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Hakuba Norikura
Hakuba Norikura Onsen, part of Hakuba Valley in northern Nagano, offers wide family-friendly slopes as well as steep expert runs and freeride terrain. Linked to Hakuba Cortina and blessed with world-class “Japow” powder, it’s a versatile resort just under three hours from Tokyo.
Last Updated: November 3, 2025 by Tak
Currently Closed
0cm
Base Depth
0cm
Fresh Snow
3°C
Temperature
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Powder Quality
7.0
Legendary Japanese powder
Terrain Variety
6.0
Diverse slopes & terrain
Family Friendly
7.0
Perfect for all ages
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About the Resort
Hakuba Norikura Onsen Snow Resort is a ski resort located in the northernmost part of the Northern Japan Alps in Nagano Prefecture
- This resort is one of the ten ski resorts that make up the vast Hakuba Valley ski area. Notably, it is connected to Hakuba Cortina Snow Resort.
- The courses offer wide, peaceful, and gentle slopes suitable for beginners and families, but also include a mogul run, freeride terrain, and a steep course for expert skiers with a 38-degree pitch, catering to a wide range of skill levels.
- As part of the Hakuba Valley, it receives abundant snowfall annually and is particularly known for some of the world's highest quality powder snow, referred to as "JAPOW," which is light and dry. Hakuba Valley receives an average of around 10 meters (30 feet) of snowfall each season.
- In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the resort also offers activities such as telemark skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoe excursions.
- Hakuba Valley is exceptionally convenient to access, being under three hours from central Tokyo by Shinkansen (bullet train) and bus.
Why You'll Love Hakuba Norikura
Relaxed, Local Atmosphere
A hidden gem with fewer crowds
Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort offers a peaceful alternative to the busier slopes in Hakuba. With spacious runs, open views, and a laid-back vibe, it’s perfect for skiers and snowboarders who want to enjoy the mountain without the rush. Even on weekends, lift lines are minimal.
Beginner- and Family-Friendly Terrain
Wide, gentle slopes ideal for learning
The resort features mostly gentle gradients, making it an excellent choice for beginners and families. Safe, spacious beginner areas, plus convenient rental services and ski schools, ensure a stress-free experience for newcomers.
Direct Connection to Hakuba Cortina
Two resorts, one lift pass
Linked to the neighboring Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort by lift, Hakuba Norikura offers easy access to both mountains with a single lift ticket. Spend the morning cruising Norikura’s calm slopes and the afternoon chasing powder in Cortina.
Soothing Hot Springs After Skiing
Relax at Hakuba Norikura Onsen
After a day on the slopes, unwind in the natural hot springs of Hakuba Norikura Onsen. Soaking in an outdoor bath while surrounded by snow-covered landscapes is the perfect way to end your ski day.
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)6,200 yen
1-Day Lift Ticket (Child)3,500 yen
1-Day Lift Ticket (Senior)6,200 yen
Access Information
Location
By Car
Kanetsu Expressway→Joshinetsu Expressway→Nagano IC→Route19→Hakuba-Nagano Olympic Road→Hakuba Norikura (4hr)
Parking
2,500 spaces
By Train
Tokyo Station→Nagano Station(1hr20min)→Bus(1hr10min)→Hakuba Norikura
Lessons
Lesson in Japanese
Ski Lesson : from 5,500 yen
Snowboard Lesson : from 5,500 yen
Lesson in English
Ski Lesson : from 16,000 yen
Snowboard Lesson : from 16,000 yen
More details on official site
More Info →Travel Tips
🚌 Getting There
Tokyo Station→Nagano Station(1hr20min)→Bus(1hr10min)→Hakuba Norikura
Shuttle runs every 30 minutes during peak season
🎿 Equipment Rental
Full rental sets available on-site. Reserve in advance during peak season.
Ski set: ¥4,800 yen/day • Snowboard set: ¥4,800 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
35%Intermediate
40%Advanced
25%Grooming Status
Groomed
80%Non-groomed
20%Facilities
Snowboard Park
Available
Back Country
Not Available
Resort Statistics
Gondola
0
unitsLifts
8
unitsCourses
14
coursesLongest Run
2.5km
TERRAIN INFORMATION
Level Guide
Beginner
35%Intermediate
40%Advanced
25%Grooming Status
Groomed
80%Non-groomed
20%Facilities
Snowboard Park
Available
Back Country
Not Available
Resort Statistics
Gondola
0
unitsLifts
8
unitsCourses
14
coursesLongest Run
2.5km
Photo Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about skiing at Hakuba Norikura
Why pick Hakuba Norikura?
A quieter Hakuba Valley option with mellow pistes and access toward Cortina—popular with families and intermediates.
How to get there from Tokyo?
Tokyo → Nagano (Shinkansen) → bus to Hakuba Norikura; winter shuttles link nearby resorts.
Best time to visit?
Late Dec–March. Choose midweek for emptier slopes and relaxed progression.
Are English lessons offered?
English lessons can be arranged through Hakuba schools; book early on holiday weeks.
What facilities are available?
Standard base services: rentals, dining, lockers, ski school; lodging options in nearby villages.
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.
