Local Guide
Five recommended ski resorts in Hakuba and Omachi for 2026.

Located in the northwestern part of Nagano Prefecture, Hakuba Village is an internationally renowned mountain resort that was chosen as the stadium for the 1998 Nagano Olympics. It is characterized by the powder snow that the snow clouds coming from the Sea of Japan bring down over the 3,000-meter-high Alps, and the powerful scenery of the Northern Alps. There are many ski resorts, which can be visited with a common lift ticket. Here are some of the most popular slopes in the Hakuba area.

Connected to the neighboring ski area at the top of the mountain. Big slopes with a variety of courses.

 Alps Plain Slope, a mountain-top slope where you can ski while enjoying a spectacular view
Alps Plain Slope, a mountain-top slope where you can ski while enjoying a spectacular view

A ski resort where winter sports can be enjoyed from late December to late March. There are three unique slopes: Toomi Slope, Iimori Slope, and Alps Plain. In addition, the ski area is connected to the adjacent "Hakuba47 Winter Sports Park" at the top of the mountain and can be accessed with a common lift ticket. The scale of the park is the largest in Hakuba with 23 courses and 19 lifts. There are also dedicated areas such as racing courses and mogul courses, where everyone from beginners to advanced skiers can enjoy skiing at their own level.

Families will be comfortable at the well-equipped base center, where you can also enjoy hot springs.

 The base center
The base center "ESCAL Plaza" located right behind the entrance gate

During the peak season, the resort is open early in the morning and night skiing is also available so that you can ski as much as you want. The Property is also very convenient, with the entrance gate only a minute or two away from the parking lot. The base center, ESCAL Plaza, has a restaurant, souvenir store, sporting goods store, rental store, hot spring, and sleeping facilities.
There is also a dedicated area for kids right next to the ESCAL Plaza, where snow play items can be rented free of charge. There is also a dedicated kids' area indoors, so even small children can play safely.

Able Hakuba Goryu Ski Area
  • Address 22184-10 Kamishiro, Hakuba-mura, Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano MAP
  •  Direction 5 minutes drive from JR Kamishiro Station or 50 minutes from the Nagano IC of Joshinetsu Expressway.
  •   Direction Shuttle bus available from JR Kamishiro Station (check website for details)
  •  Hours of Operation Daytime: November 30, 2024 (Sat) - May 6, 2025 (Tue) 8:00 - 17:00
    Nighttime: Late December 2024 - Late March 2025 18:00 - 21:30
    Sunrise: Saturday, December 28, 2024 (Sat) - Wednesday, January 8, 2025 (Wed) and Sat/Sun and holidays from January 13 (Mon) - March 30 (Wed), 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
    *Depending on snow conditions
  •  Closed No holidays
  •  Admission Fee Lift ticket (Sun): Adults 8,500 yen, Junior/senior high school students 6,500 yen, Elementary school students 4,500 yen, Seniors (65-79+) 8,000 yen, Kids (under 6) and G-Seniors (80+) 500 yen
    Night skiing: Adults and seniors 5,500 yen, elementary school students and older 2,500 yen, kids and G-seniors 500 yen
    Sunrise: Available with a ticket that allows boarding in the morning on the same day (no additional charge)
    Other discount online tickets are also available. Check the website for details.
  •  TEL 0261-75-2101
  •  Parking Free of charge
  •  Memo For details on operating hours and lift ticket prices, please check the website.
    Night skiing and sunrise skiing are available only on Toomi slope.

A mecca for skiers, boasting an impressive scale.

Japan's leading ski resort, the site of the Nagano Olympics
Japan's leading ski resort, the site of the Nagano Olympics

As the center of the Hakuba area, it has fans all over the world. The 14 courses are full of unique features, such as the "Observation Course," which offers a view all the way to the Southern Alps, and the thrilling tree run. The "Riesen Slalom Course," a 3,000-meter-long, nonstop run, is particularly exhilarating.
Although the Olympic stage may sound like a high hurdle, the "Sakibana Slope" at the northern foot of the resort has many gentle slopes that are perfect for beginners. There is also a kids' park with a snow escalator, so small children can play safely.

Gourmet food is plentiful. Course lunches using local ingredients are also available.

 Example of a course lunch (from 4,950 yen) at Kitaone Kogen Dining *Information as of 2019.
Example of a course lunch (from 4,950 yen) at Kitaone Kogen Dining *Information as of 2019.

