Hakuba Valley is a ski resort located in Nagano, Japan, sitting at an elevation range of 2,461ft (750m) to 5,249ft (1600m). With a vertical drop of 2,788ft (850m), the resort offers 137 trails served by 41 lifts across 2,000 skiable acres. The nearest airport is Matsumoto Airport (MMJ), approximately 60 minutes by car. Known for exceptional snowfall, Hakuba Valley averages 400 inches of snow per year, making it one of the snowiest resorts in Japan. Snowmaking covers 5% of the terrain, ensuring consistent conditions throughout the season.
Mid December to Early May
Fresh, uncompacted snow. Ideal conditions.
190cm
Snow Depth
(75")
-2°C
-9°C to -2°C
(16°F / 28°F)
400"
Annual Snowfall
(1016cm)
5%
Snowmaking
coverage
400"
annual avg
137
Total Trails
41
Lifts
2,000
Skiable Acres
2,788ft
Vertical Drop
Hakuba Valley offers a balanced mix of terrain with 30% beginner, 40% intermediate, 22% advanced, and 8% expert-only runs. The generous proportion of green runs makes this a solid choice for beginners and families learning to ski.
41
Total Lifts
2,788ft
Vertical Drop
850m
(2,788ft)
5,249ft
Peak
2,461ft
Base
Day pass pricing across the season
$51
avg/day
January offers the best overall balance of snow quality, crowd levels, and pricing at Hakuba Valley. Expect reliable powder days with an average of 190cm of fresh snowfall. Moderate crowds mean reasonable lift lines, especially on weekdays.
March
120cm snow, moderate crowds, $52/day
May
$39/day, 3cm snow, very low crowds
190cm
snowfall
-2°/-9°
high/low °C
crowds
$58
day pass
180cm
snowfall
0°/-7°
high/low °C
crowds
$58
day pass
120cm
snowfall
4°/-3°
high/low °C
crowds
$52
day pass
40cm
snowfall
10°/3°
high/low °C
crowds
$45
day pass
3cm
snowfall
17°/8°
high/low °C
crowds
$39
day pass
150cm
snowfall
0°/-7°
high/low °C
crowds
$55
day pass
Monthly conditions are based on historical averages. Actual conditions vary year to year. Click on any month for detailed weather forecasts, crowd analysis, and packing tips for Hakuba Valley.
Adult Day Pass
$52
per day
Season Pass
$720
full season
Multi-Resort Pass Inclusion:
Day pass pricing at Hakuba Valley varies by date. Peak periods (holidays and weekends) may cost 10-15% more. Purchasing lift tickets online in advance typically saves $10-20 per ticket. Hakuba Valley is included on the Hakuba Valley pass, which can offer significant savings for skiers visiting multiple resorts per season.
Matsumoto Airport (MMJ)
Approx. 60 min drive
Nagano, Japan 🇯🇵
36.6983°N, 137.8620°E
Hakuba Valley is conveniently located within an hour's drive of Matsumoto Airport. Most rental car agencies operate at the airport, and shuttle services are often available during peak season.
Hakuba Valley offers a range of accommodation options for every budget. On-mountain lodging provides ski-in/ski-out convenience but typically costs 30-50% more than staying in the nearest town. Budget travelers can find hostel-style accommodations starting around $40 per night, while mid-range hotels and condos average $100-180 per night. Luxury ski-in/ski-out properties can exceed $250 per night during peak periods.
Booking 2-3 months in advance secures better rates, especially for holiday periods. Many resorts offer lift-and-lodging packages that bundle accommodation with multi-day tickets at a discount.