HAKUBA IWATAKE
Iwatake ski resort is a popular Hakuba Valley resort that is fantastic for intermediate and beginner riders. On my visit to Hakuba Iwatake, I was impressed by the wide cruisey blue runs and the mellow gated tree riding. On a clear day, the views from Iwatake are meant to be pretty impressive… unfortunately I didn’t get a clear day at Iwatake. One issue that Iwatake faces is its lower elevation and base area can mean that when it is snowing at other Hakuba resorts it can be raining at Iwatake. That being said Iwatake still gets its fair share of the snow and there are some great powder stashes to be found.
IWATAKE SKI RESORT BACKGROUND
Iwatake Ski Resort, located near Hakuba in Japan, boasts a rich history as a renowned winter destination. Established in 1970, Iwatake quickly gained popularity for its diverse terrain that caters to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers. Over the years, the resort has expanded its lift systems and facilities, enhancing the skiing and snowboarding experience. Known for its panoramic views of the Northern Alps and well-maintained slopes, Iwatake remains a favorite among both local and international visitors seeking pristine powder and scenic mountain landscapes.
IWATAKE SKI RESORT FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Arriving at Iwatake via shuttle bus you are dropped at the base of Noah Gondola. From here you can see a chairlift to the skier’s left which accesses a fairly decent beginner’s run that would be a good gradient for learning your first turns. Around the gondola base area, there are a few ski shops, accommodations and food vans that mean Iwatake is a fairly decent place to base yourself for a trip to Hakuba. When heading up the gondola it’s easy to see why intermediates love Iwatake, in each direction, you can see wide-open pistes and on my visits very limited crowds (potentially due to the weather).
IWATAKE SKI AREA
As previously mentioned Iwatake is lower than the other resorts in the Hakuba valley with a summit of 1,289m. This coupled with a rather pitiful 539m vertical drop (less than Thredbo in Australia) means that Iwatake is a fairly small ski resort. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing as Iwatake has some decent infrastructure with fast chairs that means although laps may be short, you can get multiple runs in rather quickly. In total, there are 26 courses at Iwatake with the majority of this terrain being beginner or intermediate terrain. There is only 20% of the piste map assigned as advanced terrain but there is nothing to really get the heart pumping.
SNOWBOARDING FOR BEGINNERS IWATAKE
Iwatake has a number of trails suitable for beginners with an international ski school offering instruction in English. The gradients at Iwatake are much more mellow than nearby Happo One or Goryu so beginners may feel less intimidated here. It is possible for beginners to access ski runs at the top of Iwatake without the need to ride to the base area. If beginners choose to, it is possible to down lift on the Noah gondola at the end of the day. At the base area, there is a green run that has its own chairlift, this would be my starting point as a beginner.
SNOWBOARDING FOR INTERMEDIATES IWATAKE
Iwatake is probably best suited to intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The groomed terrain across the mountain is generally wide and not too steep. Some of the runs at Iwatake are an amalgamation of other runs with a combination of colour ratings. The tree zones at Iwatake are open without requiring a course and offer some fun riding on mellower pitches.
SNOWBOARDING FOR ADVANCED IWATAKE
Iwatake ski resort has a designated off-piste tree skiing zone called The View. Japanese ski resorts take a pretty firm stance to riding outside of designated off-piste areas so be prepared to lose your pass for doing so. Sticking to The View and you will be fine with this area monitored by the Iwatake ski patrol. In all honesty, advanced skiers and snowboarders will likely get bored rather quickly at Iwatake with other Hakuba Valley ski areas offering more challenge.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT IWATAKE
Iwatake does have a terrain park that may be of interest to freestyle-inspired riders. The Iwatake terrain park has a number of jumps (various sizes) and some basic rails. The terrain park at Iwatake is serviced by its own two-person chairlift although this runs pretty slow.
LIFTS AT HAKUBA IWATAKE
Hakuba Iwatake ski resort has 8 chair ifts and a gondola. The Noah gondola at the base of the resort is the main access point to the rest of the ski area. The rest of the lifts at Iwatake are either Quads or Doubles, none of which are particularly speedy.
Lift queues at Iwatake ski resort are reserved for the weekend and peak periods. As more people learn about the Hakuba Valley the resort of Iwatake is becoming more popular and its location close to Happo doesn't help when avoiding crowds.
HAKUBA IWATAKE PISTE MAP
IWATAKE SKI RESORT PROS
Iwatake is perfectly spaced in between Happo One and Tsugaike which makes it really easy to visit for a day trip
Wide groomers at the Iwatake ski area will mean that intermediates will love riding around this resort.
Four gated tree areas are available to ski at Iwatake which is a nice step in comparison to other Hakuba resorts that close their tree areas.
Free shuttles run regularly to Iwatake from the Happo Bus Terminal and the train station
IWATAKE SKI RESORT CONS
Iwatake has a small vertical drop meaning the runs can be quite short.
Iwatake is rather low and its lower elevation can mean the quality of snow is not as good as at other Hakuba resorts.
