Hakuba Happo One Snow Resort
If you could only ski at one of the ten resorts in Hakuba, which one would it be? Most riders would choose Happo One without a doubt. Hosted the ski jump and down hill competitions during the 1998 Nagano winter Olympics, It’s the most popular and the largest resort in the Hakuba area, widely regarded as the main attraction. Equipped with a complete package, including superb groomers, thrilling tree runs, a well-built terrain park, unparalleled backcountry, challenging moguls, and night skiing, you’re sure to find your favorite thrill here!
— Overview of Happo One Snow Resort
— Season Dates, Operating Times, Lift & Ticket Information
— Accommodation in Happo One Snow Resort
— Book with Us! Accommodation & Ski Packages in Hakuba
— Getting To & Around Hakuba in Winter
— Tours and Charters Around Hakuba
— Japan Ski Resorts: Everything You Need to Know
OVERVIEW OF HAPPO ONE SNOW RESORT
One of the ten resorts that make up the “Hakuba Valley,” Hakuba Happo One Ski Resort is the most popular and conveniently located, with ski runs and a gondola within walking distance of the Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal. Serviced by Hakuba Village, the resort is extremely popular with international visitors, with businesses catering to English-speaking and other foreign language-speaking skiers and snowboarders. With its inland location and heavy snowfall during the winter, Hakuba has some of the best powder snow in Japan.
The resort openly advertises having only 16 courses, serviced by an impressive 1 gondola and 20 lifts, but don’t be fooled by the numbers. Some of the runs are so wide and long that they could easily be considered 2 or even 3 runs by the standards of other resorts. Situated between 760 and 1831 meters, Happo One offers an impressive 1071 meters of vertical, with its upper limits above the treeline – somewhat unique for resorts in the area. This creates some of the best conditions for backcountry riding. As is consistent with many resorts in Japan, side and backcountry areas are strictly controlled for visitors’ safety. Backcountry access is available, but we strongly recommend hiring a registered mountain guide at Happo One, so you can enjoy the mountain safely and access spots that only a local would know. Please also respect the natural environment, check the weather, avalanche warnings and make all necessary preparations for the activity.
With a diverse local community, Happo One is well-suited to international visitors, with numerous accommodation options, bars and restaurants in Hakuba village, nearby Echoland and the surrounding area.
The official stats are: 16 ski runs – beginner 30% / intermediate 50% / advanced 20% – serviced by 20 lifts and 1 gondola.
SEASON DATES, OPERATING TIMES, LIFT & TICKET INFORMATION
Happo One snow resort typically open from late-November or early-December to early-May. Exact dates vary between seasons depending on snow conditions however you can expect the entire resort to be fully operational by late December, and the snow should be very good to excellent by early April. Lifts typically operate from 07:30 to 17:00 on weekend and 08:00 to 17:00 on weekdays. Night-skiing is available on a season-by-season basis.
As always, lift and gondola operation is subject to daily weather conditions and operation may be suspended due to high winds and heavy snowfall including white-out. The safety of skiers and snowboarders is always the paramount concern and please be aware of the local weather conditions, which can change quickly in alpine areas.
The price of the Happo One Ski Resort lift pass can be found below:
Adult: 1 day pass- JPY 8,000/ 2 day pass- JPY 16,000
Child: 1 day pass- JPY4,000/ 2 day pass- JPY 8,000
Senior: 1 day pass- JPY 7,700/ 2 day pass- JPY 15,400
For multi-day visitors, we recommend purchasing a Hakuba Valley All Mountain Pass for the best value, giving you access to all Hakuba Valley Snow Resorts.
RENTAL & SKI SCHOOL
For a full set of rentals at Happo One, we recommend our partner, Central Snowsports. Located in Hakuba Village with three convenient locations, including Happo, Echoland, and Wadano, the Happo shop is just a 2-minute walk from the gondola. Stocked with a variety of gear from name brands worldwide, Central Snowsports offers a full array of selections for all types of riders and snow conditions. In addition to reliable snow gear for hire, Central Snowsports offers convenient services such as free pickup on arrival from Hakuba bus and train stations, free equipment collection from your accommodation on the last day, free pick-up after 1 pm the day before your first rental day, and a free first swap from skis to snowboard and vice versa! Contact us if you would like more details.
