Hakuba, Japan
Hakuba is one of Japan’s most established and diverse ski regions, set in the dramatic Japanese Alps and home to 10 interconnected resorts offering terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Known for its big mountains, reliable snowfall, natural hot springs and vibrant village atmosphere, Hakuba combines alpine scenery with one of the widest ranges of ski accommodation in Japan, from traditional ryokan and family-friendly hotels to modern apartments and luxury chalets. With excellent access, strong resort infrastructure and a broad choice of places to stay, Hakuba Valley is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding mountains.
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10 Hakuba Ski Resorts
With seemingly endless ski terrain, lots of different village areas to explore and a rich cultural experience to indulge in, Hakuba ski resorts offer a place to stay like no other! Here they are listed, not in order of size or importance, but from South to North along the valley.
Jiigatake Ski Resort
Located at the southern end of Hakuba Valley near the town of Omachi, Jiigatake is the smallest Hakuba ski resort. If you are looking for a calm beginner and family friendly resort with zero crowds, then Jiigatake is just the ticket. With just a handful of lifts and gentle wide open slopes, this resort is a paradise for beginners. Additionally, there is a kids sledging area and snowmobiling forest tours on offer.
| 2024-25 Season | Mid-December – Mid-March* |
| Snowfall | 12 metres+ |
| Elevation | 1,200 metres |
| Base | 940 metres |
| Vertical | 260 metres |
| Park | No |
| Lifts | 0 Gondolas / 4 Lifts |
| Terrain | 70% Beginner / 30% Intermediate / 12% Expert |
| Best for | Empty runs, beginners, kids |
| Trail Map | Go To Hakuba Maps |
| Lift Pass | Hakuba Ski Pass, Epic Pass |
| Official Site | https://jiigatake.com |
* Season dates provided here are subject to change as resort opening and closing information may be updated.
HAKUBA JIIGATAKE ACCOMMODATIONKashimayari Ski Resort
Kashimayari is an uncrowded and undiscovered Hakuba ski resort. With varied runs, Japan’s longest snow tubing course and spectacular views of Lake Aoki and the surrounding peaks, this quiet resort offers the chance for everyone to enjoy skiing in Hakuba powder!
| 2024-25 Season | December 14th – Mid-March* |
| Snowfall | 12 metres+ |
| Elevation | 1,550 metres |
| Base | 830 metres |
| Vertical | 720 metres |
| Park | No |
| Lifts | 0 Gondolas / 5 Lifts |
| Terrain | 40% Beginner / 45% Intermediate / 15% Expert |
| Best for | Off the beaten track, beginners, snow-tubing, views |
| Trail Map | Go To Hakuba Maps |
| Lift Pass | Hakuba Ski Pass, Epic Pass |
| Official Site | https://www-kashimayari-net.translate |
* Season dates provided here are subject to change as resort opening and closing information may be updated.
HAKUBA KASHIMAYARI ACCOMMODATIONSanosaka Ski Resort
Primarily famed for its spectacular views of Lake Aoki and quiet slopes, Sanosaka is a Hakuba ski resort popular with families. Beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders will love the slopes here. A mellow resort, but perfect for all levels of skier who want to escape the crowds and soak up beautiful alpine views.
| 2024-25 Season | Late December – Late March* |
| Snowfall | 12 metres+ |
| Elevation | 1,200 metres |
| Base | 740 metres |
| Vertical | 460 metres |
| Park | No |
| Lifts | 0 Gondolas / 5 Lifts |
| Terrain | 40% Beginner / 40% Intermediate / 20% Expert |
| Best for | Quiet resort, beginners, intermediates, lake views |
| Trail Map | Go To Hakuba Maps |
| Lift Pass | Hakuba Ski Pass, Epic Pass |
| Official Site | https://sanosaka.jp/ |
* Season dates provided here are subject to change as resort opening and closing information may be updated.
HAKUBA SANOSAKA ACCOMMODATIONGoryu Ski Resort
Connected to Hakuba 47 resort, Goryu has three main areas. The Toomi and Iimori lower slope areas are ideal for beginners and families while Alps Daira, on Goryu’s upper slopes, offers sensational views of Hakuba Valley and is perfectly suited to intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The Escal Plaza base building offers an abundance of facilities including shops and a large variety of restaurant and dining options. The Toomi slope is open daily in the evenings for night skiing.
| 2024-25 Season | Late November – Early May* |
| Snowfall | 12 metres+ |
| Elevation | 1,676 metres |
| Base | 750 metres |
| Vertical | 926 metres |
| Park | No (lift connection to Hakuba 47 Park|) |
| Lifts | 1 Gondola / 12 Lifts |
| Terrain | 35% Beginner / 40% Intermediate / 25% Expert |
| Best for | Groomed runs, intermediates, night skiing |
| Trail Map | Go To Hakuba Maps |
| Ski Pass | Hakuba Ski Pass, Epic Pass |
| Official Site | https://www.hakubaescal.com |
* Season dates provided here are subject to change as resort opening and closing information may be updated.
