Hakuba Valley ski resort
Epic Pass703m — 2,696m

Hakuba Valley

Nagano, Japan

Snow reliability

Quick Facts

Country
Japan
Region
Nagano
Base altitude
703m
Peak altitude
2,696m
Total pistes
200 km
Total lifts
77
Season
December 6 to May 6
Ski pass
epic
Nearest airport
Nagano (NGO) / Matsumoto (MMJ), 1h transfer
Snow reliability
8/10
124 miles (200km)Piste
77Lifts
703m – 2,696mAltitude
Dec 2025 – May 2026Season
Nagano (NGO) / Matsumoto (MMJ) (1h)Transfer

Plan Your Trip

The closest major airport is Nagano (NGO) / Matsumoto (MMJ), with a ~1h transfer to the resort.

Nearest airportNagano (NGO) / Matsumoto (MMJ)
Airport to resort~1h
Flight from New York~14–16h
Estimated return fareFrom ~$1,200

Prices are indicative. Book early for the best fares.

See all resorts near Nagano (NGO) / Matsumoto (MMJ) →

Skyscanner

Search Flights on Skyscanner

Compare prices across hundreds of airlines

From

Powered by Skyscanner. We may earn a commission from bookings.

Advertise Here

Promote your business in Hakuba Valley.

Exclusive Featured Partner placement.

Learn More

Budget Planner for Hakuba Valley

of 8 max
7 nights

Accommodation tier

Include in estimate

Estimated costs for 2 travelers, 7 nights, Mid-range · via Nagano (NGO) / Matsumoto (MMJ)

Flights (return from US)
$1,100/pp$2,200
Accommodation
$1,120/pp$2,240
Lift passes
$192/pp$384
Ski hire
$168/pp$336
Travel insurance
$60/pp$120
Airport transfers (return)
$48/pp$96
Estimated Total$5,256
Per person$2,628
Per person per night$375

Estimates based on typical Japan market rates (pricing multiplier: 0.8x). Prices vary by travel dates, availability, and booking lead time. Always check current prices before booking.

Plan a trip to Hakuba Valley

Organise flights, accommodation, lift passes, and more in one shareable dashboard.

Plan a Trip →

Live Webcam

7-Day Snow Forecast

Official Website

Visit Website

About Hakuba Valley

Hakuba Valley is Japan's largest ski area, a collection of ten separate resorts spread across the Hakuba mountain range in Nagano Prefecture. Made famous by hosting the alpine events of the 1998 Winter Olympics, Hakuba combines serious vertical drop — the longest run descends over 1,900m — with dependable snowfall from the Japan Sea storm track. The valley offers remarkable variety from broad groomed pistes at Happo-one to deep tree skiing at Goryu and Tsugaike, all within easy reach of the charming international town of Hakuba.

Compare with...

Resort Ratings

Terrain Variety
10/10

Ten resorts, unmatched variety in Japan

Lift System
9/10

Seventy-seven lifts across all resorts

Intermediate Terrain
9/10

Vast cruising over 1,900m vertical drop

Advanced Terrain
9/10

Serious vertical and Olympic-grade slopes

Scenery & Charm
9/10

Japanese Alps with spectacular alpine panoramas

Snow Reliability
8/10

Reliable Japan Sea storms each season

Common Questions

Hakuba Valley: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hakuba Valley good for beginners?
Hakuba Valley scores 8/10 for beginner suitability, with dedicated nursery slopes and a range of gentle runs suited to those learning. Progressive terrain is available for building confidence through the week. Ski school lessons are available through the resort and well-suited to first-time skiers. Groups with mixed abilities generally find Hakuba Valley accessible.
When does Hakuba Valley open and close for the 2026/27 ski season?
Hakuba Valley typically opens in December and runs through May, based on recent seasons. The 2026/27 opening and closing dates have not yet been confirmed by the resort. Exact dates vary year to year depending on snowfall and conditions. Check the resort's official website as the season approaches for confirmed dates.
Which ski pass covers Hakuba Valley?
Hakuba Valley is covered by the epic. This pass may also include access to other linked resorts depending on which tier you purchase. Pricing and blackout dates vary by season; check the pass provider's official site for 2026/27 rates and the full list of included resorts.
How do I get to Hakuba Valley?
The nearest major airport to Hakuba Valley is Nagano (NGO) / Matsumoto (MMJ). The transfer to the resort takes approximately 1 hour by road. Private transfers, shared shuttles, and rental cars are all available from the airport. Mountain roads can be affected by heavy snowfall in winter, so checking conditions before traveling is advisable.