1. Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park - Best Resort For Terrain Parks & Early Snow

Hakuba 47 is a great all-rounder snow resort, offering all levels of terrain. Visitors should note that it has north-facing slopes providing the longest top-to-bottom skiing season in the valley for people visiting either early or late in the season. Even beginner skiers can get a view of the Hakuba townsite from the beginner area, that's perfectly located halfway up the mountain, then ski down a gentle cat track to the bottom. The Tree Riding Zone is another strong point. Local riders are very fond of steep and challenging terrain which is often way less crowded than the other tree-riding spots in the valley. A bonus is that the fast quad that accesses the area often runs during wind hold periods at other resorts. To access the tree riding area, you are required to complete a safety training and wear a bib.

Hakuba 47 can also be accessed, adjacent to Goryu, by using the connecting slopes at each resort's highest point for skiers and snowboarders. If you're a beginner or intermediate, 70% of the Hakuba 47 and 65% of Goryu runs are for your ability level. Goryu has three black runs for advanced skiing, but does not permit backcountry skiing. Hakuba 47 does, but requires that you register for the Double Black Diamond Club. Hakuba 47 and Goryu use the same lift ticket and guests can ski at both resorts. The price is a bit more reasonable than some of the other resorts in the area.

In addition to bilingual ski and snowboarding lessons, there are eight different courses for Hakuba 47's slopes catering to different experience levels. Other snow-based activities involve classes and snowmobile trips.

Image: Instagram / gustavohira & _jasonsinclair

Image: Instagram / hakubacortina

2. Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort – Best Resort For Tree Skiing

Situated at the northernmost part of the ski resorts in Hakuba is the Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort, with beautiful proximity to the Sea of Japan. Cortina is known throughout the world for its amazing backcountry powder snow. Imagine being able to venture off the groomed at this resort, where the ski patrol allows riders to forge their own path through untouched terrain and carve turns in waist-deep powder. The trees, spaced just right for perfect skiing, add to the thrill of the adventure upon weaving your way through. Cortina boasts a lot of snow down in the valley and—more importantly—some of the best tree skiing on deep powder. Its reputation is certainly warranted, by the impeccable spacing between trees, steep slope pitch, and abundance of snowfall. Besides tree skiing, there are some steeply pitched challenging slopes, most of which remain ungroomed. The terrain flattens out into an easy green run with a kids' play area at the bottom. The base area at Hotel Green Plaza is unique and remarkable to any place found in resorts elsewhere. It has vast arrays of food, shopping, and rental options. It even offers a great Onsen with a view over the slopes. Any keen off-piste skiers or those looking to keep non-skiers in the group entertained would find this area very worthwhile.

Cortina is known for its heavy snowfalls within Hakuba Valley, plus a wide range of accommodation in its hotels and sixteen slopes. Cortina normally receives double the snowfall compared to other resorts in Hakuba. Cortina courses for beginners reach up the mountain and allow a long run. On the other side of the spectrum are the steeply challenging Ultimate Courses, aimed at experienced skiers and snowboarders. Further, Cortina has a kid's park with a variety of entertainment, such as snow rafting (an inflatable raft powered by a snowmobile).

Although Cortina itself is a small resort, it's well-linked to Norikura, which has more varied on-piste terrain. Cortina and Norikura are easily accessible, but more importantly, one can have fun in both resorts with a combined ticket at a reasonable price. Don't miss the opportunity to experience all of this amazing ski resort in all its powder day glory, it’s an absolute must-visit.

3. Hakuba Goryu Snow Resort – Best Resort for Intermediates & Kids

One of the ski resorts in Hakuba, Goryu is connected to the Hakuba 47 Ski Resort at the summit and shares a lift pass. The village at Goryu is a quiet and kid-friendly choice for a Hakuba vacation. Although it's connected to Hakuba47 at the top, Hakuba Goryu Snow Resort offers so much more. It is great for beginners because of the gentle slopes down at the bottom and has free areas for sledding and snowplay that families with very young children will appreciate. There is also child care facilities and group ski and snowboard lessons in English. For the more advanced skiers, there are options from very mild green runs to demanding moguls. For those powder hounds out there, it must be said that most places are pretty strict regarding their no off-piste skiing/snowboarding policy.

