Guide
Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort is a premier ski resort located in Otari Village, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Prefecture, renowned for its 100% natural powder snow. The name is inspired by the similarity in terrain and environment to the Dolomites in Italy. The slopes are directly adjacent to Hotel Green Plaza Hakuba, providing extremely smooth access for guests staying at the hotel. Beyond winter skiing and snowboarding, the resort offers a wide variety of year-round activities, including camping, trekking, and various summer experience programs during the green season.
The area has been a destination for skiers since around 1935, originally opening as the "Ikenoda Ski Area" in 1950. Following large-scale development in the 1970s, it evolved into its current form as Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort. In 1989, the opening of Hotel Green Plaza Hakuba established the foundation for a comprehensive resort that integrates high-quality lodging with world-class skiing. Additionally, the resort allows for seamless movement between the adjacent Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort via a shared lift pass, making it a major hub within the Hakuba mountain area.
Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort features a diverse range of courses tailored to all skill levels. For beginners and families, the wide and gentle "Ikenoda Slopes" and the "Ipponmatsu Course," which is great for practicing carving, are highly recommended. For advanced skiers and snowboarders, the resort offers challenging terrain such as the "Hiedayama Course" and the "Itahira Ridge Course," which provide some of the best steepness and powder in the Hakuba area. In winter, families can enjoy recreational activities like snow vehicle experiences at the "Snow Play Park." During the summer, the "Cortina Auto Campground" opens, allowing visitors to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and stargazing in the mountains.
The peak season is winter (December to March) when many enthusiasts flock to experience the legendary powder snow. Night skiing is also available, allowing you to enjoy the thrill of gliding through illuminated slopes under the stars. In the summer (roughly July to September), the focus shifts to trekking, paddle golf, and outdoor nature programs. The campground offers a perfect environment to enjoy the high-altitude atmosphere and witness a stunning canopy of stars at night.
A wide array of seasonal programs is available to keep you engaged year-round. In winter, the snow vehicle experience is a popular way to explore the snow. For relaxation, the hotel features a renovated sauna facility, including an auto-ロウリュ (auto-löyly) sauna for men and a rock salt bath for women, perfect for unwinding after a day on the slopes. In the summer, you can connect with the nature of Hakuba through adventure programs involving natural trees, camping, trekking, and even organic gardening programs.
As a central landmark of the Hakuba area, the resort is closely connected to the neighboring Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort, allowing for an expanded skiing experience via shared lifts. The surrounding area is also rich in various accommodations and dining options, making it easy to enjoy comprehensive sightseeing throughout the entire Hakuba region.
When skiing or snowboarding, please ensure you have essential gear such as warm clothing, gloves, goggles, and a helmet. For summer trekking and camping, we recommend comfortable clothing and a light jacket to handle changing weather conditions. Please be mindful of other guests while using the facilities. Payments can be made via cash or credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, etc.). For specific activities like snow vehicle experiences, we highly recommend checking the official website for advanced reservations.