Mt. Hakkai—Hakkaisan—is a sacred mountain, worshipped since ancient times as a place where the gods live. At the foot of the mountain is Muikamachi Hakkaisan Ski Resort. The summit station of the Unkai Ropeway, which takes you up to the fourth station of the mountain, is at an altitude of 1,147 meters, already above the clouds. The unobstructed, panoramic view from the top often overlooks unkai, the sea of clouds, or the Uonuma Plain below. A dive view; a gift from the mountain spirits. Welcome to a panoramic resort, floating about the clouds: and experience you can only find at Hakkaisan.
7:30
First Track, etched across the sky
At 7:30 am, a special service on the ropeway, exclusively for you. Over the seven-minute ride to an altitude of 1,147 meters, you’ll receive a briefing on the morning’s conditions from the patrollers who will be skiing with you. When you step off at the mountaintop station, you’ll see that you’re now above the clouds. Feast your eyes on the amazing scenery, then set off for your First Track in the sky. The stage is a downhill course; it is 1,193 meters in length, with a maximum slope angle of 26 degrees and an average 17 degrees. It is a nice, smooth course carefully maintained by the grooming staff; coniferous forests and deep snow lie at the sides of the course, so you can venture slightly off the course to enjoy some natural conditions. On clear, sunny mornings you’ll also get a panoramic view of the Sea of Japan, all the way out to Sado Island. Flying along above the Uonuma Plain, you’ll have a sensation like a bird, gliding leisurely through the sky.
8:30
The Hakkaisan Ski Resort style
After your First Track, and the descent all the way to the base, you’ll also have the chance to be first on the ropeway when it opens to the public at 8:30. Mt. Hakkai is famous for its heavy snow. From the top of the mountain, take on the challenge and fun of an ungroomed, powder-covered expert slope. Even beginners can enjoy a long, 5.5-kilometer run from the summit by taking the Rakuraku A and B courses, with 25 fun turns along the way. The terrain along the ropeway is dynamic, with a maximum slope steepness of 29 degrees, an average slope of 18 degrees, and an elevation change of 805 meters, making for great skiing. There’s a wide choice of courses, from a long, three-kilometer downhill; steep, ungroomed powder snow; hard, tightly packed slopes; and long bump courses. Since you’ve come to enjoy all that is Hakkaisan, try as many as you can!
9:00
A morning looking straight out onto the sea of clouds
With a view like that, how about a delicious American breakfast of eggs and bread? The scenic seats are available daily until 3 pm, so stop by for an afternoon break or teatime. Perhaps you’d enjoy a glass of the local Sarukura Beer, or Hakkaisan saké along with the fantastic views.
A special scenic experience that lasts a lifetime
Muikamachi Hakkaisan Ski Resort will take videos of your First Track experience, making your time sliding above the clouds a lasting memory.
| Plan name | Special First Track in the Sky |
|---|---|
| Fee | ¥100,000 per person (¥30,000 per additional person) |
| Dates | January 15, 29; February 15, 29; March 1, 8, 2024 |
| Times | 7:30 A.M. to 8:30 A.M. |
| Participation | One group of up to five persons |
| Included in the plan |
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Reservations can be made by telephone
025-775-3311
*Advance reservations are required at least one week prior to the desired date
First Track regular plan
| Plan name | HAKKAISAN First Track |
|---|---|
| Fee | ¥1,000 per person, ¥1,500 with brunch |
| Dates | Daily from Friday, December 29 to Sunday, March 10, 2024 *Not including January 1, 2024 |