IWATAKE SNOW RECORD
Hakuba Iwatake ski resort, situated in the renowned Hakuba Valley, boasts a substantial annual snowfall that contributes to its reputation as a premier winter destination. While not as snow-heavy as Hakuba Goryu's impressive 11 meters, Iwatake consistently receives ample natural snow, supported by advanced snowmaking facilities to guarantee reliable and well-maintained slopes. The ski season at Iwatake typically stretches from late November through early May, offering visitors an extended window to enjoy diverse terrain and excellent snow conditions year after year.
IWATAKE LIFT PASS PRICES
The Iwatake Lift Pass prices offer great value for skiers looking to explore this fantastic resort. A one-day lift pass at Iwatake costs around 5,400 yen for adults, making it an affordable option for a day on the slopes. Additionally, the Hakuba Valley Pass provides the flexibility to explore multiple resorts within the Hakuba area, including Hakuba Goryu and Hakuba 47, which share the same lift pass and allow you to ski both resorts in one day. If you're buying lift passes on the day, these tend to be cheaper than purchasing the Hakuba Valley Pass in advance. However, the Hakuba Valley Pass is ideal for those wanting to experience a variety of ski areas since it also includes all inter-resort shuttle buses, which proved very useful during my stay in Hakuba, allowing seamless travel between resorts. Another option to consider is the Epic Pass, which covers Hakuba resorts among other international locations, offering even broader access for frequent skiers. One week is included free in the Hakuba Valley if you are an Epic Pass holder.
TRAVEL TO IWATAKE SKI RESORT
Free shuttle buses run to Iwatake from both the train station and Happo bus terminal. The buses to Iwatake are probably amongst the more frequent as Iwatake is positioned between Happo One and Tsugaike.
Iwatake is under 5km from the Hakuba train station meaning connecting bus journeys take less than 10 minutes to reach the ski resort. There are plenty of regular bus services that run between Iwatake and other Hakuba ski areas; Tsugaike, Happo, Goryu, Hakuba 47 as well as to the Hakuba base area.
HAKUBA VIDEOS
ACCOMMODATION AT HAKUBA IWATAKE
For those planning to stay close to Hakuba Iwatake Ski Resort, Goryu Ski Resort is an excellent option with a variety of accommodation styles to suit different preferences. At Goryu, you can find hotels, traditional ryokans, and rental apartments. Many of these are located right at the base area, offering convenient ski-in/ski-out access, which is ideal for maximizing your time on the slopes.
Alternatively, staying in the nearby town of Hakuba is a popular choice, especially for visitors who want a wider selection of lodging options as well as more vibrant nightlife and dining experiences. Hakuba town is well connected to the ski resorts by regular shuttle buses, including services to Goryu. This makes commuting straightforward, allowing guests to enjoy both the comfort and amenities of the town and the great skiing at Hakuba Iwatake and surrounding resorts.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON HAKUBA IWATAKE
Unfortunately, on both my visits to Hakuba Iwatake ski resort, I wasn’t blessed with great weather. I was still able to have fun cruising around the wide pistes but the further down towards the base you went, the snow quality deteriorated. Iwatake location was great and because of the frequent buses, I was able to change resorts once I figured conditions would not improve. On a good day, I can see why people would enjoy visiting Iwatake, especially those who are looking to progress from the greens to the blues.
ELSEWHERE IN THE HAKUBA VALLEY
HAKUBA IWATAKE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Where is Hakuba Iwatake Ski Resort located?
A: Hakuba Iwatake Ski Resort is located in the Hakuba Valley, Nagano Prefecture, Japan.
Q: What types of terrain does Iwatake offer?
A: The resort offers a diverse range of terrain including beginner slopes, intermediate runs, advanced trails, and some off-piste areas. It’s suitable for all levels, with scenic runs overlooking the sea of Japan on clear days.
Q: What is the best time to visit Hakuba Iwatake?
A: The peak ski season typically runs from late December to early March, with January and February offering the best snow conditions.
Q: Does Hakuba Iwatake offer night skiing?
A: No, night skiing is not available at Hakuba Iwatake.
Q: What ski pass options are available?
A: Hakuba Iwatake offers single-day and multi-day passes. There are also combined passes available that include other Hakuba Valley resorts.
Q: Are there ski schools and rental services available?
A: Yes, the resort has ski and snowboard schools, as well as rental shops offering a range of equipment for all skill levels.
Q: Is Hakuba Iwatake suitable for families?
A: Absolutely. The resort features gentle beginner slopes and family-friendly facilities, making it a great choice for visitors with children.
Q: How do I get to Hakuba Iwatake from Tokyo?
A: You can take the Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo to Nagano Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi for about an hour to Hakuba. There are also direct bus services from Tokyo to Hakuba during the ski season.
Q: Are there dining options on the mountain?
A: Yes, several restaurants and cafes at the base and mid-mountain offer traditional Japanese food as well as international cuisine.
Q: Is the resort family and beginner-friendly?
A: Yes, Iwatake caters well to beginners and families, with designated beginner zones and easy slopes.
Q: Can I find terrain parks at Iwatake?
A: Yes, the resort includes a terrain park designed for snowboarders and freestyle skiers.
Q: Are there any cultural or sightseeing activities nearby?
A: The Hakuba area offers several cultural experiences, including hot springs (onsen), local festivals, and hiking trails for summer visits.