Hakuba Valley is a well-known ski resort in Japan. If you’re into skiing or snowboarding, a Hakuba season pass can make your winter experience even better.
This article is here to tell you about the season pass choices at Hakuba Valley, why they’re great, and how to get the most out of your snowy adventures.
Why should you buy the Hakuba Season Pass?
With the Hakuba Valley Season Pass, skiers and snowboarders can explore an incredible variety of slopes, runs, and lifts. Not only is the Hakuba season pass an excellent value, but it also unlocks a world of winter fun. Whether you are a beginner or a veteran skier, the Pass is the perfect way to experience all the thrills of the Hakuba Valley.
Which resorts can you use the Hakuba season pass for?
The All-Mountain Pass is valid for use in the Northern Alps regions of Hakuba, Otari, and Omachi, which encompass ten (10) resorts:
Jiigatake Snow Resort
Jiigatake is an ideal spot for those just starting out in skiing or snowboarding, as the slopes here are relatively flat and wide. Additionally, there’s far less traffic compared to other resorts in the Hakuba Valley, so you can take your time and practice your turns without interruption.
Kashimayari Snow Resort
If you are looking for an uncrowded skiing experience, Kashimayari Resort is the perfect choice. Located second from the south in the Hakuba Valley Lift Ticket area, this resort has a unique Japanese atmosphere and is mainly frequented by Japanese skiers.
Sanosaka Resort
Sanosaka Resort provides a beautiful view of Lake Aoki and is suitable for skiers and riders of all levels. You won’t have to worry about many crowds here, making it the perfect spot to sharpen your skills. Moreover, this resort is pet-friendly, so you can bring your four-legged companion on the slopes with you.
Hakuba Goryu
This popular ski resort was given the moniker Goryu (5 Dragons) due to the resemblance of the jagged peaks of the Japanese Alps to the legendary creatures. It is connected by a gondola and a shared ticket to Hakuba 47 and Iimori, granting guests access to various terrains to explore.
Hakuba 47
Hakuba 47 is an excellent choice for families, featuring slopes suitable for every skill level, and is connected to Goryu Resort at the top by a gondola. The two resorts share the same lift ticket, making it easier for the whole family to ski and enjoy the slopes.
Hakuba Happo-One Snow Resort
Happo-One is renowned as the biggest and most visited ski resort in the Hakuba Valley. It has hosted the 1998 Olympics and the Free Ride World Tour and features a challenging 1701 meters of vertical descent. Intermediate and advanced skiers will find Happo-One to be an ideal choice for their skiing needs.
Hakuba Iwatake
Iwatake is a picturesque Hakuba Resort located in close proximity to the Olympic Happo One Resort. Its lowest elevation is 1,289 meters, yet it offers some of the most stunning views on a clear day. Most of the runs on the resort are short, with only a few reaching the highest points.
Iwatake has invested heavily in attractions unrelated to skiing, making it a great destination for both winter and summer visitors. Yoo-Hoo Mountain Swing, Mountain Harbor’s City Bakery, and the S Class VIP Ticket are just some activities that await those visiting Iwatake Resort.
Tsugaike Kogen
Tsugaike is a great destination for those just starting out in skiing and snowboarding, offering wide and gentle slopes on the lower level and a green course that runs from the summit to the bottom. It also features several multilingual ski schools, play areas and childcare services. Experienced skiers and snowboarders can explore the lift-accessed tree runs, the TG Park, and the Tsugaike backcountry.
Hakuba Norikura
Norikura Ski Resort lies north of Hakuba Village and is linked with Cortina. With a shared lift ticket, one can access both. As most visitors head to Cortina, Norikura is a peaceful option to escape the crowd.
Buses from the Happo Information Center can take you to Norikura and Cortina. This ski resort has a more traditional Japanese style and fewer tree runs than Cortina but still gives plenty of powdery and entertaining rides.
Hakuba Cortina
Cortina is highly regarded by Japanese snow enthusiasts as the place to go for the best powder in Hakuba. It often receives double the amount of snowfall compared to other resorts and is renowned for its exceptional tree skiing opportunities.
How much does the Hakuba season pass cost?
