Hakuba Ski Resort Guide

Hakuba boasts over 12 metres of annual snow fall with versatile terrain for all snow riders.

This amazing ski holiday destination has champagne powder, blue bird days, the Japanese experience all set against the breathtaking Alps. Would you believe this… it has been reported that out of the top 4 resorts in the world for the most annual snowfall, Japan holds 3 of them. Happo One is one of them.

Happo One

The resort with the biggest skiable area, most lifts, highest elevation, longest runs and best access to the back country area is right on your door step. The other main resorts of Goryu and Hakuba 47 are just a free shuttle ride away.

The King of the Hakuba Valley and centre of all resorts, Happo is the highest and most versatile resort in Hakuba. Wide open beginner to expert runs and no out of bounds rules make Happo one of the best choices of the Hakuba resorts.

A skiers and boarders first choice in Hakuba with a great children's area. Boasting more on-piste riding than any other ski area in Hakuba. The awesome back-country accessible from mid level and top lifts that will bring you to tears! Home of the 1998 Winter Olympics Downhill, GS and Nordic combined events.

Goryu - Hakuba 47

The combined Hakuba 47, Goryu-Toomi and Iimori is a diverse mountain with something to offer everyone.

Boasting the best halfpipe and terrain park in the area, as well as some of the steepest and challenging terrain has to offer, this mountain certainly caters for the intermediate/advances skiers and riders. With north-west facing mountains, most of the area is unaffected by the sun, giving it consist dry powder conditions.

Iwatake

With many intermediate level slopes this resort is dedicated to skiers and boarders needs. Featuring a great halfpipe and a lot of wide open terrain, Iwatake is a popular resort on weekends with the locals. A great place to take the family.

Highland 

This small resort located on the other side of the valley is best suited to beginners or young families. For the best photos of Hakuba town, Happo and 47/Goryu you can’t beat this location.

Cortina

Located at the northern end of the Valley, Cortina is often forgotten about. For those who are in the know, this considered to be Hakuba’s best kept secret! Although this is a small resort, Cortina receives the highest snowfall in the valley, boasting a huge bowl and with frequent big dumps offers endless runs of untouched deep powder and challenging tree lines and chutes. Recommended for advanced skiers and boarder. NB: Cortina Resort is not included in the Hakuba All Mountain Lift Pass.

Tsugaike Kogen

Perhaps the most under-rated large ski resort in the area, with excellent snow & facilities, including the area's longest gondola, and an excellent onsen (natural hot spring). Apart from the deep snow cover, the quality of the snow is excellent with extensive runs, and the season extends well into spring. For added excitement Tsugaike Kogen has helicopter skiing in spring, and its massive powder bowls attract an increasing number of people to venture into its vast back-country on snowshoes or telemark skis to enjoy perfect powder conditions.

Snow Conditions

The season in Hakuba lasts from the beginning of December until the beginning of May. There are usually guaranteed powder conditions from mid December to mid March. Hakuba boasts over 11 metres of annual snow fall with versatile terrain for all snow riders. This amazing ski holiday destination has champagne powder, blue bird days, the Japanese experience all set against the breathtaking Alps. Would you believe this… it has been reported that out of the top 4 resorts in the world for the most annual snowfall, Japan holds 3 of them. Happo One is one of them.

Hakuba Snow Forecasts

Happo-One Report from Snow-Forecast.com
Japanese Meteorological Agency Snow Report
Hakuba Info at SnowJapan.com