(Yaniniku is a Japanese-style barbecue where each table has its own grill But make sure you wear something you're not afraid to have smell like cooked meats for the rest of your trip.)Photo: Andrew Chad you’re probably already aware that the skiing in Japan is really, really good they even named a whole month after it–Japanuary With upwards of 400 established ski resorts and many lifetimes worth of backcountry skiing in the country and delicious food provide full immersion in a culture unlike anywhere else on the planet we understand that it can be difficult to piece together a trip to Japan Here’s a list of six of our favorite destination ski resorts in Japan and it’s certainly possible (and even worth it) to check out a few of these on your next pow-chasing trip across the Pacific Photo: Takosan / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images Our favorites are Hakuba Happo-One for its backcountry access, Hakuba 47 and Goryu for endless groomers and terrain parks and Hakuba Cortina and neighboring Norikura Onsen for their deep powder and endless options for treeskiing Hakuba Valley resorts are all accessible with an Epic Pass the mountains seemingly go on forever—tucked somewhere in there is Mount Myoko a large volcano that’s home to Arai Snow Resort and a handful of smaller independent ski areas like Matarao This zone offers a much more traditional Japanese vibe upwards of 800 inches of annual snowfall and classic Japan-style off-piste treeskiing The Myoko area is easily accessible from Tokyo via train, and the Arai Snow Resort is accessible with an Ikon Pass making this one of the easiest destinations to reach for skiing in Japan but perhaps less popular for North American skiers since it’s not on a mega pass Shiga Kogen offers some of the best intermediate terrain and lower-angle powder skiing in the country Shiga Kogen is Japan’s highest-elevation resort There’s not much in terms of a base village and amenities making this a great place to immerse yourself in a more traditional Japanese mountain experience CJ Coccia in the Niseko backcountry Compared to the many ski resorts on Honshu Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido offers much deeper snow and is where you’re much more likely to find that truly bottomless Japanese powder skiing experience The largest and most popular ski resort is Niseko United which is actually four resorts (Grand Hirafu Niseko Village and An’nupuri) combined With views of the legendary Mount Yotei and endless playful powder skiing terrain Niseko averages over 50 feet of snow a year Matilda Rapaport in Kiroro, Hokkaido, Japan. Just north of Niseko lies another gem. Kiroro Resort is one of the best destinations for families in Japan, with excellent lift infrastructure, plenty of English-speaking instruction and staffing, and terrain for everyone, including those looking for a real deep-snow adventure. Drop the kids off at ski school and head into the trees for a few bottomless laps before meeting up again for delicious ramen at lunch. FranceChevron Ile-de-FranceChevron ParisChevron ChevronChevronPhotosSave this storySaveSave this storySavecuisine What were your first impressions when you arrived Given the price tag, diners tend to be chef or fine-dining-obsessed, seafood lovers, or out on the town with an expense account (maybe all three?), and not all of them are guests of the hotel. The benefit of upscale sushi in Paris is that when it's spectacular, those who can afford to will come out for it. Sake and wine lovers should pay particular attention to the prestige selection, either à la carte or through the wine pairing offer (an additional $198). There are nearly sixty meticulously selected sakes and sublime vintages. Whatever you choose, know that it will be carefully considered to complement chef Takuya Watanabe's culinary vision. Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss. And how did the front-of-house folks treat you? It's the Cheval Blanc, a Palace hotel. Service is superior in every way. There is nothing that this team won't be able to answer. What’s the real-real on why we’re coming here? This is a very memorable, special occasion destination meant for diners who find food preparation and ceremony mesmerizing and who can also pay close attention for several hours. This is not the place to be scrolling on your phone between courses, but given the tight choreography of the experience, you won't miss what's happening beyond the restaurant's doors anyway. up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse We understand that time is the greatest luxury which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world Featured Image: Hiraya Nakata | Location: Hakuba MY FIRST TURN off the ridge wasn’t very steep—a gentle Fat flakes were falling from above and the snow was stacking up at two inches per hour as I dropped in I gained momentum as the gradient steepened and the seemingly bottomless snow billowed up around my torso I focused on surfing across the top; I didn’t want to dive too deep and risk pairing an extra-long face shot with an accidental encounter with one of the perfectly spaced trees I was skiing among I made a dozen dreamy powder smears before pulling off behind a tree to wait for my partner and we both agreed on a conservative approach while we gained our bearings in the new terrain prickly sensation on the back of my neck—the strange sensation you get when you feel like you’re being watched playfully porpoising his way toward me through the freeze-dried ocean I heard a light rustling in the branches behind me had taken me through Tokyo’s Narita Airport and on to the capital city’s bustling central train station ultra-modern bullet train that whisks travelers through the countryside at speeds approaching 200 miles per hour Although the excitement surrounding my first trip to the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ had been bubbling inside me for months the soft hum of the aerodynamic missile I was riding coupled with the rapid emergence of the serene winter snowscape provided me with a much-appreciated sense of calm I reclined into comfort as I watched the controlled chaos of the Japanese metropolis quickly fade into the distance The mountains began to come into view but were quickly eclipsed by a wall of moisture-laden clouds that laid a fresh carpet of white gold across the narrow island nation—a standard state of affairs for one of the world’s snowiest locales With just under an hour remaining on my 90-minute it was the perfect time to dive into a little treat I picked up before boarding and marveled at the detail in the preparation of the high-end grab-and-go meal There’s something uniquely satisfying about enjoying a perfectly portioned sushi and pickled vegetable meal while hurtling through the countryside at breakneck speeds The juxtaposition was almost laughable: there I was enjoying an ancient culinary tradition in the confines of a train that felt more like a spaceship I had finished my meal and was primed for the final leg of my journey The hour-long bus ride from Nagano to Hakuba Valley went by quickly as I chatted with an older lifelong local who shared an interesting tale Speaking softly through the gray Fu Manchu that adorned his weathered face he leaned towards me and spoke of a quiet secret that the mountainous forests hide on the island of Honshu—Japan’s main island He was speaking of the animal known as the kamoshika Between his broken English and perfectly choreographed hand gestures he painted the picture of a regal yet tranquil antelope-goat hybrid with a thick grayish-brown fur coat and small rearward-curving horns was the folklore that surrounds its existence Known to nimbly navigate rocky cliff faces I was told it’s a great compliment to be called kamoshika—a term bestowed upon the greatest Japanese skiers He proclaimed that those who are able to spot one of these quiet highly camouflaged creatures will experience good luck for years to come As I weighed the validity of his legend and considered the implications of spotting this mythical entity a brief window in the clouds unveiled a fleeting view of the dramatic high peaks of the jagged Japanese Alps The history of this sacred mountain kingdom began to penetrate my being Although Hakuba Valley receives legendary amounts of snow it would be a mistake to simply focus on the never-ending pow The volume and type of terrain that can be accessed open bowls to steep spines and fields of playful pillows however—especially when gyoza-sized flakes are piling up—are the perfectly spaced birch and pine forests you might recognize from photos and videos plastered across social media my partner emerged from a billowing contrail of cold smoke and raised his goggles With a powerful gaze fixed over my shoulder was the blurry outline of the legendary kamoshika Mirage-like—its fur blended seamlessly with the trees and snow The animal that I’d half- convinced myself was nothing more than a tall tale told by an imaginative We just stood there for what seemed like an eternity AFTER THE DAY’S remarkably deep skiing and questionable wildlife sighting The best remedy was a soak in one of Japan’s sacred onsens These natural hot springs are more than just a place to submerge tired muscles; they’re part of a centuries-old tradition rooted in Japanese culture—a ritual of purification and relaxation steam permeated my skin and warmed me from within I performed the mandatory pre-soak bathing before sliding into the large pool The mineral-rich hot water enveloped me and instantly There’s a reason the Japanese consider onsens to be healing the ritual and the solitude that make it sacred tapping into an ancient practice that had been honed to perfection over generations The misty haze that clung to the surface of the quiet oasis parted just long enough to reveal the aging face of the old man I spoke with on the bus He slowly pressed his palms together under his chin and lowered his head into a bow and the man’s silhouette melted into the mist I awoke early and was pleasantly surprised to see the sun bursting over the jagged ridge of the Japanese Alps With Hakuba Valley’s bounty of high alpine terrain on full display it was the perfect opportunity to test the terrain above the treeline We made our way to the top of a wide-open bowl that sat within gazing distance of a dozen-plus serrated we picked our jaws up off the glistening snow we chose to descend a prominent ridgeline that led us to a west-facing cirque laden with gentle ribs that naturally subdivided the terrain my partner and I leapfrogged our way down the seemingly endless expanse below There were no trees in sight as we dove to the bottom of the crystalline sea I got mouthfuls of snow before surfacing for a breath of cold mountain air and then descending for another helping We were happy to indulge in the all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet of Japanese blower pow we headed to a small sushi and ramen restaurant to recharge We seated ourselves in a corner that provided a perfectly framed view of the morning’s first run stood out as the crown jewel of the entire trip and I immediately recognized the all-knowing look on his well-worn face “You have experienced the greatest of luck on the mountain today.” Unsure if this was a question or a statement I realized the legend of the kamoshika had little to do with the existence of an animal; it was more about the connection between man and nature—a reminder that sometimes the greatest rewards come when you least expect them Hakuba Valley gave me more than just legendary skiing efficient transportation and soothing hot springs It had bestowed upon me a journey that blended modern convenience with deep cultural tradition—a trip that left me both exhilarated and at peace but more likely it was a touch of luck delivered by the ‘GrayGhost.’ Tokyo has two international airports—Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND) Narita is located just under 40 miles from Tokyo’s city center hop on the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsu-cho and transfer to the JR Keihin- Tohoku or JR Yamanote Lines to the Tokyo Station (Travel Time: 30 minutes) Get off on the Yaesu (East) side of the station and follow bilingual signs to the Shinkansen (bullet train) ticket gates Tickets can be purchased up to 38 days in advance (Travel Time: 90 minutes) A simple yet sophisticated accommodation with an affordable price tag the Mominoki Hotel offers a series of multi-night packages (which include breakfast) and is centrally located to many of Hakuba’s resorts The on-site “Beauty Bath” onsen has one of the highest pH levels in Hakuba evo’s Hotel Hakuba takes a modern approach to hotel design With a focus on community spaces for like-minded adventurers the new accommodation includes a soothing onsen From Tsukemono pickling workshops to breathtaking onsen access and traditional Japanese hearth gatherings KAI Alps offers a rural and genuine Japan experience The hotel is about 30 minutes form the closest resort and offers daily free shuttles the city of Nagano is a great place to spend an afternoon or overnight during your trip Spend the day visiting the Snow Monkey Park to marvel at the little creatures as they lounge in the natural onsens treat yourself to a luxurious spa day and let your pow legs recover at one of the many natural Onsen resorts be sure to visit the Matsumoto Castle to catch the stunning light shows or feast your way through the narrow city streets with a guided food tour If the solace of a backcountry excursion calls your name be sure to check out the many backcountry guiding services in Hakuba Valley Spend the day in the untracked powder fields surrounding the valley where you’ll acquire a new definition for the word ‘deep.’ Epic Local Pass and Epic Australia passes include a complimentary 5-consecutive-day Hakuba Valley All Mountain Lift Pass that can be picked up at a designated ticket window of any of the Hakuba Valley snow resorts January and February are typically the resorts’ busiest months of the year so planning a trip in March may help you experience the skiing scenery and authentic Japanese culture with fewer people in your way This story originally appeared in FREESKIER Magazine Volume 27 Issue 2. Click here to subscribe to FREESKIER and have print copies (yes real print magazines!) delivered right to your door Don't waste time seeking out the best skiing content; we'll send it all right to you 2025: Japan's Tengendai Kogen boasts world's deepest snowpack (307"/790cm) while Hakuba and Niseko deliver epic late-season conditions—but spring thaw looms Mostly cold with light-moderate snowfalls of 5-10cm (2-4”) a day and temperatures predominantly sub-zero but occasionally creeping up to +10°C just occasionally in Hokkaido—so with plenty of sunny spells but more likely to be rain when it does fall Japan has enjoyed its best season start for snowfall in over a decade its resorts had moved ahead of those in Europe and North America for snow depth the first in the world to reach 3 metres (10 feet) lying on their upper runs Although there’s an urban myth that one particular Japanese ski area gets the most snowfall in the world on average each winter it was actually the ski region of Hakuba Valley that posted the deepest snow globally to start the new year Japan’s sensational ski region in the Hakuba Valley is located in the northwest corner of the country’s famously snowy Nagano Prefecture and lies just three hours from Tokyo at the foot of the majestic 3,000m high Japanese Alps The region hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics there are 10 ski areas spread across 30km (19 miles) above the resort towns of Omachi City The region has a reputation for offering the most abundant as well as being the country’s largest ski resort Hakuba Valley is one of the snowiest destinations in the world receiving an average of around 10 metres (30 feet) of snowfall each season fluffy powder which leaves you feeling like you’re floating weightless as you ski or ride through it that Hakuba Valley’s famously abundant powder snow has earned it the nickname ‘Japow’ there’s terrain suited to every skill level and it’s easy to mix and match during your stay in Hakuba Valley with shuttle buses providing seamless access between all the resorts Hakuba Happo-one Snow Resort is one of Japan’s largest and most famous boasting 1,071m of vertical and serving as a venue during the Nagano Winter Olympic Games Home to some of the steepest pistes in the entire Valley—and all of Japan—it also caters to all standards and features runs up to 8km long is a much quieter resort known for its peaceful location as well as its particularly high-quality powder snow Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field is a mid-sized ski area with eight chairlifts and a gondola The slopes here offer 360-degree panoramic views of the Hakuba mountain range as well as a terrain park and cross-country ski trails.  The newly unveiled gondola lift at Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort is a game-changer the new lift boasts spacious cabins with strengthened resin glass panels offering uninterrupted 360° panoramic views.  Positioned parallel to the existing lift the highlight lies between pylons 7 and 10 where riders are treated to an unparalleled aerial perspective of the majestic alpine scenery This state-of-the-art addition ensures an unforgettable experience for skiers and sightseers alike Hakuba Norikura Onsen Snow Resort is located in a very private-feeling location in the northernmost part of the North Alps freeride terrain and a steep course for expert skiers with a 38-degree pitch snowmobiling and snowshoe excursions are also offered here Tsugaike Mountain Resort also offers wonderful views with its backdrop of 3,000m mountains known as the North Alps There are wide slopes for families and beginners as well as a powder zone known as “TSUGAPOW DBD” A gondola climbs 4km from the bottom right to the top of it all Its main slope offers a wide and uncrowded area with good visibility Kashimayari Snow Resort Family Park is another great option for families and children with its “Winter Theme Park” adding to the fun The popular “Pokemon Snow Adventure,” a snow tubing park with a total length of 150m Hakuba Cortina Snow Resort takes some inspiration from its famous Italian namesake but gets much more snowfall It averages the highest annual totals in the Hakuba Valley Cortina is particularly renowned for its incredible tree skiing in powder conditions It is also popular for its ski-in and ski-out hotel accommodation The Italian influence extends to the restaurant options If you’re already an experienced freestyler and enjoy jumps and tricks—or would like to learn—the popular Hakuba47 Winter Sports Park is home to a professional-standard half-pipe an excellent kicker and lots more features you can also ski over to neighbouring Hakuba Goryu ABLE Hakuba GORYU is renowned for its snow reliability through to Japan’s Golden Week holiday in early May panoramic views of the North Alps and night skiing on the Toomi slope are further attractions There’s skiing here for all abilities connecting all the resorts for seamless travel between them Discover more about the Hakuba Valley Day Pass here. One of the great joys of travelling to Japan is experiencing its rich and unique culture which has an authenticity and sincerity that’s particularly appealing the many options include exploring Matsumoto Castle as well as taking a dip in the soothing hot springs (onsen baths) You can also delight in the diverse range of dining options From traditional Japanese dishes to vegetarian specialties and haute cuisine there’s something for all tastes and budgets You’ll also find a wide range of accommodation options traditional ryokan to luxurious chalets and modern hotels For the world’s best snow—that’s legendary ‘Japow’!—an incredible choice of 10 different ski areas and fantastic accommodation options—it’s time you headed to Hakuba Visit Hakuba Valley snow reports and unmissable features direct to your inbox every week with our weekly ski update If you want to subscribe to our monthly newsletter snow reports and unmissable features direct to you inbox with our weekly ski update Be one of the first to try our new activity feed The world's best big mountain athletes kicked off the 2020 FWT in Japan with massive airs and full-throttle skiing On January 20, the Freeride World Tour returned to the Hakuba Valley in Japan for the first competition of the 2020 Tour The best male and female freeriders in the world converged on the South Bowl of the resort in the Japanese Alps under blue skies ready to show off jaw-dropping and gutsy big mountain skiing to the judges and spectators below The first comp of the season was filled with massive airs and full-throttle skiing but in the end it was FWT veteran Drew Tabke who won the men’s skiing comp while Norway’s Hedvig Wessel took the win in the women’s ski category A staple on the men’s FWT, two-time FWT Champion Drew Tabke has spent the past three tours struggling to climb back onto the podium But the 35-old American showed up in a big way for the season-opening comp in Hakuba “Japan is dreamy stuff … the reason I’m still competing is for destinations like [this],” Tabke said after the win Sweden’s Reine Barkered rounded out the podium in third with 88.33 points after stomping a similarly massive backflip as Tabke. With last year’s champion, Marcus Eder, out of the picture, all eyes were on last season’s runner-up, Sweden’s Kristofer Turdell, who kicked off the 2020 Tour with a disappointing 12 place finish. Wildcard competitor Tim Durtschi impressed with a strong 8 place finish in his first FWT competiton See the full Men’s Ski results from Hakuba here On the women’s side, Hedvig Wessel’s season-opening win came as no surprise to those who watched the Norwegian compete on the 2019 Tour Wessel finished last year’s tour ranked fourth in the women’s ski category and a growing reputation as one of the biggest Wessel demonstrated her fearless air game and crushed her competition in Hakuba with a backflip that rattled her helmet cam Judges awarded Wessel the winning score of 80 points a healthy lead over reigning World Champion Arianna Tricomi (ITA) also picked up in Hakuba where she left off in 2019 to finish third with 72 points and to be done with the first event,” Wessel shared after the comp but now to be done and celebrating with everyone is so cool!” American women Jacqueline Pollard and Jackie Paaso landed in seventh and eighth place See the full Women’s Ski results from Hakuba here SKI Magazine is an Official Media Partner for the Freeride World Tour For more freeride action and the latest FWT news Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Tokyo there’s lots to do in Hakuba this holiday season Hakuba is arguably the best ski resort near Tokyo, not least thanks to its easy accessibility from the city. While ski season has wrapped up, the mountains are still calling – especially during Golden Week (April 26–May 6) Here’s what’s happening in Hakuba as the area transitions into the green season The recent ski season in Hakuba was a long and fruitful one thanks to abundant snowfall that kept the slopes open for about five months it’s time to give back and help preserve Hakuba’s natural beauty To kick off Golden Week, five ski resorts in Hakuba will host a volunteer clean-up event called Slope Clean Act on Saturday April 26 The goal is to clear litter from the foothills and help the region get ready for the green season Each clean-up session will last around two hours all participants will receive an exclusive Clean Act T-shirt featuring an original Hakuba design Here are the details for each participating ski resort: Taking place on Saturday May 4, the 46th Salt Road Festival is a relaxed 10km walk along a section of the historical Salt Road This Edo-period (1603–1868) trade route was once used to transport salt from Itoigawa on the Sea of Japan to landlocked Matsumoto and Shiojiri via Azumino (all in today’s Nagano prefecture) The journey begins at the Hakuba Cross Country Racing Stadium (Snow Harp) and ends at Hakuba Green Sports Forest You’ll enjoy scenic views of the mountains and the last patches of lingering snow along the way but you’ll have to register at Snow Harp between 7.30am and 8.30am a free shuttle service runs from JR Hakuba Station to the starting point (7.20am–8.20am) and again from the finish line back to the station (1pm–2pm) Taking over the lawn area of Snow Peak Land Station Hakuba on the weekend of May 10-11, the Hakuba Wine Marche kicks off the green season with a vibrant celebration of life’s finer pleasures live music and a bit of shopping in the mountains The event will showcase some of Nagano prefecture’s top wineries and cider producers, including Son of the Smith, Le Milieu and Northern Alps Vineyards Japan now has an official Hello Kitty airport Hakone Ropeway to open new observation area overlooking a volcanic valley New Tokyo City Pass combines unlimited transport, attraction tickets and special activities Loewe’s mega-exhibition has arrived in Tokyo with whimsical Studio Ghibli rooms 7 best parks and gardens to see late-blooming cherry blossoms in Tokyo this spring Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan. facebooktwitterpinterestinstagramAbout us Interested in hitting the slopes in Japan this season check out this guide which has everything you need to know for planning your ski trip to the Hakuba Valley this winter The Hakuba Valley hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and has since become an international destination for ski enthusiasts Thanks to an incredible variety of terrain this year the Valley was added to the prestigious Epic Pass a collection of 55 amazing resorts from around the world Epic Pass holders can now ski the Hakuba Valley for five days for free Car: Hakuba sits 170 miles west of downtown Tokyo and can be reached within four hours by car Many accommodations have car parking for guests and the resorts have accessible parking lots Shinkansen & Bus: From Tokyo Station take the Shinkansen to Nagano Station then take a bus to Hakuba Station The journey takes about three hours and costs ¥9,800 JR Azusa: Departing from Shinjuku Station and Tachikawa Station this train runs directly to Hakuba Station and is slightly cheaper than the Shinkansen option at ¥7,900 There are 11 resorts in the Hakuba Valley providing incredible variety of terrain First Timer’s and Intermediates: Happo-One Happo-One hosted several different events during the 1998 Olympics including the alpine skiing downhill 50% of the runs are suitable for intermediate riders and the views from Happo-One may be the best in the entire Valley Beginners can find their balance on one of the more mellow green runs Many of the international ski schools operate out of this resort making it a good option for first timers The main village also sits at the foot of Happo-One which opens your options nicely for drinks and dinner after skiing head to the Corona Terrace at the top of the Gondola; stop for a drink or snack with magical views right up the Hakuba Valley A great option for families or groups with a mix of abilities Iwatake has terrain for every ability level the resort is easily accessible from Happo Village they can take an easy run from the top of the mountain all the way to the base; there are also more challenging intermediate routes that branch off from this run Advanced skiers can stay busy as well as there are high speed runs relax with a beer and some delicious ramen at one of the best restaurants in the Valley Come out from the gondola entrance and cross the road to a wooden shack with skis and snowboards out the front Cortina receives the highest snow fall in the valley and typically gets twice as much snow as the neighboring resorts and unmatched sidecountry skiing then visit Cortina There are only 13 on-piste runs at Cortina but the resort is interlinked with neighboring Norikura Resort and the Cortina lift pass gets you access to all 25 combined runs The iconic Green Plaza hotel sits at the base of Cortina and is a great place for drinks and dinner after skiing Cortina You’ll be able to ski waste deep in fresh powder snow Make sure to arrive early as other powder enthusiasts will certainly be visiting Cortina as well You can also purchase an “All Valley Pass” which allows pass holders access to every resort within the Valley These passes cost ¥6,000 per day and can be purchased at hakuba.com/plan-your-trip/lift-passes/ Rentals: There are a handful of English-speaking rental shops in Hakuba but the following prices are approximately what you will pay for rentals per day Adult Standard Ski or Snowboard Set: ¥4,250 or Wadano as these areas boast plenty of nightlife options and are centrally located making every resort easily accessible Hakuba has accommodations at every price point - from youth hostels to jaw dropping luxury One great midrange hotel is the Hakuba Springs Hotel the hotel houses probably the best sushi