TripZillaIn 2025, hitting the slopes doesn’t have to mean emptying your wallet, or compromising on powder quality! Nestled in Japan’s majestic Northern Alps, Hakuba has evolved into a budget-friendly ski haven. With more than 11 metres of snowfall per season, an extended run-through from mid-November to early May and ten resorts offering over 200 varied trails, Hakuba remains a magnet for everyone from first-time skiers to seasoned powder chasers.
Best of all, savvy travellers can now bundle discounted shoulder-season lift passes with local shuttle services, rent premium gear at community-run cooperatives and discover wallet-friendly izakayas, all without sacrificing the alpine experience. Ready to learn how you can carve turns on a shoestring? Let’s dive in!
Also read: 16 Things to Do in Japan This Winter
Why Hakuba?
Image credit: Roderick Elme | Flickr
Hakuba burst onto the scene when Nagano hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics, and Happo One was where the alpine skiing events took place. The Hakuba Valley is part of the Japanese Alps and is home to 10 ski resorts with over 200 total runs, which means that you are spoilt for choice. Even if you stay for a week, you could spend one day at every resort and still not have covered them all!
When to Go
Image credit: Raita Futo | Flickr
We would highly recommend the shoulder season in Hakuba which is during the month of March. Not only does the crowd start to thin out significantly which sometimes leaves you the entire run to yourself, the snow conditions remain excellent. With a plentiful supply of powder snow and clear blue skies, it certainly provides the opportunity for some of your most memorable skiing days ever to be had. Given that most of the school holidays in nearby countries end in February, you can also expect discounts and savings on accommodation and other charges.
Which Ski Resort?
Image credit: Arvind Thampi | Flickr
You really can’t go wrong with whichever ski resort you choose to go to, you can always talk to the locals or your hosts and see which slopes have been having good snow conditions. We like to recommend Hakuba 47/Goryu for snowboarders as the runs there tend to be very wide, giving boarders ample space to perform smooth wide turns and it has a very good mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced runs. Though Happo One is the most renowned resort because of its status in hosting the Alpine downhill events during the Winter Olympics, it can get quite crowded at times, and is more suited for the skiing crowd in general.
How to Get There
We found flights to Tokyo from S$564.90 round-trip on Malaysia Airlines. Do check for cheaper deals via promotions every now and then, especially on budget airlines like Scoot.
Transfer Costs
From Narita to Shinjuku ¥4000 round-trip (S$35.98), on the rapid express N’EX Tokyo Train. It is the fastest and most comfortable way to Shinjuku. For the Shinjuku to Hakuba leg, there is a direct highway bus you can take from Shinjuku station, a round-trip will cost you around ¥8700 (S$78.25).
Also read: Tokyo Subway Guide: How to Get Around Japan Using Trains
Equipment Rental
Image credit: Koemu | Flickr
A 3-day equipment rental, inclusive of ski/snowboard and boots, will set you back around ¥9000 (roughly S$80.95). If you are an enthusiast, you should consider getting your own equipment as it will pay for itself in rental fees in no time at all.
TripZilla Tip: Head to the Jimbocho district in Tokyo where tons of off-season equipment are sold at hugely discounted rates.
Lift Passes
Set aside slightly more than S$100 for this. It is usually around that price but if you travel in shoulder season (March), there are usually good discounts to be had.
TripZilla Tip: Check with the hostel you stay at as they generally have some season passes on hand that they’ll loan to you at a discounted rate.
Accommodation
Image credit: Chi Tranter | Flickr
Stay in a 4-person dorm at the conveniently located Mount Hakuba Backpackers Hostel for only 3000 yen (SGD 34) to get the opportunity to make new friends and perhaps new ski buddies! Skiing and snowboarding are activities that are enjoyable alone but always significantly more fun with good company.
Food and Drinks
Image credit: m-louis via Wikimedia Commons
There are tons of restaurants and bars open for business in Hakuba during winter season, especially around the area of Echoland, so you will be spoilt for choice and where you choose to go will largely depend on your budget. From some of the freshest sashimi you’ll get at Kikyoya, to cheap eats at the various izakayas (local watering holes), ultimately your stomach and its urges is going to control the budget on this one.
TripZilla Tip: Get your beer at the grocery stores to save on the mark-up that most restaurants impose on alcohol.
Total Budget: Less than S$1200
If you’re reasonably careful about your food and drinks budget (i.e. only treat yourself once or twice), you should be able to make a week-long ski trip to one of the best powder spots in the world with a total cost under SGD 1200.
Ready to Hit the Slopes on a Budget?
Whether you’re timing your visit for March’s thinner crowds and sun-kissed skies, seeking out the wide, beginner-friendly runs, or savouring fresh sashimi after a day of descent, Hakuba proves that budget and brilliance can go hand in hand.
With careful planning, and a few smart shoulder-season choices, you can enjoy a full week of world-class powder, mountain-view hostels and authentic Japanese hospitality for under S$1,200. Now go on! Strap in, ski smart and make every turn count!
Also read: How to Travel Tokyo on a Budget
