Snow Machine is taking place from February 26 – March 2, 2024.

The festival is located in the beautiful Hakuba Valley, one of the snowiest places on earth!
We will once again have three en-piste stages for you to enjoy during the day, from Tuesday to Friday. Along with our Main Arena going off for three big nights, Wednesday to Friday. The Main Arena is located about 600m from Happo village centre – only a short walk, or free shuttle from most accommodation.

Snow Machine Festival is four days and three nights of music, snow, après, adventure and so much memory making! Hit the fresh pow pow each morning before making your way to one of our après stages across Iwatake, Tsugaike, and Happo One. Enjoy tabletop dancing en-piste as the artists from our line up hit the DJ decks.

After that, make your way back down into town, have a traditional onsen, and freshen up before heading to our Main Arena for a night of live music in full festival mode! But the night doesn’t stop there, some of Hakuba’s hottest bars and clubs will be hosting official after parties each night! Grab yourself a wristband and bounce between the venues for a dance before you head to bed, ready to do it all again the next day!

Throughout the week, we’ll also be hosting a number of additional events that you can grab a ticket to! Stay tuned to our socials as we announce these in the coming months..

Need some down time from all the shredding? There’s plenty to do in and around Hakuba to keep you busy before the main stage action.

From traditional onsens, to a visit to the local Snow Monkeys. There’s plenty to see and do!

Get in touch with our friendly team who will be able to book these, and many more in for you.

There are direct flights to Tokyo from most Australian capital cities. You can fly into either Narita Airport or Haneda Airport.
From here it’s either a quick journey to Hakuba on the Shinkansen (bullet train), or for peace of mind, your travel consultant can book you into an Airport Transfer – these pick you up directly from the airport and will drop you right in the middle of Hakuba. It might take a bit longer, but it’s hassle free!

Your travel consultant can easily arrange an airport shuttle transfer from either Narita or Haneda, directly to Hakuba. Most accommodations will then pick you up in Hakuba and drop you directly to your hotel. This journey might take a little bit longer, but is hassle free, door-to-door service.

Alternatively you can make your own way to Hakuba by jumping on the local train to Tokyo, then onto the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagano, and local train to Hakuba. If you’re a seasoned Japan traveller you’ll know this is the fastest way, but does require a few change overs and changing stations, which could be daunting for first timers travelling to Japan.

Hot tip: if you’re making your own way, and don’t want to carry your ski/board bag with you on Japanese public transport… you can ship your luggage from the airport directly to your accommodation through Black Cat services.

Hakuba offers a range of properties to suit every budget and preference. From traditional Tatami style rooms to fully self-contained apartments, we’ve got you covered!

Japanese Tatami style rooms are usually large rooms, with traditional Tatami floor and futon beds – meaning sleeping on the floor and no shoes allowed inside.

Western Rooms will have either twin, double or king western beds

Mixed rooms usually have Tatami flooring, with western beds.

Hakuba is home to world class ski resorts, with an incredible amount of annual snowfall!
Your lift pass will include access to Iwatake, Tsugaike, Goryu, Hakuba 47 and Happo One. All are well suited to all levels and abilities, from first timers to those chasing that famous Japow!

Depending on where you are staying, the resorts are either ski-in, ski-out, or a short – and free – shuttle bus ride away!

Depending on where you stay, and where you decide to ride each day, a lot of accommodations are either ski-in, ski-out or a short stroll from the lifts! Alternatively, there will be shuttles (both free and paid services) operated by Hakuba Valley that drive you to all other resorts in the Hakuba Valley. These shuttles are on loop all day.
Please note: these shuttles are NOT operated by Snow Machine, and therefore we have no control over these buses.

Most accommodation is within walking distance to the town centre, however if your property is a further out of town there are  shuttle buses available (operated by Hakuba Valley) and some taxis available.
It might also be worth looking into hiring a car! However, please remember that Japan has a ZERO TOLERANCE for drink driving!!

With 10 different ski resorts in the Hakuba Valley there is no shortage of terrain to explore, but what makes Hakuba such a popular destination is its variety of things to do off the mountain too. Whether you’re having a rest day or the weather’s not too flash there’s something to keep you entertained – just think snow monkeys, sake tasting, snow mobiling, castles and more…

Let your consultant know if you’re interested in booking any day trips in, as they can easily do this for you! Our team will be on the ground in Hakuba all season, and know exactly what activities are available!

