Japan has enjoyed its best season start for snowfall in over a decade, and by the start of January, its resorts had moved ahead of those in Europe and North America for snow depth, the first in the world to reach 3 metres (10 feet) lying on their upper runs.
Although there’s an urban myth that one particular Japanese ski area gets the most snowfall in the world on average each winter, it was actually the ski region of Hakuba Valley, with its 10 separate ski centres, that posted the deepest snow globally to start the new year.
Japan’s sensational ski region in the Hakuba Valley is located in the northwest corner of the country’s famously snowy Nagano Prefecture and lies just three hours from Tokyo, at the foot of the majestic 3,000m high Japanese Alps. The region hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics.
Altogether, there are 10 ski areas spread across 30km (19 miles) above the resort towns of Omachi City, Hakuba Village and Otari Village. The region has a reputation for offering the most abundant, light, powder snow in Japan, as well as being the country’s largest ski resort.
The Home of ‘Japow’
Hakuba Valley is one of the snowiest destinations in the world, receiving an average of around 10 metres (30 feet) of snowfall each season.
It’s not just any old heavy, wet snow piling up, either, but instead dry, light, fluffy powder which leaves you feeling like you’re floating weightless as you ski or ride through it.
It’s no surprise, therefore, that Hakuba Valley’s famously abundant powder snow has earned it the nickname ‘Japow’.
10 Ski Resorts
With 10 ski resorts, there’s terrain suited to every skill level, and it’s easy to mix and match during your stay in Hakuba Valley, with shuttle buses providing seamless access between all the resorts.
Hakuba Happo-One Snow Resort is one of Japan’s largest and most famous, boasting 1,071m of vertical and serving as a venue during the Nagano Winter Olympic Games. Home to some of the steepest pistes in the entire Valley—and all of Japan—it also caters to all standards and features runs up to 8km long.
White Resort HAKUBA SANOSAKA, on the other hand, is a much quieter resort known for its peaceful location, surrounded by lakes and forests, as well as its particularly high-quality powder snow.
Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field is a mid-sized ski area with eight chairlifts and a gondola. The slopes here offer 360-degree panoramic views of the Hakuba mountain range. There are slopes for all abilities, as well as a terrain park and cross-country ski trails. The newly unveiled gondola lift at Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort is a game-changer. Renovated for the first time in 38 years, the new lift boasts spacious cabins with strengthened resin glass panels, offering uninterrupted 360° panoramic views. Positioned parallel to the existing lift, the highlight lies between pylons 7 and 10, where riders are treated to an unparalleled aerial perspective of the majestic alpine scenery. This state-of-the-art addition ensures an unforgettable experience for skiers and sightseers alike.
Hakuba Norikura Onsen Snow Resort is located in a very private-feeling location in the northernmost part of the North Alps. There are wide, peaceful, beginner and family-friendly slopes here, but also a mogul run, freeride terrain and a steep course for expert skiers with a 38-degree pitch. Telemark skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoe excursions are also offered here.
Tsugaike Mountain Resort also offers wonderful views with its backdrop of 3,000m mountains known as the North Alps. There are wide slopes for families and beginners, as well as a powder zone known as “Tsuga-Pow DBD”. A gondola climbs 4km from the bottom right to the top of it all.
If you’re looking for mostly gentle, family-friendly terrain, Jigatake Snow Resort is a good choice, with 70% of its runs rated easy. Its main slope offers a wide and uncrowded area with good visibility. It is calm and quiet, and on a sunny day, you can enjoy fabulous views over Azumino.
Kashimayari Snow Resort Family Park is another great option for families and children. Its speciality lies in teaching beginners, with its “Winter Theme Park” adding to the fun. The popular “Pokemon Snow Adventure,” a snow tubing park with a total length of 150m, is a hit with visitors.
Hakuba Cortina Snow Resort takes some inspiration from its famous Italian namesake but gets much more snowfall, on average, than the original. It averages the highest annual totals in the Hakuba Valley. Cortina is particularly renowned for its incredible tree skiing in powder conditions. It is also popular for its ski-in and ski-out hotel accommodation, featuring 253 rooms, the largest in the region. The Italian influence extends to the restaurant options, alongside Japanese favourites, of course.
If you’re already an experienced freestyler and enjoy jumps and tricks—or would like to learn—the popular Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park is home to a professional-standard half-pipe, an excellent kicker and lots more features. From the top of the mountain, you can also ski over to neighbouring Hakuba Goryu, with both resorts included on a popular dual mountain pass.
ABLE Hakuba GORYU is renowned for its snow reliability through to Japan’s Golden Week holiday in early May. The resort’s high snow quality, panoramic views of the North Alps and night skiing on the Toomi slope are further attractions. There’s skiing here for all abilities.
Hakuba Valley Day Pass
With the Hakuba Valley Day Pass, you can explore all 10 ski resorts in the area on a single ticket so this day pass has you fully covered! With all 10 resorts located within a 30-kilometre radius, the Hakuba Valley Pass provides incredible flexibility and convenience. This means you can adapt your skiing plans effortlessly depending on weather conditions, fresh snowfall, or simply your current mood. Fancy some untouched powder in the morning and a peaceful scenic ride in the afternoon? It’s all possible! Even better, the pass comes with free access to the convenient Hakuba Valley Shuttle Bus, connecting all the resorts for seamless travel between them.
Discover more about the Hakuba Valley Day Pass here.
Make Time for Culture
One of the great joys of travelling to Japan is experiencing its rich and unique culture, which has an authenticity and sincerity that’s particularly appealing.
In the Hakuba Valley, the many options include exploring Matsumoto Castle, seeing the famous snow monkeys, and visiting historic temples, as well as taking a dip in the soothing hot springs (onsen baths).
You can also delight in the diverse range of dining options. From traditional Japanese dishes to vegetarian specialties and haute cuisine, there’s something for all tastes and budgets, with most ingredients sourced locally.
You’ll also find a wide range of accommodation options, from cosy, traditional ryokan to luxurious chalets and modern hotels.
For the world’s best snow—that’s legendary ‘Japow’!—an incredible choice of 10 different ski areas, rich culture, great food, and fantastic accommodation options—it’s time you headed to Hakuba!
All Images © Hiroya Nakata
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