What other travelers are saying about Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort
Fun little hill with good terrain for beginners and advanced riders. Mix between groomers and a few tree runs. One section requires backcountry gear and a beacon to access.
Norikura is a great ski resort. Ski-in, ski-out. No need for buses. Lot's of powder snow with side-country & back-country options, interconnected with Cortina by chairlift.
A very quiet resort, relative to Cortina or better known Hakuba spots. Lifts are a little slower, slopes a little mellow.. snow quality can be a bit wet or heavy as lower altitude. That said, it's nice to avoid the crowds. Plenty of powder options, runs a little shorter and you'll definitely want to buy the Norikura/Cortina combined pass.
This is definitely the spot to be on a major powder day. Not crowded, unlike other resorts in Hakuba, and beautiful scenery and powder spots. If you have not visited, give it a go!
This is the Hakuba Norikura Onsen Snow Resort. Visited at the beginning of Feb 2024 for skiing. Unfortunately, there is no fresh powder snow as it hasn't snowed in the last several days, and the most of the slopes are icy and so hard, however the slopes are well groomed and great condition for skiing and or training. Also it will also be fun to go to beyond of the lift No.11.
There are several car parking lots. They are on the other side of the road, but it seems that some cars are parked diagonally on the side of the road. There are no attendants. The way to the ticket office is uphill and quite a walk, so be careful if you are with children. There are no restrooms in the car park. Use the restrooms in the hotel.
The ticket office is in front of the hotel. A deposit is not required and the ticket is a common ticket for Hakuba Cortina and Hakuba Norikura.
Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort typically operates from mid-December to early April, with daily hours from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The exact opening and closing dates depend on snow conditions each winter season in the Japanese Alps.
From Tokyo, take the JR Chuo Line to Matsumoto Station, then transfer to JR Oito Line to Shinano-Omachi Station, followed by a 20-minute bus ride to Hakuba Norikura Onsen. From Nagano, take the JR Oito Line directly to Shinano-Omachi Station. The resort also offers shuttle services from nearby accommodations.
Hakuba Norikura Onsen features 16 ski runs across 305 hectares, with 30% beginner slopes, 50% intermediate runs, and 20% advanced terrain. The resort offers tree skiing, powder snow areas, and family-friendly slopes with a maximum vertical drop of 1,050 meters from the summit at 1,650m elevation.
Yes, Hakuba Norikura Onsen is famous for its natural hot spring baths (onsen) with mineral-rich waters perfect for relaxing after skiing. The resort area features several ryokan inns, ski lodges, and hotels offering onsen facilities, traditional Japanese hospitality, and convenient ski-in/ski-out access.
Adult all-day lift tickets at Hakuba Norikura Onsen typically cost around 4,200-4,800 yen, with discounts for seniors, children, and multi-day passes. Ski and snowboard rental packages range from 3,500-5,000 yen per day, including boots, with premium equipment available for an additional fee.
