HAKUBA CORTINA
Hakuba Cortina is by far the best resort in the Hakuba Valley for those in search of steep and deep turns on a Japanese powder day. A combination of factors makes Hakuba Cortina ski resort the ultimate destination for those deep days, starting with the pitch of the trees. Unlike other Japanese resorts, Cortina opens its glades without restriction and this makes for an incredible experience. The steep pitch combined with the widely spaced trees makes this the pinnacle of a trip to Hakuba. Sadly, talk of the quality of Cortina’s tree riding is widespread meaning it is no longer a secret. This can result in some pretty big lift cues after a snowfall.
HAKUBA CORTINA FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Arriving at Cortina you at met by the sight of the iconic Green Park Hotel. A Tudor style hotel offering ski in ski out accommodation at Cortina. Most of the resorts facilities are inside the hotel, which can be pricey so if like me you are on a budget… bring your own lunch. Walking through the hotel to the slopes you will soon get a sense of excitement and anticipation, everyone is talking about getting in the lift line for the first lift.
Stepping outside the hotel you can be forgiven for thinking Cortina is a bit of nothing. There are three lifts at the base area which all run fairly slowly and it’s hard to get an appreciation for the terrain from the base area.
HAKUBA CORTINA SKI AREA
Similar to most Hakuba Valley ski resorts the terrain stats are nothing to get excited about, but who goes to Cortina to ride its 16 trails? Well, the Japanese, which is another reason it’s great because its best asset is mainly avoided by the locals. Cortina’s 16 runs sit mainly within a bowl and can be expanded if you consider that it is linked to neighbour Hakuba Norikura, but you will either need the Hakuba Valley Pass or a combined lift ticket to make use of this link.
There is some pretty decent beginner runs at Cortina however there are better Hakuba resorts to learn at. The real draw is the free ride zones including the backcountry lap that leads through to Norikura. The trees through these routes are well spread out, perfectly so! The combination of the well-spaced trees and the steep pitch makes Cortina an absolute must-visit resort.
The approach to off-piste at Cortina ski resort is different to the neighbouring Hakuba resorts. Most Hakuba resorts make you attend a course before you can ride in the dedicated off-piste zones. Hakuba Cortina is more relaxed and you are free to explore the terrain at your discretion. The tree-skiing at Hakuba Cortina is steeper, better and blessed with huge amounts of snowfall what’s not to love? Well, the one downside to skiing and snowboarding at Hakuba Cortina is that everyone knows how good it is. Be prepared to stand in lift queues but don’t worry, there is plenty of Japow to go around.
As mentioned above Hakuba Cortina ski resort is a small resort if you only take the trail map into consideration. Connected via lift to Hakuba Nortikura this opens more terrain including a fantastic backcountry route to Norikura through the trees from the top of the Number 4 chair.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT HAKUBA CORTINA
Cortina isn’t best known for its beginner ski and snowboard terrain but actually, it would be a decent place to learn your turns. The main beginner trail runs back down to the base area from the No. 1 chair and is a fairly long stretch. The beginner’s trail is nice and wide offering plenty of space for beginners to learn.
Also, what better place to learn than in a ski resort with copious amounts of snow, think about those soft landings.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT HAKUBA CORTINA
Intermediates will enjoy riding at Hakuba Cortina but should also consider adding the Norikura ski resort to their lift pass. A dual Cortina Norikura lift pass will open up more intermediate terrain. The Hiedayam Rinkan Course from the top of No. 4 chair allows intermediates to ski from the top of the resort dipping in and out of the trees within their comfort level.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT HAKUBA CORTINA
Advanced skiers and snowboarders will have an absolute field day at Hakuba Cortina. The steep Hiedayama Courses are great but in reality, everyone is at Cortina for the trees. This is where Hakuba Cortina really stands out with its wide tree runs. Tree skiing at Hakuba Cortina is at your own risk and you should treat it with caution. If possible ride with a friend and bring the correct safety gear. Although the terrain is in bounds there is more snow than most skiers and snowboarders are used to so it wouldn’t be that difficult to run into trouble.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT HAKUBA CORTINA
There is no terrain park at Hakuba Cortina, but neighbour Norikura has a Pipe, a small terrain park as well as a boarder cross, and a mogul run. If freestyle is your thing then consider looking at these Hakuba Valley ski resorts; Hakuba 47, Tsugaike Kogen.