The food court, where you can enjoy local delicacies, is also a must-see. The food court features a variety of restaurants offering local Hakuba and Nagano foods, including Hakuba Happo's famous "Ohyokkuri Nabe" and Sanzoku-yaki Ramen, both typical of Shinshu, as well as pizza and Shinshu beer, both popular in Karuizawa.
Among them, Kita One Kogen Dining, which opened in February 2019, offers an authentic Italian course lunch. Enjoy a variety of dishes created by a young up-and-coming chef trained in Italy and other countries using local ingredients in a stylish wood-floored space with a stove. Gourmets will be delighted with such delicacies as Shinshu beef Bolognese and grilled Shinshu ginjo pork spare ribs.

As of December 2024, Kita One Kogen Dining is no longer in operation.

Hakuba Happo One Ski Area
  • Address Oaza Kitashiro, Hakuba-mura, Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano MAP
  •  Direction Approximately 12 minutes by car from JR Hakuba Station, or approximately 60 minutes from the Nagano IC of Joshinetsu Expressway.
  •   Direction Take a free shuttle bus from Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal (approx. 5 min. bus ride from JR Hakuba Station) and get off at "Nakiyama Slope", "Happo Gondola", "Kokusai Slope", "Sakibana Slope", etc.
  •  Hours of Operation November 30, 2024 (Sat) - May 6, 2025 (Tue) 8:00 - 16:00
  •  Admission Fee Lift ticket (Sun): Adults 8,000 yen, Elementary/Junior High/High School Students 4,000 yen, Seniors (65 and older) 7,700 yen
    High season prices. Preschool children are free. Discounts available for online reservations.
  •  TEL 0261-72-3066 (Happo Information Center)
  •  Parking Free of charge
  •  Memo For details on lift ticket prices and shuttle bus service, please check the website.

Spectacular slopes with a 360-degree panoramic view of the Northern Alps

 Exhilarating skiing on courses that make the most of the mountain terrain
Exhilarating skiing on courses that make the most of the mountain terrain

Hakuba Iwatake is the only independent peak in Hakuba Village and is a mountain resort with a 360-degree panoramic view. The mountain terrain is skillfully utilized in 26 courses, the most in the area. There are also 7 powder courses that offer a tree-run feeling, so even powder beginners can enjoy dynamic skiing with a spray of powder snow.
HAKUBA S-CLASS, the first VIP service in Japan, has been introduced. In addition to the use of two exclusive lounges on the slopes, priority boarding on gondolas and specific lifts, transportation to and from accommodations, and rental skis of high-end models (extra charge) are available. It is the perfect place for an adult winter vacation.

Cafes and terraces with spectacular views to satisfy both your stomach and your mind.

 HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR, a viewing terrace just a few minutes' walk from the gondola summit station
HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR, a viewing terrace just a few minutes' walk from the gondola summit station

For a place to rest after a hard day's skiing, we recommend the HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR, a café and terrace with a spectacular view of the Northern Alps. THE CITY BAKERY, a popular bakery from N.Y., is also located here, serving original food made from local ingredients, croissant sandwiches, muffins, scones, soups, and more. The "Hakuba Pork Croissant Sandwich" and "Hot Chocolate" topped with marshmallows are especially exquisite. The panoramic view of the Hakuba Sanzan Mountains and delicious food will make you feel refreshed.

Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field
  • Address Kitashiroiwatake, Hakuba Village, Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano Prefecture MAP
  •  Direction Approximately 8 minutes by car from JR Hakuba Station, or approximately 60 minutes from the Nagano IC of Joshinetsu Expressway or the Azumino IC of Nagano Expressway.
  •   Direction Shuttle bus available from JR Hakuba Station (charged)
  •  Hours of Operation Scheduled for December 20, 2024 (Fri) - March 30, 2025 (Mon), 8:00 - 16:00
  •  Regular holiday 0261-72-2474
  •  Admission Fee Lift ticket (1 day): Adults 6,500 yen, Elementary school students 4,000 yen, Seniors (60+) 6,100 yen
    There is a special online ticket available. For more information, please check the website for details.
  •  Parking Free of charge
  •  Memo For details on operating hours and lift ticket prices, please check the website.

Ideal for a debut on the slopes. Exhilarating skiing on a single slope!

 Even beginners can enjoy skiing on the wide single slope!
Even beginners can enjoy skiing on the wide single slope!

