Hakuba Norikura

Norikura sits at the northern end of Hakuba Valley and draws far fewer visitors than Happo-one or Tsugaike. If you're looking for short lift lines and open runs, this is your best bet. A lift at the top links directly to Hakuba Cortina, so you can ride both resorts on a single pass — gentle cruising at Norikura in the morning, deep powder at Cortina in the afternoon.

Most of Norikura's 14 courses are wide and mellow, making it one of Hakuba's most comfortable spots for first-timers and young kids. But there's a 38-degree expert pitch and a mogul run tucked in for stronger skiers who want a challenge without changing resorts. English and Chinese lessons are available on-site.

Unlike the busier Hakuba resorts, Norikura's base is a small hot-spring village. After skiing, you can walk to a traditional onsen rather than a resort lobby. The area also offers snowshoe excursions and snowmobiling for non-skiers in the group.