TSUGAIKE KOGEN
Tsugaike Kogen ski resort may still be the best-kept secret in the Hakuba Valley. Nicknamed ‘Powder Heaven’ but often overlooked by the more popular Happo One or Hakuba Cortina, Tsugaike Kogen is the place to go for uncontested powder turns.
One of 10 ski resorts on the Hakuba Valley Pass, Tsugaike Kogen ski resort is a Japanese ski resort that retains a local feel. Tsugaike receives an average of 12 metres of snow each winter season which makes it popular with snowboarders in search of fresh turns. Tsugaike Kogen lies along the same shuttle bus route as Hakuba Cortina and with most skiers opting to remain on the bus to its final destination, Tsugaike is the place to go to avoid lift lines on a powder day.
TSUGAIKE FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Tsugaike has its own village with a number of hotels, pensions, restaurants and rental shops. As you approach you can tell that you are somewhere with a different feel to Happo. Tsugaike is pretty subdued in terms of its nightlife or apres scene and it’s clear that people are here for one reason and one reason alone… the powder skiing.
Queuing for the bottom gondola at Tsugaike you see powder chasers with wide-waisted skis and fat snowboards adorning swallowtails. This sets the tone for what to expect. Taking the gondola from station one to the mid-station leaves little to get excited about for more advanced skiers and snowboarders. But from the mid-station to the top station, the gondola hovers over the famed DBD tree riding zone. It is from here that you can see why people flock in search of Tsugaike's famous well-spaced trees.
TSUGAIKE SKI AREA
Having spent more days snowboarding at Tsugaike ski resort than any other Hakuba resort on my trip, it’s hard to argue against it being my favourite as I kept going back. The Tsugaike Kogen tree access is the main draw with the DBD offering everything from quite mellow terrain at the top of gate 1 to steeper runs through gates 3, 4 and 5.
The terrain at Tsugaike Kogen is divided into two main zones, upper and lower Tsugaike. The total vertical drop of Tsugaike ski resort is over 900m which is great when considering the size of other local resorts. Tsugaike Kogens highest point is about 1700m.
TSUGAIKE LOWER MOUNTAIN
The lower mountain at Tugaike Kogen includes anything found beneath the mid-station of the gondola. The majority of this terrain is mellow beginner’s terrain with 5 short chairlifts and the gondola accessing beginner’s trails to the base. The lower mountain at Tsugaike Kogen would make an ideal place to learn with the mellow terrain feeling the opposite of intimidating. This area features gentle slopes with wide, well-groomed runs that are ideal for those looking to build confidence or enjoy a relaxed skiing experience. The lower mountain benefits from good snow coverage throughout the season, thanks to efficient snowmaking systems. The lower mountain also connects seamlessly with the upper sections, allowing skiers to gradually progress to more challenging terrain while still having easy options to return to gentler runs.
TSUGAIKE UPPER MOUNTAIN
There are still entry-level green pistes on the upper mountain and this is one of the reasons why Tsugaike is so popular with beginners. If learners are feeling confident enough to take the gondola to the upper mountain then the winding green course through the forest makes an exciting addition for beginners.
The upper mountain however is mostly home to the intermediate and advanced terrain at Tsugaike Kogen ski resort. The pinnacle of this is the Tsugapow DBD courses. In this area, there are five separate gates that you can take to enter the designated tree-skiing zones. If the snow conditions are good then this area is unrivalled and is one of the best zones I have ever snowboarded in.