in all of Hakuba Valley as well as a great late-night sports bar There are loads of great day trips and off-mountain activities in the area but the world-famous snow monkeys are by far the most popular option among visitors Sign up for our weekly newsletter of articles from Japan Get ready for an unforgettable winter in Japan Iwatake’s new gondola will open on December 20 The Valley is renowned for its lift-accessible off-piste tree skiing and expansive backcountry Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort may have a shorter season than many of its Hakuba Valley counterparts, but it’s a top pick for snowboarders craving diverse and thrilling terrain. The mountain is packed with fun terrain features and hidden tree runs that keep you on your toes. Over the past few years, the resort has made significant improvements to attract the Japanese summer market. Construction of Mountain Harbor, Chavity, and the Yoohoo Swing has Instagram lovers rushing to the mountain for that perfect shot. This increase in popularity has led to a major expansion project, adding a new gondola. Hakuba Iwatake’s new gondola is highly anticipated and will transform access to the slopes just in time for winter enthusiasts. The upgrades showcase Iwatake’s commitment to becoming an all-season mountain resort, and we can’t wait to see its impact on visitors. A post shared by Events Hakuba (@eventshakuba) This gondola isn’t just about getting to the top faster – it’s a critical part of Iwatake’s transformation into a world-class resort The new lift gives quick access to some of the best slopes in the region offering unbeatable views and incredible powder The new cabins will hold ten passengers and have glass walls offering panoramic views of the valley The new gondola will travel at 6 m/s and has a capacity of 2,460 people per hour The new base station has been under construction since the start of last winter The base area is being completely revamped the old gondola station will become a hub with a ticket center and the home of Iwatake’s ski and snowboard school Iwatake is gearing up to become the place to be this winter or just looking to soak in Japan’s winter beauty the new gondola and upgraded facilities are designed to give you the best experience possible If you’re in Hakuba and looking to enjoy Iwatake’s new gondola The Gondola will be open on December 19 for a free test ride allowing visitors to glimpse the top-notch facilities and breathtaking views before the official opening Mike is a writer, entrepreneur, and lifelong ski bum. He lives in Hakuba Japan where he runs several businesses and skis incessantly. Find more of his writing on Mykhumphrey.com Snow and Mountain Lifestyle news and entertainment A frightening situation unfolded at Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort in Japan where a group of skiers and snowboarders taking their last run of the day followed the sound of muffled screams and discovered a female snowboarder who had fallen approximately 15 feet down a hole above a creek. Unable to extricate herself, there is no telling how long the woman would have remained at the bottom of the hole or what her ultimate outcome may have been had the passersby not responded to her distress calls. The strangers pooled their resources and used a length of paracord a snowboarder had in his backpack to pull her out. The woman was clearly shaken up by the ordeal but seemed otherwise unharmed. The incident serves as a great reminder to always ski with a friend when off-piste. Get the latest snow and mountain lifestyle news and entertainment delivered to your inbox. Francis@unofficialnetworks.com Francis Xavier is a seasoned writer for Unofficial Networks, bringing a lifetime of outdoor experience to his work. Having lived in a ski resort town for years he has a deep connection to mountain culture.... 6th February 2025 | James Cove, Hakuba Valley, Japan. PlanetSKI is in Japan for a month or so. Our stay in the Hakuba Valley on the main island of Honchu ends, with yet more fresh snow. Then we took time out to see Japan away from the ski slopes and visited Kanazawa and its surrounding area: Now we’re back in the Hakuba Valley and heading to the powder fields of Cortina First there was the small matter of digging the car out after all the recent snow You simply need to clear the snow from windscreen and then drive out  – the snow is that light here in Japan A post shared by PlanetSKI (@planetski.eu) Arriving in Cortina we were greeted by one of the classic Japanese ski hotels at the base of the ski area The resort has a total ski area of 13,335m with 6 lifts giving access to 16 marked runs We headed straight for the trees to find some of that JaPow again It benefits from some very cold air masses travelling from the Yakutsk region of eastern Siberia This then collides with moisture laden air from the North Pacific The two air masses collide over the mountains of Japan & then…Pow do not think there is light powder the whole time the snow quality will be the same as anywhere else Several friends have visited and missed out on that very special Japanese powder As I mentioned in the video the rules of where you can and can’t ski are different to Europe but large areas of off piste are out-of-bounds and I have heard stories of lift pass being confiscated and fines issued Stick within the boundary area is very much my advice If you want powder adventures stick to the designated areas and have all the correct safety equipment We stuck to the open tree areas in Cortina We simply lapped my current favourite lift in the entire world The views were truly spectacular and one could only be in Japan We skipped lunch to be in the Cortina powder and built up a healthy appetite for dinner that night The food here in Japan is utterly fabulous and very reasonably priced Around £12 – £15 for a meal with a beer or small jug of saki but the menus have helpful pictures and the food is far better than the glossy images suggest Sometimes there are words on the menu too – helpful if horsemeat is not quite to your taste Some restaurants even offer plastic replicas of the food in their main window Sometimes though it is good to go back to something more familiar there is much smiling/arm waving and drawing images on pieces of paper One of my most welcome sights was when we were very low on petrol and worrying about running out when a garage appeared I pulled in and two men came bounding out and bowing away while the other took my card and took the payment from the machine that did not have an English option Politeness and respect are everywhere with much bowing Our final resort on our stay in the Hakuba Valley was Kashimayari the omens were good as we approached with the local village buildings buried under snow There wasn’t the extensive and steep slopes of Cortina but there was still plenty of fresh JaPOW A post shared by PlanetSKI (@planetski.eu) The resort has an area of 14,200m with 8 lifts giving access to its 15 marked runs As it is one of the smaller ski areas and least accessible at the southern end of the valley we were the only westerners on the slopes For the first time we didn’t hear an Australian voice all day Snowboarding remains popular here in Japan with around 20% of people on snowboards rather than skis The Hakuba Valley has ten different ski areas: The resorts have more than 200 runs with countless routes through the powder There is a joint lift pass that costs 55,900 Yen (£290) for six days though it actually works out cheaper to buy one daily We decided to buy daily lift passes and our total came to 40,100 Yen (£210) The joint valley lift pass gives free access to the public buses so you will need to factor that in when you make your choice And if you are wondering whether to hire skis or take your own then top quality rentals cost £180 for 6-days On our flight with Turkish airways a ski bag went for free so there was no extra charge to bring one’s own skis All too soon our week-long stay in the Hakuba Valley in Nagano drew to its conclusion PlanetSKI’s first experience of skiing in Japan had lived up to expectations Just the feeling of skiing in Japan is fabulous with reminders of where you are in the world everywhere we’re spending a few days in Tokyo before flying north to the island of Hokkaido It’s home to some of the best ski resorts in Japan and annually receives even more snow than the Hakuba Valley A handful of specialist UK operators offer ski holidays to Japan One is Ski Safari that has perhaps the most experience of the country with tailored packages built on the company’s extensive knowledge and experience Niseko – Japan’s largest and best-known ski resort the quality and quantity of snow here is unparalleled – for powder it doesn’t get much better than a Niseko ski holiday Hakuba – Hakuba ski holidays are blessed with alpine-like terrain and huge variety Hakuba is a great place to use as a base for exploring multiple resorts on one lift pass Rusutsu ski holidays are great on their own or as part of a longer trip in Hokkaido Nozawa Onsen ski holidays are as famous for onsens as they are for skiing – perfect for a ski trip with added culture quiet slopes and fantastic tree runs off-piste Furano -Choose a Furano ski holiday for a traditional resort in an idyllic setting and top notch piste skiing Furano is a thriving town in its own right money saving deals and everything connected with snowsports – web site For the Spirit of the Mountains – PlanetSKI: Number One for ski news Content copyright © 2025, PlanetSKI Ltd. | Privacy policy | Terms & Conditions All Images: Hiroya Nakata | Words: Scout Peterson Nestled within the Nagano prefecture’s Ushiro Tateyama Mountain Range Hakuba Valley stands as a skier’s sanctuary Hakuba Valley is comprised of 10 resorts dotting the base of the range—think massive open faces cliff drops and trails that wind through steep it features foothill mountains with towering peaks all interconnected by a brief bus or taxi ride This winter wonderland is an international epicenter for skiing a swift bullet train and bus ride away from the heart of Tokyo a city that intertwines Japanese customs with futuristic technology take a day or two to explore the city’s fish market You’d be remiss to skip the life-sized Godzilla on a trip to Tokyo snag a storage locker at the train station so you can avoid lugging skis across town.  The journey to Hakuba Valley is as much a part of the adventure as the skiing itself Don’t be surprised when you arrive at your bus or train and it’s packed with fellow skiers The fastest route to Hakuba Valley starts with a bullet train from Toyko to Nagano the drive continues with a scenic hour-long bus ride to Hakuba’s Central Station where you can ogle at the views along the way between Hakuba 47 and Happo-one (pronounced oh-nay where the party rages and hostels are plentiful.  The ski season in Hakuba mirrors that of the US with the best conditions being from early December through mid to late April With 400 inches of average snowfall a year you might experience what Japan calls’ JAPOW—the low humidity powder that only happens here Pros descend on this region every year for Japowuary a two-month span when Hakuba gets pounded with the most snowfall on the globe and you’ll quickly see why Happo-one snagged a spot as a qualifier event for the Freeride World Tour in 2023 As the resort with the largest skiable area Happo-one should be on your must-do’s.  The area’s seen Australian and US ski tourists for years so you’d be surprised by the amount of English you’ll hear.  Epic Pass holders have access to Hakuba Valley’s 10 resorts by way of five consecutive days of skiing Each resort seamlessly connects through the Hakuba Valley bus system so you can jump from base to base as you please Rides are complimentary with a Hakuba Valley lift pass or Epic Pass; otherwise While it’s tempting to only hop across the 10 resorts consider designating a day or two to backcountry skiing a realm best explored with the guidance of professionals like Kazuya Furuse at Locus Guide Service terrain traps galore and massive terrain in general; this is no place for a casual dip out of bounds,” explains Furuse because you’ll need both.” Having someone lead the way in a foreign country means less stress and more slopes Rarely can you find a spot where a vending machine spits out beers mid ski slope Toss the machine a few Yen and you don’t have to spend the day lugging around cans the après ski culture at Hakuba is alive and well If the sun sets and your ski itch isn’t quite scratched Enjoy hot sake and ramen while local skiing teams rip until 9:30 p.m before heading to Echoland to swapping tales and enjoy a couple cold ones.  And when it’s time for the inevitable down day Soak in the largest hot spring in the valley while surrounded by snow-capped peaks.  Hakuba Valley isn’t just a ski destination; it’s an immersive locale that blends adventure culture and natural beauty and will leave ready to book your return trip Japan, more specifically the area in and around the town of Hakuba, has been getting hammered with snow lately. Between January 30 and January 31, most resorts in the area were reporting 10-20cm of new snow. Between January 29 and January 31, the numbers were closer to 35cm of new snow in 24 hours. With all of the recent snowfall, some ski resorts have seen 80-100cm of fresh snow in the past several days, making for unbelievable snow conditions. But as this video shows, those fantastic conditions should be taken with a fair amount of caution. View this post on InstagramA post shared by Powderhounds.com (@powderhounds) While avalanches seem to be less common in Japan then in other parts of the world despite the immense amount of snowfall, they still happen, and they can still be deadly Always make sure you pay attention to the local avalanche bulletin before heading off-resort and make sure you’re carrying the proper gear and know how to use it Don’t go into the backcountry if you don’t have sufficient avalanche/backcountry training Avalanches are possible any time you have snow on a slope. The best thing you can do before you head into the mountains is check the avalanche forecast If you are traveling where there isn’t a current avalanche forecast here are some simple things that will help you avoid avalanches If you want to dig deeper, you can view a list of educational resources on our Education Resources page.  