Hakuba Valley

10 linked ski areas in the Japanese Alps, host of 1998 Olympic downhill races with incredible powder and terrain variety.

Key Stats

Vertical Drop
1,071m (3,514ft)
The height difference between the top and bottom of the mountain
Summit Elevation
2,696m (8,845ft)
How high the highest lift or peak reaches
Base Elevation
703m (2,306ft)
Height of the main base village — higher means cooler, drier snow
Annual Snowfall
1,143cm (450in)
Average annual natural snowfall — higher is better for powder days
Trails
137
Total number of marked runs on the trail map
Lifts
59
Total number of lifts including chairlifts, gondolas, and t-bars
Resort Size
105 km of pistes
Marked piste length across the lift-linked area

Terrain Breakdown

The percentage of marked trails in each difficulty level. A higher beginner percentage means more terrain suitable for novices and families; a higher advanced percentage means more challenge for experts.

Beginner
30%
Intermediate
40%
Advanced
30%

Best For

PowderOff-pisteFamiliesSki Villages

When to go

Average monthly snowfall.

Hakuba Valley's heaviest snowfall lands in January.

snowiestJulAugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJun
Snowfall
peaks Jan
Typical season
Dec – Mar

Snowfall: JMA, climate normals (1991–2020).

Location

Hakuba sits in the Northern Japanese Alps of western Nagano, on the main island of Honshu. The valley runs below a steep wall of high peaks, a continental interior setting that draws heavy maritime snowfall off the Sea of Japan.

Getting there

Moderate to reach

Fly into Tokyo Haneda (HND), then about 3.5 hours in by train.

Directions

The Hokuriku Shinkansen reaches Nagano in about 1h20, then an express bus covers the last 75min. Driving from Tokyo is 4 to 5h.

Compare Hakuba Valley to

These are the resorts most similar to Hakuba Valley. Pick one to see a side-by-side.

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Explore Further

More ski resorts in Japan →Official website →