Poor!1 / 5Dec 08, 2017
DBDave B.
Don't go there! There is no powder, all the off-piste is OB and the lift lines are huge! Hotel's onsen is dirty and small. Locals hate people from abroad. Terrible.... Moreadvanced snowboarder
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Learn more about Cortina
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 Ski Packages |
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|---|---|---|
| Lodging | Discount | Price |
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EARTHMANS TSUGAIKE
|
21% off | $382 |
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Hakuba Megeve
|
12% off | $420 |
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Smile Hotel Nagano
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12% off | $180 |
View all ski packages for Cortina |
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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.
Save up to 36% when you book a Cortina package!
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Cortina Reviews
Very Good!4 / 5Dec 08, 2017
TLTom L.
Was my favourite resourt, some nice long runs, some deep power bowls and beautiful tree lined picturesque boarding trails. Wonderful food and service as you can expect all over Japan. Cortina was my pick of the lot and most memorable.... Moreadvanced snowboarder
Average!3.3 / 5Dec 08, 2017
ABAnthony B.
Great side country runs ,beautiful trees ,gully's and native animals running in the snow. It's not a massive resort but off piste big enough for lots of freshies and at the end off the day rest and recover in the huge onset in the huge chateau at the base area ,definitely spend a day or 2 if your in the area... Moreexpert snowboarder
Superb!4.8 / 5Dec 07, 2017
DVDavid V.
What an amazing place, Friendly staff greeted us, we received our passes and vouchers in a flash and within an hour from arrival we were clipping in and heading down on fresh powder. Looking over Incredible views of the European style chalet. Everything went like clockwork, from the lift tickets to the buffet style food, happy smiles and courteous... Moreadvanced snowboarder
Superb!5 / 5Dec 07, 2017
TVTae V.
As I am Japanese, I would like to keep the cortina snow field as secret as possible to any foreigners. The best place to be there for everyone regardless of age from baby to expert experienced rider!! You don't need to worry about skills!!
There are plenty courses to enjoy as your level with family, group and couple or single. The quality of snow... Morebeginner skier
Superb!4.9 / 5Dec 07, 2017
TVTeena V.
The snow was absolutely amazing so powdery white and soft. At night the light reflected off of the snow it was so amazing and the people there were awesome &kind.... Morebeginner skier
Fabulous!4.2 / 5Dec 06, 2017
TWTimothy W.
Was amazing! It is worth the extra drive from the centre of hakuba. Gets slightly more snow than the other mountains when it snows because it is closer to the ocean.... Moreadvanced snowboarder
Fabulous!4.5 / 5Dec 06, 2017
JJJay J.
Went here for a day as we were staying at Hakuba. The mountain and hotel is gorgeous, very picturesque. The day we were there had fresh powder. The tree runs and advanced runs were amazing. As with all great resorts, there were a lot of people. However, still absolutely loved it.... Moreintermediate snowboarder
Good!3.8 / 5Dec 06, 2017
RRRyan R.
Amazing resort. Cheap passes, perfect snow, perfect forests, tits deep. The crowds turn up for early powder runs then disappear very quickly, leaving the place empty for afternoon untracked runs. Finish the day with an onsen... Moreadvanced skier
Very Good!4 / 5Dec 06, 2017
DBDane B.
I have been to Japan 3 times and I tell you what!!! Cortina has produced the all time classic deep days. From opening until we hit the onsen. This place is off the chain!
We stay in Echoland usually, so Cortina is an early rise but well worth it. The bus/lift ticket/lunch/onsen option is hard to go past. I would even say it's the best value for... Moreadvanced snowboarder