Backcountry Tour Operators in Hakuba
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. 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 Robb, 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.
The future vision for this small yet exclusive business is a simple one; to provide and maintain the highest level of guest experience, delivered by contented staff that are passionate about their work.
Whatever you ride, we have you covered. We have a great selection of touring skis and split boards in our rental fleet. Many of the Hakuba ski and snowboard rental stores also have a great range of backcountry rental gear and accessories too. For snowboarders we have been moving away from snowshoes and towards split boards – if you’re a boarder and not sure of the best option have a chat with one of our guides.
USAGI TOUR (INTERMEDIATE)
For those who are just starting to explore the backcountry. An intermediate ski, snowboard, or telemark skill level and a solid fitness level are all that is necessary. Participants on our Usagi (Bunny) Tour should be able to competently ride powder and negotiate through gladed trees and open bowls.
KITSUNE TOUR (ADVANCED)
These tours are for those who have had experience in the winter backcountry and are confident in their ability to ride in variable conditions. Participants on our Kitsune (Fox) Tour should be capable to ride powder in gladed trees and steeper terrain and have a fairly strong fitness level.
KAMOSHIKA TOUR (EXPERT)
These tours are for the advanced skier or snowboarder who has joined our Usagi or Kitsune tour. You will have to be fit and have experience in the backcountry to join in on these challenging and exciting trips into Hakuba’s steeper terrain. The pace of this tour is a little faster as we aim to access a little farther off the beaten track in search of the best lines.
PRIVATE TOUR (TAILORED)
If you and your group are looking to venture off on a backcountry tour of any level we can arrange a guide for your private group. This type of tour would be recommended if you have a group of friends with similar skiing/boarding ability and you would like to keep the crew limited to your group of friends.
The Day Before: Sign-in & pay, gear check & pre-tour briefing at 17:00
On The Day: 7:30 sign-in, 8:00 – 15:30 tour
Location: Start and finish is at Wadano Base, in the Wadanonomori Visitor’s Center, opposite the Mominoki Hotel. Tour location depends on tour level, weather and snowpack. Areas include Tsugaike, Norikura, Cortina, Happo, Hakuba 47 etc.
Includes: Guide, shuttle, tax and ideally all the powder you can handle!
Restrictions: 16 years and over, powder skiing/boarding ability, a reasonable level of fitness (see tour details)
Bring:
- Avalanche equipment – beacon, shovel, probe (mandatory)
- At least a 25L pack with straps which can carry ski/board (unless you are a skier or split-boarder using skins) (mandatory)
- Skins or snowshoes (mandatory)
- Lunch, drinks and at least 1L water (mandatory)
- Energy bars/chocolate/nuts etc (mandatory)
- Plenty of layers for all conditions (mandatory)
- Helmet (recommended)
- A change of goggles and gloves for hiking (recommended)
Rentals: We offer backcountry gear rentals. These are offered to everyone on a day-by-day basis, but please be aware that clients on our tours take priority as well as receiving a generous discount.