Winter is coming to town! Have you prepared your festive period itinerary holiday? If not, Hakuba could be your go-to place! This Japanese mountain town is more than just a skiing destination; it's a snow-covered wonderland that will leave you in awe. Located in the heart of the Japanese Alps, Hakuba boasts some of the best skiing and snowboarding terrain in the world. Be you're a seasoned pro or a first-time snow bunny, there's something for everyone here.

Hakuba Ski Resorts will take you to a ride beyond an average ski trip. But first thing first, you need to be well-prepared about this winter getaway! Check out these ultimate guide to these top-notch mountain resorts, ranging from locations, how to get there, to entrance fee!

Annually open from mid-December to the beginning of May, Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort is a winter wonderland nestled in Ktaazumi District. This laid-back ski resort has been a favorite among the beginners. The slopes here are wide and open, making it an perfect spot for first-time skiers to hone their skills. Fret not, there are certified local skiers who are willing to teach you! For newbies, take advantage of the lower mountain lift ticket with reasonable prices, which gives you access to the lifts in the base area and some sloping green fields.

Not limited to ski, Experience exciting gondola rides from high above, play high ropes in the middle of the mountain, and try the super warm and refreshing local onsen! To round off the day, choose the closest lodging to the ski resort! There are many great options to pick from with excellent amenities.

How to get to Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort: If you are coming to Tsugaike Kogen by car, it is highly recommended to take the Kanetsu Expressway Nerima IC, then proceed to Fujioka JCT and Joshinetsu Expressway. To reach the ski area, head to Nagano IC towards Route19 and enter the Hakuba-Nagano Olympic Road, and voila! You've finally reached your destination. The journey will take about four hours and 20 minutes. However, if you prefer a more convenient way, you can take the train to Nagano Station and continue the one-hour bus ride to reach Tsugaike Kogen.

Now, onto Happo-One. This resort is an icon in the skiing world and for a good reason. It's the biggest and most popular resort in Hakuba, offering over 200 hectares of ski terrain to explore The resort also hosted the Winter Olympics in 1998, so you know you're in for a world-class experience. The views from the slopes are breathtaking, with the Japanese Alps as a stunning backdrop.

Featuring average 11-metres snowfall, Hakuba Happo-one is renowned for its all skill levels. Be you are a beginner, intermediate, or an expert looking for skiing challenge, this iconic resort offers you a wide range of fields. There are five types of terrains to suits your expertise. The Sakka is for the newbies and has the easy access to Wadano Village. Not far from ADAM Gondola, you will find the black runs that is great spot for the ski experts. For intermediates, head to the lower red track near the Nakiyama area! Go from the very top and experience the burning sensation all the way down. Best of all, there is Night Skiing operating on the Nakiyama green slope, which is served by 2 Nakiyama lifts. The slope is in fact relatively steep for a green slope, but is a great experience for first-timers.

How to get to Hakuba Happo-one Snow Resort: One common transportation option is to take a shuttle bus from Tokyo airport. Alternatively, travelers arriving from Tokyo or Kyoto often prefer to travel by train to Nagano city, followed by a comfortable hour-long bus or pre-arranged taxi to reach Happo One Snow Resort.

One of the family-friendly ski resort is Hakuba Goryu. Stretching 5,000-metres long terrain, the 24-hour ski spot is one of the most popular resorts in Hakuba for a good reason. It’s connected to Hakuba 47 and features four terrains for each levels. The slopes length starts from 520m to 3,600m, choose your own preferences and courses! The resort also has multiple terrain parks, including a halfpipe, offering a fun experience for those looking to perfect their tricks.

As it’s claimed as family resort, there is a free charge and kids-friendly terrain at Toomi Slope for your children to explore. If you are asking is there any night or sunrise skiing? The answer, definitely yes! The slopes are well-maintained by the resort team to enhance your ski experience! So it’s totally safe to witness the night snow and sunrise from the top of Hakuba!

How to get to Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort: There are plenty of options to reach Hakuba Goryu, but the easiest way is through shuttle bus from Narita or Haneda airport for around an hour 20 minutes.

Another family ski park option is Kashimayari Ski Resort. Nestled near Azumino IC, Kashimayari Ski Resort offers a more laid-back and intimate skiing experience compared to its larger counterparts in Hakuba. With its quiet, uncrowded slopes and stunning mountain scenery, Kashimayari is the perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the more popular resorts. You and the fams can indulge in 16 different courses and pick which one suits best according to your skill.

For kids, there is a Pokemon-themed park to dive into and a snowy mountain alike to build! The playground is also well-maintained, making it safe for children to enjoy playing. With excellent snow conditions and a wide variety of terrain, it's no wonder that Kashimayari is a favorite among savvy locals and tourists alike.

How to get to Kashimayari Ski Resort: Get on a local shuttle bus to reach Kashimayari. Local buses run from Happo Bus terminal and are already included in the package if you purchase the Hakuba Valley Pass.

First opened in late 2018, Iwatake is a hidden gem in Hakuba, offering a unique ski experience. The ski resort stretches around 539 meters with 15 different courses, making it a great bucket-list for you to explore snow paradise in Hakuba. The ski area is divided into two spots, the village area and the mountain side area, be sure to take picture as well while you are at it! The resort also offers off-piste skiing in a controlled environment, so it can be a safe and perfect family getaway during winter season!

The panoramic views are also fascinating! You get to witness the white and beauty of iconic peak Mount Hakuba. Beyond fluffy snow and ski experience, savour the wide range of cuisine too! The recommended restaurants you must visit are Hakuba Deli and Eonteon!

How to get to Iwatake Ski Resort: If you are coming from Osaka or Kyoto, you can take Alpico bus from Shinjuku Tokyo and stops at Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort.

In Hakuba, the snow is deep, the views are breathtaking, and the skiing and snowboarding are world-class. With its diverse terrain, reliable snowfall, and charming mountain villages, Hakuba Ski Resort offers an unforgettable winter experience for adventurers of all ages. So grab your skis or snowboard, bundle up, and get ready to shred some powder in one of Japan's most iconic winter destinations.

Hakuba is more than just a skiing destination; it's a winter paradise that offers a wide range of Hakuba ski resorts you can pick from! Each resort has its own unique flavor, from beginner-friendly slopes to 24-hour-open challenging backcountry skiing. The views are stunning, and the ambiance is relaxed, making Hakuba the perfect winter destination. So, grab your phone and book your flights and accommodations through Traveloka! Download the app now and Xperience the ultimate skiing spots in Hakuba.