In addition to the DBD Tsugaike Kogens upper mountain has a number of red-graded terrain and one black (Horseback Course). The upper mountain is also home to TG Parks, Tsugaikes freestyle terrain. The terrain park at Tsugaike is well worth a visit and has the benefit of running underneath the No.3 Quad Lift.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT TSUGAIKE KOGEN
Beginners will not be lost for options at Tsugaike Kogen with 50% of its terrain dedicated to beginners. The lower mountain at Tsugaike Kogen is perfect for beginners with runs that are wide, mellow slopes that have suitable lift access. On the upper mountain, there is an interesting green trail that winds its way along a Cat Track trough the Tsugaike trees.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT TSUGAIKE KOGEN
Intermediates skiers and snowboarders visiting Tsugaike will want to base themselves on the upper mountain. The terrain above the gondola’s midstation will hold interest with some really nice red pistes on the upper mountain. You wont find lots of long reds here so if you are not going to head into the trees intermediates may be better served skiing at Happo One or Iwatake.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT TSUGAIKE KOGEN
Advanced skiers and snowboarders will love the tree skiing found in the Tsugaike Double Black Diamond gates. To access this area you need to take a course (more info follows in this post). Also of note is the run Uma no see which follows a narrow ridgeline. However the pistes offer little interest for advanced skiers and snowboarders at Tsugaike. The real fun is found in the trees.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT TSUGAIKE KOGEN
Tsugaike Kogen has 2 terrain parks which is fantastic for a Japanese ski resort. The main Tsugaike Park is decent and is one of the longest in the Hakuba Valley. The parks consist of jumps, rails and lots of great side hits and banks.
TSUGAIKE DOUBLE BLACK DIAMOND GATES
To access the Double Black Diamond or DBD you will first need to attend a safety lecture, sign a disclaimer and then collect your armband. The courses run out of Jacky’s kitchen, a diner near the top lift station. It’s best to head to Jacky’s Kitchen early so that you can beat any rush on a powder day.
The DBD course provides you with information about local hazards within the designated tree-riding zone and although many skiers I spoke with found it pointless, I appreciated the extra safety precautions. The courses are run by local skiers who ride at Tsugaike Kogen regularly, their first-hand knowledge was useful.
In the Tsugaike DBD there are five gates. Gate 1 is closest to the chairlift and offers the easiest terrain. In fresh snow plenty of fun can be had in gate 1 without heading into the more challenging areas. The remaining 4 gates access terrain with more hazards such as cliffs. The DBD area is an incredible place on a powder day!
TSUGAIKE KOGEN PISTE MAP
LIFTS AT TSUGAIKE KOGEN
The main lift you will use at Tsugaike Kogen is the gondola which links the base area with the top of the resort. The gondola journey takes a while but it is travelling a fair distance in the process. Actually, after the leg-burning tree runs a long rest in the gondola was quite welcoming. Tsugaike has a further 9 high-speed chairs and some that are much slower… 19 lifts in total service the resort although only the lower mountain is open for night skiing.
TSUGAIKE KOGEN SKI PASSES
The Hakuba Valley lift pass is valid at Tsugaike Kogen and may represent your best option if you want to explore more than one Hakuba ski resort. As a beginner, you can purchase a lower mountain lift pass at a discounted rate. This beginner’s lift pass will allow you access to the base area lifts and some very mellow green terrain.
Tsugaike and the Hakuba Valley is also valid on the somewhat controversial Epic Pass from Vail Resorts. Personally, I love the Epic Pass and have made many videos about it in the past. The Epic Pass gives you 5 days of validity in the Hakuba Valley.
If you just want to pay as your play then a 1 day lift pass at Tsugaike will cost around 5000 Yen.
SEASON DATES TSUGAIKE KOGEN
Tsugaike Kogen boasts an impressively long ski season, typically opening its slopes in mid-December and staying open until early May. This extended period is supported by a reliable snow record, with consistent snowfall ensuring excellent conditions throughout the winter and into spring. The resort's altitude and location contribute to maintaining good snow quality, making it a favored destination for skiers seeking a lengthy and dependable season.
TSUGAIKE KOGEN SNOW RECORD
Tsugaike Kogen is located in Northern Hakuba at the snowiest end of the valley. The resorts in this region get absolutely pounded with snow and Tsugaike Kogen averages 12m of snowfall every winter. This means the top of the resort and tree skiing gets ample amount of snowfall for any powder skier.
