Situated amidst the overwhelming scenery and grandeur of the Northern Alps, with mountain ranges reaching 3000 meters, Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort offers an atmosphere akin to Europe, with the Hotel Green Plaza Hakuba right before your eyes. This winter destination is perfect for avid skiers and snowboarders seeking a serious slope pursuit, as well as families eager to enjoy snow activities and the winter wonderland experience. Immerse yourself in the fun of a hotel-integrated snow resort!
text:Makiko_Kishino
"Conquer the premier powder slopes!"
Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort, positioned at the northernmost point of the renowned 'Hakuba Valley,' has become a sought-after destination drawing numerous visitors from around the world in recent years. Amidst an area boasting various ski resorts with distinct personalities, Cortina stands out for its abundant snowfall, particularly accumulating in its bowl-shaped slopes, catching snow carried by the wind. Its peculiar name finds its origins from the prestigious Cortina d'Ampezzo in Italy, the host of the Winter Olympics in 1956.
This ski resort, renowned as a 'sacred place' among many powder enthusiasts, stands out for its off-piste areas, including the 'ski at your own risk' zones. These areas largely consist of non-groomed slopes, offering a distinctive terrain that allows skiers to experience top-quality snow conditions, especially in the tree runs—an experience unique to this place! (Note: Tree areas are not patrolled for safety and fall under the 'ski at your own risk' zones, requiring adequate caution and skills for skiing.)
In the 2022-23 season, the resort expands its scope by introducing joint lift tickets with the neighboring Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of courses and a larger skiing area!
When it comes to Cortina's top-notch powder courses, the Hieda-yama Course 2 stands out as the No. 1 for experiencing the finest snow quality. With a maximum slope angle of 42 degrees, this course offers a dynamic ride on excellent powder snow, providing breathtaking views of the Northern Alps and Myoko mountain ranges from its 1400-meter elevation if the weather permits. Once you experience the exhilarating sensation of floating through that fluffy powder, you're sure to get addicted!
For those who are not yet confident with advanced courses, the Kamoshika Course, suitable for intermediate skiers and accessible via the third quad lift on the north side of the hotel, is highly recommended. It's a hidden gem ideal for powder debuts or leveling up skills, perfect for practice and honing abilities.
The charm of Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort isn't just for powder enthusiasts; it caters to skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Nearly all courses lead back to the base hotel, reducing worries about getting lost. The lower slopes offer wide gentle inclines, making it easy for beginners and kids to practice. With 100% natural snow creating a soft snow quality, the slopes are beginner-friendly, making falls gentler on the body. So, let's slide down more and improve skills in this forgiving terrain!
The base for the ski resort is the 'Hotel Green Plaza Hakuba' with its distinctive red triangular roof.
An advantage of Cortina Ski Resort is the proximity of the hotel just beside the slopes, perfect for moments when you feel cold or tired while skiing. The secret to providing comfort even for families with young children lies in this close distance between the slopes and the hotel. For a quick break, enjoy a cappuccino at the 'Tea Lounge Ririkaru,' and for a hearty lunch, head to the 2nd-floor restaurant 'Alps' for a substantial energy boost!
Once you've thoroughly enjoyed your time on the slopes, the perfect post-snow activity awaits: the onsen! On the 3rd floor of the hotel, you'll find 'Hakuba Cortina Bijin-no-Yu,' an in-house hot spring gushing from the depths of 1,221 meters beneath the Northern Alps. This natural spring, said to be effective for beautiful skin, contains rich amounts of bicarbonate ions in its soda springs. It's worth a visit just for this; your skin will become smooth and radiant, while your body and soul will be warmed up. After a day of skiing and tired muscles, this onsen will provide ultimate relaxation. Note: The outdoor bath is a heated bath.
Staying at the Hotel Green Plaza Hakuba, integrated with the ski resort, eliminates any unnecessary commuting, making it incredibly convenient. The comfortable and functional rooms offer various types to suit different needs. There's the popular mezzanine type favored by families, and it's also possible to reserve slopeside rooms upon booking.
The dinner offers an array of approximately 60 dishes in the 'Shinshu Premium Buffet,' allowing you to savor Shinshu ingredients and local specialties. Delight in various dishes featuring Shinshu apple-fed beef, Shinshu salmon, oyaki (stuffed dumplings), soba noodles, alongside live kitchen options like roasted domestic beef and tempura. Satisfy your cravings with sushi, pasta, and a delightful array of desserts, promising excitement for both kids and adults alike while filling your stomach.
The morning after a restful night in the comfortable rooms, it's a great idea to join the exclusive 'First Tracks' experience offered to Hotel Green Plaza guests. The best part? It's free and suitable for beginners too! The second lift starts 15 minutes earlier than usual, allowing participants to have the slopes all to themselves before the official opening. It's an unparalleled chance to enjoy pristine, untouched slopes before anyone else! (Scheduled for 2/25, 3/3, and 3/10 in 2024)
At Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort, there's more to do than just skiing; they offer a range of unique snow country experiences. The 'Snow Play Park' allows for immersive nature activities and spending time in snow huts. Both during the day and night, visitors can enjoy themselves, with evenings offering an especially enchanting atmosphere. Nighttime experiences like building snow huts, stargazing, and campfires create unforgettable memories unique to this place. During the day, there's snow ice making and natural maple hunting with tea time, perfect for bad weather days or family fun. Operating only on weekends, holidays, and during the New Year period from December 29, 2023, to March 24, 2024, and it is a paid experience.
Another exclusive way to indulge in luxury time here is the snowcat experience, where you ride a snowcat equipped with caterpillars and fully immerse yourself in the glistening natural surroundings. The destination remains a surprise until arrival—part of the excitement! Riding a snowcat, which is not often accessible in daily life, elevates the excitement for adults to the max. The scenery outside the window showcases nature's charm in a different light from what you'd see at the ski resort.
Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort
白馬エリア最北端に位置するため、豊富な積雪量とエリア随一の極上のパウダースノーを楽しめます!海外からのボーダーからも雪質の良さから好評価を頂いています。頂上からは北アルプス後立山連峰や妙高を含む北信五岳を望むことができ、絶景が眺められます。その大自然の中に悠然と建つ「ホテルグリーンプラザ白馬」。客室数257室と自家源泉の奥白馬温泉「白馬コルチナ美人の湯」や展望岩風呂など、11種類の湯が揃う大浴場「コルチナ美人の湯」や、種類豊富なメニューがそろうレストラン、ゲームコーナー等を備え施設も充実!ファミリースキーも◎北アルプスの雄大な景色を背景に、プライベートゲレンデのような雰囲気です。