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Hakuba Iwatake Snow Resort
Hakuba Iwatake in Nagano’s Hakuba Valley is a mid-sized resort with slopes for all levels, a terrain park, and cross-country trails. Its new gondola offers stunning 360° alpine views, while abundant “Japow” powder makes it a favorite for both skiing and sightseeing.
Last Updated: November 3, 2025 by Tak
Currently Closed
0cm
Base Depth
0cm
Fresh Snow
8°C
Temperature
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Powder Quality
8.0
Legendary Japanese powder
Terrain Variety
7.0
Diverse slopes & terrain
Family Friendly
7.0
Perfect for all ages
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About the Resort
Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field is a ski resort located in Hakuba Valley in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Hakuba Valley is an expansive ski area at the foot of the 3,000-m tall Northern Japan Alps, comprising ten different snow resorts.
- It is considered a mid-sized ski area and is less than a 10-minute drive from Hakuba Village.
- The resort is equipped with eight chairlifts and a gondola. A newly unveiled gondola lift was renovated for the first time in 38 years, featuring spacious cabins with strengthened resin glass panels that offer uninterrupted 360° panoramic views. The highlight of the ride is between pylons 7 and 10, where riders get an unparalleled aerial perspective of the majestic alpine scenery.
- Hakuba Iwatake offers slopes for all abilities, including wide, gentle runs. It also features a terrain park and cross-country ski trails.
- As part of the Hakuba Valley, the resort is blessed with abundant snowfall and high-quality powder snow, earning the nickname "Japow" for its dry, light, and fluffy powder.
Why You'll Love Hakuba Iwatake Snow Resort
Stunning Views of the Northern Alps
360-degree panoramas from the summit
Hakuba Iwatake is famous for its breathtaking summit views of the Northern Japanese Alps. On clear days, you can see the snow-covered Hakuba Sanzan peaks and distant mountain ranges, combining the thrill of skiing with spectacular scenery.
Diverse Terrain for All Levels
From beginner slopes to tree runs
With 26 courses, Iwatake offers everything from wide, gentle slopes for beginners to ungroomed and tree-run areas for advanced riders. The compact layout makes it easy to explore multiple runs in a single day.
Attractive Après-Ski Options
Cafés, hot springs, and activities nearby
At the summit, the Hakuba Mountain Harbor café and terrace offer the perfect place to relax with stunning mountain views. After skiing, unwind in nearby hot springs or enjoy other local activities.
A Year-Round Mountain Resort
Popular in both winter and summer
In winter, it’s a ski and snowboard haven; in summer, it offers mountain biking, scenic terraces, and outdoor activities. Hakuba Iwatake is a year-round destination attracting visitors from around the world.
Snow History
Plan Your Visit
Ticket Information
Operating Season
December 20 - March 31
Weather dependent
Operating Hours
Lifts: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Night Skiing: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Weekends)
Current Prices
1-Day Lift Ticket (Adult)6,500 yen
1-Day Lift Ticket (Child)4,000 yen
1-Day Lift Ticket (Senior)5,500 yen
Access Information
Location
By Car
Kanetsu Expressway→Joshinetsu Expressway→Nagano IC→Route19→Hakuba-Nagano Olympic Road→Hakuba Iwatake (4hr)
Parking
2,800 spaces
By Train
Tokyo Station→Nagano Station(1hr20min)→Bus(1hr5min)→Hakuba Iwatake
Lessons
Lesson in Japanese
Ski Lesson : from 4,500 yen
Snowboard Lesson : from 4,500 yen
Travel Tips
🚌 Getting There
Tokyo Station→Nagano Station(1hr20min)→Bus(1hr5min)→Hakuba Iwatake
Shuttle runs every 30 minutes during peak season
🎿 Equipment Rental
Full rental sets available on-site. Reserve in advance during peak season.
Ski set: ¥5,200 yen/day • Snowboard set: ¥5,200 yen/day
💳 Payment Methods
Credit cards accepted at ticket counters and restaurants.
Cash preferred at some smaller vendors
🌨️ Best Time to Visit
January to February for the best powder conditions.
Weekdays are less crowded than weekends
Terrain
Course Map
Course Map
TERRAIN INFORMATION
Level Guide
Beginner
40%Intermediate
35%Advanced
25%Grooming Status
Groomed
75%Non-groomed
25%Facilities
Snowboard Park
Available
Back Country
Not Available
Resort Statistics
Gondola
1
unitsLifts
8
unitsCourses
26
coursesLongest Run
3.8km
TERRAIN INFORMATION
Level Guide
Beginner
40%Intermediate
35%Advanced
25%Grooming Status
Groomed
75%Non-groomed
25%Facilities
Snowboard Park
Available
Back Country
Not Available
Resort Statistics
Gondola
1
unitsLifts
8
unitsCourses
26
coursesLongest Run
3.8km
Photo Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about skiing at Hakuba Iwatake Snow Resort
What makes Iwatake unique?
Iwatake offers 360° Northern Alps views, flowy terrain, and scenic café decks—great for mixed-ability groups.
Best way from Tokyo?
Tokyo → Nagano by Shinkansen (~1.5 hrs) → bus to Iwatake (~1 hr 5 min). Village shuttles connect Hakuba bases.
When should I visit?
Midwinter (Jan–Feb) for cold snow and views after storms; March is pleasant for cruising and photos.
Do they have English lessons?
Yes. English instruction is available via local schools; pre-booking is advised in holiday periods.
What facilities are at the base?
Rentals, cafés, lockers, and a compact base area; popular summit terraces on bluebird days.
For more general questions (about money, culture, transport, etc.), please see our main Japan Skiing FAQ page.
View Main FAQ
About Tak
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.
