Hakkoda Facilities & Services

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Hakkoda Facilities & Services

Unlike the nearby Appi Kogen ski resort where there are extensive facilities and even high pressured hoses to blow the powder off your gear before you go inside, Hakkoda keeps the services and facilities very simple.

Hakkoda Ski School

There is a ski school available at the ski resort, although this is typically only used by the local families and for guiding services with Japanese speaking guides.

Facilities for Children

Hakkoda is not a particularly family friendly ski area, with negligible facilities available for kids. There is no day care, no magic carpet, and no specific kids play area. If you want a family oriented holiday you’d be better placed at Appi Ski Resort.

Hakkoda Ski Rental

The deep Hakkoda snow is best ridden on very fat powder skis or a powder snowboard, but Hakkoda ski and snowboard rental options are very limited so it’s wise to BYO.

The Hakkoda ski school has a handful of fat skis for rent and other ski gear, although some of the ski boots are from the dark ages! The guides at Sansou Lodge also hire out a few fatties but the selection is very limited.

There is a snowboard rental shop on the left as you leave Aomori town, but you’d need to have your own car or be in a taxi to stop there.

Banking and Internet Facilities

Get cashed up with yen before you arrive because there are no ATMs at Hakkoda. Credit cards can be used at the hotels and for ropeway tickets, but you’ll need cash to pay for lunch, transport and other incidentals, and possibly also guiding.

Hakkoda Shopping

Shopping is very limited at Hakkoda so your credit card is pretty safe! The most substantial shop for ski and snowboard gear is at Sansou Lodge at the base of the chair lifts, and even that is very limited. They sell some backcountry gear such as avalanche beacons, shovels, probes, and backpacks, and accessories such as goggles, gloves and helmets.

The kiosks at the ropeway stations also sell a few basic ski and snowboard accessories as well as Hakkoda souvenirs.

The small shop at Hakkoda Resort Hotel sells a few souvenirs, some snacks and beverages, but essentially there is no convenience store or grocery store at Hakkoda. Beverages can be purchased from the vending machines, but if you have substantial alcohol requirements then BYO. Ditto for food.
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