VILLAGE AT TSUGAIKE KOGEN
Despite Tsugaike having a quieter village than Happo, it is fair to say that it has been commercialised. You will find a high ropes course on the slopes and fast food restaurants surrounding the mid-gondola station. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing but won’t be to everybody’s taste. A popular stop at the end of a day on snow is the bar near the base gondola station. You will recognise it from its uniquely Japanese foot spa, the perfect way to rejuvenate your feet at the end of a day on snow.
TSUGAIKE KOGEN PROS
Tsugaike Kogen receives an abundance of snow! 12m on average per season.
Tsugaike tree skiing is fantastic and although you have to take a course to enter this isn’t too much hassle.
Despite the combination of a great snow record and incredible tree skiing, Tsugaike is much less crowded than the nearby Hakuba Cortina resort.
Getting to Tsugaike ski resort is really simple using the Hakuba Valley shuttle buses that are provided free with your lift pass.
Tsugaike is great for beginners and provides English instruction through their snow sports school.
Due to transport links, it is easy to ski at Tsugaike and the resorts of Iwatake, Norikura or Cortina on the same day.
TSUGAIKE KOGEN CONS
On-piste skiing at Tsugaike is fairly mellow so may not suit a more able skier or snowboarder
Night skiing at Tsugaike Kogen is available but only accesses the beginner terrain which is quite dull.
Taking the course to enter the DBD area will take up some valuable on snow time and you will need to wear an armband each time you wish to enter the trees
TRAVEL TO TSUGAIKE
Travel to Tsugaike Mountain Resort 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.
Tsugaike is easily reachable from all main transport hubs in Hakuba with regular shuttle buses running throughout the day. Tsugaike ski resort is further out of Hakuba than some of the other resorts with the journey taking between 20-30 minutes depending on conditions.
The resort of Tsugaike Kogen is located between Iwatake and Norikura ski resorts. This makes it perfectly placed to be able to ski at more than one Hakuba resort on the same day. The resorts are linked by shuttles and this makes navigating the area fairly straightforward.
TSUGAIKE KOGEN LIFT PASSES
HAKUBA VALLEY PASS
If you are planning to visit more Hakuba Valley ski resorts than Tsugaike Mountain Resort 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.
ELSEWHERE IN THE HAKUBA VALLEY
ACCOMMODATION AT TSUGAIKE
Tsugaike Village is an option for accommodation close to the slopes in Hakuba. Staying in the village would represent a more laid-back option where you can get away from the more western restaurants and bar scene. Be aware that around Tsugaike it is likely that you will encounter less spoken English and not every shop or restaurant will accept credit cards.
Alternatively, you can stay closer to the main hubs and commute to Tsugaike on the days that you would like to ski or snowboard there. I stayed at Nori’s sharehouse, which is a no-frills share home in the Hakuba Village. The location was good and I had no complaints about my stay. The house even had a workstation to tune your gear. There are plenty of other accommodation options in and around Hakuba
ACTIVITIES AT TSUGAIKE KOGEN
In addition to skiing and snowboarding at Tsugaike Kogen there are many other ways to stay entertained. The high ropes course at mid-mountain will be popular with families and children, as will the tubing area. A Japanese ski holiday wouldn’t be complete without a trip to a local Onsen. At Tsugaike there are a coupe of Onsens in the village that you can visit after your day on snow.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON TSUGAIKE KOGEN
Tsugaike featured regularly in my discussions when choosing which resort I wanted to ride at during my trip. I really enjoyed the DBD trees area but sadly on a couple of occasions, this area was closed. For me when the DBD was closed there wasn’t enough to keep me entertained so I would normally take a bus to another resort. When the DBD was open Tsugaike represents one of the best tree skiing zones in the Hakuba Valley.
