Winter Event Guide: What’s Happening In Hakuba This Winter?
Winter is just around the corner, and Hakuba is gearing up for another incredible season in the snow! From exciting winter festivals and après-ski celebrations to live music, local events and unique mountain experiences, there’s so much more to discover beyond the slopes.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway, spending the season in the valley or simply looking for something different to add to your winter itinerary, Hakuba has plenty happening to keep you entertained.
We’ve rounded up our winter event guide with the best things happening around Hakuba this season, so you can make the most of your time in the mountains.
Night Skiing at Hakuba Goryu
Event Dates: Daily From Late December – March
There’s something pretty special about hitting the slopes after dark! Night skiing at Hakuba Goryu is a great way to make the most of your time on the mountain, with floodlit runs creating a completely different experience to daytime skiing. As the sun sets over the Hakuba Valley, the mountain comes alive under the lights. Whether you’re keen for a few extra laps after a day exploring the resorts or want to experience the slopes from a different perspective, night skiing is a winter experience worth adding to your Hakuba bucket list. Fresh snow, quieter runs and a magical alpine atmosphere — what’s not to love?
New Year’s Eve Countdown at Happo
Event Dates: December 31st – January 1st
See in the New Year Hakuba-style with the annual New Year’s Eve celebrations at Happo! Head down to the Nakiyama slope base area on December 31 for the midnight countdown and fireworks display, as the sky lights up above the snow-covered mountains. It’s a pretty special way to welcome the year ahead!
Make a night of it with plenty of food and drink options nearby. Grab a bite from the local food trucks around Sakka or book a table at one of Hakuba’s popular spots, such as Mimi’s Restaurant & Bar or The Marillen, known for its rustic alpine German cuisine. Just be sure to plan ahead, as restaurants and New Year’s Eve celebrations can book out well in advance!
Freeride World Tour Qualifier 4* Hakuba
Event Dates: January 24-27, 2027
Get ready for some serious mountain action! The Freeride World Tour Qualifier 4* Hakuba brings together some of the best freeride skiers and snowboarders to take on Hakuba’s challenging alpine terrain. Expect big lines, steep faces, technical descents and plenty of adrenaline as athletes push their limits in the mountains.
Whether you’re a freeride enthusiast or simply love watching incredible talent on the snow, this is a fantastic event to add to your Hakuba winter calendar. Head up to catch the action and experience the excitement of freeriding at its best!
Hakuba Happo-one Fire Festival
Event Dates: February 19, 2027
One of Hakuba’s most spectacular winter traditions, the 57th Hakuba Happo-one Fire Festival is a night you won’t want to miss! Taking place on Friday, February 19, 2027, at the Nakiyama Slope, this annual celebration brings together Japanese culture, mountain traditions and plenty of winter magic.
Expect an evening filled with incredible torchlight skiing, a giant ceremonial bonfire, traditional Japanese performances & taiko drumming. The celebrations continue with impressive ski and snowboard demonstrations before wrapping up with a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the alpine night sky.
There will also be local food stalls and food trucks serving up warming winter treats and hot drinks, making it the perfect evening to soak up the atmosphere and experience a special piece of Hakuba’s culture. Make sure you add this one to your winter calendar!
Hakuba Happo-one Riesen Slalom Competition
Event Dates: 26-27 February, 2027
Calling all ski racing fans! The Hakuba Happo-one Riesen Slalom Competition is one of Japan’s most iconic grassroots ski races and a long-standing tradition in the Hakuba Valley. First held in 1947, this annual event is now celebrating its 81st edition, taking place on February 26 and 27, 2027, on the famous Riesen Slalom course at Happo-one.
Bringing together more than 500 competitors, the race welcomes everyone from elite alpine athletes and former Olympians to everyday recreational skiers looking to test their skills against the clock. One of the event’s unique traditions is awarding special oval-shaped badges to amateur racers who finish close to the top times, with black, blue and red badges up for grabs!
There’s also a social gathering and party for competitors on the evening of the first day, making it about much more than just the racing. Whether you’re keen to watch the action or get involved yourself, this is a fantastic opportunity to experience a piece of Hakuba’s rich skiing history!
Snow Machine Music Festival
Event Dates: 2-7 March, 2027
Get ready to swap your ski boots for dancing shoes! Snow Machine is one of the biggest events on Hakuba’s winter calendar, bringing together world-class DJs, live music and mountain vibes for an unforgettable week in the snow. Combining epic days on the slopes with incredible après-ski parties, mountain-side performances and late-night entertainment, it’s the ultimate mix of skiing and music.
Expect a buzzing atmosphere throughout the Hakuba Valley, with international music acts, pop-up parties and plenty of opportunities to dance the night away. Whether you’re there for the skiing, the music or simply the festival atmosphere, Snow Machine is the perfect excuse to bring your friends together and make some unforgettable winter memories!
Party Peak – Après at the Top of Hakuba Iwatake
Event Dates: Daily From Early January To Late March
Keep the après vibes going at Party Peak, an open-air après experience at the top of Hakuba Iwatake, sitting at 1,300m just off the Sawa run. Running daily from early January to late March 2027, Party Peak brings an outdoor music atmosphere to the mountains. Think great music, cold drinks, international and national DJs, and an incredible outdoor setup right on the snow.
With a bar, a world-class Funktion-One sound system delivering some of the best tunes on the mountain, and outdoor seating surrounded by 360° panoramic views across the Hakuba Valley, it’s the ultimate spot to stop between ski laps. Best of all, entry is completely free! Whether you’re popping in for a quick drink or settling in for the afternoon, you can enjoy live music and soak up the atmosphere daily from 11:00–15:00.
And when you’re ready for more turns, you can ski straight back out towards the Sawa lifts! Great music, cold drinks, mountain views and free entry – Party Peak is a must-visit for your Hakuba winter season.
From unforgettable mountain festivals and traditional Japanese celebrations to live music, après-ski sessions and fireworks under the snow-covered peaks, there’s so much happening throughout the season beyond the slopes.
Whether you’re visiting for a week or lucky enough to call Hakuba home for the winter, make sure you get out there, explore what’s happening and experience everything this incredible alpine town has to offer.
Winter in Hakuba is about so much more than just skiing and snowboarding, and we can’t wait for another season of good times, fresh powder and unforgettable memories. See you out there!
Will we be seeing you in Hakuba this coming season?
We certainly hope so! Already booked? We hope you’re counting down the days and getting excited for your upcoming trip.
Yet to book? There’s still time! Explore our fully customisable package deals by clicking the button below, and let us help you create your perfect Hakuba snow getaway. We can’t wait to see you there.
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