Hakkoda

Hakkoda, is by definition, a powder enthusiasts dreamland. The resort is home to one single ropeway, and not a single groomed run. Once you disembark the cable car, there is 654 meters of vertical descent, a few ungroomed ‘courses’, and deep powder stashes waiting for you between the snow covered trees, known colloquially as snow ghosts. Although its not possible to measure the snowfall here, it is estimated at about 14-20 meters a season! This makes it easily the deepest snow on the mainland, rivalled only by the north island’s Niseko. You won’t find any crowds here though, kept away by the typically overcast and snowy weather (that much powder doesn’t fall by itself), and lack of proper ‘resort’ facilities. As such it is little wonder that Hakkoda is keyed towards advanced skiers and boarders only, ideally those with knowledge of backcountry dangers, such as avalanche risks and tree wells.
If you are an advanced level of skier or boarder, but have not had much experience in the backcountry, then you can hire the services of a guide to help make your stay safe and enjoyable.

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