If you are travelling from outside of Japan, yes. Hakuba is an international location and you will require a valid passport for travel. If you’re staying for less than 90 days, you don’t need to apply for a tourist visa but will receive one upon arrival.

For all current travel requirements, please visit https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/japan for all up-to-date information.

Snow Machine will follow the Japan government’s COVID-19 protection framework required for events.
At the moment, Japan has removed all COVID-19 entry requirements.

You must follow all current Japan entry requirements as well as any new requirements which may come into effect prior to arrival, including vaccination and testing requirements. You can check and follow all departure and re-entry requirements here.

This year, we have the option to select between either 5 night or 7 night packages.

5 night packages include: 5 nights accommodation at your choice of lodging (26th February – 02nd March), 4 day lift passes and entry to Snow Machine Main Arena and Après events.

7 night packages include: 7 nights accommodation at your choice of lodging (25th February – 03rd March), 4 day lift passes and entry to Snow Machine Main Arena and Après events.

Breakfast is included in SOME packages, it will be clearly stated on the packages page. If it is not included it can be added for an additional cost at most properties.

Packages are available to purchase on the packages page of the Snow Machine website from June 23rd (June 22nd for pre-sale signups).

You can view our packages on the packages page of the Snow Machine website.

All packages have been set as 5 or 7 night packages and cannot be shortened.  However you can request additional nights via the Snow Machine team once you receive your itinerary.

A deposit of $300pp is due on confirmation of your booking. A second instalment of $300pp is payable on Saturday 30th September 2023 and final payment is due on Thursday 30th November 2023.

Initial deposit can be paid with all major credit/debit cards via the website, a ticketing fee will be applied. Following instalments can be paid with credit card or bank transfer.

Packages are non refundable once purchased. Please check the Terms & Conditions for the full refund policy.

Yes, you can book for a group of friends online, you will need to make payment in one transaction and have your friends names and emails ready.

Not unless you want to pay twice the price. We have allocated certain properties with single packages allowing you your own room and package for one.

To guarantee your booking in the same room, you will need to book your packages in the one transaction. If your friend decides to join at a later stage we will do our best to accommodate your request but we can not guarantee it.

Yes, if you can no longer attend you are welcome to transfer your package to someone else, there is a $50 admin fee. All name change requests must be made no later than 40 days prior to the festival. Any deposits made will be transferred to the new person so you will have to sort finances yourselves. You will need to advise the Snow Machine team in writing and change the name on the ticket.

A confirmation from our ticketing partners will be sent as soon as you make the booking, you will then receive an itinerary from us within 4 weeks.

We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance at the time of purchasing your package or ticket, to cover you for unforeseen events that arise prior to travel. For an online quote or further details click here.

If you’re planning on skiing or snowboarding, please ensure you select Snow Cover and read the PSD to make sure it is right for you.

Limited festival only tickets will be released via the Snow Machine website closer to the date

You will exchange your electronic ticket for a festival wristband when you arrive in Hakuba, we will provide more information closer to the date.

From Tuesday to Friday, you’ll find Après stages pumping at Iwatake, Tsugaike and Happo One during the day.

At each mountain, there will be stages located at either the base station of the mountain, or en-piste. Some of the stages will be accessible to those not skiing/boarding, others will be only accessible to those on skis/boards.

At night (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday), the Main Arena will be located a short stroll from Happo village, walking distance from town and most accommodations.

There is free parking available at most ski resorts. There is no official parking available at the main stage, however street parking is available in surrounding areas.

Yes, there will be a range of food and beverage options available at all events, including vegetarian and vegan options.

No, all venues are fully licensed so you are not permitted to bring your own alcohol to the event. Bag searches will be conducted before entering the event and any alcohol will be confiscated.

Yes, card is accepted at all events. Après and the Main Arena will be cashless. Please be sure to bring your credit/debit cards or make sure your phone is fully charged if you’re planning to use Apple Pay or Google Pay. Don’t forget to let your bank know about your overseas travel!

Please note that some bars and restaurants in Hakuba are cash only.

Yes, there will be first aid on hand at all events.

You must be 18+ to attend the main stage event, make sure you bring valid ID.

Japanese alcohol law states only those 20+ are allowed to buy alcohol.

ID will be checked upon entry EVERY night.

The timetable will be released in the week leading up to the event.

You will need to bring a valid photo ID to be permitted into the festival. The following forms of ID will be accepted;

• Current passport (for Australian and international attendees)
• Current Drivers License