Why Hakuba Cortina Is A Must Visit

Cortina is one of the best ski resorts in Hakuba for many reasons, from its amazing tree skiing to its onsens, Cortina is a must visit while you’re in Hakuba. 

• 16km from Happo-one Village
• Twice as much snowfall
• 17 trails
• Connected with Norikura
• Variety of terrain and runs
• Great backcountry and tree skiing
• Fantastic ski-in ski-out hotel

Cortina is located about 16km from Happo-one village and takes about 20-30 minutes to get there. It can be accessed through the free  bus service from the main Happo and Hakuba areas. 

Cortina often receives twice as much snowfall compared to the other resorts in Hakuba making it the best resort for powder lovers. The only drawback is that Cortina is known for its powder, bringing most of the valley there when there is a big powder day. Cortina has a relaxed off-piste policy, fun tree lines and steeper terrain than other resorts! 

The ski area is only 124 acres (50 hectares) of terrain, it has 17 trails, 503 meters of vertical and 7 lifts. Hakuba Norikura Ski Resort is interlinked with Cortina and can be reached through a common lift ticket.

Cortina terrain is closed in a bowl, with the beginner run which is highway wide going through resort’s center then Intermediate and advanced runs off to the sides and crossing through the resort. The resort is designed so that all runs lead back to a common base. 

Cortina is also connected to Norikura at the top and can be accessed with a common lift ticket which gives you an array of options if the crowds are starting to build at Cortina while Norikura is often overlooked. Norikura has extensive beginner skiing but still has access to backcountry and deep powder!

Cortina is also home to one of the best ski-in ski-out hotels in Hakuba, Hotel Green Plaza Cortina. The hotel has extensive Onsen facilities featuring 11 kinds of hot tubs allowing you to relax in the beautiful highland with views of the mountains. The hotel has everything you need while in Hakuba including restaurants, ski school, exquipment rentals, a ski shop as well as a souvenir and convenience store. The hotel also includes massage services, a games arcade and  a karaoke bar to make your time in Cortina even more enjoyable!

Next to the hotel is a large kids’ area with play equipment, a jumping castle, tubing, tobogganing, mini snowmobiles, and child care facilities.

The best part about Cortina is the tree skiing and off piste. There are a collection of lines that drop in from medium to steep angles. There is also great backcountry iopportunites and side country is easily accessible and some of the best in Japan.  Cortina also features some inbound trees which have an enter at your own risk policy (rescue fees apply). 

Pros:

• Steepest inbound terrain in Hakuba
• Highest snowfall in Hakuba
• Some inbound trees are open
• Great views from the upper lifts
• Fantastic in resort food and facilities
• All runs designed to lead back to common base
• Large onsen with a semi-outdoors area offering views of the mountains
• Popular and easy access side-country 
• Links with Norikura Ski Resort and can be accessed with a common lift ticket
  

Interested in more information about Hakuba Cortina? Contact us or request a quote here!

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