Set at the foot of the 3,000-metre Northern Japan Alps, Hakuba Valley is a sprawling collection of 10 ski resorts spread across nearly 30 kilometres of dramatic alpine terrain. This is the resort that put Japanese skiing on the world stage as host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, and it has been drawing international visitors ever since. With a summit elevation of 1,831m and a vertical drop of over 1,000 metres, there is serious mountain to explore here - yet the valley's layout means you can pick a different resort each day, matching conditions and mood to terrain.

Hakuba's skiing covers 131km of marked runs across 119 courses, served by 94 lifts including gondolas and high-speed quads. The season typically runs from early December through early May at higher elevations, and with around 10 metres of annual snowfall, conditions are reliably good - particularly through January and February when Hakuba's famous powder is at its best. The terrain ranges from gentle nursery slopes to steep, technical faces, with some of Japan's most respected off-piste and tree skiing mixed in. Two linked resort pairs - Hakuba 47 with Goryu, and Cortina with Norikura - offer bigger skiable areas, while the rest are connected by a free shuttle bus network and a single Hakuba Valley lift pass.

Beyond the slopes, Hakuba is a proper destination in its own right. The valley's natural hot springs (onsen) are a highlight - there's nothing quite like soaking in mineral-rich water after a powder day, with snow-capped peaks above you. The dining scene is excellent, blending traditional Japanese izakaya, ramen shops, and soba noodle houses with international restaurants and cosy mountain bars. Echoland and Happo Village form the social heart of the valley, and with the Shinkansen bullet train connecting Nagano to Tokyo in 90 minutes, Hakuba is one of the most accessible mountain destinations in Asia. Check out Hakuba ski deals to start planning your trip.