LIFTS AT HAKUBA CORTINA
Hakuba Cortina’s lift infrastructure can be quite frustrating. Seven lifts in total but none of them run particularly fast. Well, they do say good things come to those who wait and I can assure you that the run down is well worth the slow uplift. To access the more advanced terrain you will need to catch the No. 1 lift from the base area where you can then head up the No. 4 chair. There are normally long lift queues for the No. 4 lift on a powder day so if you are impatient then head to the No.5 chair which also accesses some incredible tree skiing.
HAKUBA CORTINA SNOW RECORD
Cortina gets the most snow out of all the Hakuba Valley ski resorts. 12m plus during the winter season! That is insane. Whether Cortina gets more snowfall or it catches the snowfall better with its bowl-shaped terrain matters not as the facts are as follows. The amount of snowfall that Cortina Hakuba receives is legendary and it is more than enough to blow your mind!
TRAVEL TO HAPPO ONE
Travel to Hakuba 47 in Hakuba Valley is most commonly accessed from Tokyo Airport via several convenient options. From either Narita or Haneda Airport, travelers can take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano Station, which takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the service. From Nagano Station, a direct bus or taxi can bring you to Hakuba in roughly one hour. Alternatively, there are express airport limousine buses that travel directly from Tokyo airports to Hakuba, offering a comfortable and straightforward journey.
When arriving at Tokyo airports—Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND)—you have convenient options to ship your luggage directly to your hotel, making travel through the city easier and more enjoyable.
Luggage Delivery Services:
Takuhaibin (宅配便)
This is Japan’s comprehensive door-to-door delivery service, widely used for shipping bags between airports, hotels, and other locations. Major providers include Yamato Transport (Kuroneko Yamato), Sagawa Express, and Japan Post.Where to find service desks: At both Narita and Haneda airports, look for dedicated Takuhaibin counters or kiosks near the baggage claim area or arrivals hall.
Costs: Typically range from 1,500 to 3,000 JPY per bag, depending on size and destination. Expect a fee on the higher end for same-day or next-day delivery.
Time: Delivery generally takes 1 to 2 days, but many Hakuba hotels receive luggage the next day if shipping early.
How to Ship:
Bring your luggage directly to the Takuhaibin counter at the airport.
Provide your hotel’s address, phone number, and your planned check-in date.
Fill out a simple form; staff often can assist in English.
Pay by cash or credit card.
You’ll receive a receipt with a tracking number.
Shipping to Hotels:
Most hotels in Tokyo are familiar with and accept Takuhaibin luggage deliveries for their guests. Always inform your hotel ahead of time with the expected delivery date and provide your name to avoid confusion. Some luxury hotels may charge a small handling fee, so check in advance.Timing and Planning:
Shipping luggage ahead means you can travel light on public transport or have more freedom to explore Tokyo immediately after arrival. However, avoid shipping your bags to hotels with insufficient lead time—send luggage early enough to ensure it arrives before or on your check-in day.
Using luggage forwarding services from Tokyo airports to your hotel significantly simplifies travel logistics, especially when carrying bulky ski or hiking gear. It lets you enjoy a hassle-free arrival and focus on your adventures in Japan.Once in the Hakuba Valley, local shuttle buses provide frequent and reliable service between the various resorts, including Happo One, allowing visitors to easily explore the area without needing their own vehicle. These shuttles connect key points daily, catering to skiers and hikers alike, making the valley highly accessible and convenient to navigate.
GETTING AROUND HAKUBA
Getting around Hakuba is straightforward with the extensive shuttle bus network that connects major ski resorts, hotels, and key points in the valley. These buses run frequently throughout the day, making it easy for visitors to access popular slopes such as Happo-One, Hakuba 47, and Goryu. Shuttle services are typically free or low-cost, often included with lift passes or available through accommodation packages. The system operates on a fixed schedule, so it’s important to check the latest timetables to plan your day efficiently. Using shuttle buses is a convenient way to avoid parking hassles and enjoy stress-free travel across Hakuba’s sprawling ski areas. Taxi’s are also available but are a more expensive option as the shuttle buses are included with your Hakuba Valley ski pass.
