Discover Japan's best ski resorts with legendary powder snow, world-class facilities, and authentic Japanese culture.
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Hakuba Happo-one, the flagship resort of Hakuba Valley, offers Japan’s steepest pistes and over 1,000m of vertical against the stunning Northern Alps. Renowned for its Olympic history, deep powder, and English-friendly atmosphere, it’s one of Japan’s most iconic ski destinations.
Last Updated: December 21, 2025 by Tak
Reserve your ski experience
Legendary Japanese powder
Diverse slopes & terrain
Perfect for all ages
Opening dates, early-season conditions, and my picks for families planning a trip this winter.
Real-world family trip experience (Dec 14–17)
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Hakuba Happo-one Snow Resort is one of the 10 ski resorts in , located at the Northern Japan Alps base in . It was a .

I'm a Tokyo-based snowboarder with more than 20 years on the slopes. As a father of two, I enjoy riding natural terrain and side hits, and I'm passionate about helping international visitors discover the best of Japan's ski resorts. Off the slopes, I love family time, dogs, and soaking in Japanese onsen.
As one of Japan's largest and most famous resorts, Happo-one features 1,071 meters of vertical descent with steepest pistes in Japan. Known for abundant snowfall and high-quality powder snow, it attracts international visitors with its very English-friendly environment.
From gentle beginner runs to challenging expert slopes
With a vertical drop of 1,071 meters and a longest run of 8 km, Happo-One Ski Resort offers one of the largest ski areas in Japan. From wide, gentle slopes for beginners to steep, ungroomed terrain for experts, there’s a course for every skill level.
Powder snow meets breathtaking Northern Alps views
Nestled in the Northern Japanese Alps, Happo-One boasts consistently light and dry powder snow thanks to its high altitude and cold climate. On clear days, you’ll be greeted with spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and deep blue skies.
Ski the same slopes as Olympic athletes
Happo-One hosted the alpine skiing events for the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. Today, the very same courses are open to the public, offering the unique chance to follow in the tracks of the world’s top competitors.
Relax in hot springs and enjoy Hakuba’s international vibe
At the base of the slopes, you’ll find hot spring baths, restaurants, cafés, and bars to keep the fun going after a day on the mountain. As an international hub, Hakuba Village welcomes visitors from around the world, offering diverse dining options and a lively cultural atmosphere.
December 20 - March 31
Weather dependent
Kanetsu Expressway→Joshinetsu Expressway→Nagano IC→Route19→Hakuba-Nagano Olympic Road→Happo-one (4hr)
3,500 spaces
Tokyo Station→Nagano Station(1hr20min)→Bus(1hr)→Happo-one
Ski Lesson : from 5,000 yen
Snowboard Lesson : from 5,000 yen
Ski Lesson : from 12,500 yen
Snowboard Lesson : from 12,500 yen
More details on "Evergreen" website
More Info →Tokyo Station→Nagano Station(1hr20min)→Bus(1hr)→Happo-one
Shuttle runs every 30 minutes during peak season
Full rental sets available on-site. Reserve in advance during peak season.
Ski set: ¥5,800 yen/day • Snowboard set: ¥5,800 yen/day
Credit cards accepted at ticket counters and restaurants.
Cash preferred at some smaller vendors
January to February for the best powder conditions.
Weekdays are less crowded than weekends


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Everything you need to know about skiing at Hakuba Happo-One
Happo-One is Hakuba Valley’s flagship with long alpine runs, 1998 Nagano Olympic pedigree, and broad intermediate-to-advanced terrain with big-mountain views.
Tokyo → Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano (~1.5 hrs) → bus to Hakuba Happo bus terminal (~1 hr), then local shuttle to lifts.
Peak conditions are January–February for powder and cold snow; March offers sunnier days and softer snow on south-facing aspects.
Multiple English-language schools operate in Hakuba; private and group lessons are available for all levels.
Village access to rentals, cafés, après spots, and lockers; frequent shuttles connect base areas across Hakuba.
For more general questions (about money, culture, transport, etc.), please see our main Japan Skiing FAQ page.
View Main FAQDiscover all ski resorts in Hakuba and compare facilities, terrain, and access options.
View Area GuideGet expert tips for day trips, family-friendly options, and finding the best powder snow.