Situated in the Northern Alps in Nagano Prefecture, Hakuba Valley is an international mountain resort frequented by winter sports enthusiasts the world over. This famous region includes the legendary slopes of Hakuba, Otari, and Ōmachi, and is very easy to get to from Tokyo.
With ten ski areas available, there are courses that cater to everyone from beginners to experts, ensuring an enjoyable time for anyone and everyone! This time, we selected six of the top ski areas in Hakuba Valley to introduce.
Related: Hakuba Valley – A Complete Guide to the Northern Alps of Nagano
1. Jiigatake Snow Resort
Jiigatake Snow Resort
Jiigatake Snow Resort is suitable for beginners too. Most of the ski slopes have a gentle incline, and are especially wide, giving you a full view of the entire area. It’s recommended for families who would like to try out skiing for the first time too!
The upper portion of the slope has a course with medium slopes and trees, and amidst this peaceful landscape, you can even see Azumino on clear days.
The kiddy slope also comes equipped with troikas, harnesses which allows young children, who normally can’t ride lifts, ride them safely. Sleighs are available for them to play with as well.
Jiigatake Snow Resort
4819 Taira, Omachi, Nagano 398-0001
0261-22-0551
http://www.jiigatake.com/
2. Hakuba Goryu Snow Resort
Hakuba Goryu Snow Resort
Hakuba Goryu Snow Resort consists of three slopes: the Alps-Daira, the Toomi, and the Iimori, with a grand total of fifteen courses. The Alps-Daira is the first slope to open during ski season and boasts one of the longest seasons, remaining open for skiing all the way until Golden Week in May. The beautiful snowscapes make it an excellent place to see the Northern Alps, too, resulting in its high popularity.
The other two slopes, the Toomi and Iimori, have wide slopes with gentle inclines and is recommended for beginners, children, and families. This is also the largest night skiing slope in the area.
Hakuba Goryu Snow Resort
22184-10 Kamishiro, Hakuba, Kitaazumi District, Nagano 399-9211
0261-75-2101
https://www.hakubaescal.com/winter
3. Hakuba Sanosaka Snow Resort
Hakuba Sanosaka Snow Resort
Surrounded by lush forests and a lake, the ski area of Hakuba Sanosaka Snow Resort is made up of 80% beginners and mid-level amateurs. One of the courses provides a splendid view of Lake Aoki in winter while skiing, making it a popular ski area for people looking to ski at their own pace, and with families.
The ski area also features a fully equipped mogul track certified by the Ski Association of Japan, making it an excellent place for people across a wide range of proficiencies to enjoy themselves. Be it with family or friends, even if you’re there with people of different levels of expertise, you can rest assured that everyone will enjoy themselves.
Hakuba Sanosaka Snow Resort
458 Kamishiro, Hakuba, Kitaazumi District, Nagano 399-9211
0261-75-2452
https://sanosaka.jp/
4. Hakuba Happo-One Snow Resort
Hakuba Happo-One Snow Resort
Next, we’ll introduce a few ski areas for more advanced skiers. The first of these is Hakuba Happo-One Snow Resort, …
