Enjoy world-class snow scenery in White Horse Valley

It’s easy to see why Hakuba Valley ranks among Japan’s most legendary snow sports destinations. Stretching for nearly 30 kilometers along the foothills of the Northern Alps, it features towering peaks, quiet villages and miles of powdery slopes, as well as 10 world-class ski resorts – including Sour onewhich hosted the downhill and super-G events of the 1998 Winter Olympics.

When people think of ski season, they usually think of the busy winter months of January and February. But this is only a small part of what White Horse Valley has to offer. From late November to early May, the region’s snow conditions rival midwinter, meaning visitors can enjoy so-called “winter” sports in the spring.

Photo by Hiroya Nakata

Enjoy the long ski season in Hakuba Valley

Known for its soft, fluffy powder and annual snowfall of around 11 meters, Hakuba Valley is also known for its unusually long ski season. Due to the deep and consistent snowfall in the region, several famous ski resorts are able to stay open for six months each year.

For those looking for an off-peak experience, the spring shoulder season is the perfect window. Spring skiing and snowboarding has its own magic. The air in the mountains is fresh and the ski resorts are quiet. You can ski without crowds and enjoy the scenery attentively. In late April, you can even see cherry blossoms sparkling against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, a beautiful, rare and quintessentially Japanese sight.

Photo by Hiroya Nakata

Enhanced resort and facilities

The Valley of White Horse has invested in infrastructure to make the long season more enjoyable. Tsugaike Summer Resort For example, it recently expanded its snowmaking capabilities to ensure consistent slopes even when natural snowfall changes. Hakuba Iwadake Snow Resort renovated the base center, adding state-of-the-art facilities and a rental store, and Abel White Horse Five Dragons The expanded night ski area provides visitors with a new way to enjoy the mountains.

Getting to White Horse Valley is very simple. It takes less than three hours from Tokyo by Hokuriku Shinkansen and highway bus. Once there, snow-covered forests, cozy alpine huts and the gentle hum of ski lifts instantly transform you into an unforgettable alpine experience. Skiing is also a seamless experience – with full access White Horse Valley One Day Passyou can ski or snowboard on the same day at any ski resort in the area without having to buy separate lift tickets.

More information

To find out more about spring in White Horse Valley, click here.