Set at the foot of the 3,000-metre Northern Japanese Alps, Hakuba Valley is a collection of 10 ski resorts spread across nearly 30 kilometres of dramatic mountain terrain. This is the valley that hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and put Japanese skiing on the world stage, and it's been drawing international visitors ever since. A single Hakuba Valley lift pass covers all 10 resorts, connected by a shuttle bus network, so you can base yourself in one spot and ski a different mountain each day, matching the conditions and your mood to the terrain.

Across the valley, 119 runs are served by 94 lifts, with terrain ranging from gentle beginner slopes to some of the most celebrated powder skiing on earth. Happo-one is the flagship: the biggest resort in the valley, with steep technical faces, long cruising runs, and a summit that opens up views of the entire Northern Alps. Hakuba 47 and Goryu are linked at the top and offer a satisfying mix of groomed reds, tree runs, and freestyle terrain. At the northern end, Cortina is where powder hunters head after a storm, with legendary snowfall and easy-access backcountry. With an average of 10 metres of snow per year, conditions are reliably exceptional, particularly through January and February when Hakuba's famous dry powder is at its best. The season typically runs from early December through to early May at higher elevations.

Beyond the slopes, Hakuba is a destination in its own right. The valley's natural hot springs are a highlight: soaking in an outdoor onsen after a powder day, with snow falling around you and peaks glowing in the fading light, is perhaps one of skiing's great experiences. Its dining scene blends traditional izakaya, ramen shops, and soba noodle houses with international restaurants and cosy mountain bars, and Echoland and Happo Village form the social heart of the valley. The Shinkansen bullet train connects Nagano to Tokyo in 90 minutes, making Hakuba one of the most accessible mountain destinations in Asia.