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Backcountry Skiing in Hakuba & Myoko: Ski JaPOW!

9 days | Challenging | 5.00
From $3,940 ()
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The Japanese Alps are my favorite place to ski and guide. The snow quality is exceptional, the quantities are staggering, and the terrain—steep faces, spines, couloirs, and deep birch forests—is unlike anywhere else I’ve skied. I’ve been leading trips here every season since 2018, spending weeks between groups exploring terrain that sees almost no other traffic, which means I can take strong, experienced skiers to lines that most people never find. Away from the mountain, Japan delivers just as hard—traditional onsens after big days, pre-booked dinners at the best local restaurants, and a culture that’s as fascinating as the skiing. If you’ve toured in great places and want a trip that raises the bar, this is what I’ve built it for.

Will
Will
ACMG Guide

Adventure Highlights

  • Built for experienced backcountry skiers: This is advanced terrain with serious snow—if you're a strong ski tourer looking for the best Japan has to offer, you're in the right place
  • Deeper local knowledge that anyone else operating there: Your guide has explored the Japanese Alps every season since 2018, including zones that no other commercial operation touches
  • Lift access, maximum vertical: Resort lifts eliminate valley approaches and deliver descent-to-ascent ratios that rival heli-skiing—without the heli price tag
Duration
9 days
Season
January to February
Group size
Up to 6 people
Accommodation
Luxury: Private deluxe lodge and chalet
Difficulty
Challenging: For experiences ski tourers with solid backcountry skills, you should be comfortable with 1,000–1,400 m (3,300–4,600 ft) of daily elevation gain
What's included
Guide, lodging, some breakfasts, all lift tickets, van & shuttle pickups, safety briefing & avalanche rescue training

The adventure, day by day

Embark on a 9-day backcountry skiing adventure in central Japan. Spend 7 days exploring the breathtaking slopes of Hakuba and Myoko utilizing lift access. Enjoy 8 nights of comfortable double-occupancy lodging in a private chalet and lodge. Travel in style in our 8-seater 4WD van, ensuring easy access to the best skiing locations, onsens, restaurants, and more. Immerse yourself in Japan's rich culture, sample exquisite cuisine and experience the winter wonderland of the Japanese Alps in the best way possible!

Day 1: Arrival
Japanese house in snow

Upon arrival at Narita Airport or Haneda, Tokyo, in the afternoon or evening (early afternoon is ideal), take the renowned Shinkansen (bullet train) and a bus ride to Hakuba, enjoying the world’s best public transport. Your guide will greet you at Hakuba station and transport you to your accommodation. Meet fellow skiers over dinner, go through a gear check and get some rest for tomorrow’s adventure.

Day 2: Avalanche Rescue Refresher in Myoko
Skier in Japan going up

We’ll kickstart our adventure with hazard awareness & avalanche rescue practice/refresher. Afterward, we’ll go for some slackcountry skiing and get a proper feeling for the powder! After spending some time on the slopes, get to know your group and your guide a bit better over dinner at a local restaurant or relaxing in a nearby onsen.

Days 3-4: Ski Touring in Myoko
Skier shredding snow in Japan

Each morning starts with a hearty breakfast, energizing us for the day’s exploration. Afterward, it’s time for a group transfer to a selected ski location, expertly chosen by your guide based on weather conditions, group preferences, and skill levels. After exhilarating days on the slopes, our options are diverse. We can unwind in local onsens, the perfect remedy for tired muscles, or immerse ourselves in the rich Japanese culture by savoring delectable cuisine at nearby restaurants. For those who prefer a cozy night in, grocery shopping and cooking at your private lodge or chalet are also a great option!

Days 5-8: Ski Touring in Hakuba
Snow covered mountains in Japan

Similarly to the days spent in Myoko, our mornings in Hakuba begin with a hearty breakfast, providing the energy we need for the day’s exploration, followed by a transfer to a carefully selected ski location, After our exhilarating days on the slopes, the options are just as diverse as the terrain. We can choose to unwind in local onsens, the perfect remedy for tired muscles, or dive deeper into the rich Japanese culture by savoring delectable cuisine at nearby restaurants, or opting for a cozy night in.

