HAKUBA GORYU
Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort is a popular ski resort located in the Hakuba Valley of Japan. With a skiable terrain of over 200 hectares, the resort attracts skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Hakuba Goryu is linked to the nearby Hakuba 47 ski resort by lifts and can be accessed on the same lift pass.
GORYU SKI RESORT BACKGROUND
Goryu Ski Resort first opened in 1958 and has since been a popular winter destination for skiers and snowboarders. The runs at Hakuba Goryu are fairly evenly split between beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers, as well as having a small terrain park. The resort is combined with Hakuba 47 and the resorts are joined by chairlifts or accessible by local resort shuttles.
GORYU SKI AREA
The Goryu ski area covers 220 hectares of skiable terrain, with a vertical drop of just over 900 meters. Hakuba Goryu is modest in size with only 16 pisted trails. It has 13 lifts, including one gondola, one quad chairlift, and 11 other chairlifts. The trail map is heavily favoured towards intermediates with some fantastic wide-groomed trails that lead to the base area.
Hakuba Goryu has three main zones; Limori, Toomi and Alps Daira Zones.
The upper mountain consists of the Alps Daira zone. In this zone, you can find some short red trails including a technical moguls course. The highest point of the Goryu ski resort is Zizou Peak. From Zizou Peak you can ski across into Hakuba 47.
The Toomi zone is best known for its wide beginner trails. The green runs in this area provide the perfect trails for learning to ski and snowboard. The Toomi area is also illuminated for night skiing.
The Limori area at Hakuba Goryu is the best suited for intermediate. This section of the resort has a dedicated moguls course. The area is also home to Hakuba Goryu powder trees. The dedicated tree section is small and can be tracked pretty fast despite the copious amount of snowfall in Goryu.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT GORYU
Beginners can enjoy skiing or snowboarding on the gently sloping runs located at the base of the resort. The Toomi area offers excellent beginner terrain, with wide runs and gentle slopes perfect for those just starting. The Toomi area allows for some long runs back to the base for beginners. Goryu would be a great place to learn to ski or snowboard.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT GORYU
Intermediate skiers and snowboarders will appreciate the long, well-groomed runs found throughout the resort. Toomi, offers a variety of runs catering to those at an intermediate level.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT GORYU
.The resort's steeper runs, including the courses on the resort's backside, offer challenging terrain for experienced skiers and riders. In reality, Goryu only has a couple of advanced runs. Advanced skiers and snowboarders may want to test themselves on the dedicated mogul’s courses.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT GORYU
Although there is a small terrain park on the Hakuba Goryu side, the best freestyle terrain can be found at linked Hakuba 47.
OFF-PISTE AT HAKUBA GORYU
Like most Japanese ski resorts Goryu used to restrict all access to its tree-skiing zones. Attitudes in Japan are evolving and Goryu now has an open zone for tree skiing.
If tree skiing is your aim then there are more tree areas open on the Hakuba 47 side. Alternatively consider visiting Cortina, Iwatake or Tsugaike.
LIFTS AT GORYU SKI RESORT
Goryu Ski Resort has 13 lifts, including one gondola, one quad chairlift, and 11 other chairlifts. The lifts provide access to all areas of the resort and offer minimal wait times. The lifts at Hakuba Goryu are ok but are in need of updating. The weekends can be busy at Goryu and lift queues are not uncommon.
GORYU SKI RESORT PROS
Excellent ski and snowboard terrain for all skill levels
A wide range of lifts provides quick and easy access to the mountain
Good snow quality and consistent snowfall throughout the season
Affordable lift ticket prices compared to other Japanese ski resorts
Convenient location with easy access to local amenities and attractions
GORYU SKI RESORT CONS
Limited nightlife options compared to larger ski resorts
Crowded on weekends and during peak holiday periods
Limited off-mountain activities and entertainment options
GORYU SNOW RECORD
Hakuba Goryu ski resort receives an average of 11 meters of snowfall each winter season, providing excellent conditions for skiers and snowboarders. The ski season usually extends from late November to early May, allowing for a long period of snow enjoyment. To maintain optimal slopes, the resort supplements the abundant natural snowfall with snowmaking, ensuring consistent and high-quality snow coverage throughout the season.
