- Hakuba
The Alps Hotel Hakuba: Newest Ski-In Ski-Out Stay For Families
Sled, Ski, Swim And Soak Without Leaving The Slopes
The Alps Hotel Hakuba opens its doors on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, after a full renovation, and it’s built for a proper family snow trip. Step outside onto the slopes of Hakuba Norikura, then finish the day soaking in a natural hot spring onsen.
Getting there and settling in is easy. A free shuttle runs from Nagano Station, the fenced Kids Park is right outside, and paid on-site daycare means parents can sneak in a few runs together. Rooms sleep up to seven, so the whole crew stays together without anyone squeezed in.
The Scoop On The Alps Hotel Hakuba
- Ski-In Ski-Out: Step straight onto Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort, which links by lift to Hakuba Cortina for around 30 runs.
- Rooms For The Whole Crew: 159 rooms, from bunk rooms sleeping five to suites with kitchenettes for up to seven.
- Kids Park Out Front: A fenced snow playground with free sled and tube rentals, perfect for little ones not ready for lessons.
- Daycare On Site: Paid childcare in the hotel’s Kids Room, with advance reservations required.
- Après-Ski For Everyone: Natural onsen, outdoor heated pool, jacuzzi and sauna, plus a free Club Room with billiards, darts and karaoke.
- More Than Skiing: Snow buggy cruises across the snowfields, and the famous Yoo-Hoo! Swing at nearby Hakuba Iwatake (JPY 500 a ride).
- Easy Arrival: About 2.5 hours from Tokyo, with free shuttles from Nagano Station and Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal.
- Day Trip Worth Taking: Ride the gondola up Hakuba Iwatake to the Yoo-Hoo! Swing, which plays the Heidi theme song as you swing out over the valley.
Little Steps Insider Tips:
- Request daycare when you book your room, since it’s reservation-only and opening season will be busy.
- Families of five should ask for the bunk room (two bunks plus a sofa bed), which keeps everyone in one space.
- Heading to the Yoo-Hoo! Swing? Riders must be at least 110cm tall, so check heights before you buy gondola tickets.
When does The Alps Hotel Hakuba open?
The Alps Hotel Hakuba holds its grand opening on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, just in time for the 2026/2027 ski season. It’s a full renovation of the Hakuba Alps Hotel, which first opened in 1971, now run by Japanese hospitality group Plan・Do・See. Reservations are already open on the hotel’s website.
How much does The Alps Hotel Hakuba cost?
Rates start from around JPY 41,800 per room per night for two adults with breakfast, or about JPY 56,200 with dinner included. Larger family rooms and peak dates such as Christmas and Chinese New Year cost more, so check the hotel’s rate calendar for your exact dates before you book.
Is The Alps Hotel Hakuba good for kids?
Yes, it’s one of the more family-friendly stays in Hakuba. There’s a fenced Kids Park with free sled and tube rentals right outside, paid on-site daycare (book ahead), an outdoor heated pool, natural onsen and a free Club Room with billiards and darts. Bunk rooms and suites sleep up to seven.
How do you get to The Alps Hotel Hakuba from Tokyo?
The hotel is about 2.5 hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen or car. Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano Station, then hop on the hotel’s free shuttle bus. Free shuttles also run from the Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal, and free parking is available on site if you’re driving.
Is The Alps Hotel Hakuba ski-in ski-out?
Yes, it’s true ski-in ski-out. The hotel sits right on the slopes of Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort, which links by lift to Hakuba Cortina. Together they offer around 30 runs, with wide beginner slopes for kids and tree runs and backcountry terrain for confident skiers.
Want more Japan ski ideas?
Why Little Steps Loves It:
Ski-in ski-out stays with a heated pool, onsen and daycare under one roof are hard to find in Hakuba. Here the kids can sled while you ski, then everyone meets back at the pool before dinner.
Who It's Perfect For:
Families with toddlers to teens, first-time skiers who want gentle slopes outside the door, grandparents who'd rather soak in the onsen, and anyone traveling with the family dog.
What Else:
Reservations are open now, with opening-season rates from around JPY 41,800 per room per night for two adults with breakfast. Christmas, Chinese New Year and February school holidays will fill first, so lock in your dates early.
Where To Find It:
- The Alps Hotel Hakuba
- 12851 Chikunikō, Otari, Kitaazumi District, Nagano 399-9422, Japan
- [email protected]
- https://thealpshotelhakuba.com/en/
Additional Info:
Follow @thealpshotel_hakuba for more info.
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