Hakuba Norikura

Seventeen runs across 750m of vertical with a surprisingly steep top half - that 30% advanced terrain isn't kidding around. The ungroomed expert courses like Snake and Sky View deliver genuine backcountry vibes, while the lower mountain serves up mellow greens that even have mini tree runs for beginners. Snow quality stands out even by Hakuba standards thanks to the inland location and 1,598m peak elevation.

This is where Japanese ski instructors bring their students and families go when they want to actually ski instead of standing in lines. Weekdays feel like having a private mountain, weekends get busy with locals but never chaotic. The English is minimal beyond basic ticket transactions, but the slopes speak for themselves - plus you can literally ski to two different onsen at the base.

"Not very crowded, mostly ski students... Some of the chair lift u can take a dog and ski together! It's awesome!"

— Google Review

• ✓Powder hunters who've done the Niseko thing and want to remember why they fell in love with skiing
• ✓Families who want ski-in/ski-out onsen vibes without paying resort premium prices
• ✓Intermediates ready to progress in actual powder instead of just surviving groomed runs

• ✗Your Japanese is limited to 'arigato' and you panic without English menus - this place runs on Japanese efficiency
• ✗You need buzzing apres-ski and nightlife - the mountain rolls up the sidewalks early
• ✗You're looking for double-black steeps that make your knees shake - the advanced terrain is fun, not terrifying

Early January through late February delivers the deepest, driest powder thanks to the inland location and high elevation. Avoid New Year week madness (Dec 28-Jan 3) and target weekdays in mid-January when you'll practically have the beech forests to yourself.

1. Expecting extensive English support and dining variety - this is a Japanese mountain for Japanese skiers
2. Not bringing or renting proper powder skis for the ungroomed expert terrain and side-country
3. Missing the connection to Cortina resort which doubles your terrain on the same lift ticket

1. Connect with Cortina via chairlift for double the terrain on the same pass - most visitors miss this and stick to just Norikura
2. The onsen at both base lodges (Hakuba Alps Hotel and Norikuraso) offer day-use bathing - hit them right after skiing before the evening crowds
3. Don't expect groomed runs on powder days - the expert courses stay untracked intentionally, so bring your powder skills or stick to the lower mountain