Reach out above and beyond the boundaries of the resorts, by joining in on some epic backcountry excursions run by avalanche certified professional mountain tour operators.

Explore the vast Hakuba backcountry and some of the very best powder skiing in Japan. The Japan Alps average 12+ meters of dry powder each year, and no other mountain range in Japan has comparable terrain. "Japow" doesn't get much better than this. Ski Japan Holidays can introduce you to certified avalanche professionals and seasoned backcountry guides for your complete Hakuba backcountry tour experience.

With the sheer expanse of backcountry, there are so many places to ski that it can be daunting for those who may not know the terrain or where to begin. The Hakuba backcountry is worth exploring and you’ll be exploring it safely with an experienced and professional guide. Whether you are a first timer in the backcountry, or a seasoned powder-hound, Ski Japan Holidays can cater the tour to your level and ability and introduce you to the best operators in Hakuba.

Backcountry tours are for those who can competently ski and board in powder and variable snow conditions. Ideally this will mean you and or your group as a minimum have strong intermediate levels with the ability to link parallel turns on all runs in all snow conditions, confidently being able to turn in treed terrain by way of avoiding hazards and to follow a traverse line on skis/board and being fit enough to hike and get yourself up out of deep snow when you fall. If you would like to try backcountry but are not sure of your level, please feel to ask us at Ski Japan Holidays and we will give you our best advice and experience on how to proceed.

Remember to play safely in the mountains, these are big beautiful majestic mountains in the Hakuba Valley, but they can be dangerous, avalanches can and do happen so make sure you are well prepared. As a result we choose to work with the best operators in the Hakuba Valley and can thoroughly recommend one of the following backcountry tour companies.

Evergreen Backcountry Tours

Come and explore the vast Hakuba backcountry and some of the very best powder skiing in Japan. Hailing from all corners of the globe, the Evergreen Backcountry Guides bring to Hakuba a wealth of knowledge and experience so you can safely enjoy skiing Japan powder in the Hakuba backcountry.

In Japan, or anywhere else in the world, it doesn’t get much better than this! Evergreen Backcountry Guides are certified avalanche professionals and seasoned backcountry guides.

Hakuba Ski Concierge

A fully registered and resort approved operation based out of Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park. Owing to years spent living and working in Hakuba, owner and creator, Nadine & James Robb, both high level certified instructors recognized the increasing demand for fully customized private lessons and guiding, and in response to this emerging market Hakuba Ski Concierge was founded in 2016.

Designed with the discerning traveler in mind, Hakuba Ski Concierge signature instructors and guides are committed to delivering an unparalleled lesson or tour and the very best experience of Hakuba on any given day. The surest way to experience the best of what Hakuba has to offer is to hire a guide who has intimate knowledge of where the best conditions on any given day are to be found.

Guides can be arranged so that you can experience various levels and types of terrain, starting with resort guiding, whereby you’re shown the best spots inside of the ski resort patrolled boundary areas; all those hidden local runs. Then there are quite a few resorts in the Hakuba valley that have amazing off-piste terrain right from the sides and tops of the ski areas. When the snow falls in Hakuba, the off-piste areas are the place to head to. With your experienced guide to lead you safely you’ll be treated to some epic turns off the resorts and unbelievable memories are to be created.

Then for the ultimate virgin terrain, reach out above and beyond the boundaries of the resort for some epic backcountry excursions. In Hakuba perhaps the best in Japan, the sheer expanse of backcountry, there are so many places to ski that it can be daunting for those who may not know the terrain or where to begin. The Hakuba backcountry is worth exploring and you’ll be exploring it safely with an experienced and professional guide.

To be able to experience this level of guiding you need to be able to competently ski and board in powder and variable snow conditions. If you would like to try backcountry but are not sure of your level, please feel to ask us here at Ski Japan Holidays and we will give you are our best advice and then you can customize the day to suit your level.

Hakuba Ski Concierge vision is a simple one; to provide and maintain the highest level of guest experience, service and satisfaction delivered by contented staff that are passionate about their work.