Hakuba Valley

The Hakuba Valley, host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, is a collective of ten individual ski resorts in the Japanese Alps on Honshu island. It offers tremendous variety and value, with areas like Happo-One (steep and vast), Cortina (deep powder tree skiing), and Iwatake (sunny panoramas). The interconnected lift pass provides access to a huge amount of terrain. Accommodation is more varied and often more affordable than in Niseko, with a focus on traditional pensions and guesthouses.

It delivers the legendary Japanese powder experience with a more cultural, less internationalized feel, making it a favorite for adventurous skiers seeking deep snow and authentic local experiences.