Located approximately 4 km north of Omachi Hot Spring Village, this is the southernmost ski resort in the Hakuba area. All seven courses on the slopes have no steep slopes and are suitable for beginners to intermediate skiers. In particular, the main slope is a wide single slope, making it ideal for beginners making their debut on the slopes.
Moreover, the base is 940 meters above sea level and the summit is 1,200 meters above sea level, so the amount and quality of snow are perfect. Especially during the top season, powder snow, which is unique to the Hakuba area, will not hurt you even if you fall down, so it is recommended for beginners. The upper part of the course is a quiet wooded area where you can enjoy the view of Azumino in the distance.

Troika" is also available on the children's slope. Easy for children to move around.

 Children smile when they feel the fun rattling sound of the gondola!
Children smile when they feel the fun rattling sound of the gondola!

The "Chibiko Slope" is equipped with a box-shaped lift, "Troika," which makes it easy for small children who cannot ride the lift to get around. The skiing and snowboarding lessons for children are also available, and even first-time skiers can quickly improve their skills.
For après-ski, a visit to the nearby Omachi Hot Spring Resort is also recommended. There are many one-day hot springs where you can relax after a long day of skiing.

Jigatake Ski Area
  • Address 4819 Taira, Omachi-shi, Nagano MAP
  •  Direction 15 min. by car from JR Shinano Omachi Station or 45 min. from Azumino IC of Chuo Expressway
  •  Hours of Operation Scheduled from December 12, 2025 (Fri) to mid-March, 2026 (8:00~17:00)
  •  Closed No holidays
  •  Admission Fee Lift ticket (Sun): Adults 5,400 yen, children (3 to junior high school students) 3,200 yen, students and seniors (60 and older) 4,400 yen
    Night skiing ticket: Adults 3,300 yen, children 2,200 yen
    Troika ticket: 200 yen for a single ticket, 2,000 yen for 11 tickets
  •  TEL 0261-22-0551
  •  Parking Free of charge
  • Memo For details on hours of operation and lift ticket prices, please check the website.

Easy Direction from the Azumino IC. Enjoy long runs and tree runs!

 Tree run powder course
Tree run powder course" with gentle slopes that beginners can easily try

This is the closest ski resort in the Hakuba area to the Azumino IC. The ski slopes with two summits have a lineup of 15 courses that take advantage of the undulations of the mountain, including the "Single Beech Downhill Course" where you can ski 2,000m at a stretch, the "Nakatsuna Super Forest Course" for beginners that is 3,000m long, and "Course 5-A" with its beautiful view. Course 5-A," which offers beautiful views. The "Tree Run Powder Course," which runs through the forests of "North Mt.

After skiing, enjoy a relaxing bath with a view and delicious food!

 A large bath with a panoramic view of the North Alps
A large bath with a panoramic view of the North Alps

Another attraction of the resort is the variety of after-skiing properties, such as a bath with a spectacular view and a stone-baked pizza restaurant. In particular, the "Highland Spa," a hot spring located in the accommodation Property in the middle of the central slope, is ideal for après-ski as Daytrip Destinations are also available. Outdoor hot springs are also available, and on a clear day, you can relieve your fatigue while enjoying a panoramic view of the Northern Alps (see the website for operating days).
After bathing, visit the restaurants and food court in Central Plaza 1130. From pork miso soup and ramen noodles made with Shinshu miso to gelato made with Jersey milk, there are many gourmet foods available to satisfy your hunger.

HAKUBA VALLEY Kashima-Yari Ski Area Family Park
  • Address 20490-4 Taira, Omachi-shi, Nagano MAP
  •  Direction Approximately 7 minutes by car from JR Yanba Station, or 50 minutes from the Azumino IC of Nagano Expressway.
  •   Direction Shuttle bus available from JR Shinano Omachi Station
  •  Hours of Operation December 14, 2024 (Sat) - Mid-March, 2025 8:30-16:00
  •  Closed No holidays
  •  Admission Fee Lift ticket (1 day): Adults 5,500 yen, high school and university students 4,500 yen, 3-year-old to junior high school students 3,000 yen
    Parent/child set ticket: 6,500 yen (1 adult or student + 1 child), etc.
  •  TEL 0261-23-1231
  •  Parking Free of charge
  • Memo For details on hours of operation and lift ticket prices, please check the website.
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.