Hakuba Valley refers to a vast ski resort area spread across the foothills of the Northern Japan Alps in northwestern Nagano Prefecture. It spans Hakuba Village, Otari Village, and Omachi City, bringing together more than ten interconnected ski resorts. As one of Japan’s premier snow destinations, it attracts visitors from all over the world. Among international travelers, Hakuba Valley is celebrated as the “Winter Resort of the Japan Alps,” rivaling Hokkaido’s famous Niseko in popularity.
1. Looking Back on the 2024–25 Season
The 2024–25 season saw record-breaking snowfall — one of the heaviest in decades. For example, Hakuba Happo-one reported a mid-mountain snow depth of 782 cm by mid-February, the highest in about 60 years of recorded history. Frequent snow days and a stable snow base provided excellent conditions for powder and off-piste skiing. With consistently cold temperatures, especially at higher elevations, the snow remained light and dry well into spring — truly a “once-in-several-years” exceptional season.
2. Mountain Terrain and Landscape
Hakuba Valley is surrounded by towering 3,000-meter peaks of the Northern Alps. Its steep terrain and abundant snowfall make it one of the best destinations in the world for powder skiing. The area offers ideal conditions for backcountry skiing and snowboarding, complemented by breathtaking alpine scenery. The three iconic peaks — Mt. Shirouma, Mt. Shakushi, and Mt. Yari — form the symbolic “Hakuba Sanzan” range that defines the valley’s landscape.
3. Featured Ski Resorts
- Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort
One of Japan’s largest resorts and a venue for the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics alpine events. With over 1,000 meters of vertical drop, it offers a variety of long, challenging runs. - Hakuba Goryu & Hakuba47
Linked by gondola, these two resorts feature a wide range of trails for beginners to experts. Hakuba47 is also a hub for terrain park enthusiasts and backcountry access. - Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort
Known for its wide and gentle slopes, perfect for families and beginners. From the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Chubu-Sangaku National Park. - Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field
At 1,289 meters, Iwatake offers 360° views of the Northern Alps. Recently, it’s also become a popular summer mountain resort.
In total, ten ski resorts in the Hakuba Valley are connected via a common lift pass and shuttle bus network, allowing skiers and snowboarders to explore the entire region freely with a single ticket.
4. Hakuba Valley Common Lift Pass
The Hakuba Valley All-Mountain Lift Pass can be used across all ten resorts — Happo-One, Goryu, Hakuba47, Tsugaike Kogen, Iwatake, Cortina, Norikura Onsen, Sanosaka, Kashimayari, and Jiigatake. With just one pass, visitors can ski anywhere in the valley. Sales for the 2025–26 season have already begun.
Hakuba Valley Day Pass Prices
| Type of Ticket | Price | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Pass | Adult ¥10,400 Child ¥6,000 |
Valid only on the day of use. |
| 2-Day Pass | Adult ¥20,400 Child ¥11,700 |
Valid for 4 days from the first day of use. |
| 3-Day Pass | Adult ¥30,200 Child ¥17,000 |
Valid for 6 days from the first day of use. |
| 4-Day Pass | Adult ¥40,100 Child ¥22,400 |
Valid for 8 days from the first day of use. |
| 5-Day Pass | Adult ¥50,000 Child ¥27,900 |
Valid for 10 days from the first day of use. |
| 6-Day Pass | Adult ¥59,900 Child ¥33,600 |
Valid for 11 days from the first day of use. |
| 7-Day Pass | Adult ¥69,800 Child ¥39,100 |
Valid for 12 days from the first day of use. |
| 8-Day Pass | Adult ¥79,700 Child ¥44,600 |
Valid for 13 days from the first day of use. |
| 9-Day Pass | Adult ¥89,500 Child ¥49,600 |
Valid for 14 days from the first day of use. |
| 10-Day Pass | Adult ¥99,400 Child ¥55,100 |
Valid for 16 days from the first day of use. |
- Adults: Age 13 and above
- Children: Ages 6–12
- Preschoolers (under 6): Free (Jiigatake and Kashimayari Family Park are free for children under 3)
- Valid across all ski resorts within the Hakuba Valley area. You can visit multiple resorts in one day.
- Free shuttle service between resorts on the same day of pass usage (regular daytime routes only).
- Night skiing and night shuttle buses are not included.
5. Conclusion
Hakuba Valley offers an expansive playground for every type of skier. Whether you’re searching for your perfect run or aiming to conquer all ten mountains, the choice is yours. While it’s true that Hakuba has become increasingly popular among international visitors, its vast size means not every area is crowded. Finding your favorite resort may be part of the adventure itself.
Even if you can only stay for a short time, there are countless ways to enjoy the Hakuba experience. Through this blog, we’ll continue to share the latest updates and hidden charms of Hakuba Valley — Japan’s gateway to the Alps.
