Otari Village
Hit the slopes and beyond at Otari Village
Renowned as Hakuba Valley’s powder snow capital, Otari Village’s three relaxed resorts offer some of the finest skiing and snowboarding in the valley. With its picturesque landscapes and excellent snow conditions, Otari Village attracts winter sports enthusiasts from around the world.
How to Get There
Otari is easily accessible by bus or train. From Nagano City, there are regular bus services that run throughout the day between Nagano Station and Tsugaike Kogen, which is located about one hour and 30 minutes away. If you are coming from Matsumoto, you can take the Oito Line and change at Shinano-Omachi station, which is approximately two hours away.
Getting around
Once you arrive in Otari, getting around the village and accessing the ski areas is convenient with the Otari Shuttle Bus. This bus service connects the village ski areas and also takes you to the Happo Bus Terminal, where you can access Hakuba’s other ski resorts.
Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort
Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort is one of the highlights of Otari Village. With 20 lifts and 10 courses, it is the second-largest resort in the Hakuba Valley. The resort is perfect for beginners, as it offers gentle slopes and excellent ski schools. Intermediate skiers will also enjoy the resort’s intermediate slopes, which offer breathtaking mountain views. Tsugaike Kogen also has long snowboarding runs and backcountry access, making it popular among snowboarders and off-piste enthusiasts. Additionally, starting from March, heli-skiing is available from 2,200 meters, providing an exhilarating experience for advanced skiers and snowboarders.
Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort and Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort
Cortina is the northernmost resort in the Hakuba Valley, and its slopes connect to Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort. This unique feature makes it one of only two paired areas in the valley, the other being Hakuba Goryu and Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park. With a single lift ticket, you can access both resorts, and the Hakuba Valley Ticket also covers these areas. Cortina is particularly famous for its deep powder snow, making it a paradise for powder hounds. Unlike other Hakuba resorts that strictly monitor backcountry activity, Cortina has designated self-responsibility areas, allowing experienced skiers and snowboarders to enjoy tree riding and off-piste adventures.
For apres-ski
After a thrilling day on the slopes, unwind and relax at one of Otari Village’s nine onsens. These natural hot springs are the perfect way to soothe your muscles and rejuvenate your body. If you’re staying in Otari, Tsugaike has the most options for a night out. Additionally, there is an evening shuttle service that runs between the resorts, allowing you to explore different dining and entertainment options.
In conclusion, Otari Village in the Hakuba Valley is a winter sports haven that offers world-class skiing and snowboarding experiences. With its convenient access, stunning landscapes, and excellent snow conditions, Otari Village is a must-visit destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced skier or snowboarder, the three resorts in Otari Village provide a wide range of slopes and activities to suit all levels of experience. So, grab your gear and hit the slopes at Otari Village for an unforgettable winter adventure.
Address And Maps Location:
Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano-ken
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