Get the latest snow and mountain lifestyle news and entertainment delivered to your inbox 2025Skiing in Japan is synonymous with bottomless powder hot springs and full immersion in a culture unlike anything else on the planet With somewhere north of 400 ski resorts and countless backcountry skiing zones in the country it can be pretty overwhelming to figure out where to go when to do it and how to make it all happen so here are a few things to keep in mind before you book your flight to Tokyo and get your fill of Japow If you’re as excited about skiing bottomless powder snow as we are here at POWDER then Japan should without a doubt be on your bucket list Thanks to prevailing northwesterly winds that create weather patterns crossing over the frigid Sea of Japan in the winter months the western coast of the country typically gets slammed with massive amounts of powder snow in January and February the islands get Japanuburied during Japanuary Want to keep up with the best stories and photos in skiing? Subscribe to the new Powder To The People newsletter for weekly updates Let’s begin with some basic logistics is smack in the middle of Honshu and is the entry point for most foreign tourists.  Which airport?If you’re coming from the United States you will most likely have to fly into one of Tokyo’s two very large international airports There’s not much of a difference between Haneda and Narita airports from a logistics point of view you’ll have to get up into the mountains but don’t skip over Tokyo—it’s one of the busiest and most fascinating cities on Earth and well worth at least a few days of exploration How to travel to the mountainsTraveling into the mountains can happen in a number of ways and your exact destination will determine the best way to get there It’s possible to get to many resorts by public transportation thanks to Japan’s extensive high-speed rail (Shinkansen) and well-developed bus systems If you’re heading straight to Hokkaido it’s possible to connect from Tokyo to Sapporo via a short flight it can be a good idea to rent a car or van but be ready to drive on the left side of the road and make sure you have a valid international driver’s license features great inbounds skiing and easy access to massive big-mountain lines out of the gate Japan is actually split into 14,125 islands but the only two you have to worry about for skiing are Honshu (the large main island) and Hokkaido (its smaller northern neighbor) the western side of Honshu is home to a chain of tall mountains (the Japanese Alps) that along with perfectly conical volcanoes further inland and up north on Hokkaido catch all the snowfall to create unforgettable ski conditions Most popular ski areasThe most popular skiing can be split into two main areas: Nagano/Hakuba (main island) and the various ski resorts around Sapporo like Niseko and Rusutsu (on Hokkaido) there are dozens of other smaller ski resorts and backcountry zones equally worth exploring outside these two main areas Izzy Lynch gets a taste of the magic trees in Hakuba What’s the difference between Honshu and Hokkaido’s skiing?As we mentioned earlier but there are only two that are relevant for skiing: Honshu (the large main island) and Hokkaido (its smaller northern neighbor) has a wider variety of ski destinations and the Myoko area and hundreds of tiny mom-and-pop resorts tucked away elsewhere Hakuba Valley: Hakuba is where you’ll find Japan’s biggest and baddest backcountry skiing lines, with peaks and runs that can rival what you’d find in Alaska or the Alps. It’s gnarly, it’s steep and it’s no wonder that the Freeride World Tour has hosted events here for many years excellent hot springs and a fun local culture it typically doesn't get nearly as much snow as Hokkaido and it's less of a purely powder skiing destination Mount Myoko: The area surrounding Mount Myoko is home to resorts like Myoko Kogen, Lotte Arai and Seki Onsen, all of which offer an excellent mix of terrain for both resort skiing and backcountry ski touring. There’s everything from world-class tree skiing and endless groomers to cruise all surrounded by a small but bustling mountain community Snow quality is similar to what you’ll find in Hakuba is where you’ll consistently find the deepest The mountains and ski resorts are less tall and generally colder than what you’ll find on Honshu Niseko and Rusutsu are the two most popular ski resorts here both about an hour and a half southwest of Sapporo These feel very Western but offer incredibly unique terrain Tim Durtschi styles it out in the trees in Hakuba Japanese skiing is absolutely one of a kind It’s a pretty cool feeling to do something you are probably very familiar with (skiing) in a completely foreign place and customs you won’t see anywhere else in the world There’s everything from ski-through cafes and slopeside ramen to gondolas that require little “hats” for your skis to protect the tips and mandatory armbands for backcountry access Japanese skiing is not always about riding deep powder it’s really fun to cruise around on groomers when the sun is shining and it hasn’t snowed in a few days—many of the bigger resorts do an excellent job with grooming their inbounds terrain The snow quality has a lot to do with temperature and a few degrees will make a huge difference in how light and blower it feels Japan's peak ski season tends to run from mid-January to the end of February That's when you'll usually find the deepest snow best conditions and best atmosphere in mountain towns Is skiing in Japan expensive?Generally, lift tickets in Japan cost far less than they do at bigger resorts in the United States. The local currency is the Japanese yen, and many tickets can be purchased online. It’s possible to buy multi-resort passes like the Hakuba Valley Pass to grant access to multiple resorts in the same area Lodging and food are similarly priced to most North American mountain towns but it’s definitely possible to find places slightly off the beaten path to save a few bucks Many mountain towns have local izakayas (pubs) that offer great food booze and a fun local atmosphere for cheap traditional ramen restaurants and other options especially if you are taking a taxi or bus to a more remote area High-speed rail travel via the Shinkansen is the most efficient way to get into the mountains near Hakuba or Myoko and it's also the best way to get to and from the airport Niseko and Lotte Arai are on the Ikon Pass and Hakuba and Rusutsu are on the Epic Pass Tyler Mills tours Tsugaike in Hakuba Even if you’re an experienced backcountry skier consider hiring a local guide for a day or two to show you around—it’s worth it and will lead you to find the deepest untracked snow Much of the backcountry skiing is stunningly beautiful tree skiing through deciduous forests but more technical options and some high-alpine-style freeriding zones are also accessible Some cat and heli-skiing operations exist on Hokkaido, including the popular Hokkaido Backcountry Club guide service There are plenty of more remote ski touring opportunities all around the islands a large volcano with excellent high-alpine skiing Avalanche forecasts can be hard to find, but the Japan Avalanche Network publishes forecasts for many popular areas. Those forecasts can be found here One of the more endearing characteristics of Hokkaido is the absence of English especially when venturing beyond the gringo haunt of Niseko A note for those of you who typically ski with a radio: Two-way radios (walkie-talkies) are subject to tightly enforced regulations in Japan Your standard BCA or Rocky Talkie backcountry skiing radio is illegal to use in the country since it transmits on a restricted band of the frequency spectrum and stories abound of unsuspecting foreigners getting a knock on their doors and their radios confiscated You can buy or rent a legal radio in-country if you want to use them What kind of skis should I bring to Japan?It might be tempting to bring your absolute fattest skis to Japan but unless you’re exclusively skiing in the backcountry or know there’s a week-long storm coming you might be better served with a more versatile setup If you have the space and plan on ski touring and riding resorts bring two sets: a powder touring setup (110-120mm underfoot) and a ~110mm underfoot resort ski Tonkotsu ramen is a soul-warming lunch option found at just about any Japanese ski resort base area Japanese food is a whole lot more than just sushi and ramen—although those are two great options Traditional food in the mountains includes lots of noodle dishes like soba ramen and udon or hotpot meals like sukiyaki or yosenabe There’s also plenty of delicious street food like grilled yakitori skewers Most ski areas have on-mountain cafeterias that serve delicious ramen Most resort towns have a few excellent high-end sushi joints and traditional pubs called izakayas that offer smaller plates and endless sake If you’re craving a more familiar taste it’s possible to find very good Mexican food and burger joints in towns like Hakuba and Niseko and it can be very hard to find a spot to eat without them Your hotel front desk will be more than happy to help make these for you What about Japanese convenience stores like 7-Eleven?Of course you can't miss the experience of eating to-go meals from Japanese convenience stores (konbini) like Lawson’s This is the place to stock up on ski snacks like onigiri (rice balls) fully-packed to-go meals like katsu curry and a full assortment of fun canned drinks Don’t skip out on the vending machines some of the best skiing can be found at the smaller Two great places to explore are neighboring Hakuba Cortina and the Norikura Onsen ski resorts which have excellent backcountry access and really fun inbounds skiing when it snows a lot A short drive northeast will take you to the Myoko region where Seki Onsen and others are a fun day trip head north out of Sapporo towards Furano or Asahidake resorts for a similar experience How much time should I spend in Tokyo on a ski trip?Since you’ll most likely have to travel via Tokyo anyway it’s well worth your while to tack on at least a few days of exploring the city nightlife and absolutely everything in between It’s one of the biggest cities in the world Japan has an excellent network of luggage forwarding services between airports so it’s possible to drop your ski bags at the airport and not have to deal with them until you get to where you’re skiing bringing a ski bag and other gear into the Tokyo underground metro system is only funny once.  The other imperative reason to visit and ski Japan: onsens you must bathe and rinse before entering the hot springs many of the smaller ski areas will have an onsen at the base area hotel and it’s a truly relaxing experience after skiing hard all day Customs and traditions vary depending on the exact onsen (many will only allow entry to Japanese locals and many still frown upon anyone with visible tattoos entering) A quick glimpse at sunrise of the legendary Mount Yotei You'll be lucky if you see it when you're visiting Niseko you'll be lucky if you don't see it but it’s great to have the ability to explore especially on rest days or if the snow conditions turn bad It’s probably not the best idea to rent a car in Tokyo but it’s pretty easy to rent a vehicle once you leave the city.  Japan is preparing for another round of heavy snowfall following a two-week whiteout that has led to traffic disruptions, fatalities, and mounting concerns over avalanches and hazardous road conditions. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued warnings Monday, February 24, for multiple regions, urging residents to remain vigilant as severe winter weather persists. The affected areas include the central prefectures of Niigata, Ishikawa, and Nagano, as well as western regions such as Hiroshima and Shimane. These regions, which border the Sea of Japan, frequently experience heavy snowfall during winter, drawing large numbers of tourists to their ski resorts. However, this year’s snow accumulation has shattered records in several cities, posing significant challenges for residents and local authorities. By 10:00 a.m. local time (0100 GMT) Monday, the northern city of Aomori had recorded five meters (16 feet) of snow, while Niigata’s Uonuma reported 3.81 meters (12.5 feet) and Tadami in Fukushima Prefecture measured 3.13 meters (10.3 feet), according to JMA data. Authorities warned that additional snowfall could exacerbate conditions, increasing the risk of avalanches, icy roads, and frozen water pipes. The extreme winter weather has already taken a toll. Multiple cities have reported fatalities linked to the heavy snow, though officials have not released an exact count. Transportation networks have also been severely affected, with snow-related accidents and road closures disrupting travel. Japan’s heavy snowfall is not unusual in coastal regions facing the Sea of Japan, which is known for its snowy winters due to cold air masses from Siberia colliding with moist air over the sea. But the intensity of this season’s storms has raised concerns over infrastructure resilience and emergency preparedness. Local governments have deployed additional snow-clearing equipment and issued advisories for residents to stock up on essentials as more snow is expected in the coming days. The JMA continues to monitor the situation and advises caution for those living in affected regions. Authorities are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to stay informed about weather updates as conditions evolve. A post shared by Hakuba (@hakuba) Tanner Hall second in Hakuba for his first ever professional freeride competition For the first Freeride World Tour stop of 2019 (FWT19) the Japan stop was moved to Canada after relentless snow pummeled the Japanese Alps the riders and event organizers were pleased to find optimal conditions for the first stop of FWT19 qualified for the competition through a previous Freeride World Qualifier event The rest of his run was very fluid and fast earning a score of 78.33 and the leader’s chair That changed when Italy’s Markus Eder dropped in after three other riders The Italian is one of the best freeride skiers in the world right now and he proved that with a massive flat-360 at the top He demonstrated a fluidity level that was well above all of the previous riders throughout his entire run and took Sasaki out of the top spot with a sore of 86.60 A post shared by Tanner Hall (@tannerhall420) “First comp run on the big mountain scene and I’m stoked,” Hall wrote in an Instagram post “Def just warming up and battling some knee and ankle issues but still got a run down and some confidence back in the body today