For those with a hunger to plough through waist deep POW, Hukuba is the place to go. 10 resorts, 135 lifts and over 200 runs affirm this region as one of the largest and most renowned alpine destinations in Japan. Hakuba has incredibly diverse terrain, long vertical riding, superb groomers and wicked powder pockets. One pass allows every level of skier and snowboader to carve up and shred the colossal expanse of this winter playground.

The resorts of Jiigatake, Kashimayari, Sanosaka, Goryu, Hakuba 47, Happo One, Iwatake, Tsugaike Kogen, Norikura and Cortina have their own idiosyncrasies that offer masses of choice. There’s specialist beginner areas, terrain parks with kickers, jibs and rails, halfpipes, back country and off-piste. Families friendly spots, wide uncrowded spaces, progressive trails and heaps of steeps and challenges for the hard core riders. All the resorts are linked via a comprehensive shuttle system that makes moving around a breeze and when it’s time to recuperate from a day on the slopes luxuriate in one of the natural hot spring onsens.

Much of the accommodation is at Happo-One Mountain in the Wadano Village with plenty of choices including traditional family run lodges, hotels and self-contained cottages. Visitors can also stay in the village of Echoland that has many of the restaurants and bars in the area. Hakuba really does have it all.