HAKUBA CORTINA LIFT PASSES
HAKUBA VALLEY PASS
If you are planning to visit more Hakuba Valley ski resorts than Hakuba Cortina it may be worth picking up a Hakuba Valley pass. The Hakuba Valley Pass not only offers access to the slopes but the interconnecting resort shuttles. This means your transport and skiing is included on the same pass. Find out more by watching the video below.
EPIC PASS
If you are an Epic Pass season pass holder than you will get access to the resorts of the Hakuba Valley included with your pass. The Epic Pass allows for 5 consecutive days of skiing in the Hakuba Valley, additional tickets can be purchased at a discount.
PAY AS YOU PLAY
If you want more freedom to choose your day to day activities and resorts you won't lose much money by paying on the day. Paying for your lift passes on the day offers a number of benefits. You can get full-day, morning or afternoon passes which offers flexibility.
HAKUBA VIDEOS
ACCOMMODATION AT HAKUBA 47
For those planning to spend the majority of their time skiing at Hakuba Cortina, staying close to the resort itself is ideal to maximize time on the slopes. Accommodation options near Hakuba Cortina range from charming guesthouses to mid-range hotels, providing easy access to the resort’s varied terrain. Consider a stay in the Green Plaza Hotel, which offers the closest location to the Cortina slopes and an Onsen for relaxing at the end of the day.
However, many visitors choose to stay in Hakuba village, a lively hub with a broader selection of lodgings and dining options. From here, convenient shuttle buses run regularly to Hakuba Cortina, making the commute straightforward and reliable. This allows visitors the flexibility to enjoy the village's amenities while still having easy access to the slopes. Whether you prefer the tranquility and convenience of staying right by Hakuba Cortina or the vibrant atmosphere of Hakuba village with shuttle access, both choices offer excellent bases for a memorable ski holiday tailored to your preferences.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON HAKUBA CORTINA
Hakuba Cortina brought me not only some of my best days on snow but also some of the best days of my life. Although there can be crowds (usually at No.4 chair) there is some great skiing and snowboarding to be had. The traverse left from the No. 5 chair before dropping into the trees is less crowded than other parts of the resort but has some great turns. This resort will always be amongst my best memories.
ELSEWHERE IN THE HAKUBA VALLEY
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HAKUBA CORTINA FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Where is Hakuba Cortina located?
Hakuba Cortina is located in the Hakuba Valley on Japan’s main island of Honshu, within Nagano Prefecture. It is part of the larger Hakuba ski area, which hosted events during the 1998 Winter Olympics.
Q: What is the best time to go snowboarding at Hakuba Cortina?
The prime snowboarding season generally runs from late December through early April. January and February typically offer the most reliable snowfall and best powder conditions.
Q: How challenging are the slopes for snowboarders?
Hakuba Cortina offers a variety of terrain suitable for all skill levels. Beginners can find gentle beginner slopes, while advanced riders benefit from steep runs, tree skiing, and off-piste powder bowls.
Q: What kind of snow conditions can I expect?
Hakuba Cortina is known for its consistent, dry, and powdery Japanese snow (Japow). This makes for excellent snowboarding conditions, especially after fresh snowfall.
Q: Is there snowboarding instruction available?
Snowboarding lessons are available through the resort's ski and snowboard school. Instructors cater to beginners as well as advanced riders looking to refine their skills.
Q: How crowded does Hakuba Cortina get during peak season?
While Hakuba is a popular destination, Cortina tends to be less crowded than some of the larger resorts in the area, offering a more relaxed and uncrowded snowboarding experience. This all changes on a powder day, where crowds flock to Hakuba Cortina in search of the worlds best powder experience. Cortina is a secret no more, so get there early if you want to experience the goods.
Q: Are there off-piste or backcountry snowboarding options?
Yes, expert riders can explore off-piste areas, but backcountry snowboarding requires awareness of avalanche risks and appropriate safety equipment.
Q: Can I snowboard at night?
Hakuba Cortina does not offer night snowboarding. Daylight hours are the only times the lifts operate.
Q: Is the resort family-friendly?
Yes, Cortina is family-friendly with beginner areas and facilities suitable for children, as well as ski schools that provide lessons tailored to young riders.