One run format makes things interesting for sure… Stoke for more to come!” The second-to-last skier on the men’s side took a different approach to the top air most of the other riders started with and hucked a massive 360 off the nose of the cliff and landed clean His high energy run had a tiny hiccup before the bottom pillow section of the course when he put two hands down but the judges must have missed it as they gave him a score of 79.67 which would be good enough to end the day in third place “After last year’s struggle we finally had a good start in Japan with perfect snow and crazy stacked field of riders,” said Eder after the final rider, American Grifen Moller See the women’s results from the FWT19 stop in Hakuba A post shared by Berkeley Patterson (@berkeleypatterson) Mount Fuji, usually a symbol of early snowfall, raised concerns this year when it set a record for the latest snowfall in 130 years. Skiers and resort owners began to worry that this could be a rocky start, with delayed snow impacting many early resorts. Just as concerns peaked, last week’s storm brought much-anticipated relief. The weather system that started as rain quickly transformed into snowfall at higher altitudes, bringing much-needed winter conditions. Mount Fuji received its first snow, creating a fresh white blanket that has boosted spirits for the season ahead. The storm also touched Hakuba Valley, where snow has settled on the high-altitude peaks, signaling a promising turn for winter enthusiasts. A post shared by Events Hakuba (@eventshakuba) This shift aligns with the Japan Meteorological Association’s September forecast, predicting a 60% chance of La Niña A weather pattern that often results in colder temperatures and more frequent snowfalls The industry hopes this will mean a heavy snowfall season several resorts are already open or gearing up to welcome guests As Japan’s early-bird resort, Yeti Snow Resort is a staple for those who want to get on the slopes before the rest of the country The resort is dedicated to staying open as much as possible through the season Yeti is anticipated to reopen as temperatures continue to drop In Nagano Prefecture, Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort is a popular choice for early skiing. Its robust snowmaking capabilities guarantee a consistent experience in the early season. Karuizawa opened in early November, and with its extensive selection of beginner slopes, it’s an ideal resort for families. A post shared by Miku Kuriyama (@kuriyamamiku) and the La Niña forecast has sparked high hopes for another excellent season Visitors can look forward to extensive lift infrastructure Tsugaike Kogen is scheduled to open on December 1 in Hakuba Valley Tsugaike is a favorite among beginners and families while still offering more advanced terrain in the gated double black diamond side country Hakuba Valley is a hotspot for skiing and snowboarding in Japan Tsugaike’s gondola and expansive terrain provide an ideal playground for riders of all levels Other Hakuba Valley resorts, including Hakuba Happo-one Snow Resort, Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park, and ABLE Hakuba Goryu Snow Resort are also preparing to open in early December steep slopes and impressive vertical drops making it a top choice for experienced skiers and snowboarders Hakuba 47 and ABLE Hakuba Goryu are connected offering a diverse range of trails and access to Japan’s famous powder snow While early rains and delayed snowfall initially raised concerns Japan’s ski season is looking more optimistic With fresh snow covering Mount Fuji and the peaks of Hakuba Just three weeks remain until some of Japan’s biggest resorts open the prospect of a snowy winter has raised hopes across the country With the Yen hitting its lowest value since the mid-’80s your dollar will take you farther than ever Let’s be honest: Japan has never been considered a “cheap” ski destination for Americans Lift tickets may be more affordable than what we’re used to you’re still looking at thousands of dollars per person But, things are starting to shift. The Japanese Yen has been having a tough year, falling to its lowest value since 1986 in July 2024. On July 8, 2024, The Week reported that the Yen-to-dollar ratio was 160-to-1 meaning you can buy 160 Yen worth of goods for $1 (for context 100 Yen is similar to a U.S Dollar and there are even 100-Yen shops in Japan) between 2019 and 2021 the average ratio was under 110-to-1 and ski rentals in Japan are more affordable than they have been in a while So if you’ve been contemplating that bucket-list trip to ski Japow this might be the season to make it happen Some ski spots are tiny and potentially not worth a stop but there are also a handful of lesser-known spots with plenty of terrain and great snow      Also Read: I Took An All-Inclusive Trip to Japan, and It Was the Easiest Ski Vacation I’ll Ever Take I’ve outlined a few ski areas that are off the tourist track along with the heavy hitters—because sometimes ski areas are popular for good reason chances are people are talking about Niseko which is located on Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido and sees double the amount of snow as most ski areas in the Rockies The official snowfall count for Niseko is 49–59 feet Niseko is made up of four interconnected ski areas: Annupuri, Niseko Village, Hirafu, and Hanazono. You can ski all four resorts on the Niseko United All-Mountain Pass which starts at 7,400 Yen (or just over $50) for a single-day ticket reaching all that snow takes some added work You can take an eight-hour-plus train journey to Niseko from Tokyo but most skiers opt for the 1.5-hour flight to New Chitose Airport (CTS) it’s four hours by bus and train or two hours by car to the resort Like Niseko, Furano Ski Resort is on the northern island of Hokkaido and is around four hours from New Chitose Airport by bus and train or two hours by car You’ll still find all the comforts of home but without the commercialized resort feeling Single-day tickets to ski Furano are around 7,000 Yen ($48) The biggest draw of Hakuba is that it’s on the same island as Tokyo and can be easily reached via bullet train It also has some of the best mountain views in Japan and lots of backcountry skiing Perhaps the biggest reason people choose Hakuba is that the valley is home to several ski areas The price to ski the Hakuba Valley is around 9,700 Yen ($67) for a single-day ticket—all resorts included Minakami Kogen Ski Resort is significantly quieter than the resorts in Hakuba Valley it is on the main island of Honshu and can be reached from Tokyo via a two-hour bullet train ride or a two-hour bus trip (or 3.5 hours by car) The biggest draw of Minakami is the fact that lift tickets are just 4,800 Yen (that’s less than $35!), and the ski area is 12 minutes by car to Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku a series of open-air onsen (hot spring bathhouses) set around a river with traditional Japanese lodging and dining Nozawaonsen is a favorite for many Westerners but the real draw is the fact that Nozawaonsen is a walkable picturesque ski village with lots of great dining and 13 free onsens that you can visit after a ski day Nozawaonsen is around four hours by train and bus from Tokyo or a two-hour drive. Lift tickets are around 6,800 Yen ($47) for a single-day ticket Testing skis and winter gear is hard work (just ask our boot testers)—but someone's gotta do it Hakuba is delivering a ski season for the record books. Just one week into February, the resort – more specifically, Happo One – had already recorded its snowiest winter in 13 years surpassing the previous high of 619 cm (2014-15) at base level the last snowfall isn’t observed until early April with the ski season wrapping up in early May this record is nowhere near its final number February has already seen 123 cm of snowfall, with only one snowless day since 29 January. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has confirmed that “La Niña-like conditions” will continue until the end of month Rather strangely, these once-in-a-decade conditions are only presenting in Hakuba, with even its closest neighbours experiencing above average but mostly unremarkable winter seasons. Myoko’s Akakura Kanko resort, just 50 km from Happo One (as the crow flies), had a strong December but a middling January, and, as of February, still needs more than 4 m of snowfall to eclipse its 2018-19 season high of 1,705 cm An epic 198 cm in over the last seven days has certainly helped its cause Even more surprising is that Hokkaido’s resorts which typically benefit most from La Niña conditions are experiencing a far milder winter than their Honshu counterparts As of 14 February, Furano has seen 417 cm of snowfall, compared to 645 cm at the same point last year. Niseko having accumulated just 644cm of snow to date There would need to be significant snowfall during the latter half of February for it to reach its seasonal average of 1,054 cm – measured at the base of Niseko Grand Hirafu Fortunately, February is trending in the right direction for both the mainland and Hokkaido. This past week, Central Honshu was hit by the biggest storm of the season The Japan Meteorological Agency is expecting the “La Niña-like” conditions to continue across Japan with a 40-60% probability of above average snowfall over the next month Another snow storm is predicted to hit Central Honshu beginning Monday The weather is predicted to stick around until at least next weekend Promisingly, JMA is also predicting between 50-60% probability of above average snowfall across Honshu over the next month Voting is now open – your chance to support the resorts accommodation and service providers that have delivered the best experiences to their guests You’ll also have the chance to win a $150 eGift voucher from backcountry.com VOTE NOW Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Ski Asia’s bi-monthly newsletter with the latest news It’s been a cracking start to the winter season for resorts across Japan Virtually anyone who booked the notoriously unreliable early December period was duly rewarded with all-time conditions and the tap has remained firmly on ever since Japan’s big-name resorts like Niseko, Hakuba, Myoko and Rusutsu have all been belted with snow, and yet it’s a lesser-know one – Geto Kogen – that has really captured out attention, reporting an astonishing 941cm of cumulative snowfall as of today A visit to the resort’s Instagram page reveals a steady stream of videos showing off powder-laden slopes – albeit with some challenging windy conditions that may be giving lifties a few headaches A post shared by 夏油高原スキー場 (@getokogen) The snow is not expected to stop anytime soon, either. According to snow-forecast.com moderate snow showers will continue into early Sunday morning warmer temperatures early next week also pose the risk of rain and – if not – some heavier snow It’s been a dream start to the season for Hakuba, with Happo reporting more than 5 metres of cumulative snowfall for the season and other resorts not far behind. Snow Japan’s Hakuba Now report put it best in their December 28 update: “The really good snow news just keeps on coming this season it makes me wonder how the whole season will shape up But we sure have got off to a flying start.” According to analysis from Snow Japan last month’s tally of 278cm makes it the snowiest December of the last 13 years on record The magic is set to continue, with forecasts predicting some snowfalls this evening then what is shaping up to be a monster storm early next week In our last update two weeks ago Nozawa was the only resort that wasn’t really firing yet with only upper parts of the resort open for riding with plenty of snow finding the ground over the last 10 days of December Image: 野沢温泉スキー場 / Facebook and with more snow in the forecast for the next couple of days and early next week “We really can’t ask for more” – Nozawa Onsen Now report 23cm fell in Niseko yesterday*, with the day described as a “white puffy powder paradise” by local reporter 360niseko It’s been the story of the season so far with 400cm of cumulative snowfall measured for the season and a phenomenal 29 or the last 30 days recording new snowfall Image: Hanazono Niseko / Facebook with snowfall to continue through to Sunday evening before a (very brief) break on Monday With tourists flocking to Niseko in record numbers this season there will be a lot of smiling faces around *Measured from 360niseko’s weather station in Higashiyama “The crazy run continues.” That was the lead-in to today’s Rusutsu report which has tallied a mind-blowing 31 days in a row of fresh snowfall and a cumulative total of 529cm The good run doesn’t appear to be ending anytime soon, with snow in the forecast for the next six days, according to snow-forecast.com Image: Rusutsu Resort (Official) / Facebook That was the assessment from yesterday’s Furano report which observed another 10cm of fresh snow in what has been a very consistent start to winter for the Central Hokkaido resort Image: 富良野スキー場 【プリンススノーリゾート】Furano Ski Area, Prince Grand Resort Furano / Facebook 22 of the last 27 days have seen fresh snow albeit without the crazy single day numbers that have been put up by the likes of Geto There’s plenty more to come over the new few days Hakuba Valley is more than its pristine snow: It’s also a place where Japanese tradition and warm hospitality can be experienced to the fullest Arriving in Hakuba Valley is like stepping into a postcard — the snow-draped peaks of the Japanese Alps stretch endlessly against a crisp blue sky and charming alpine villages nestle into the foothills The site of several events during the 1998 Winter Olympics consisting of 10 interconnected snow resorts spanning Omachi city The high quality of Hakuba Valley’s snow is common knowledge among skiers and snowboarders but the area’s appeal extends far beyond its exceptional powder steaming onsen baths and family-run eateries Hakuba Valley is suffused with local charm and an unmistakable sense of Japanese culture This isn’t merely apparent in the landscapes in the welcoming atmosphere that fills the valley Hakuba Valley is a place where deep-rooted local traditions and an extensive history meet modern comfort and world-class facilities What bridges these two worlds is the spirit of omotenashi — the Japanese philosophy of wholehearted where every detail is designed to make guests feel welcomed and cared for without them even needing to ask Omotenashi is evident even in the efforts to