The Hakuba Valley in Nagano Prefecture is home to a huge array of ski resorts and snow fields offering an incredible variety of terrain for skiers and snowboarders alike. Situated right in the heart of the Japan Alps, its worth visiting for the alpine scenery alone which is truly spectacular with huge rugged peaks that tower above the village below. From one end of the valley to the other there are 10 resorts accessing over 200 runs. From the southern end of the valley the huge Sun Alpina incorporates 3 ski areas and features stunning views of the lakes below. The linked resorts of Hakuba 47 and Goryu-Toomi and the Olympic ski resort of Happo-One are situated in the heart of Hakuba and are probably the most popular (crowded) of the Hakuba Ski Resorts. To the northern end of the valley lie Iwatake, Tsugaike Kogen, Norikura and Cortina all of which are impressive and fun resorts that rate highly amongst skiers and boarders alike.
