Hakuba is widely known as being a first class international resort with some of the best ski/board terrain and highest snowfall in all of Japan. The Hakuba Valley is a huge expanse of 10 ski resorts offering an incredible variety of terrain for skiers and snowboarders alike. Whether you want the steepest runs in Japan, tons of dry powder, terrain parks, half pipes or you’re looking for some easy ski runs, Hakuba has it all.

The host of the 1998 Winter Olympics and boasting over 1080m of vertical skiing, Hakuba is equivalent to many of the more widely known resorts of North America and Canada. It is easily accessible, only 4 hours from Tokyo and offers a real Japanese experience along with some great nightlife all within walking distance from our accommodation.

The combination of world class skiing, an incredible variety of terrain, state of the art lifts and gondolas and excellent grooming facilities makes Hakuba the skiing mecca of Japan. Situated in the heart of the Japanese Alps, the alpine scenery is truly spectacular with huge rugged peaks towering above the town below.

From one end of the Hakuba Valley to the other the 10 resorts access over 200 runs. At the southern end, Sun Alpina incorporates 3 ski areas to the linked resorts of Hakuba 47 and Goryu-Toomi, and the Olympic ski resort of Happo-One. On the northern end, Iwatake, Tsugaike, Norikura and Cortina resorts are all impressive and rate highly amongst skiers and boarders alike.

For Skiers
Hakuba provides some of the best skiing in all of Japan. It offers everything from gentle beginner slopes to steeps, bumps and long groomers, and of course plenty of fresh powder. The Happo-One resort, boasting some of the highest snowfalls and longest vertical pitches in all of Japan is Hakuba’s premier skiers mountain. Hakuba 47 and Goryu-Toomi challenges everyone from first timers to experts. Tsugaike and Iwatake are well suited to beginners and intermediates with long cruising trails providing an opportunity for non-stop uninterrupted skiing. Hakuba's reputation as a serious skiers destination is well balanced across all levels and offers something for everyone.

For Boarders
Endless half-pipes, terrain parks, gullies, hits and powder bowls earn Hakuba its reputation as the premiere destination for boarders also. From Sun Alpina to Hakuba Cortina the variety of terrain on offer is guaranteed to satisfy all levels. Beginners can learn to snowboard with great views, helpful instructors and gentle slopes at all of the resorts. For the experts, fantastic powder conditions, berms, jumps, half-pipes, terrain parks and plenty of freestyle action is waiting. Take your pick, as every resort has plenty on offer for snowboarders this winter in Hakuba. Favorites among the resorts are Hakuba 47 and Happo with their challenging and diverse terrain, Tsugiake's board park and Cortina with its light, dry, deep powder and ungroomed trails.

More Snow Activities
Hakuba provides an abundant variety of alpine alternatives and adventures for everyone to enjoy. Groomed cross-country courses wind their way through some of the most spectacular terrain to be found in the Japan Alps. Ski the Olympic cross-country courses or the scenic nordic courses at Minekata and Tsugaike ski resorts. Experience guided ski/snowboard and snowshoe tours in the Alps or try out snow tubing, tobogganing, snow rafting and spring Heli-skiing available at various resorts in the valley. For those wanting to have a break from the Alps, take in the history and culture of Nagano with tours departing from Hakuba to Matsumoto Castle, Nagano's famous Zenkoji Temple and the snow monkeys at Jigokudani hot springs.

Apres Entertainment
The town has a wide choice of Japanese and Western style restaurants and bars that cater to just about all tastes. Hakuba, by Japanese standards, has some of the best apres-ski entertainment around. Most hotels have lounge/bar areas, and the town's restaurants, bars and nightclubs open from around 6pm with many keeping the party going till late. Also popular at night with the Japanese are Isakaya's. These traditional style restaurants/bars offer a wide range of unique Japanese dishes and drinks in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.