keep the mountains accident-free: “We want to make the slopes a safe place for everyone,” says Yoichiro Ishihara “We’ve researched and worked with designers from Tokyo to create signs that are easy to read One of Hakuba Valley’s main draws is the fact that visitors can easily travel between all 10 of the resorts there: Hakuba Happo-one with its own unique charms and characteristics you can ski or snowboard at any of these on the same day without purchasing separate lift tickets The Hakuba Valley Shuttle Bus also provides free transportation for Hakuba Valley Day Pass holders Over 100 lifts are spread across the valley one of which was newly upgraded in December “These new gondolas are designed to be rideable for people who usually aren’t able to go on gondolas I’m really proud of how we ensure the safety and comfort of our guests,” Ayumu Takamizawa The ease with which you can travel between these destinations is not only great for accessibility reasons It also allows you to soak in the distinct ambience of each town: the lively après-ski scene and historic inns of Hakuba village Omachi’s tranquil hot spring retreats and Otari’s deep connection to traditional mountain life a manager at the Hakuba Valley Promotion Board says that the region’s long history gives it a distinctive character Although the name Hakuba is now synonymous with a peerless alpine sport experience most ski resorts are constructed specifically to be a resort and hotels and facilities are built [with that in mind] — but in Hakuba Although the towns in Hakuba Valley may not have originally been constructed with tourism in mind the region has embraced its influx of visitors wholeheartedly it’s widely considered to be the birthplace of minshuku: family-run guesthouse-style lodgings that offer a warm and homey experience Hakuba village’s reputation as a high-altitude destination grew attracting a steady stream of mountaineers and skiers with its remarkable snow and natural beauty Local farmers and guides began opening their homes to these travelers offering them modest lodgings and home-cooked meals the Hakuba of today looks quite different: a sprawling buzzing ski hub that caters to visitors from around the world But its heart remains unchanged — an abundance of minshuku can still be found in the area and the minshuku spirit radiates through its more upscale and less traditional accommodations as well Even as it’s grown into a famous international ski destination Hakuba Valley has retained its warm and welcoming atmosphere “Everyone here is just so interesting,” Alexandria Owen a member of the sales promotion division of Able Hakuba Goryu Owen notes that Hakuba Valley is a place where people from all walks of life — from professional athletes to photographers from international guests to local residents — are united in a shared love for nature and snow sports invite visitors in with fascinating local insight “They’ll casually tell you about the whole story of Hakuba Hakuba Valley has a lot of grand qualities that contribute to its world-class reputation Less apparent from the outside — but equally significant — is the rich local culture of the valley and the work that goes into its hospitality: the slope grooming teams who prepare the snow for the next day the ski patrol who ensure safety on the mountains Their commitment goes beyond work; it’s a reflection of their deep passion for Hakuba Valley and their desire to share its beauty and traditions with the world Purchase your Hakuba Valley Day Pass here. Updated April 23, 2025: Japan’s top resorts cling to deep snowpacks, with Hakuba boasting 148” (370 cm) and fresh flakes forecast for Hokkaido’s high slopes. Find out more here. Plenty more sunshine and warm weather are forecast. Daytime highs will be up into the teens again. It will be cooler up in Hokkaido, which should see snowfall (along with rain and sleet at times) on its higher slopes toward the weekend. 29th January 2025 | James Cove, Hakuba Valley, Japan. It has been at the very top of our bucket list for many years, and now we are in its deep, deep powder. PlanetSKI’s 5-week trip to Japan is set to be a belter An untold number of new resorts in the plan from the well-known ones of Niseko in Hokkaido and the ones in the Hakuba Valley in Honchu To unknown ones that I have never heard of and can let alone pronounce Our first port of call is the Hakuba Valley on the main island and this is what it currently looks like as I reported for the PlanetSKI snow report this week from the resort of Iwatake And then things just got better and better That evening the snow continued and the next day our hotel was covered in an insane amount of snow We opted to take the hotel’s shuttle bus I say that the Hakuba Valley is our ‘first port of call’ but our first stop was actually in Matsumoto the gateway town to the northern Japanese Alps We are in no rush and wanted to get over the jet-lag and ease into things Plus we’re also here to immerse ourselves in Japanese culture and sample the way of life “Japan is unlike any other country you’ve skied in or been to before,” said Andy Knights from the UK operator with the Siberian weather systems bringing huge amounts of light dry powder – it’s not called Ja-Pow for nothing.” one of the largest ski areas in the Hakuba Valley It has a ski area of 13,570m with 6 lifts and 8 marked runs It is so named as it is open all four seasons and for seven days a week We’ll be updating with the price difference once our time here ends and we have done the sums but it looks like it will save us around £50 per person just walking up to the ticket window in each resort we visit No silly ‘dynamic pricing’ here I had heard that the lift queues in Japan were organised and friendly affairs Skiing in Japan is full of surreal surprises – big and small There were cartoon characters in the lift stations The resorts of the Hakuba Valley are popular with international visitors Though the main visitors are from Australia It is on the same time zone with a flight time of around 9-hours “Japan is pretty much the number one destination for us with around one million of us coming to Japan each year,” said one Aussie to me as we chatted on a lift “We simply don’t get the amount of snow and cold temperatures back home plus of course it is now summer for us and I prefer to ride not surf.” been huge amount of snow in the Hakuba Valley In Hakuba 47 around 6m has fallen so far leaving a current base depth of 3.95m The resort opens in mid-November with the lifts running until May It has one of the longest seasons in Japan with most of the slopes north facing “We also have a great snow-making system so even when the snow melts towards the end of the season we are able to provide top to bottom skiing as no-one likes to take a gondola down,” said Nalini Phadture from the resort’s tourist office to me And even though there was no fresh snow in the resort on our visit the lifties still gave the seats a brush to make you feel valued We spent much of our day dancing between the larch trees as though there was no fresh powder the recent cold temperatures had kept the snow soft and grippy Hakuba 47 sits next door to the other big ski area of the valley It has a total ski area of 23,300m with 22 lifts and 14 runs It is the largest single ski area in the Hakuba Valley but it is a simple 10-minute journey by road with plenty of busses and hotel shuttles if you choose not to hire a car but it seems the Japanese also prefer to leave more of the slopes in a natural condition Once the powder is skied out then the moguls appear The village of Happo One is where most tourists stay you can stay in a traditional ryokan (Japanese inn) complete with futon beds and private outdoor baths onsens,” said Andy Knights from Ski Safari there’s everything from simple self-catering apartments to luxurious chain hotels serving Western breakfasts.” with narrow streets and plenty of individuality We chose a German bar with a DJ outside for our apres ski There are plenty of restaurants serving all types of cuisine Though at the busy times you need to book as the restaurants fill up We went to one recommended by a friend and it was fully booked until March There are several outdoor ones too (with heaters) if you want to save a bit of cash and can’t find a restaurant with a spare table £8 for a fabulous curry and an ice cold beer After our visits to Hakuba 47 and Happo-One the powder snow that Japan is famous for fell for our day in Iwatake The resort is one of the less well-known ones and all the better for it It has a totla ski area of 18,220m with 10 lifts and 26 marked runs The powder is set to carry on falling and we’re planning to head to Cortina next – as recommended by a local I was chatting to on a lift It’s a small local hill and few venture to it except those in the know We’ll be updating this report after we have visited a few more resorts in the Hakuba Valley We’ll be reporting on the resorts themselves and the overall Japanese skiing experience and the food – £4.85 for lunch up the mountain Do check back for our Japan adventures… A handful of UK operators offer ski holidays to Japan One is Ski Safari that has perhaps the most experience of the country with tailored packages built on the company’s extensive knowledge and experience Niseko – Japan’s largest and best-known ski resort the quality and quantity of snow here is unparalleled – for powder Hakuba – Hakuba ski holidays are blessed with alpine-like terrain and huge variety Nozawa Onsen – Japan’s oldest ski resort Nozawa Onsen ski holidays are as famous for onsens as they are for skiing – perfect for a ski trip with added culture Furano -Choose a Furano ski holiday for a traditional resort in an idyllic setting and top notch piste skiing and the Magnus rescue company was working to rescue them,” the ministry announced Complex rescue situationRescue teams were initially unable to reach the young men because they were located near a river which made the situation more complex.With their phone batteries only at 15% and received instructions on how to stay warm and survive the night.The young men reported they were “freezing cold” and that their phone batteries were running low before a local team of 11 rescuers finally managed to reach them during the night.The three Israelis stranded on Mount Hakuba in northern Japan have been successfully rescued.The Embassy of Israel in Japan worked closely with the Japanese police and rescue teams whose exceptional efforts made this operation possible We extend our profound gratitude for… Focus on Japan TOKYO >> Hotels and restaurants in the popular Hakuba ski resort village are packed to capacity amid a surge in international tourists on the slopes and visitors to the village are expected to grow this season “I’m worried that tourists will start opting for other ski resorts because all the accommodations in Hakuba are full,” a local ski industry official said free shuttle services connecting Hakuba and the neighboring city of Omachi The “Gurutto Bus” (excursion bus) program encourages winter tourists to book lodgings in Omachi where they can enjoy relaxing dinners and accommodations The lodging shuttle is a 45-seat bus that runs through Feb the shuttle leaves ANA Holiday Inn Resort Shinano-Omachi Kuroyon and the Omachi Onsenkyo hot spring district for the slopes in Hakuba About 2,000 people are expected to use the service during the season The dining shuttle seats 27 passengers and runs on weekdays through Feb It leaves from Hakuba Tokyu Hotel and Happo Bus Terminal in the evening and travels to the Omachi Onsenkyo hot spring district and Shinano Omachi Station Passengers have dinner in Omachi and return to Hakuba by 10 p.m An estimated 500 people are expected to use the transport budgeted at about 10 million yen (about $63,300) are operated by a council of Omachi officials and the local ski industry Operators will participate in a subsidy program that promotes sustainable tourism through addressing overtourism Nearly 1.13 million tourists visited Hakuba from November 2023 to February 2024 the highest number for any such period in the past 20 years Ski resort visitors over the same period numbered approximately 810,000 up 1.2 times from the same period the previous year; nearly 50% were foreigners The Matsumoto municipal government in Nagano conducted a trial with a bus connecting Hakuba with Matsumoto restaurants and sightseeing spots last year aiming to attract foreign tourists visiting Hakuba to their city the number of tourists from Asia has seen high growth and is expected to grow further and Matsumoto plans to continue the program “Shintaro Sakamoto LIVE 2022 @ Cabaret New Hakuba” will be available on Netflix starting May 1 The concert film documents the Kumamoto performance of Sakamoto’s 2022 “Like A Fable” tour Kumamoto Prefecture — Japan’s last remaining cabaret capturing the unique atmosphere of the venue Audio recording was handled by sound engineer Soichiro Nakamura The film has drawn attention through limited screenings in May 2023 and April 2024 and its upcoming release on Netflix marks the first time a live performance by Shintaro Sakamoto will be available on the platform Shintaro Sakamoto LIVE 2022 @ Cabaret New Hakuba Toru NishiuchiDirector: Hitoshi OhneStreaming begins on Netflix Thursday NiEW Best Music is a playlist featuring artists leading the music scene and offering alternative styles in our rapidly evolving society the NiEW editorial team proudly curates outstanding music that transcends size Consistently low temperatures and a deep, uniform snowpack generally keep the avalanche danger fairly low across Japan’s mountains but that doesn’t make the area anywhere near risk free Entering the backcountry should always be done with utmost respect for the dangers This skier managed to trigger an enormous avalanche in the backcountry around Hakuba in Japan They apparently knew the risk of a slide and had friends in a safe place ready to perform a rescue if necessary Fortunately they weren’t caught and nobody was hurt but let this be a reminder that an avalanche risk can exist anywhere where there’s snow If you want to dig deeper, you can view a list of educational resources on our Education Resources page.  nolan@unofficialnetworks.com Nolan Deck is a writer for Unofficial Networks, covering skiing and outdoor adventure. After growing up and skiing in Maine, he moved to the Denver area for college where he continues to live and work... As Hakuba enjoys one of its best ski seasons in decades there has been a timely reminder that hazards in ski terrain come in many different forms A group of skiers were nearing the end of the day in Hakuba’s Cortina ski resort when they discovered a girl submerged in a 5-metre hole and barely visible After several unsuccessful attempts pull her free using different methods they succeeded with a length of paracord carried by one of the skiers One of the riders in the group that found and assisted her recounted the event in a post on the Ski & Snowboard Japan Facebook group but this is a small reminder to be careful when skiing back and side country “A Chinese girl was lucky to be found by us as we skied passed her on the backside of Cortina this year She was pulled out and had suffered no injuries She didn’t speak English so we have no idea how long she had been down there “We found her one hour before lift closing time She had snowboarded on her own and gone straight into this hole.” For those new to backcountry skiing in Japan, we highly recommend reading this first timer’s guide for some tips on when to go, what you need and what to look for in a guide. Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Ski Asia’s bi-monthly newsletter with the latest news, guides & deals. Unsubscribe any time You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience. Non-members can add the privileges at checkout through our 30 day free trial, cancellable at anytime. We have the latest from the Alps and direct from Japan where there is double the amount of snow of anywhere else in the world. UPDATED “Most of any precipitation today is falling in the French and the western Swiss Alps but it remains light and patchy with just a dusting of snow here and there above 1500m or so,” said Fraser Wilkin from weathertoski.co.uk on Monday “For most of the Alps it is a dry day though with variable cloud cover and the best of any sunshine in the northern Austrian Alps “The weather in the Alps will remain rather variable for the rest of this week with some sunny spells but also quite a lot of cloud and further showers or flurries in places “On Thursday a more active front may deliver a moderate fall of snow to some parts of the Alps but this is by no means certain at this stage.” And in Japan the huge amounts of snow continue to fall bringing problems as well as powder At least 160 people were stranded in northeastern Japan after an avalanche blocked roads leading to a resort in the Fukishima prrovince While authorities had cleared pre-dawn landslides that hit roads in the Tsuchiyu Onsen district Many parts of Japan have received record snowfall since early this month The Tokaido Shinkansen bullet trains in central Japan and Osaka have been operating at a slower speeds than usual due to the heavy snowfall The 6m depths in Japan are around double the deepest snow depths currently being reported in Europe and North America “It’s turning into a record-breaking winter here in Japan as the snow just keeps on coming,” said PlanetSKI editor “We have been in the resorts in the Hakuba Valley on the main island of Honchu where more than 6m of snow has fallen so far this winter “Well over 1m since the couple of weeks we have been here,” James added “Next we are travelling north to Hokkaido where there have been similar amounts Heavy snow is currently falling in the main city of Sapporo on Hokkaido with more coming down in the surrounding ski areas Look out for reports from Hokkaido from James later this week “It’s been an absolute dream on the slopes with countless riders coming down the mountain beaming with excitement,” a statement from the resort of Nozawa Onsen to the north of the Hakuba Valley “Beginners actually struggled a bit as there was too much powder “For most however with these epic conditions set to stick around for another week And here is James in the powder of the Hakuba Valley in the resort of Cortina: See here for the latest post from the Hakuba Valley from James: Back in the Alps it is turning into a rather a good winter in places as the main February half-term holidays approach Made even better for many as the RN90 road in the Tarentaise in France has re-opened after a recent rockfall Access to the ski resorts in the area is now back to normal Interior of Hakuba at Cheval Blanc Paris Hôtel New restaurant Hakuba offers an authentic omakase experience orchestrated by chef Takuya Watanabe and pastry chef Maxime Frédéric When Cheval Blanc Paris Hôtel opened in 2021 the ground floor space that now houses Hakuba was better known as Limbar a relaxed restaurant slash salon de thé which focused on the creations of pastry chef Maxime Frédéric Although the space took design cues from Africa it has now been seamlessly reinterpreted as Hakuba an omakase restaurant headed up by chef Takuya Watanabe Arnaud Donckele of Cheval Blanc’s three-Michelin starred Plénitude and Frédéric overseeing the desserts another counter has been added facing away from the original to focus guests’ attention on the chefs in front of them and to allow the team to move seamlessly behind The walls of rice paper panels have been made bespoke for the restaurant and slide open in the traditional Japanese manner to reveal a third private dining space set around a curved wooden table As art de la table is held in as high regard in Japan as it is in France each service is thoughtfully presented down to the finest details: even the lighting above each counter has been designed to follow the plates to highlight each dish as it arrives The team tapped into Japanese savoir-faire to source glassware directly from Kyoto and most earthy ceramic plates and bowls from the south of Japan is a glazed white sculpture of a lotus flower created by French ceramist Virginie Boudsocq in collaboration with Frédéric to elegantly present his delicate mochi desserts Hakuba is located at Cheval Blanc Paris Hôtel, 8 Quai du Louvre, Paris, chevalblanc.com escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox Nicola Leigh Stewart lived in London and Madrid before moving to Paris where she writes about travel and food for the likes of Conde Nast Traveler She has also co-authored Lonely Planet guidebooks on Paris and France and teaches travel writing at the American University of Paris Three Israeli snowboarders who were trapped on Mount Hakuba in Japan and suffering hypothermia were safely rescued on Tuesday morning The three were rescued by a Japanese rescue team and met the Israeli consul who was waiting for them The group could not be rescued before morning due to difficult weather conditions "The Department for Israelis Abroad at the Foreign Ministry are making enormous efforts in order to help Israelis who are trapped in Japan." Ambassador Gilad Cohen is working with the government authorities and the police in Japan in order to receive aid from the Japanese authorities." The statement added that the Consul "has left for the area of the incident and the Magnus rescue company is working to evacuate them The Foreign Ministry will continue doing everything it can to rescue the young Israelis." was born in Tokyo and grew up skiing in Hakuba his adventures have taken him as far as Alaska Nepal and Canada for winter climbing and backcountry snowboarding and in 2012 became the first Japanese to earn the gold-standard ACMG certification on a snowboard (more on Yusuke’s thoughts on this at the bottom of the interview!) For more information on Yusuke or to book one of his Hakuba guiding packages, visit his profile on Explore-share.com a booking site for guided activities around the world When and why did you decide to become a guide How was the process of getting your certifications I took the Yamnuska Mountain Semester Course in Canada after dropping out of college in Japan The course was three months long and the instructors were all mountain guides I was fascinated by the unique atmosphere of these experienced mountain people and decided to pursue a career as a guide I did not have much experience in the mountains so I started by climbing mountains to gain experience I started working as a tail guide for a Hakuba backcountry guide in the winter I started as a tail guide in the Hakuba backcountry in the winter because I only needed a certification in outdoor first aid and avalanche certification to get started I climbed high peaks in South America and Alaska and successfully snowboarded downhill I have particularly fond memories of my 2001 descent of the Mesnar couloir on Mt I began interpreting for a Canadian instructor for the Level 1 Avalanche Operations course a professional avalanche training course organized by the Japan Avalanche Network “Would you like to work for a Canadian cat ski company?” and he invited me to work for a unique company called BALDFACE Lodge in Nelson BALDFACE was a very unique company where the owner was a snowboarder and most of the guests and guides were also snowboarders I started my career as a snowboard guide in earnest I received a scholarship in the name of legendary snowboarder Craig Kelly earned a Level 2 Avalanche Operations certification and challenged the Canadian Mountain Guides Association for my ski guide certification That was the first year ACMG officially accepted snowboarders but the bias against snowboarders was still strong and I had to work many times harder than skiers to even get to the same starting point with the support of John Buffery and the rest of the snowboarding community I passed the ACMG’s assistant ski guide certification as it became more difficult to get a Canadian work visa and because of the start of ski guide certification courses in Japan and the increase in the number of skiers coming to Japan Which are your favourite places to guide ski/snowboard trips in Japan Hakuba for big mountain skiing, Rishiri island for adventure riding, and Tohoku area as part of a cultural trip “Japan still has its own uniqueness that you can’t experience anywhere else.” What makes skiing in Japan different from skiing elsewhere in the world Not only the quality and quantity of the snow but also cultural experiences – especially the countryside of the main island [Honshu] Almost all the ski resorts in the world are westernised Japan still has its own uniqueness that you can’t experience anywhere else Which is your most memorable skiing or mountaineering experience In Japan: an 8-day splitboard traverse through the Japanese alps Although the weather was bad and we were trapped in tents for half of that period – it was a failure in one sense – we enjoyed discovering the possibility of a long ski traverse in Japan The expedition was a failure: the north face of Clemenceau has never been snowboarded and is one of my unfinished dreams What have you learnt from guiding outside Japan And what did you incorporate for guiding in Japan snow science and the laws of physics are the same I was able to communicate using symbols for snow and avalanches in North America What would you say is your differential as a guide My main differential is that I am a Japanese guide born and raised in Japan but with expertise learned in North America But your journey continues long after the skiing is over warm hot springs – the true experience is something only a local can understand but you want to be taken care of by a local guide that night How do you combine guiding with other passions What is common to all outdoor activities is what people observe There is always something to learn when working with senior guides more experienced than me These are probably the most useful skills for photography I love meditation and practice at a Zen temple in Kamakura It is the most luxurious use of time that humans can make What would you say to someone who has never gone skiing in Japan Why should they choose Japan for their next ski trip While skiing in Japan has become popular over the past few years more and more people have lost their lives due to avalanches and other accidents I would like to tell our guests that when hiring a guide in Japan please make sure that he/she has an international mountain guide certification they need to have a JMGA ski guide certification The Japanese qualification is a private qualification and is not legally binding but it is not possible to purchase liability insurance for clients unless you have the qualification We have seen unfortunate situations where guests who have had an accident do not receive a guarantee because the visitor’s guide is unqualified and does not have the proper insurance Proper awareness by guests is one aspect of fostering better guides and a trip to Japan is one of the most unique in the world I believe that if Japan learns from the world’s ski industry while maintaining its uniqueness in the future it will contribute to the diversity of the world To learn more about skiing with Yusuke in Hakuba, visit his page on Explore-share – Hakuba Village’s Annual Mountain Clean-Up Event Scheduled for Saturday This mountain-wide clean-up event is held in collaboration with all ski resorts across the village ski slopes often reveal various kinds of litter—such as accidentally dropped ski gear To protect Hakuba’s beautiful natural environment and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors next season we invite you to join us in this important clean-up effort we will be gathering at the Saka Slopes.Everyone is welcome—whether you’re a local resident Let’s work together to keep Hakuba clean and beautiful for the future Time: ・Reception opens at 8:40 AM ・Please arrive by 9:00 AM ・The clean-up will begin once all participants have checked in Location: In front of the Saka Kitaone Quad Lift  entrance area Capacity: Limited to the first 150 participants (first-come Special Gift for Participants The first 150 participants to check in will receive a GREEN HAKUBA original T-shirt!