Kashimayari Ski Resort Guide — Simon Jack Burgess

Kashimayari ski resort is a small ski resort included on the Hakuba Valley Pass. Outside of the main cluster of Hakuba Valley ski resorts Kashimayari does not draw the crowds it once did and there would be little reason to base your trip around Kashimayari ski resort. Kashimayari however is worth the visit as an add-on to your Hakuba Valley ski trip and could provide enough interest for a day or two.

KASHIMAYARI FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Kashimayari Ski Resort is a long way from the central hub of Happo and Hakuba Base Camp but this may actually be a good thing. With Kashimayari being further away from the hustle and bustle it draws fewer crowds. The transport links to Kashimayari are also less frequent meaning a trip here can be a little more awkward than some of the more prominent Hakuba Valley ski resorts.

I arrived at Kashimayari by train from Sanosaka and the journey was beautiful with some fantastic views of the Japanese Alps. The facilities at Kashimayari are in need of a facelift with the buildings and lifts needing investment.

HAKUBA KASHIMAYARI SKI AREA

The Kashimayari ski resort is small, even by Japanese standards. The area itself has gotten smaller with terrain closing due to potential financial difficulties. The ski areas highest point is at 1335m and has a 500m vertical drop. The resort of Kashimayari is now best suited to beginners and intermediates with the more advanced terrain inaccessible by chairlift.

One real positive of the ski area at Kashimayari is the view across to Lake Aokiko which can be seen from the pistes. Who doesn’t love skiing in an area with views of a lake surrounded by mountains!

There isn’t much to write home about in terms of Kashimayari terrain which is why no runs here made my list of the BEST FIVE RUNS IN HAKUBA.

BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT HAKUBA KASHIMAYARI

Beginner skiers and snowboarders at Kashimayari will have access to some wide mellow slopes that are good for learning on. There isn’t much terrain at Kashimayari so you may find that you are continuing to repeat the same slopes as a beginner.

INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT HAKUBA KASHIMAYARI

Kashimayari ski resort is an intermediates mountain, the terrain from Lift no 1 has a gradient of beterrn 25 and 28 degrees. There is nothing overly scary at Kashimayari which means it is a great ski resort for intermediates to gain confidence and explore.

ADVANCED TERRAIN AT HAKUBA KASHIMAYARI

Sadly anything of note for advanced skiers and snowboarders at Kashimayari has been closed. I am unsure as to why the top lift stopped running but it is certainly of detriment to the ski area.

LIFTS AT HAKUBA KASHIMAYARI

The four, formerly five, chairlifts at Kashimayari ski resort are in need of updating. There are a couple of 4 person chairs which handle the small crowds that head to Kashimayari however they are dreadfully slow. I guess it is the price paid for escaping the crowds.

HAKUBA KASHIMAYARI PROS

Kashimayari ski resort is quiet, go here to escape the crowds
The view from Kashimayari across to Lake Aokiko is fantastic.
Free shuttle bus access to Kashimayari is possible with the Hakuba Valley Pass.

HAKUBA KASHIMAYARI CONS

Kashimayari does not offer much for the more advanced skier or snowboarder.
The ski resort of Kashimayari is closing terrain not opening more… this does not seem like a positive step for the ski resort.
Kashimayari ski area has infrequent transport links meaning that you need to be careful not to miss your bus.

HOW TO GET TO KASHIMAYARI SKI RESORT

Kashimayari Ski Resort can be reached via various transportation options. For international visitors, flying into Tokyo or Nagoya and then taking a train to nearby Hakuba or Omachi is a common route. From there, a short bus ride or taxi will bring you to the resort. Alternatively, there are direct bus services from major cities to Kashimayari during the winter season.

Kashimayari is south of the main hub of the Hakuba Valley in Happo but is accessible via local shuttle buses. The local buses run from the Happo Bus terminal and are included if you purchase the Hakuba Valley Pass. Services to Kashimayari are less regular than those to other Hakuba Valley ski resorts. With this in mind ensure you have checked the latest timetables.

If you have access to a car, Kashimayari has a car park where it is possible to park within a short distance of the slopes. Car parking at Kashimayari is at no charge.

I accessed Kashimayari by using the local train service from the nearby ski resort Sanosaka. It is possible to ski both of these resorts on the same day using the Hakuba Valley Pass.

KASHIMAYARI SKI RESORT SNOW RECORD

Kashimayari's location in the Northern Japan Alps ensures consistent snowfall throughout the winter season. From December to March, the resort is covered in a thick layer of pristine powder, creating ideal conditions for skiing and snowboarding.

Kashimayari ski resort has a historical snow record of 9.5m which is less than the resorts of Cortina and Tsugaike but way higher than most European ski resorts. Due to the lower elevations at Kashimayari ski resort, the lower slopes can often be found in worse condition then the upper mountain.

HAKUBA KASHIMAYARI LIFT PASSES

To make the most of your time at Kashimayari Ski Resort, be sure to check the lift pass options available. Whether you prefer a single-day pass or a multi-day package, the resort offers various choices to suit your needs. Early-bird discounts and seasonal promotions are often available, so keep an eye out for special deals.

HAKUBA VALLEY PASS

If you are planning to visit more Hakuba Valley ski resorts than Hakuba Sanosaka 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 are included on the same pass. Find out more by watching the video below.

The latest Hakuba Valley lift pass prices are available here.

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.

At the time of writing a 1 Day lift ticket to Kashimayari cost 4000 YEN.

ACCOMMODATION AT KASHIMAYARI

Accommodation at Kashimayari Ski Resort ranges from cozy lodges to luxurious mountain resorts. Staying on-site provides the convenience of easy access to the slopes and other resort facilities. However, nearby towns like Hakuba and Omachi offer additional lodging options for those seeking a more extensive range of amenities and dining choices.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON KASHIMAYARI SKI RESORT

In conclusion, Kashimayari Ski Resort is a lesser-known Hakuba Valley ski resort that can offer sanctuary away from the crowds in the beautiful Japanese Alps. Kashimayari offers well-groomed slopes with enough variety to ensure an enjoyable experience for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Although I would not choose to base myself at Kashimayari I would definitely look to explore it again for the odd day on a trip to Hakuba.