Arguably the most famous ski area in the Hakuba Valley and well known as one of the leading resorts in Japan in its own right, Happo-one has some of the country’s most exciting terrain, a huge lift-served vertical and a reputation for getting lots and lots of snowfall each winter. The resort is also forever etched in Japanese and world ski racing history as the host of both the Men’s and Women’s Downhill and Super Giant Slalom races at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. If that wasn’t enough it also hosted the ski jump and Nordic Combined events.
The resort has one of the biggest lift-served verticals in Japan at 1,070m and is famous for having some of the country’s longest and steepest runs too, up to 8km (five miles) in length. However, although it’s particularly recommended for intermediate and advanced level skiers, it does also have runs for beginners and families, including special child-friendly areas on the Nakiyama and Sakka Slopes. The official terrain splits for its 14 trails are 20% easy, 30% Intermediate and 50% advanced. There’s some great tree skiing and a brilliant terrain park.
Happo-one also has its own resort village which is one of the most lively and extensive in the Hakuba Valley for those who like their apres ski and lots of dining options plus non-ski activities on their doorstep, along with lots of skiing!