One of the larger Hakuba resorts, Goryu has seventeen courses spread across three sections: Toomi, Iimori, and Alps-daira. They cater to all levels of skiing ability from beginner to expert. Goryu offers Hakuba's largest night ski course. It also offers sunrise skiing from 7 a.m. on certain occasions between the end of December and the end of March. Besides, Goryu is also associated with Hakuba 47, so a combo lift ticket can be bought to access more slopes and activities without needing to take the bus.

The base, known as Escal Plaza, is complete with restaurants. Iimori Goryo Snow Resort has perfect lifts and runs for families that have young children. This would be the best place to ski with small children because the chairs are the slowest and lowest in the area. Everything is at your doorstep, so it's pretty easy to get homely. Well over half the ski area, on both the lower and higher reaches of Goryu, is perfect for intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The surrounding Goryu-dake (Mt. Goryu) is named after dragons and/or diamonds that are seen high on the mountain, though maybe only by weary skiers with slightly fogged-up goggles! Yet the mountain vistas are spectacular, and provide an incredible backdrop for skiing.

Goryu is sufficiently westernised to make a vacation easy for English-speaking visitors but hasn't lost the charm of Japan.  If you are staying in Goryu, it's not that difficult to ride the buses to Happo One ski resort, but the other resorts are more difficult to access than if you were staying at other Hakuba accommodation base locations.

Hakuba Goryu is busy at some choke points and is very crowded, especially at weekends.  If you are happy that the village is small, with not too many dining choices, shops, or a vibrant nightlife, then Goryu is not a bad place to stay, and a great option for families with kids.

Image: Instagram / hakubagoryuofficial

Image: Instagram / hakubahappoone

4.  Hakuba Happo-One Snow Resort - Best For Advanced Skiers

While Hakuba Happo-One is celebrated by most as the best skiing resort in Hakuba, both by locals and international visitors, this place covers the largest area of slopes in the valley. Happo-One is the biggest in the valley due to its size and altitude. Experienced skiers are indulged with steep runs, big vertical drops, great powder runs, and a superb terrain park. There are some good opportunities for beginners, though this really suits the needs of an intermediate or advanced level skier. Dine, relax with a refreshing soak in hot springs, and amble through the beautiful shops along Happo Village, located at the foot of Happo-One.

It has a rich history of having hosted the 1998 Olympic Downhill, Super G & Combined Slalom events, making this destination a haven for experienced skiers. It has everything on its slopes from an array of exciting red runs, black runs to challenging moguls for intermediate to advanced skiers. That said, Sakka (a family playfield next to Sakka Snow Plaza) is also great beginners at the foot of the mountain. It offers all the usual facilities and areas for snow play and sledding. On a clear day, Mount Fuji is in view from Happo-One's highest lift.

Hakuba Happo-One offers sixteen courses in total, some of which are among the largest and most challenging slopes in Hakuba Valley. At Happo-One, there are many courses so that both beginners and experts will find slopes to meet their expectations. One can visit these slopes either on one's own or with the help of Happo-One's skiing and snowboarding school, which provides lessons in several languages. Happo-One also hosts a yearly slalom competition in which anyone can participate.

Happo works well for intermediate to advanced skiers who want great terrain and challenging slopes. While Happo-One offers slopes, the facilities include a kid's park and hot spring on hand, making it very convenient for skiers or boarders who are seeking a location that checks all the boxes.

5. Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort & Snow Field – Best for Intermediates, Natural Features & Great Views

Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort and Snow Field is a hidden gem of a ski resort. Being the shortest of the ski resorts in Hakuba, it has less potential for snowfall and a much shorter season. That notwithstanding, the area had beautiful vistas and exhilarating landscapes. Iwatae is well-endowed with a variety of runs in the valley area, ideal for a snowboarder to explore and get maximum benefit from its natural features. Banking and sidewalls down the front side are truly phenomenal for snowboarders. For intermediates and novices, wide, uncrowded slopes are most attractive. Iwatake still has plenty of options, including thirteen skiing and snowboarding courses that caters to different winter sports lovers, be it a snowshoer or cross-country skier, a downhill skier, or a snowboarder. During the week, you can often have the entire backside ski runs to yourself, allowing you to fully enjoy the breathtaking views of Hakuba's three peaks. One of the notable features of Iwatake Resort is that its tree and powder areas are very gentle and easily accessible, making this resort the perfect option to spice up your off-piste skiing in Hakuba. Skiers of all levels could challenge themselves and be proud of the journey that created unforgettable memories. After getting some confidence, one can smoothly glide down from the peak of the mountain to the bottom. If you're looking for a bit more of a challenge, there are intermediate routes off this run. For speed on the slopes, this resort boasts high-speed runs, powder skiing, and a terrain park—everything to meet even the most advanced skiers' needs in search of an adrenaline fix.

If you don’t intend to ski or snowboard, you can take a gondola to the top of this resort and enjoy the winter atmosphere. At Hakuba Mountain Harbour, one can enjoy great food with its astounding view of Japan Alps. And at Iwatake White Park, people of all ages—pets included—can play in the snow. For families seeking a good skiing experience, Iwatake is very close to Hakuba Station—only 10 minutes away.

Image: Instagram / hakuba_iwatake

Image: Instagram / hakunori_official, johanhal, coco.icotto

6. Hakuba Norikura Onsen Snow Resort - Best for Chasing Powder, Onsen Hopping and Backcountry Competitive Skiing

Hakuba Norikura Onsen is popular for its exhilarating backcountry tree skiing with the convenience of a chairlift ride. The slopes here are even steeper than Cortina and the side country experience rivals Tsugaike. These days Hakuba Norikura Onsen Snow Resort is said to have the most spectacular and demanding lifted terrain in Japan. This medium-sized resort has its own charisma and serenity, away from all the hype at Cortina. There are two options available for lift passes—one for Cortina only, or another joint pass that covers both destinations. Although it doesn't have the challenging terrain found at Cortina, the resort is perfect for beginners or those who would like to develop their skiing skills. This resort also has a more laid-back atmosphere, which comes in handy when comparing it to the hustle and bustle of Cortina. The resort faces sideways on the mountain rather than uphill; as such, most courses here are a bit shorter than usual. The courses at Norikura Onsen Ski Resort are 30% beginner, 50% intermediate, and 20% advanced. With the possible exception of not being groomed, the black runs are possibly more similar to intermediate runs. Beginners and intermediates should aim for the "Hakunori Family" course, which is located near the car park and the ticket office first. Master a few turns and you'll be ready to take on the challenging "Wakaguri Forest" course or the picturesque "Satomi Central" course.  Feel the thrill of hitting the intermediate and advanced slopes and carving through fresh powder. Intermediate skiers/riders should be confident in taking on any of the courses. Best powder is in Skyview on the far right while other great spots include "Snake course" and "Expert course" close to No. 3 pair lift.

Norikura offers courses appropriate for beginners, intermediates, and advanced riders. They also provide mogul courses if you intend to develop your competitive skiing ability.

There is an on-site hotel with a natural hot spring inside the venue, which is perfect for soaking your muscles after skiing all day, or you can visit Wakaguri Onsen at Norikura-so which is available all season.

