Areas / Central Honshu
Hakuba 白馬
Big-mountain skiing in the Northern Japanese Alps — resort-accessed backcountry, alpine touring and steep couloirs above the Hakuba Valley.
- Prefecture
- Nagano
- Season
- Dec – May
- Level
- Advanced
- Nearest airport
- Tokyo Haneda (HND) / Narita (NRT)
- By rail
- Nagano station (Hokuriku Shinkansen), then about 1 h by bus
Resort accessAlpine touringCouloirsTree skiingSpring touring
Hakuba sits beneath the Northern Japanese Alps. It has the most serious alpine terrain of any major Japanese ski destination. Around ten resorts spread along the valley, and several give access to backcountry terrain, from tree skiing to big open faces. Rules for leaving the ski area differ from resort to resort.
Midwinter brings deep powder and storm skiing in the trees. From late winter into spring, the snowpack settles and the high alpine opens up for longer tours and steeper lines.
Why a guide: Hakuba’s terrain is big and consequential. Local guides know each resort’s access rules and which slopes are safe to ski on a given day.
Highlights
- Japan's biggest alpine terrain, below peaks approaching 3,000 m
- Around ten resorts across the Hakuba Valley, several with backcountry access
- Long spring tours and couloirs once the snowpack stabilises
- Lively international village with plenty of rental and guiding options
Main hazards
- Large avalanche paths, cornices and steep alpine terrain
- Rapid storm loading during heavy snowfall
- Glide cracks and wet slides in spring
- Access rules differ between resorts — follow each resort's gate and boundary rules
Conditions change daily. Check the latest avalanche and weather information, carry beacon, probe and shovel, and ski with a qualified guide if you don't know the area. See our safety guide.
Where to stay
Ski Hakuba with a certified local guide
Tell us your dates, group and ability. We match you with a certified guide who knows the terrain and today's snow, and send you a quote. Requesting is free and there's no obligation to book.
Request a guide