Doug Hutchinson wrote
We are planning on skiing in Hokkaido this Feb but are basically
clueless. Have read the article in Backcountry but that's about it.
Want to ski lifts, backcountry and soak in onsens for about 10 days.
We are former dirt bags who still don't have much money.

You could try asking on telemarktips.com - there are a couple of
people who hang out there who know about Japanese skiing.

Nick