HAKUBA GORYU ACCOMMODATIONHakuba 47 Ski Resort
Hakuba 47 features the best terrain park of any Hakuba ski resort, with a half pipe and a variety of jumps and rails. Skiing in Hakuba 47 is varied and fun, so suitable for families, and powder seekers will love the tree riding zones. Just don’t forget to register at the base area to become a member to get access to these off-piste areas. Linked to Goryu ski resort, these two areas provide a good variety of terrain options and are easily accessible from the popular Echoland Hakuba accommodation area.
| 2024-25 Season | Late November – Early May* |
| Snowfall | 12 metres+ |
| Elevation | 1,614 metres |
| Base | 820 metres |
| Vertical | 794 metres |
| Park | Yes |
| Lifts | 1 Gondola / 6 Lifts |
| Terrain | 30% Beginner / 40% Intermediate / 30% Expert |
| Best for | Park, Echoland, off-piste powder (register first!) |
| Trail Map | Go To Hakuba Maps |
| Lift Pass | Hakuba Ski Pass, Epic Pass |
| Official Site | https://www.hakuba47.co.jp/ |
* Season dates provided here are subject to change as resort opening and closing information may be updated.
HAKUBA 47 ACCOMMODATIONHappo One Ski Resort
Centrally located in the valley, Happo One is the largest and most popular Hakuba ski resort and home to more Hakuba accommodation than any of Hakuba’s other ski areas. With a few beginner slopes around the lower base areas, Happo’s predominantly steeper and open slopes are best suited to intermediate and advanced skiers wanting to experience the most renowned piste skiing in Hakuba. Japan Alps’ impressive mountain peaks tower over the resort, making for a spectacular backdrop. Whether you are looking for prestigious Hakuba hotels such as Tokyu and the Mominoki, apartments or lodges, you can find them all at the base of Happo.
| 2024-25 Season | December 1st – May 6th* |
| Snowfall | 12 metres+ |
| Elevation | 1,831 metres |
| Base | 760 metres |
| Vertical | 1071 metres |
| Park | No |
| Lifts | 1 Gondola / 22 Lifts |
| Terrain | 30% Beginner / 50% Intermediate / 20% Expert |
| Best for | Long vertical, steep terrain, accommodation base |
| Trail Map | Go To Hakuba Maps |
| Lift Pass | Hakuba Ski Pass, Epic Pass |
| Official Site | https://www.happo-one.jp |
* Season dates provided here are subject to change as resort opening and closing information may be updated.
HAPPO ONE ACCOMMODATIONIwatake Ski Resort
With a good variety of slopes, and offering 360 panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valley, Iwatake is a fun and cruisy resort loved by intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The resort has grown in popularity and attracted a lot of attention in recent years thanks to the spectacular Hakuba Mountain Harbor viewing platform and City Bakery.
| 2024-25 Season | Mid-December – Late March* |
| Snowfall | 12 metres+ |
| Elevation | 1,289 metres |
| Base | 750 metres |
| Vertical | 539 metres |
| Park | Yes |
| Lifts | 1 Gondola / 10 Lifts |
| Terrain | 30% Beginner / 50% Intermediate / 20% Expert |
| Best for | Alpine scenery, cruisy groomers, intermediates |
| Trail Map | Go To Hakuba Maps |
| Lift Pass | Hakuba Ski Pass, Epic Pass |
| Official Site | https://iwatake-mountain-resort.com |
* Season dates provided here are subject to change as resort opening and closing information may be updated.
HAKUBA IWATAKE ACCOMMODATIONTsugaike Ski Resort
One of the largest Hakuba resorts, Tsugaike offers incredible variety and typically very quiet slopes. With stunning alpine scenery, long runs perfect for intermediates to cruise down, backcountry access, superb tree skiing and Japan’s largest beginner slope area, this emerging gem is a true Hakuba skiing highlight.
| 2024-25 Season | December 1st – May 6th* |
| Snowfall | 12 metres+ |
| Elevation | 1,704 metres |
| Base | 800 metres |
| Vertical | 904 metres |
| Park | Yes |
| Lifts | 1 Gondola / 18 Lifts |
| Terrain | 50% Beginner / 30% Intermediate / 20% Expert |
| Best for | Wide, easy groomers, off-piste tree skiing |
| Trail Map | Go To Hakuba Maps |
| Lift Pass | Hakuba Ski Pass, Epic Pass |
| Official Site | https://www.tsugaike.gr.jp |
* Season dates provided here are subject to change as resort opening and closing information may be updated.
HAKUBA TSUGAIKE ACCOMMODATIONNorikura Ski Resort
Linked to Cortina, Norikura is an often overlooked Hakuba ski resort, but the quiet lower slopes are beginner and family friendly, while the upper slopes offer fun terrain for freeriding in deep powder. A magical place that reminds us of what skiing in Hakuba used to be like, in a good way!
| 2024-25 Season | December 14th – March 30th* |
| Snowfall | 12 metres+ |
| Elevation | 1,300 metres |
| Base | 700 metres |
| Vertical | 600 metres |
| Park | Yes |
| Lifts | 0 Gondolas / 9 Lifts |
| Terrain | 30% Beginner / 50% Intermediate / 20% Expert |
| Best for | Quiet resort, beginners, new lift & powder access |
| Trail Map | Go To Hakuba Maps |
| Lift Pass | Hakuba Ski Pass, Epic Pass |
| Official Site | https://www.hakunori.com |
* Season dates provided here are subject to change as resort opening and closing information may be updated.
