Hakuba Backcountry 

If the Hakuba backcountry is not on your bucket list, it should be! Hakuba has big mountain lines and deep powder in Japan’s ski and snowboard Mecca, the Northern Japanese Alps. Hakuba definitely lives up to the hype as the biggest steepest mountains in Japan. Imagine skiing deep powder, hitting the large peaks in the Japanese Alps, soaking in natural hot springs, and enjoying great authentic Japanese food. The amazing skiing and cultural experience will make this the trip of a lifetime.

The Hakuba Backcountry Tour is a lift assisted backcountry trip where the lifts will be utilised to gain some ascent, but expect to also ascend via ski touring/splitboarding 1,500 to 2,500 metres per day. Don’t expect to be skiing in one place for the entire trip. The group will be traveling to the absolute best locations around Hakuba. The main goal is to take you away from the crowded ski hills and explore the backcountry where even the locals rarely ever go. A partnership with local companies ensure seamless logistics and very convenient lodging. With this team of experience working to your benefit, you’ll be sure that you will be skiing the best and the deepest powder that Honshu has to offer.

The guides have over 10 years experience of skiing in central Japan, giving them an intimate knowledge of the local mountains, weather patterns and local culture. All guides are professionally trained and qualified and are in the field everyday and know the conditions and terrain inside out. The group size will be 4-6 people, with a maximum guide to guest ratio of 1:6.

Hakuba conditions are historically best in January when the temperatures are cold and the snowfall more consistent. Later in the year there is a greater risk of possible rain which can add a weak layer in the snowpack and increase the avalanche hazard.

If you have any questions or want to double check availability, please make a booking request. 

Ability & Fitness

This tour is suited to high-intermediate to advanced/expert skiers & snowboarders (in powder, not on-piste) who are happy to earn their turns. Whilst lifts will be used in some cases to gain elevation, this is primarily a backcountry tour.

Participants should have a very good level of fitness and be able to achieve 1,500-2,500 metres of vertical ascent per day and ideally have some backcountry experience.

All participants must have their own equipment and know how to use it.