7.  Hakuba Sanosaka Snow Resort  (White Resort Hakuba Sanosaka) – Best Resort for Families & Intermediates

Hakuba Sanosaka Snow Resort, also known as  White Resort Hakuba Sanosaka, is small, less-crowded, and perfect for families looking for picturesque experience. It's Hakuba's most underrated resort — somehow missing out on the major overcrowding the other mountains suffer from at peak times. Its gentle slopes and beautiful view of Lake Aokiko, unmatched anywhere else in the valley, make it unique. The slopes range from easy, gentle slopes for beginners, upwards through more testing intermediate and mogul runs. The base area has undergone a stylish new makeover and offers a wide variety of dining choices that position this as an ideal option for those who want to explore something unique away from the mainstream. The views in themselves are simply breathtaking.

Sanosaka is widely known for its two courses, which turn out to be a haven for visitors in their eagerness to experience the natural beauty of the Hakuba Valley. From the tops of these slopes, skiers and snowboarders get breathtaking views over Lake Aokiko as they glide down the slopes. Sanosaka also boasts the best wind protection of any of the resorts. Hakuba Sanosaka is a small but quaint ski area that really appeals to families and provides a peaceful atmosphere off the main drag of Hakuba. It is perfect for getting away from the bigger crowds and allowing for serenity within your skiing.

Services include a valley-exclusive surface lift, après-ski coziness with a view right by the fireplace, stunning views over Lake Aokiko, and the possibility to ski with furry friends—yes, dogs - the only Hakuba Valley resort to allow dogs on the slopes.

Unfortunately, the connection between Hakuba Sanosaka and Kashimayari Ski Resort via Sun Alpina Aokiko Ski Resort no longer operates. This is because Aokiko has closed, thus the terrain and lift accessible side country have been pretty heavily reduced. Also Sanosaka might be affected with low snow covering and quality because it has a pretty low elevation compared to the other resorts within Hakuba Valley. This classic Japanese snow resort delivers a peaceful retreat from some of the more crowded locations in the valley. There isn't really much in the way of nightlife in the area and no ski school on the hill teaching English.

Image: Instagram / sanosaka_

Image: Instagram / tsugaike_kogen

8. Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort – Best for Beginners

Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort is known for its broad beginner areas, making it just the right mountain for beginners to either ski or board. Tsugaike Kogen remains popular among various types of skiers, from beginners to intermediates where the beautifully gentle and spacious slopes provide for a great day out. In all, it has courses in fourteen different classifications as well as offering snowshoeing areas and a hot spring located in the town below.

The lower slopes are generally wide and open, getting slightly steeper higher up, which is perfect for developing skills. At Kane-no-naru-oka, a new skier will be satisfied, where 1,200m of wide run allows space you to build up your confidence. Higher up, expert skiers and snowboarders have a good range of varied options, including a challenging Double Black Diamond area and acres of terrain for tree skiing within the resort boundaries. Backcountry Tsugaike is known for opening up some of the larger backcountry terrains. However, it is always advisable to be very careful and hire a guide if you do not know an area or anything about avalanches.

The mountain really has heaps of facilities, from the numerous slope-side food options at the base to cafeterias higher up the mountain. Down at the bottom of Tsugaike Kogen, after you're done skiing, stretches a fine main street, spotted with restaurants and izakaya, Japanese pubs, ensuring to satisfy any food or drink preference.

Ride gondolas, explore steep tree-covered slopes, and find fresh lines all day. It's a gem and a haven for those seeking a quieter alternative to popular Cortina.  Surrounded by tall mountains, Tsugaike is known to be picturesque, especially when viewed from its gondola. It is also known as a resort that often gets heavy snow.

For beginner skiers and snowboarders, Jigatake is an another excellent destination option for families and first-time enthusiasts. Every single one of the resort's seven courses is perfect for beginners or those at an intermediate level. This means you can pretty much ski anywhere without worrying about landing yourself on a challenging black diamond course by mistake. Jigatake has other activities, such as a sledding and snowmobile park, and night skiing on particular days.