HAKUBA NORIKURA ACCOMMODATIONCortina Ski Resort
Famed for its steep and deep tree skiing, Cortina resort is unmissable for true off-piste enthusiasts. Famous for the huge iconic Hakuba Green Plaza Hotel at its base and arguably the valley’s best powder, Cortina is the Hakuba ski resort local powder hounds can no longer keep secret!
| 2024-25 Season | December 14th – March 30th* |
| Snowfall | 12 metres+ |
| Elevation | 1,402 metres |
| Base | 872 metres |
| Vertical | 530 metres |
| Park | No |
| Lifts | 0 Gondolas / 6 Lifts |
| Terrain | 40% Beginner / 30% Intermediate / 30% Expert |
| Best for | Powder trees, hotel onsen overlooking ski resort |
| Trail Map | Go To Hakuba Maps |
| Lift Pass | Hakuba Ski Pass, Epic Pass |
| Official Site | https://www.hgp.co.jp/cortina |
* Season dates provided here are subject to change as resort opening and closing information may be updated.
HAKUBA CORTINA ACCOMMODATIONWhy Choose Hakuba
Hakuba is one of Japan’s most extensive and diverse ski regions, offering vast terrain, dramatic alpine scenery and consistently strong snow conditions. Spread across 10 separate resorts, Hakuba provides exceptional variety, from steep alpine faces and tree skiing to wide groomed runs and beginner-friendly areas. The valley is also home to multiple villages, each offering a different atmosphere and style of accommodation. Echoland is a lively international hub with a strong restaurant scene, Wadano offers convenient access to Happo One, and areas such as Tsugaike provide a more relaxed, traditional feel. This range of villages is matched by one of the broadest selections of accommodation in Japan, making it easy to find the right base for your stay.
Hakuba and Niseko are often compared, but they offer very different experiences. While Niseko is centred around a single mountain, Hakuba’s resorts are spread along a long valley, giving visitors the choice to stay in one village or explore different areas across the region. Hakuba’s location on mainland Honshu brings heavy snowfall, high-altitude terrain with runs starting above 1,800m, and reliable conditions throughout the season. Combined with its traditional towns, cultural attractions and wide range of places to stay, Hakuba offers a unique balance of big mountain skiing and authentic Japanese atmosphere.
What's New in Hakuba
From spectacular new luxury properties to the emergence of smaller, lesser known Hakuba ski resorts, a lot has been going on in Hakuba Japan over the past few years. We hope you might make it over this winter to check it out for the first time since the pandemic, but if not, here’s the lowdown!
New Hakuba Accommodation
Luxury apartments, oversized chalets and more
The Hakuba accommodation boom hasn’t slowed down while international visitors have been away. From ski in ski out Happo One properties like Roka Apartments, to an explosion of large, luxury, private chalets in Echoland such as Gravity, Echo Rocks and The Castle, and the beautiful Hakuba Amber Resort in Misorano, there is more choice than ever!
Hakuba Mountain Harbour
Spectacular Viewing Area & City Bakery at Iwatake Ski Resort
Not a brand new development, Hakuba Mountain Harbour opened for the 2018-19 ski season, but with Japan’s borders closed since 2020, most international visitors won’t have made it over there yet. Iwatake ski resort is a fantastic ski area with amazing groomed runs and spectacular scenery, so this Hakuba Valley viewing area and City Bakery provide the perfect excuse to go and check it out!
Snow Peak Land Station Hakuba
Retail, Restaurant, Starbuck, Tourist Info & Events
An inspiring architectural achievement, Snow Peak Land Station Hakuba adds to an already impressive retail line up in Hakuba and provides the sort of space that helps to define a world-class ski area. Offering first class facilities and tourist information while providing spectacular vistas of the surrounding Hakuba Valley scenery from the glass structure, this venue will be an exciting place to visit when you stay.
STAYS IN HAKUBA
Japan Ski Experience are Hakuba accommodation specialists, offering access to one of the widest ranges of places to stay across the Hakuba Valley, including current early booking offers. Our local team provides clear, practical advice to help you find and book the right accommodation for your dates and preferences, with responsive support through to your arrival in resort.
GET A HAKUBA ACCOMMODATION QUOTEEXCLUSIVE VOUCHER
Don’t Miss Out!
Register your Interest for 2026-27 and Receive a ¥10,000 Voucher
2026-27 accommodation bookings will open in the Spring. Register your interest now and we will be in touch as soon as bookings open with early bird discounts. Your ¥10,000 voucher can be used for any 2026-27 accommodation booking.