Honshu

i am heading back to japn early next year, looking at hakkoda and or zao onsen. has anyone been these spots? hakkoda looks cool may be a bit far for the travel?

Haven’t been but both are on my hit list.
From what I have read, Hakkoda is a ‘backcountry’ type resort serviced by a cable car or gondola. There may be a couple of lifts as well.
Also, I don’t think there is much in the way of groomed trails, although I could be wrong.
A guide would be a good idea & avi training etc.
Also, I’ve heard it gets very very cold up that part of Honshu.

And Zao has snow monsters

I’ve been to Zao Onsen. Stayed for 7 Nights. Fire some questions away and i’ll answer what i can. I had a blast but then again it was only my second trip and the only comparison I can make is shiga kogen.

Side note I’m heading to nozawa onsen for 16 nights!