for beginners. Levels: 50% beginner, 30% intermediate, 20% advanced. It’s 35 minutes via shuttle bus from Hakuba Valley.

Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort – Hakuba, Japan

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6. Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort

Norikura Ski Resort is also good for beginners. Levels: 30% beginner, 40% intermediate, 30% advanced.

Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort – Hakuba, Japan

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7. Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort

Cortina is connected to Norikura Ski Resort. One lift ticket can be used at both resorts. It has 6 lifts and 16 courses. Levels: 40% beginner, 30% intermediate, 30% advanced. It’s 40 minutes via shuttle bus from Hakuba Valley.

Lake Aoki – Hakuba, Japan

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Other Resorts

8. Hakuba Sanosaka

Sanosaka has wonderful lake views and is less crowded. There are 5 lifts and 10 courses. Most suitable for beginner and intermediate levels. Levels: 40% beginner, 40% intermediate, 20% advanced. It’s 20 minutes via shuttle bus from Hakuba Valley.

Kashimayari – Hakuba, Japan

Photo by tsuda / CC BY-SA 2.0

9. Kashimayari

Kashimayari also has nice lake views and is less crowded. There are 5 lifts and 12 courses. Levels: 40% beginner, 45% intermediate, 15% advanced. It’s 30 minutes via shuttle bus from Hakuba Valley.

Hakuba47 – Hakuba, Japan

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10. Jiigatake

Jiigatake is a small resort that only has beginner and intermediate courses. It has gentle, wide slopes, which are good for children and beginner skiers. There are 4 lifts and 7 courses. Levels: 70% beginner, 30% intermediate. It’s 60 minutes via shuttle bus from Hakuba Valley.