As formerly stated, the Hakuba Valley Season Pass allows access to three major regions of the Northern Alps – Hakuba, Otari, and Omachi – and ten mountain resorts. Tickets for adults and children are available and vary depending on the duration of the passes. Prices range from ¥8,500 for a one-day ticket to ¥106,800 for a fourteen-day ticket.
Purchasing the Pass
If you plan on spending the season in Hakuba Valley, buying an All Valley Season Pass is a great option. The cost of the Hakuba season pass increases as winter approaches, so it’s best to purchase it early. These passes can only be purchased via the Hakuba Valley Site.
- Apply for purchase online.
- Purchasers must provide their member information for registration purposes.
- The transaction will be finalized when all necessary information, documents, and payment have been verified.
- Payment can only be made using a Visa or Mastercard credit card.
- You may select your preferred pickup location from their options.
- Agree to the Terms of Use.
- To view your proof of purchase, please check your credit card statement or confirmation email. Unfortunately, additional or duplicate receipts cannot be provided for online purchases.
Passholder Benefits & Terms of Use
- Holders of the Hakuba Valley Season Pass can access ten (10) ski resorts spread across three (3) major regions of the Northern Alps – Hakuba, Otari, and Omachi.
- The Pass cannot be used for night skiing or riding the night shuttle bus.
- As a pass holder, you can enjoy complimentary Hakuba Valley Shuttle Bus rides on days you ski or snowboard.
- Pass Pickup: It will take 5 days from the time you purchase your Season Pass until it is issued. Please plan accordingly and bear in mind that Passes cannot be issued on the same day of purchase.
- The 2023-2024 Hakuba Valley Season Pass can only be used by the pass holder whose name appears on it and cannot be shared with or transferred to anyone else.
- To redeem the benefits associated with your 2023-2024 Hakuba Valley Season Pass, you must show your Pass to the staff at shops and other facilities prior to checkout. For accommodation bookings, the Pass must be presented before payment is confirmed. Without your Hakuba season pass, you will not be able to receive any discounts or benefits.
- Pass Validity (Period of Use): Passes issued for the 2023-2024 winter season will be valid from December 2023 until the end of the season, which is expected to be sometime between March and late April 2024. However, the exact dates and times of opening and closing may be subject to change due to weather and trail conditions.
- Pass benefits are exclusive and cannot be paired with any other promotions or discounts.
- Pass benefits are subject to change and termination without prior notice. You can check the Hakuba Valley Homepage for their latest information.
Hakuba Valley Safety Tips
It is important for visitors of the Hakuba Valley to be aware of safety precautions when enjoying the ski resorts and backcountry of the area. The Hakuba Valley provides high levels of service. However, it is the responsibility of visitors to be aware of the safety tips in order to ensure a safe and enjoyable winter vacation.
Ski Resorts
- Be mindful of signs indicating restricted or prohibited access, for example, “boundary” and “closed area” signs.
- Keep your speed under control when skiing or snowboarding.
- Be mindful of your environment and assess the circumstances.
- Snowboarders are required to use leashes.
- Wearing a helmet is strongly recommended.
- In deep snow, ski with your friends.
- Outside of operating hours, ski resorts are off-limits.
- If you fail to adhere to the regulations of the ski resort, your lift ticket will be suspended, and you will be required to exit the premises.
- In the event of an emergency, reach out to ski resort personnel.
- For more details, you may refer to the ski resort’s rules and regulations.
Backcountry
- When exiting a controlled ski area, please make sure to use the designated gates.
- Venturing outside of the controlled area can be hazardous and potentially fatal.
- There are areas near ski resorts that are restricted from public access.
- Adequate preparation and having the right tools are essential.
- Make sure to review the Mountain and Avalanche information.
- Go skiing or snowboarding in the backcountry with experienced companions in a group.
- It is advised that those who are new to skiing or snowboarding should go with a guide.
- Search and rescue operations can take a while and be costly.
- Immediately contact the police (110) and the fire department (119).
With a Hakuba Season Pass, you can enjoy a winter wonderland experience like no other. This pass unlocks the best of Hakuba, including pristine slopes, breathtaking views, and a range of thrilling activities. Get ready to embark on thrilling adventures and create lasting memories in the heart of the Japanese Alps.
