What other travelers are saying about Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort
I was really impressed with the Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort.
The resort has an European design to it and has all the accommodations needed for a great ski/snowboarding experience.
The ski hill is located right at the resort - step outside and you can see the chairlifts. They have snow bikes and other snow activities available here too.
The staff were very friendly and attentive.
The snow quality here is excellent and the runs weren’t too busy, which was very pleasant.
The price of the ski tickets/day pass & stay are very reasonable compared to other resorts in the area.
Definitely worth the visit!!!
I will be back again very soon 🔜
Enjoy 😊
This resort is a family-friendly ski resort that provides the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and togetherness. It’s the kind of place where lifelong memories are made, whether it’s your child’s first ski run or a magical evening spent sipping hot cocoa under the stars. This is a great place for families of all sizes to enjoy the winter and learn how to ski.
One standout feature of this ski resort is its variety of slopes. Gentle, well-groomed beginner runs allow kids and first-timers to build confidence, while intermediate and advanced trails keep seasoned skiers and snowboarders entertained. This resorts also offer ski and snowboard lessons tailored to children and adults, ensuring everyone learns at their own pace.
Off the slopes, the resort’s activities make it a wonderful place with onsens overlooking the mountain which allow you to enjoy a memorable moment on snowy days.
Accessibility and convenience are also key. Shuttle services, ski-in/ski-out accommodations, and equipment rentals make the experience seamless for families juggling gear and small children. The staff’s friendliness and expertise further enhance the welcoming atmosphere.
Good utility at Cortina, as the lift-pass also gets you access to the Norikura lifts.
Cortina had a good variety of slopes suitable to many skill levels, but I felt the total number of slopes was a little low.
Conditions were good when I was there and it felt rather quiet compared to the other resorts. I appreciated coming here at the start of my time in Hakuba so I could get used to being on skis again, but preferred the larger resorts further south in Hakuba once I'd got my footing.
A lot of snow for a resort that is only 872m high. Only 15 runs and more off piste runs on powder snow but for intermediate skiers that would be a bit more challenging. Not much around apart from the resorts so you will eat all your meals there
We only did the ‘Night Game’, and it was pretty good. Amazing price, minimal waiting, and just one trail — but it was wide and well-lit. Although it might be boring for advanced riders and skiers, it’s a great option for beginners and intermediates to practice their skills on a half-empty slope during an unconventional night riding session.
Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort features 16 diverse ski runs spanning 230 hectares with terrain suitable for all skill levels. The resort offers beginner-friendly gentle slopes, intermediate groomed runs, and challenging off-piste powder skiing areas. With a vertical drop of 912 meters and Japan's famous powder snow, Cortina provides excellent skiing conditions from December through April.
From Tokyo, take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano Station (1.5 hours), then transfer to JR Oito Line to Minami-Otari Station (1 hour), followed by a 5-minute taxi ride to Hakuba Cortina. Alternatively, direct buses run from Tokyo's Shinjuku to Hakuba in about 4.5 hours. From Nagano Airport, rental cars or shuttle buses take approximately 1 hour to reach the resort.
Hakuba Cortina offers various lodging options including the luxury Hotel Green Plaza Hakuba with ski-in/ski-out access, traditional Japanese ryokans, cozy mountain lodges, and budget-friendly hostels. Many accommodations feature hot spring baths (onsen), Japanese and Western dining options, and are within walking distance of the ski lifts and rental shops.
The optimal time to visit Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort is from mid-December through early April, with peak powder conditions typically occurring in January and February. The resort receives an average of 11 meters of snowfall annually, with the best powder skiing conditions from late December through March. Spring skiing in March-April offers warmer weather and longer daylight hours.
Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort offers comprehensive ski and snowboard rental services with high-quality equipment from major brands, including all-mountain skis, powder skis, and beginner gear. Professional ski schools provide English-speaking instructors for private and group lessons for all skill levels. Equipment packages typically include skis/snowboards, boots, poles, and helmets, with convenient rental locations at the base lodge.