Day 9: Departure
Fast train in Japan

Let’s wrap up our journey with a relaxing morning, and then check out of our lodge. Your guide will drop you off at the bus/train station, where you can embark on the next leg of your adventure in Tokyo. Say goodbye to fellow backcountry skiers, to your guide and to Japan—or continue touring on your own!

Important note

Please keep in mind that this is just an overview of what your trip may look like and that this sample itinerary can be adjusted and is customizable to some degree. Specific skiing locations will be decided the day before. It is also possible that you will first stay in Hakuba and later in Myoko.

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.
Will
5.00
Will
ACMG Guide
Will is an ACMG Certified Guide as well as the owner & founder of a boutique ski touring and rock climbing company. His guiding career started in the Canadian Rockies, though Japan also holds a special place in his heart. Will specializes in ski touring, but he’s also a passionate rock climber and a rock climbing guiding. He has a Bachelor of applied science in Adventure Eco Tourism and an Adventure Guides diploma. His infectious enthusiasm and unwavering professionalism in adventure guiding resonate deeply with those he accompanies. During the summers, he dedicates his time to navigating the boundless and exhilarating mountain bike trails while honing his own skills.
Alex
5.00
Alex
An IFMGA mountain guide and mountain rescue specialist based in the Canadian Rockies, Alex boasts over a decade of guiding experience in Canada and worldwide. His passion for mountain adventures has seamlessly melded into a fulfilling career, marked by technical rescues and a meticulous decision-making approach. Beyond the mountains, Alex shares his love for adventure with his two children, offering a friendly demeanor and boundless stoke for deep powder skiing.
Kenton
5.00
Kenton
Being an ACMG Ski Guide and CAA Professional Member, Kenton has spent his career immersed in the Western Canadian mountains, serving as a ski patroller, avalanche forecaster, and certified ski guide since 2009. Skiing isn't just a thrill for Kenton; it represents a deep connection with nature, uncharted exploration, and meaningful conversations on the skin track with global guests. Safety takes precedence, and Kenton fosters open communication with his guests, ensuring shared objectives and a secure experience. His well-rounded guiding experience makes him a reliable companion for adventure seekers.

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (2 reviews)
A
Annie C.

Will provided an amazing adventure for our women’s backcountry ski trip in Japan. He is an experienced guide who sought out the best snow based on conditions. It was wonderful not having to navigate to resorts or think about where we wanted to ski for the day. Will planned that all out and drove us everywhere. An excellent trip.

M
Mellissa N.

Went to Hakuba in Feb 2019 with Will as a ski guide. Will has a great knowledge of the area, was able to bring us to amazing snow every day (despite not having Japow snow forecast/conditions everyday), and navigated all the different hills and connections to different lifts in between creatively. He was able to balance our groups’ preferences with slack country vs backcountry very well and keep everyone happy and satisfied with their day. Very easy going, pleasant and SAFE to ski the backcountry and to travel with. Strongly recommend!!!

5.00(2 reviews)
A
Annie C.

Will provided an amazing adventure for our women’s backcountry ski trip in Japan. He is an experienced guide who sought out the best snow based on conditions. It was wonderful not having to navigate to resorts or think about where we wanted to ski for the day. Will planned that all out and drove us everywhere. An excellent trip.

M
Mellissa N.

Went to Hakuba in Feb 2019 with Will as a ski guide. Will has a great knowledge of the area, was able to bring us to amazing snow every day (despite not having Japow snow forecast/conditions everyday), and navigated all the different hills and connections to different lifts in between creatively. He was able to balance our groups’ preferences with slack country vs backcountry very well and keep everyone happy and satisfied with their day. Very easy going, pleasant and SAFE to ski the backcountry and to travel with. Strongly recommend!!!

Things to know

  • Included:

      • An experienced, ACMG or IFMGA ski guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 9-day ski trip in Japan (7 guided ski days: 4 in Hakuba & 3 in Myoko — lift-assisted touring)
      • Accommodation for 8 nights of lodging in a chalet and lodge (twin-share)
      • Breakfasts during the Myoko portion of the trip
      • All lift tickets
      • 8-seater 4WD van and drives to skiing locations, onsens, restaurants and in the grocery shops
      • Shuttle pickups after long descents away from resorts
      • Day 1 safety briefing + avalanche rescue training
      • Travel instructions and options for getting to Hakuba and Myoko from Narita or Haneda (Tokyo Airports)

    Not included:

      • Transportation to Hakuba and/or Myoko (airfare to Tokyo and train ride to Hakuba/Myoko)
      • Most meals (you’ll be able to cook food bought in grocery stores and enjoy dinners in local restaurants)
      • Backcountry skiing equipment and other personal gear (can be rented)
      • Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
      • Insurance — highly recommended, available to add at checkout
      • Guide gratuities — optional
  • Most Japan ski trips are built around resort skiing or light slackcountry with occasional powder runs. This is something else entirely.

