---
title: Iwatake
date: 2026-11-08T12:02:00+09:00
author: Patrick Nesbitt
canonical_url: "https://staging.morinolodge.com/resorts/iwatake"
section: Pages
---
# Iwatake

 

Iwatake is an intermediate skier's dream and boasts the best views in the valley along with one of the best halfpipes.

   ![](https://staging.morinolodge.com/uploads/general/Hakuba/_800xAUTO_crop_center-center_none/iwatake.jpg)  

- **Lifts**:16
- **Runs:** 30% Beginner 50% Intermediate 20% Expert
- **Longest run:** 4.5km
- **Steepest run:** 35
- **Elevation – Top:** 1289m
- **Bottom:** 750m
- **Night skiing:** no

Just a 5-minute free shuttle bus ride from the lodge.

The summit of Iwatake mountain is separated slightly from the main range, which gives it those great views. A variety of open to tree-lined courses radiate down from this summit to all sides.

 

## Beginners

 

Beginners can cut their teeth on the lower slopes before heading up on the gondola to the wide-open expanse of the family course on top of the mountain. This is an ideal place to learn with the stunning views and a nice restaurant at the top of the lift easily at hand. You can then take the gondola down again at the end of the day.

 

## Intermediates

 

A superb place for intermediates. All but a few of the runs are ideal for this level, and intermediates will love exploring all sides of the mountain.

 

## Experts

 

There are a few challenges for expert skiers. The front face above the car park is quite steep in places, especially on the left-hand side. On a powder day, expect to get some nice tracks for quite a while after a dump because not many of your fellow skiers at Iwatake will venture into it. Also, a little-known fact is that Iwatake has some nice powder treed areas in pockets all over the mountain. Fun can be had exploring these areas.

 

## Freestyle

 

There is a great halfpipe at the top of the mountain with a park that gets better every year. The park is especially good for learning jumping.

 

## Backcountry

 

There isn't backcountry as such at Iwatake because the resort occupies the whole mountain, but fun can be had in the powder in the trees.

[Iwatake Website](http://www.hakuba.jp/iwatake/snow/index.html)