Foreign language ski and snowboard lessons are available in English through Evergreen International Ski School. Group lessons are conducted at Happo One and Tsugaike. The meeting location is at Evergreen International Ski School sign in desk in Happo One. Private lessons are conducted at Happo One, Tsugaike, Iwatake and Cortina. The meeting location is different depending on your preferred ski location. Further details will be shared with you at reservation. All locations are easily accessible via the shuttle bus of Hakuba village.
ACCOMMODATION IN HAPPO ONE SNOW RESORT
For easy access to the slopes and spacious rooms for your comfort, we recommend The Ridge Hakuba. It is an apartment-style hotel capable of accommodating up to 8 people in a single unit. Within walking distance to the slopes and a wide range of room types to for your selection, The Ridge Hakuba is perfect for larger groups of family or friends.
Located at the Wadano ski village of Hakuba and within walking distance to the slope, Hakuba Tokyu Hotel is a relatively affordable mid-range option for those who want to keep the cost of vacation down, or looking for a long stay. With modern amenities, comfortable rooms, natural onsen and a welcoming atmosphere, you’ll have everything you need to relax after a long day on the mountain.
To read more about accommodations at Hakuba, see our ‘Hakuba Area’ hotel page. All accommodations listed above and in the hotel page are accessible on-foot from Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal.
BOOK WITH US! ACCOMMODATION & SKI PACKAGES IN HAKUBA
Based in Nagano and operating all year round, we are a registered travel agent, tour and charter operator offering a full-suite of winter services including ski/snowboard packages, accommodation, lift passes, private charters and a range of tours including both group and private options covering Hakuba.
HAKUBA ACCOMMODATION & SKI PACKAGES
Home to the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics and as part of the Japanese Northern Alps, Hakuba is blessed with plentiful of powdered snow and some of the most iconic back country features. Serviced by the lively ski village at the foot of the mountains, you can find plenty of accommodations, restaurants and bars. Click the button below to plan your next ski trip to Hakuba!
GETTING TO & AROUND HAKUBA IN WINTER
Hakuba is about a 1.5-hour drive from Nagano Station and approximately 280 km from Tokyo (about a 4.5-hour drive). The most convenient way to travel to Hakuba using public transportation is by taking a Shinkansen to Nagano Station and then transferring to the ALPICO Highland Express Bus at the station.
You can find out the schedule of this bus schedule here– ALPICO Hakuba Express Bus Timetable.
Additionally, you can read more about how to visit Hakuba by visit– How to Get to Hakuba – Nagano Ski Resorts Info.
TOURS AND CHARTERS AROUND HAKUBA
Headquartered in nearby Nagano City, Snow Monkey Resort is ready to service all of your tour based needs in the area. With a number of options for both group and private tours, we are sure that we can make your vacation one you will remember forever!
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:35 – 17:35 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station Hakuba (winter only) |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
Did you know that Nagano is actually home to the fascinating snow monkeys—the only wild macaques in the world that use hot springs to defend themselves against the harsh winter? This tour will bring you to the Jigokudani Monkey Park, right in the foothills of Shiga Kogen. In the morning, your group will start with a guided tour of Nagano City’s historic Zenkoji Temple including a Sake tasting, with lunch afterwards closer to the monkey park. Once you have finished eating, everyone will be off to the Snow Monkey Park to see what all of the fuss is about! Offering pick up and drop off at Hakuba during the winter, and at Nagano Station all year round, this tour is also a good option to help you get to or back from Hakuba.
If you are not in need of a guide and would like to make your own schedule, we also offer private charter services. With well trained and safe drivers, we are ready to bring you to and from the Shiga Kogen area from any point of your choice, including places as far away as Tokyo. You can even hire a guide to come along and make it your own private, personalized tour! Please contact us HERE for more information on pricing and availability.
JAPAN SKI RESORTS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Did you know that Shiga Kogen is just one of the more than eighty ski resorts in Nagano and more than five hundred in Japan? Needless to say, when you choose Nagano for your winter getaway you are spoiled for choice! Our ‘Japan Ski Resorts’ page has everything you need to know to start planning your ski and snowboard adventure including: LATEST NEWS & DEALS, THE BEST RESORTS IN NAGANO & JAPAN, FAQs and of course OUR SKI PACKAGES, ACCOMMODATION, TRANSPORT & TOURS.
