You asked, we answered: “We want to experience Japanese powder and avoid the rowdy party crowds”

In our new series You Asked, We Answered, we take questions from the Ski & Snowboard Japan Facebook community and put them to our network of experts.

Our Expert: Japan Ski Experience‘s Hakuba Area Manager, Sarah Mulholland

The question

“We are tossing up Hakuba (Goryu / Hakuba47) or Kagura in January 2026. We’re a family of four – all intermediate skiers. We want to experience Japanese powder but want to avoid the rowdy party crowd as much as possible.

“Hakuba around the Goryu area seems to have more amenities i.e. restaurants, convenience stores and we can possibly get away without a rental car. But obviously, more foreigners and probably much busier during January.

“Kagura, on the other hand around the Mitsumata area has cheaper accommodation but I reckon we’d need a car to get around. Plus side is less crowds, anecdotally.

“Keen to get others’ views on this conundrum!”

Our expert: Sarah Mulholland, a long-time Hakuba resident

Sarah Mulholland is the Hakuba Area Manager at Japan Ski Experience and has spent nearly every winter in Hakuba since 2004. Drawing on her deep local knowledge, she advises guests on their travel plans and helps them select the ideal accommodation and services for their stay.

Sarah’s answer

If you are looking to experience Japan’s famous powder snow without crowds, then it’s certainly true that both Hakuba (Goryu / Hakuba 47) and Kagura, will likely deliver in mid January. These two destinations are very different however! Kagura is a very fun mountain with great powder, long vertical, and is much loved by local skiers and snowboarders. But for international visitors looking to base themselves in one area, the amount of terrain on offer is limited by comparison with Hakuba Valley, where there are 10 resorts within easy reach.

Image: Facebook – かぐらスキー場

The Goryu village area of Hakuba has an amazing selection of local restaurants, cafes and local shops on the doorstep. While it’s true that renting a car in Hakuba is a great idea if you want to conveniently explore the wider Hakuba Valley, it’s not a necessity and you could certainly enjoy a week long family holiday based at Goryu, visiting other Hakuba resorts via the Hakuba Valley shuttle.

While Hakuba does have a popular nightlife scene, it is overwhelmingly a very family friendly resort, proving ever popular with family groups visiting from all over the world. Both on and off the slopes, Hakuba largely caters to a strong family market. Just some of the highlights include the incredible variety of restaurants and cuisines on offer, a comprehensive range of ski lesson options, easy access to well stocked supermarkets with an increasing range of Western foods, and super fun kids snow parks dotted across various resorts in Hakuba.

The true beauty of the Hakuba Valley is that with 10 different ski resorts to explore on one lift pass, there are always uncrowded slopes to find, even during the peak January holiday period. Go exploring and you’ll definitely find less busy spots! With so many ski areas spanning the valley, there is a lot of fun terrain to explore and many unique experiences to be had. Think spectacular views of the Japanese Alps one day, and taking photos next to a giant inflatable Pokemon the next, then finishing the day in a steaming hot natural onsen hot-spring.

Image: Facebook – 白馬五竜スキー場 Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort

There are literally endless slopes perfectly suited to intermediate skiers who are building confidence on the groomers and dipping into the famous Japanese powder. In addition to exploring the slopes of Goryu and Hakuba 47 (these two resorts are inter-linked), I would recommend hopping on a shuttle and also trying these resorts – Iwatake, Norikura, Tsugaike and Sanosaka.

Hakuba Goryu itself is one of Hakuba’s most popular resorts with families and for good reason. It features wide open gentle lower slopes, well suited for beginners, but also steeper terrain for advanced skiers, and everything in between. Intermediates will love cruising on the well groomed and long vertical slopes. There’s a good variety of terrain and it caters well for all levels of skiers. For little ones, there’s even a kids’ sledding area.

The Escal Plaza base centre is a hub for both the ski resort and the village area. It’s packed with everything you need, including rental equipment, gear tune up, day care, a kids play area, 7 different food outlets (the choice is amazing!), changing rooms, lockers and there’s even an onsen!

“In addition to exploring the slopes of Goryu and Hakuba 47 (these two resorts are inter-linked), I would recommend hopping on a shuttle and also trying these resorts – Iwatake, Norikura, Tsugaike and Sanosaka.”

If you are looking to take lessons in English, then Hakuba Snowsports, based at Goryu, are without doubt one of the best ski schools in the valley, offering both group and private lesson options. Goryu village also has some excellent restaurants and some local favourites include the cosy Pizzakaya (a long standing favourite of mine) which offers friendly hospitality, a warm and welcoming ambience and wonderful fusion Italian-Japanese dishes, served on Aki san’s (the owner) handmade pottery.

Another highlight, located on the main road below the Goryu village area is Yukimaru which offers an authentic Japanese izakaya menu, perfect for sharing and enjoying a relaxing evening after a big day on the slopes. Also don’t miss the Michi-no-eki located near Goryu. This typical road side station features wonderful local produce (great souvenirs to take home) and the opportunity to try Soba noodles, a speciality of the Nagano region.