GORYU LIFT PASS PRICES
Hakuba Goryu and Hakuba 47 are included on the same lift pass allowing you to ski both ski resorts on the same day. If you are buying your lift passes on the day, these are cheaper than purchasing the Hakuba Valley Pass. A one-day lift pass at Goryu Ski Resort costs 5,400 yen for adults,
The Hakuba Valley pass however will provide you with greater flexibility should you wish to explore other ski resorts in the area. During my Hakuba stay I used the Hakuba Valley pass as this also includes all the available inter-resort shuttle buses.
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HAKUBA VIDEOS
ACCOMMODATION AT HAKUBA GORYU
Goryu Ski Resort offers a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, ryokans (traditional Japanese inns), and rental apartments. The resort's base area has a range of ski-in/ski-out accommodation options, providing convenient access to the slopes.
Alternatively, visitors can choose to stay in the nearby town of Hakuba, which offers a wider range of accommodation options and nightlife. Shuttle buses run regularly between Goryu Ski Resort and Hakuba, making it easy to get to and from the resort.]
FINAL THOUGHTS ON HAKUBA GIRYU
Hakuba Goryu has some of the most enjoyable pistes. The lower mountain with the mellow but wide pistes are fantastic for carving and the upper slopes have more steepness and challenge. I enjoyed Goryu for its link to Hakuba 47 meaning that you could mix things up throughout the day and ride between the two.
ELSEWHERE IN THE HAKUBA VALLEY
HAKUBA GORYU FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Where is Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort located?
A: Hakuba Goryu is located in the Hakuba Valley, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. It is part of the Northern Japan Alps mountain range.
Q: What type of terrain does Hakuba Goryu offer?
A: The resort offers a variety of terrain suitable for all levels, including beginner slopes, intermediate runs, and challenging advanced trails. It also features tree runs and terrain parks.
Q: What is the best time to visit Hakuba Goryu for skiing?
A: The prime ski season is from late December through early April, with January and February offering the most reliable snowfall and best powder conditions.
Q: How large is Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort?
A: Hakuba Goryu covers approximately 305 acres of skiable terrain with 13 lifts serving 21 courses.
Q: Are there ski lessons available at Hakuba Goryu?
A: Yes, there are ski and snowboard lessons available for all ages and skill levels, provided by professional instructors.
Q: Can I rent ski or snowboard equipment at Hakuba Goryu?
A: Yes, there are several rental shops at the base of the resort offering a range of ski and snowboard equipment, including boots and helmets. You can also collect your ski hire in the village of Hakuba where you will have more choice.
Q: Is Hakuba Goryu suitable for families and beginners?
A: Absolutely. The resort has beginner-friendly slopes and facilities catering to families, including childcare and ski schools.
Q: What are the lift ticket prices?
A: Lift ticket prices vary by season and age group. It's best to check the official resort website or contact the resort directly for current rates and special deals.
Q: How do I get to Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort?
A: The closest major airport is Tokyo Narita or Haneda. From Tokyo, you can take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagano and then a shuttle bus or taxi to Hakuba. Direct buses are also available from Tokyo airports to Hakuba.
Q: Are there dining options available on the mountain?
A: Yes, Hakuba Goryu offers several on-mountain restaurants and cafes serving Japanese and international cuisine.
Q: Does Hakuba Goryu have night skiing?
A: No, night skiing is currently not available at Hakuba Goryu.
Q: Is there accommodation near Hakuba Goryu?
A: There are numerous hotels, lodges, and guesthouses in Hakuba village within easy access of Goryu resort, ranging from budget to luxury options.
Q: What should I bring for a day at Hakuba Goryu?
A: Essential items include layered ski clothing, gloves, goggles, sunscreen, and a lift pass. Equipment can be rented on site if not brought along.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort communications before planning your trip.