Hakuba Maps

With its expansive terrain, checking Hakuba ski maps can be very helpful to understand the layout of Hakuba Valley  This traditional ski area is nestled under the dramatic peaks of the Japan Alps, with 10 individual ski resorts spread across 40km+ and spanning three distinct town and village areas which host a range of accommodation.  The Hakuba map starts at the most southern part of the valley and works its way northwards. First you’ll find the mountain town of Omachi, home to the lesser known Jiigatake resort and the lakeside ski area of Kashimayari. Next is the main village area lined with a number of popular ski areas including Sanosaka, Goryu, Hakuba 47, Happo-One and Iwatake. Towards the Japan Sea at the north end of the valley is Otari Village, famous for deep powder snow and home to Tsugaike, Norikura and Cortina. A shuttle bus system links Hakuba Base Camp in Echoland, Happo Bus Terminal and the accommodation bases with all 10 resorts on the Hakuba ski map.

Jiigatake is a small Hakuba ski area above Omachi village with only 4 lifts, 7 ski runs and a vertical drop of 260m, but is a delight for beginners and families seeking quiet, uncrowded ski terrain.

Nestled above Lake Aoki and below the towering Kashimayari twin peaks, the upper sections of this ski area are hidden from view at the base. As shown on the Kashimayari Hakuba Map below, there are 12 runs and 5 lifts providing excellent variety and a great spot to ski powder away from the crowds.

Located immediately above the beautiful Lake Aoki at the very southern end of Village, Sanosaka is small but very fun, and is relatively undiscovered on the Hakuba map. 6 chair lifts, 8 runs and views for days!

Goryu features 1 gondola, 11 chair lifts, 17 runs and a vertical drop of 926m. You’ll see it on the Hakuba map right next to Hakuba 47, as the two are inter-linked by their top lifts. At the base lies the Goryu village area which offers a nice selection of accommodation and restaurants.

One of the closest ski areas to Echoland, Hakuba 47 offers varied terrain serviced by 1 gondola and 5 lifts, as well as the valley’s best snow park. Connected to Goryu, these two resorts offer a combined area of 52 hectares and 26km of courses.

Flanked by popular accommodation areas Happo village and Wadano forest, Happo One is centrally located on the Hakuba ski map. The valley’s largest ski area has a top elevation of 1831m and an impressive 1071m vertical drop. Happo One will keep you busy with 13 courses, 21 chair lifts, 1 gondola and a longest run of 8km. Just looking at the Happo One map, you can see why this Olympic-famous resort is the jewel of the crown. Don’t miss the opportunity to check out the Winter Olympic Ski Jumping stadium located at the base of Happo One ski resort – you can take the chairlift to the top and imagine yourself as a ski jumper!

Iwatake is the only resort that you can ski down from the summit in every direction, giving some of the most spectacular 360 views in the valley. Iwatake has 1 gondola, 8 lifts, 26 runs and a vertical drop of 539m.

Tsugaike has the valley’s longest gondola travelling 4km in total from base to summit. The 20 minute ride is well worth the views and terrain accessible from the top of the mountain. Tsugaike comes in a close second for size, just behind Happo One. Tsugaike is home to Japan’s widest beginner slope which spans a huge 1.2km across, in addition to its 904m vertical drop, 14 runs, 17 chair lifts and 1 gondola.

Norikura is a quaint gem with 9 chairlifts, 16 courses and a 600m vertical drop. Its steep powder filled upper slopes and beginner friendly lower slopes are linked to Cortina next door.

6 lifts, 16 runs, 530m of vertical drop and Japan’s best steep and deep tree skiing. Cortina is the stuff of dreams. Even for those who aren’t off-piste experts, there’s plenty of fun to be had and seeing the incredible Hotel Green Plaza alone should be on your to-do list! Circle this one on your Hakuba map, it is truly unmissable!