(A T-shirt voucher will be handed out at reception and the T-shirt will be distributed after the event.) – The event may be canceled in case of bad weather – The clean-up activity will take approximately 2 hours – Late arrivals will not be permitted to join – Free parking available for approximately 150 vehicles Please carpool if possible to reduce traffic and support sustainability What's New Happo Information Center TEL: 0261-72-3066 Copyright © Hakuba Happo-one Snow Resort Watch the world’s best skiers tackle the toughest moguls and battle for gold in this exciting competition Apply now to become a torchbearer of the Milano Cortina 2026 Torch Relay recorded the highest increase in roadside land prices nationwide as announced by the National Tax Agency on July 1 has surged in popularity as a budget-friendly ski resort Land values increased by 32.1% to ¥37,000 (around $230 USD) per square meter (10.8 sq ft) compared to 2023 Some residents are concerned that the influx of foreign-led development could turn the area into the next Niseko a town in Hokkaido experiencing overtourism The entrance to Wadano Road is just a 10-minute drive from Hakuba Station Close to the station is Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort It features a swing that offers the sensation of soaring into the Northern Alps and a terrace with sweeping mountain views "It's important to attract fans regardless of the season." "You can immerse yourself in vast nature here Hakuba is popular on social media even during the summer." Land prices in Hakuba are rising due to redevelopment initiatives backed by both domestic and international capital Hakuba is not only close to Tokyo and Kyoto but also offers high-quality snow around half of its winter ski visitors come from abroad This influx has led to a wave of foreign investments driven by expectations of increased tourism in Japan Marriott International opened the first foreign-owned hotel in Hakuba Japanese hotel operator Wealth Management plans to partner with the Singapore-based luxury hotel brand Banyan Tree to open a facility near one of Hakuba's largest ski areas "Hakuba's land prices still feel relatively affordable With the weaker yen and the influx of foreign capital roadside land values are expected to keep rising." some residents have expressed concern about price increases "Prices at restaurants have been gradually rising." pointed out: "Noise problems and littering by inbound tourists have become more prominent near the ski resorts." foreign investment has similarly driven redevelopment leading to overtourism and issues such as rising prices An official from Hakuba's construction division stated we are regulating the scale of land development and requiring developers to hold briefing sessions for residents." (Read the article in Japanese.)Author: Koya Kuhara You must be logged in to post a comment ' + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.webview_notification_text + ' " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_title + " " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_text + " which debuted in Japan last season and is held at snow resorts around the world will take place on March 8th (Saturday) and 9th (Sunday) this year at Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort in Nagano Prefecture including professional snowboarder Ryo Aizawa offering participants the chance to ski and snowboard with them in the “RIDE WITH THE PROS” activity along with various other exciting activities in partnership with the SNOW MACHINE outdoor music festival  popular DJs will perform at OAKLEY FIRST STAGE and the special venue OAKLEY MAIN STAGE at Usagidaira area of Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort creating a vibrant apres-ski party atmosphere the SNOW Machine festival will  run from March 4th(Tue) to 9th(Sun) at the newly opened OAKLEY BASE pop-up store Usagidaira Terrace offering a unique snowy mountain experience which visitors can try Oakley’s Prizm™ technology goggles and helmets on the slopes and purchase them 【OAKLEY COMMUNITY DAYS Event Overview】 Date： March 8th（Sat）、9th（Sun）2025 Venue： Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort (4487-12 Hokujo Japan) Usagidaira OAKLEY TERRACE & surrounding areas including: “RIDE WITH THE PROS” – An activity where participants can ski or snowboard alongside Oakley team athletes and a game of “Snowball Strikeout” where players aim and throw snowballs at targets ※「RIDE WITH THE PROS」will take place only on 9th Sunday If the number of applications exceeds the capacity participants will be selected by dawn lots *Participation in OAKLEY COMMUNITY DAYS is free but attendees are responsible for their own lift tickets and any fees associated with the SNOW MACHINE event For more details kindly visit the special event page Updated Jan 29: Japan’s epic snow continues Hakuba boasts one of the world’s deepest bases • Japan’s slopes stay deep—Hakuba boasts one of the world’s biggest bases.• Heavy snowfall hits Japan—50cm fresh powder now Rusutsu & Nozawa fully open—epic conditions hold strong• Sunshine dominates but Arctic cold keeps Japan’s record depths intact• Storm cycle ahead—Japan braces for metre-plus snowfall early next week Listen to the latest Japan roundup0:00/93.441×JAPAN REPORTFresh from Hokkaido 29th January (image: Vistas Tours)After all the snowfall of the past few months with temperatures typically in the -10C to +2C range Base depths here remain the world's deepest with several Japanese resorts posting 4m+ (over 13 feet) of snow on their upper slopes the latter posting one of the deepest bases in the world right now 1. Happo One – 345cm upper depth 2. Niseko Hirafu – 250cm upper depth 3. Nozawa Onsen – 240cm upper depth 4. Naeba – 260cm upper depth 5. Rusutsu Resort – 165cm upper depth, 85% open, packed powder and groomed snow. The recent drier weather has ended with light snowfall in the past 24 hours, with heavy snowfall starting now for the latter half of this week, potentially delivering over half a metre (50cm) of fresh powder by Thursday evening. Another brief break with milder, sunnier skies this weekend before another massive snowstorm is expected to bring over a metre (40”) of snowfall to start next week if the forecasting models prove precise. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. There is significant new snow in the Alps and also in Japan. PlanetSKI reports from both ski areas. UPDATED In the Alps the snowstorms have passed with just a few flurries in the south-western Italian Alps The recent snow has set things up nicely for February and the approaching half-term break PlanetSKI’s Jane Peel is now in Kühtai another of the ski areas in the Innsbruck region of Austria Check out some of the recent posts from resorts on social media: We start in Japan where huge amounts of snow have been falling in the past few days in the Hakuba Valley on the main island of Honchu PlanetSKI’s James Cove is in the Hakuba Valley First there was the small matter of digging out the car Then he headed to the resort of Kashimayari at the southern end of the valley as the weather finally clears Here is the local village just below Kashimayari: See here for the first post from James on the ski resorts in Japan as he hit the so-called JaPow: little-known ski area in Austria where it’s been overcast with a few light flakes of snow The temperatures have been above freezing but there’s been no sign of a thawing of the snow the weather in the Alps has cleared with broken cloud and some decent sunny spells for most The new snow has improved conditions in many areas though there have been some avalanche fatalities “A veil of cloud will return to the western Alps later in the day heralding the arrival of a new storm,” said Fraser Wilkin from weathertoski.co.uk “This will deliver localised snowfalls over the next few days to some western parts of the Alps where she will be skiing at four of the city’s local resorts She spent the afternoon on the slopes of Axamer Lizum The city can be seen in the valley in this photo “A great little ski area that’s new to me with probably the best on-piste conditions I’ve experienced so far this winter “The snow was consistently good from top to bottom – chalky helped by the 50cm of fresh snow that fell a couple of days ago in the big storm and the fact that most of Axamer Lizum’s slopes are north-facing especially towards the end of the afternoon that it felt like I had the slopes pretty much to myself “The weather was slightly overcast with the sun peeping through the clouds but visibility was excellent.” Jane will be reporting separately on her Innsbruck-based trip shortly Today we start not in Europe where there have been huge falls of snow There have also been huge falls of snow and it has been coming down all day in the Hakuba Valley where PlanetSKI’s editor James Cove is His first video snow report was posted on Wednesday morning Here’s a few images of the snow from the morning including one chairlift that remains partially buried And the second video from James was posted at the end of the afternoon in Iwatake See here for out first post from the ski resorts in Japan as we hit the Japow: We started with a visit to Matsemoto – the gateway to the mountains: While in the European Alps the heavy snow continues The image below comes from PlanetSKI reader The heavy snowfall has raised the avalanche risk to Level 4 across parts of the Alps after 75cms fell in some areas and could trigger dangerous slides,” said the Swiss Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research There are also avalanche alerts across much of the French Alps including an amber warning for the Haute-Alpes department reports very heavy snow in Tignes in France This was Val Thorens first thing this morning “Just over 40 centimetres of snow fell overnight and this morning in VT and almost half a metre at the top at 3,200 metres altitude,” says PlanetSKI’s Jane Peel “It’s great to have the fresh snow but the day has been a real mixture of really awful low light often called the fourth valley of Les3Vallées Her first snow report from Sunday is below but here’s the latest update from the resort The alpine weather experts at  weathertoski.co.uk confirm that very mild Foehn wind conditions have affected some central and northern parts of the Alps today but cooler conditions will return tomorrow “The biggest snowfall totals from this storm are likely to be in two different areas,” they say “The first will be the high French resorts The second area will be in the central-southern Alps including resorts such as St Moritz and Madesimo “All these areas could see 40-70cm of new snow above 2000m by the end of tomorrow “Many other parts of the Alps will also see some useful snow higher up but with so much mild air and rain in the mix at first many lower areas won’t see much if any net gain.” “Not a bad morning in Val Thorens in the French Alps,” said Jane as she made her first turns “A significant snowfall overnight followed by sunshine all the way.” And here’s Jane’s full video snow report: she is in the resort to report on the second round of the 2025 Freeride World Tour showing signs of the snowfall forecast for later which means the FWT will not take place until at least Wednesday The weather in the Alps remains changeable and will remain unsettled this week with significant snow for some See the latest from weathertoski.co.uk PlanetSKI reader, Kelly Russell, is in Les Arcs, France, staying with VIP Ski in Arc 1950 “We had a reasonable dump on Wednesday and blue sky since then,” Kelly said on Saturday “Up high the snow is really good with great Lower down below 1800m it starts getting very icy “We’ve seen quite a few accidents this morning.” A powder day @thyon4vallees and across 4 Valleys. About 25cm of it, time to cut through the trees! pic.twitter.com/5yewYeffJl — Valais Dude (@ValaisDude) January 23, 2025 And here are some recent images and posts from around the Alps: — Snow Forecast.com (@SnowForecast) January 22, 2025 PlanetSKI’s James Cove has just arrived in Japan for an extended trip – five weeks or so visiting the main island of Honshu and the northern island of Hokkaido Preventing Accidents in Backcountry Activities for International Visitors Staying Safe in the Backcountry Event at Hakuba Happo-one Ski Resort To help prevent winter mountain accidents involving backcountry skiing and other activities Nagano Prefecture will host a Staying Safe in the Backcountry Event at Nagano Station the main gateway to Hakuba and Shiga Kogen ski resorts This event is especially designed for international visitors 2025 From 8:00 AM (ending around 10:00 AM) Bus Stops 25 and 26 (Hakuba Line and Shiga Kogen Line) Event Activities: Distribution of Safety Awareness Stickers to international skiers heading to Hakuba and Shiga Kogen Providing guidance on checking equipment and submitting climbing plans A QR code on the stickers linking to “Safety Tips for Skiing” (external website) Organizers Nagano Prefecture Tourism and Sports Department (Mountain Tourism Section) Hokushin Regional Development Bureau Nagano Prefectural Police Mountain Rescue Team Nagano Central Police Station Upcoming Safety Events at Ski Resorts Additional safety awareness events are scheduled as follows: Friday 2025: Happo-One Ski Resort and Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort Friday Fireworks will be light up the night sky of Hakuba Happo-one every Saturday Please enjoy the beautiful fireworks that color the night sky 20:00 – Saturday 25 January (has concluded) 20:00 -Saturday 1 February (has concluded) 20:00 -Saturday 8 February (has concluded) 20:00 -Saturday 15 February 19:30 – Friday 21 February ※Hakuba Happo-one Fire Festival will be held from 19:30 on the final schedule * Fireworks will be launched from the Nakiyama area Those whom staying in the Happo area will be able to see the fireworks from their accommodations * You are welcome to visit the Nakiyama Slope but please note that there will be no food stalls or vendors * Fireworks will light up the sky for 10 minutes Events & Competitions It has been a season to remember in Japan with consistent storms in December and early January turning on some epic powder days Japan’s renowned powder has been luring skiers and snowboarders to its mountains for years including some of the world’s best riders who come to film deep powder segments While it may be the internationals who attract a world-wide social audience Japan has a strong and deep freeride culture Local riders like Yu Sasaki and fellow freeskiers Gen Sasaki and Ayana Onozuka are not only outstanding freeriders but they have a deep connection to their homeland and its mountains Home From Home tells the story of that connection Yu now lives in Revelstoke but returns to Japan each year Filmed in Hakuba’s steep big mountain terrain and in the Revelstoke backcountry Home From Home “is a glimpse into the lives and hearts of some of the best Japanese freeride skiers.” another big storm was due and with over one metre in the forecast.. showcase of spectacular big mountain freeriding from some of the world’s best.. he Snow Australia Awards have allowed us to reflect on another amazing season.. we see higher than average pressure to the southeast of New Zealand Snow Australia Awards recognise the achievements of athletes across the 2024/25.. 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