Hakuba Ski Resort Complete Travel Guide
Hakuba is a cluster of ski areas in the Northern Alps that hosted alpine events at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, and while it is best known as a winter powder destination, several of its gondolas keep running in summer for hiking, alpine flowers, and mountain views.
Quick Facts
Best Things to Do
- Ski or ride at Happo-One, Hakuba's largest and most famous resort, with terrain for beginners through advanced.
- In summer, ride the Adam Gondola and connecting lifts at Happo-One up to Happo Pond for alpine views of the Hodaka range.
- Explore other resorts in the valley such as Goryu, Hakuba47, and Tsugaike Kogen, each with a different character and trail mix.
- Soak in an onsen afterward; the Hakuba area has several hot spring baths geared toward skiers and hikers.
Tickets and Fees
Checked in July 2026: winter lift passes and summer gondola tickets are bought separately at each resort or online in advance; prices and operating dates vary by resort and by season, so check the specific resort's site (Happo-One, Goryu, Hakuba47, Tsugaike) before your trip. Summer gondola operation is typically limited to roughly July through September and depends on the resort.
How to Get There
From Nagano Station, take the Alpico bus to Hakuba (about 70 minutes) or a direct train/bus combination from Tokyo. In winter, direct ski buses run from Tokyo and Nagano; a rental car gives the most flexibility for reaching multiple resorts.
Nearby Attractions
Pair a Hakuba trip with the wild bathing macaques at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park or the alpine valley of Kamikochi if you have extra days in the Nagano mountains.
Book Before You Go
Use official information for opening hours and ticket rules, then book tours or tickets only when they fit your route.