FAQs
How can I book ski & snowboard lessons? Are there options for kids as well as adults?
For beginners, we strongly recommend starting with a lesson (even just a half day). It will make your time on the mountain far more enjoyable and greatly reduce the chance of injury.
When booking lessons, you can choose between private or group sessions.
If your group has three or more people, a private lesson often works out to be more economical, and you’ll have the flexibility to meet at the mountain of your choice.
If you book a group lesson, you’ll be matched with others of a similar age and skill level, making it a fun and supportive way to learn.
The most popular ski-schools amongst Canopy guests, and we also highly recommend..
#1. Hakuba Ski Concierge
Offering top-tier quality service, and customised private ski or snowboard lessons.
Hakuba Ski Concierge Signature Lessons & Guided Experiences are completely customized and include door-to-door transport and a choice of resorts. Nadine & her team also offer great lessons for kids.
Book now, this boutique ski school fills up fast!
#2. Frontier Ski School
Based at Hakuba Norikura Resort, Frontier Ski School is on our doorstep.
Options to book at other resorts depending on the weather conditions. Martin will guide you through this at the time of booking. The team will collect you from Canopy to get you straight to the slopes!
Book now with Frontier Ski School
Please note: When booking lesson locations; please choose Tsugaike, Norikura, or Cortina Resorts if possible, as these resorts are closest to Canopy and will make your day much smoother.
We do not offer transport to ski schools at Happo-One Resort or Goryu 47 Resort, including Evergreen Ski School.Â
Recommendations for Back-Country Tours:
Our #1 pick is Northern Heights Guiding.Â
With over 20 years of guiding experience in Japan and Canada, James & his team has the knowledge and professional skills to lead you safely through some of Hakuba’s best on-resort runs, off-piste powder terrain and backcountry areas.
Northern Heights Guiding is in high demand, so book now.
Is there a Baby-Sitting/ Child- Minding service available at Canopy?
See their website to enquire or for further information: hakubababysitting.com
2. Mommy Smile Baby-Sitting
See their website to enquire or for further information: mommysmile-babysitting-hakuba.com/
Please note: We recommend booking babysitting services well in advance, as they are in very high demand and our trusted sitters fill up quickly.
For full-day in-lodge bookings, please ensure your child’s lunch is prepared beforehand.
Do I need to be an experienced skier or snowboarder to ride at Cortina Resort?
Nope! Cortina Resort has a long wide run at the base that is perfect for beginners. If you’re after a little more variety, then Norikura Resort is also ideal for beginners and is right next door! In fact, you can ski between Norikura and Cortina Resort.
If I stay at Canopy, will I be restricted to only skiing at Cortina Resort?
Not at all! If you’re feeling adventurous or snow conditions are better elsewhere, our morning shuttle runs to Tsugaike every day and will pick you up again in the evening.
Please note that our shuttle does not go to Happo-One or Iwatake Resorts. However, there’s a public bus stop nearby that can take you there easily.
Where & how do I purchase lift tickets?
Lift tickets can be purchased at each resort or via their website in advance. Each resort varies in price.
Alternatively, purchase an all mountain lift pass (gains you access to each resort in the valley on the same pass) and can be charged up to the amount of days you wish to ride.
See the Hakuba Valley website for more information: https://www.hakubavalley.com/en/ticket
Tip: We have exclusive discount tickets for Cortina Norikura Resort for our Canopy Guests! These can be purchased from our reception desk. Skip the ticket office!
We have dietary requirements, is it possible still eat at your restaurant if I require menu changes?
Yes of course! We’re very happy to accommodate anyone with any dietary requirements with prior notice.Â
We have friends staying elsewhere and they would like to join us for dinner at Canopy, is that possible?
Yes, the more the merrier! Outside guests are very welcome to enjoy our bar & restaurant area any day from 16:30. It’s essential to make reservations for dinner.
Can I send my luggage to Canopy Cortina prior to my stay?
Yes. Travelling in Japan may seem complicated, but in fact it’s quite systemised. One of our favourite services is Yamato Luggage Courier (Black Cat), known as ‘takkyubin’.
You can send your luggage (including ski & snowboard bags) from the airport, another hotel or a convenience store straight to us! We’re happy to store your luggage prior to your stay to allow you to travel lighter to Hakuba.
Can I travel to Canopy Cortina by car?
Yes. It’s possible to hire cars easily in Japan – or to drive your own. You’ll gain lots of freedom to explore anywhere in the valley at your pleasure. If you’re planning to rent or arrive by car, you  MUST have BOTH 4WD/AWD and studless snow tires.Â
You are almost guaranteed to run into trouble without both these features; chains can be used instead of snow tires, but you will find it very slow going and it is not recommended. If you are not confident driving in heavy snow and on icy mountain roads, please DO NOT come by car. Advance notice for parking is also required, as we have limited undercover parking and need to know how many vehicles we need to accommodate at all times
What do I need to organise before my winter trip to Canopy?
It’s essential to plan your transfers, lessons or tours, and ski/snowboard rental in advance to ensure your holiday runs smoothly.
All Canopy guests receive a travel checklist prior to arrival to make ski-holiday planning effortless.
If you have any further questions or special requests, please don’t hesitate to contact us — our goal is to make your ski holiday absolutely unforgettable.