Explera DMC Japan plans ski and snow groups in Hakuba Valley, a string of ten ski resorts in the Northern Alps of Nagano. The valley drew a record 1,925,000 visitors in the 2025–26 winter, and 925,000 of them came from overseas, 48% of the total. That demand makes early planning essential.
The figures come from HAKUBAVALLEY TOURISM, the local destination organisation, as reported by Travel Voice in June 2026. International visitors rose 17% on the season before, and total visitors rose 3%. The organisation also names the pressures that come with that growth: staff shortages, traffic and the seasonal peak.
Which resorts make up Hakuba Valley?
Hakuba Valley lists ten resorts on its official site: Jigatake Snow Resort, Kashimayari Ski Resort Family Park, White Resort Hakuba Sanosaka, ABLE Hakuba Goryu, Hakuba47 Mountain Resort, Hakuba Happo-One Snow Resort, Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field, Tsugaike Mountain Resort, Hakuba Norikura Onsen Snow Resort and Hakuba Cortina Snow Resort.
- One valley, mixed abilities. Different resorts suit beginners, families and strong skiers, so a group can split by level by day and meet again in the evening.
- Lift tickets. Hakuba Valley sells lift tickets and passes that cover its resorts. Rules change by season, so we confirm the current ones for each group.
- Shuttle buses. The Hakuba Valley shuttle links the resorts, but for a group we usually charter a vehicle so the timings fit lessons and equipment.
How do we build a Hakuba programme?
- Book early. With almost half of visitors from overseas, the best hotels, ski schools and rental shops fill first. We hold group space as soon as dates are set.
- Arrive by train. Groups take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano and transfer to Hakuba by road.
- Add a day off the slopes. Nagano's snow monkeys at Jigokudani, Zenko-ji in Nagano city and Matsumoto are within reach.
Our Japan ski guide compares Hakuba with Niseko and Hokkaido.
Sources: Hakuba Valley official site and Travel Voice: Hakuba Valley visitor figures for 2025–26.
FAQ
How many ski resorts are in Hakuba Valley? Ten, from Jigatake in the south to Hakuba Cortina in the north, according to Hakuba Valley's official site.
How busy is Hakuba Valley? It had a record 1,925,000 visitors in the 2025–26 winter, 48% of them from overseas, according to HAKUBAVALLEY TOURISM.
How do groups get to Hakuba? By Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano, then by road to the valley. We arrange a chartered vehicle for the transfer.
Is Hakuba suitable for beginners? Yes. Several of the ten resorts have gentle slopes and ski schools, so a group with mixed levels can ski in the same valley.
Planning a ski group in Japan this winter? Write to b2b@explera.jp, message the trade desk on WhatsApp at +66 93 656 8090, or register on the B2B portal. Proposals within 24 hours. IATA TIDS 96215733, ASTA member 900408341.
