It’s easy to see why Hakuba Valley has earned its place among Japan’s most legendary snow sport destinations. Stretching for nearly 30 kilometers along the foot of the Northern Alps, it features soaring peaks, serene villages and powdery slopes that stretch for miles, as well as 10 world-class ski resorts — including Happo-one, which hosted the downhill and super-G events for the 1998 Winter Olympics.
When people think of ski season, the busy winter months of January and February usually come to mind. But that’s only a fraction of what Hakuba Valley has to offer. Snow conditions in the area rival those of midwinter from late November all the way to early May, meaning that visitors can enjoy so-called “winter” sports well into spring.
PHOTO BY HIROYA NAKATA
Enjoying the Long Ski Season at Hakuba Valley
Known for its soft, fluffy powder and an annual snowfall of around 11 meters, Hakuba Valley also stands out for its unusually long ski season. Thanks to the region’s deep and consistent snowfall, several of its famed ski resorts are able to stay open for six months a year.
For those seeking an off -peak experience, the springtime shoulder season is the perfect window of time. Spring skiing and snowboarding comes with its own type of magic; the alpine air acquires a vernal freshness and the slopes quiet down, allowing for crowd-free skiing and mindful appreciation of the scenery. In late April, you can even see cherry blossoms shimmering against snow-capped mountains — a beautiful, rare and quintessentially Japanese sight.
PHOTO BY HIROYA NAKATA
Enhanced Resorts and Amenities
Hakuba Valley has invested in infrastructure to make the long season even more enjoyable. Tsugaike Mountain Resort recently expanded its snowmaking capabilities, for instance, ensuring consistent slopes even when natural snowfall varies. Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field has renovated its base center, adding state-of-the-art facilities and a rental shop, and Able Hakuba Goryu has expanded its night-skiing area, giving visitors new ways to enjoy the mountains.
Reaching Hakuba Valley is straightforward. It’s just under three hours from Tokyo via the Hokuriku Shinkansen and express bus. Once there, snow-blanketed forests, cozy alpine lodges and the gentle hum of ski lifts immediately set the stage for an unforgettable alpine experience. And hitting the slopes is a seamless experience, too — with an all-access Hakuba Valley Day Pass, you can ski or snowboard at any of the snow resorts in the area on the same day without having to purchase separate lift tickets.
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To learn more about Hakuba Valley’s spring season, click here.
