Highlights
- Twin ski resorts each with a large ski in / ski out hotel
- Impressive off-piste terrain & most snowfall
- Fantastic onsen & spa complexes
- Kid’s activities and all-under-one-roof amenities
Overview
Cortina / Norikura is not the largest ski resort in the Hakuba Valley but does have some impressive off-piste terrain and boasts the most snowfall, making it a firm favourite on powder days. The twin resorts are connected on-piste and via roads connecting the base areas of each resort.
There are no developed villages at the base of either ski resort, rather a handful of smaller accommodations and one ski in / ski out destination resort hotel at the base of each resort.
The Hotel Green Plaza on the Cortina side offers a choice of three restaurants, magnificent ‘Bijin no yu’ onsen baths, shopping, ski hire & child care.
On the Norikura side, the Hakuba Alps Hotel offers two restaurants, an onsen with outdoor & indoor baths as well as a ‘Karhaus’ facility with infinity pool, jacuzzi, Hitase hot bath and steam.
The Cortina / Norikura villages are a popular choice for powderhounds and for families with small children attracted by the kid’s activities and all-under-one-roof amenities.
Where is Cortina / Norikura?
The twin Cortina & Norikura ski resorts are located beyond Tsugaike at the Northern end of the Hakuba Valley.
They are connected to the rest of the Hakuba Valley villages and ski resorts via the Hakuba Valley shuttle bus service. To reach some of the further locations, a change of bus at Happo One may be required.
Tokyu Haneda and Tokyo Narita are the closest airports and can be reached in 5 hours by road or 3.5 to 4 hours by train. Nagano is the closest major city at 1.5-hour drive.
Cortina / Norikura Map
Cortina / Norikura Accommodation
There are no developed villages at the base of either ski resort, rather a handful of smaller accommodations and the ski in / ski out destination resort hotels of Hotel Green Plaza on the Cortina side and Hakuba Alps Hotel on the Norikura side providing the facilities & amenities.
Cortina Ski Resort
Cortina is not the largest resort but does have some impressive terrain and boasts the most snowfall and the most progressive off piste policy of any ski area in the Valley – the best choice on a powder day.
Best in The Valley for:
- Tree Skiing
- Off Piste & Sidecountry Terrain
- Powder Skiing
Cortina Ski School
The English-speaking instructors at Evergreen Ski School will make sure you are safe and have a great time.
Private lessons offer focused instruction suitable for everyone from total beginners through to advanced skiers and boarders.
Cortina / Norikura Onsen
On the Cortina side, the Hotel Green Plaza’s ‘Bijin no yu’ features 11 kinds of baths – the most facilities of any in the Hakuba Valley, including outdoor baths with ski run views.
On the Norikura side the Hakuba Alps Hotel offers an onsen with outdoor & indoor baths as well as a ‘Karhaus’ facility with infinity pool, jacuzzi, Hitase hot bath and steam.
Outside of the hotels, the local Norikura So onsen features indoor baths for men and women.
Cortina / Norikura Restaurants
On the Cortina side, Hotel Green Plaza offers a choice of three restaurants for guests and visitors alike.
On the Norikura side, the Hakuba Alps Hotel offers dining options in house and there are a handful of local eateries including the log cabin style Peppermint pub & restaurant serving hearty Japanese classics, the rustic in house restaurant / bar at Momiji Lodge, and the Pizza do Ponchon & Endless Bar at the Satomi village.
Aside from onsen bathing and dinner, both Cortina and Norikura are very quiet in the evenings and those seeking nightlife can head to Happo One with a bit of effort.