Replying to Where to stay in japan

I'm trying to plan a trip to ski some japow this winter for around 2 months.
I'm leaning toward Hokkaido , niseko is an obvious choice but I was hoping for
Less crowds ( kuradake looks sick). Anyone have a recommendation on cheap
Hostels or other options? Extended stay price cuts would be ideal, lift ticket discounts
Would be a bonus. Subletting a room in a house with some ski bums would also be ideal
If it's cheaper but I don't even know where took look for something like that on the web.

Also any ski area recommendations? Looking for deep and if possible steep. Don't care about park and the more BC access the better.