Good!3.8 / 5May 07, 2018
Bryan K. intermediate snowboarder
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Learn more about Cortina Nagano
Pros
- Best family-friendly night skiing in the valley
- Terrain is best suited for advanced skiers
- Higher snowfall than nearby mountains
Cons
- Only one hotel here with a few restaurants to choose from
Cortina Nagano Ski Packages |
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| Lodging | Discount | Price |
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EARTHMANS TSUGAIKE
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21% off | $382 |
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Hakuba Megeve
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12% off | $420 |
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Smile Hotel Nagano
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12% off | $180 |
View all ski packages for Cortina Nagano |
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Overall
Known for its deep powder and some of the best tree skiing in the Hakuba Valley, Cortina has become quite popular in recent years. It might not be the largest resort around, but Cortina does serve up plenty of fantastic trails plus tons of powder-filled off-piste adventures, especially for advanced and intermediate skiers. The Hotel Green Plaza, a huge ski-in/ski-out hotel, makes up the base of the resort and has everything guests need to enjoy a few days on the slopes.
Best month to go
January to late March.
Between January to the end of March is the best time to visit Cortina. If you visit any time outside of this period, the lack of snowfall might limit the skiable terrain.
FLY TO
Narita International Airport
BUS TO
Cortina (6-6.5 hours)
Hotel Green Plaza (Walk)
- The only hotel at Cortina which makes up the base area
- Large ski-in/ski-out hotel with a range of rooms for up to 7 guests
- Has everything from a convenience store to restaurants
Hakuba Village/ Happo Village (8-10 mi)
- Both villages are close to one another
- Have the most accommodation, dining and nightlife options
- Great base for exploring different ski resorts in Hakuba Valley
For beginners
Beginners will have a few trails to choose from at Cortina, though the main beginner run is Ikenota Gelande. Just off the No.2 lift, it's a long wide trail with plenty of room for beginners to practice their turns and there are no trails on either side so they won't get lost. This is the same course used for night skiing. If you're after more variety of green slopes, check out the Goryu side at Hakuba 47 & Goryu instead.
For intermediates
Intermediates trails can be found across the resort; warm up on the Ipponmatsu course off the No. 1 lift before progressing onto the slightly more difficult Rabbit Course off the No. 3 lift. If you're confident with tight turns, the powder-filled trees in the sidecountry are great fun!
For experts
The Hiedayama side of the mountain is our pick for advanced skiers and riders as it's north-facing and has tons shade from the trees that keep the snow fresher for longer; perfect for powder skiing. The backcountry near the No. 4 lift also has fantastic tree runs that are packed with untracked freshies!
Find freshies
The best spot to find freshies is in the off-piste area off the No. 4 and No.5 lifts! The off-piste slopes are steep (30-40 degrees in fact!) and packed with powder-filled trees which generally sees more snow any other ski resorts in Hakuba Valley!
Ditch the crowds
With all the incredible snow the resort gets, Cortina draws quite a crowd, especially on powder days. The No.4 lift can get busy with queues of up to 10-minutes. But trust us, it's worth it, especially if you're an advanced skier as this lift serves the Hiedayama area.
Non skiers
Given its isolated location, there isn't much for non-skiers to do at Cortina besides soaking in the onsens (hot springs) at the plaza. There are more activities and shopping If they're willing to venture out, there are day trips to the famous Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and the Matsumoto Castle.
Families
The Hotel Green Plaza is the base of the resort, a huge ski-in/ski-out hotel where families can conveniently find everything they need from lodging to food. On the slopes, the green Ikenota Gelande is the most family-friendly run (and night skiing trail in Hakuba Valley) which also conveniently ends at the hotel.
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Cortina Nagano Reviews
Bryan K. Very Good!4.1 / 5Jan 21, 2018
JSJessi S.
Cortina ski resort is full of great powder. If you are in to off-piste skiing, then this resort is great for you because the resort is very relaxed about it. Cortina is very family-friendly and accommodating.... Moreintermediate snowboarder
Fabulous!4.2 / 5Dec 27, 2017
CWCharles W.
At Cortina you come for the epic powder skiing amongst glistening snow kissed trees, take a break for create your own pizza lunch, and stay for one of a kind onsen apres! Truly not to be missed on your Japanese ski holiday.... Moreadvanced skier
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Dec 21, 2017
JBJosh B.
Cortina lodge at the base of the mountain is absolutely stunning. The perfect back drop to the most amazing powder I have ever experienced in my entire life. A must!!!... Moreexpert snowboarder
Superb!4.5 / 5Dec 21, 2017
TSTazz S.
Cortina is my favorite resort in Hakuba. It's best on powder days but can be enjoyed anytime in the snow season. Its known as the tree resort or the expert resort, but it can be enjoyed by skiers or snowboarders of all levels.
Cortina is a huge bowl. You can catch the nearest chairlift to your line and ride the ridge or 'cat tracks' until you... Moreadvanced snowboarder
Fabulous!4.5 / 5Dec 21, 2017
CPCraig P.
It's not what I think of Corrina, its more about the 3 times I've been in lift line on an epic day 50 60 cm maybe, and every time its been shut, I had one day in 2015, I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of of a skier going off in to the tree line, I followed his tracks and was not disappointed I remember boarding under a water pipe then the... Moreexpert snowboarder
Average!3.1 / 5Dec 17, 2017
FJFred J.
Great great mountain. Deep snow and the best tree skiing in the world. Not fair to call it a throwback to days gone by because the resort lodge is modern and the amenities great. Cortina is a little off the beaten path but this only adds to its charm.... Moreadvanced skier
Superb!4.6 / 5Dec 12, 2017
SLStanley L.
From the lodge to the slopes, get up to Cortina to escape into powder coated mountains, fantastic hot springs, and unforgettable excitement! I visited for the first time January 2017 and will undoubtedly return as soon as possible.... Moreexpert snowboarder
Superb!4.9 / 5Dec 12, 2017
BWBrian W.
I skied Cortina for two days last year in 2016-2017 winter and had a blast. We were there in mid-late December, and the conditions were excellent. It was snowing both days, with free refills we were getting face shots all day. The resort is really well laid out, it's not huge, so it's simple to navigate and super fun to explore. The side country... Moreexpert skier
Superb!4.6 / 5Dec 10, 2017
ARAlex R.
Out of all the resorts in the valley Cortina was one of my favourites, probably because the day we were there it was dumping! Lift lines were short, the staff were friendly and accommodating and great value for money! Would recommend.... Moreintermediate snowboarder