Welcome to the Hakuba Valley! Japanese Skiing at its best!

…the transition from a small farming village to a world-class ski resort was almost inevitable. From the first official gathering of skiers who formed the Hosono ski club in 1928, Hakuba was immediately admired by the greatest skiers and alpinists, thus giving birth to the centerpiece of the Hakuba Valley, Happo-One Ski Resort. More than 85 years have passed and visitors continue to flock to the area to experience the high alpine skiing, soothing après-ski hot springs, great food, fascinating culture, and the unforgettable friendly smiles that have made the Hakuba Valley Japan’s premier winter getaway.

As Japan’s premier ski region, the Hakuba Valley offers more terrain, vertical rise and advanced ski slopes than anywhere in Japan. Having hosted the 1998 Winter Olympic Games and numerous FIS World Cup events, the Hakuba Valley has a well-established international reputation as a world-class ski destination. From one end of the valley to the other and with 10 resorts accessing over 130 resort runs as well as providing access to incredible off-piste terrain of the Japan Alps, Hakuba’s reputation as a serious skiers and snowboarders’ destination is well balanced across all levels. This combination of world-class skiing, abundant snowfalls, sunny skies and over ten ski resorts truly makes Hakuba Valley a precious gem among the rugged Japan Alps.

Happo-one is Hakuba’s most internationally recognized resort, famous for hosting the Downhill and GS events at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympic Games. Set high amongst the spectacular Northern Japan Alps, Happo-one spreads out along the ridge leading down from Mt. Karamatsu. With over 3,300 vertical feet and a total of 31 lifts, Happo-one is the flagship and biggest single resort in Hakuba Valley. Happo has it all – immaculate groomed and natural trail runs, moguls, free-riding bowls, powder zones all with captivating views of the Northern Alps. With four main base lifts to access both mid and upper mountain, Nakiyama, Gondola, Kokusai, and Sakka provide the perfect access to pristine snow conditions with an unbelievable variety of terrain.

Hakuba offers an extensive range of lodgings from budget pensions, cabins, lodges, through to luxury 5 star hotels, apartments, private chalets and houses.