    Your guide has been leading backcountry expeditions in the Japanese Alps since 2018, returning multiple seasons each year—exploring terrain that no other commercial operation touches. A few things that set this apart:

      • Descent-to-ascent ratio. Resort lifts eliminate long valley slogs. On a good day, total vertical reaches 3,200 m (10,500 ft)—more than most heli-in lodge trips in Canada.
      • Terrain. The itinerary goes beyond the standard slackcountry circuit. Steep alpine faces, couloirs, spines, and remote zones that see almost no other traffic.
      • Group size. Six people maximum. Terrain is chosen the evening before based on current conditions, avalanche forecast, and group ability.
      • Everything is handled. Restaurants pre-booked, transfers arranged, accommodation sorted—nothing to think about except skiing.
  • This trip is designed for advanced to expert skiers and snowboarders with prior backcountry experience. You should be confident riding blue to black diamond terrain in deep, untracked powder and relatively efficient and practiced on the skin track.

    You should be able to:

      • Skin uphill efficiently, with 1,000–1,400 m (3,300–4,600 ft) of elevation gain per day
      • Ski or ride confidently in deep, ungroomed powder on intermediate to advanced terrain—including steep trees, alpine faces, and narrow gullies
      • Spend 6–7 hours a day on skis or a splitboard

    Japan’s powder can be incredibly deep, sometimes accompanied by sluff—loose, moving snow that flows downhill as you ride. Frequent falls or struggling on the skin track is physically exhausting and can impact both your safety and the group’s enjoyment. Your guides will share techniques for managing sluff and technical terrain, but you need a solid foundation to build on.

    You won’t need to make avalanche safety decisions—your guide handles all route selection and hazard management. Your guide also sets a steady, conversational uphill pace with efficient skin tracks, and is passionate about helping you build confidence and push your limits in a safe, supportive environment.

    To prepare, your guides recommend regular ski touring days, sustained cardio, and leg strength training in the weeks leading up to the trip. Time in deep powder before you arrive makes a significant difference.

  • This trip is not suitable for first-time backcountry skiers.

    Prior backcountry skiing experience is a firm requirement, not a preference. Participants need to be comfortable skinning uphill for several hours and skiing deep, unsupported powder on intermediate to advanced terrain. Japanese backcountry snow is unlike resort powder: it’s bottomless, with no firm base underneath, and it’s physically demanding in a way that surprises even experienced resort skiers. If you’re new to backcountry skiing, your guides recommend completing an intro ski touring course and getting several days of backcountry experience under your belt before joining.

  • Liability waivers are a standard part of all guided outdoor adventures. Recently, the requirements have become a bit more rigorous for ACMG guides—meaning that you’ll need to agree to the signing of the waiver at the time of booking.

    Prior to booking, we ask you to review the waiver. During the checkout process, you’ll have to acknowledge the risks and agree to the signing of the waiver. You are required to bring a printed copy on the trip.

    Please note that signing and agreeing to the terms of the waiver is required in order to join this adventure. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us prior to booking.

  • For technical backcountry ski touring gear, you will need to bring:

      • Powder-specific touring skis (with a waist size od +105mm) or splitboard with skins (can be rented)
      • Touring boots and poles with powder baskets — avoid heavy slackcountry or crossover binding (can be rented)
      • Avalanche safety equipment (can be rented):
        • Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon
        • Lightweight snow shovel
        • Avalanche probe (3m)

    For personal items, we recommend bringing:

      • Helmet
      • Ski goggles (two pairs recommended)
      • Gloves and hat
      • Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex recommended)
      • Ski pants (Gore-Tex recommended)
      • Down jacket or vest
      • Synthetic or wool base layers, underwear and socks
      • A couple of buffs
      • Repair kit and Leatherman for your equipment (can be shared between several people)
      • Leisurewear for when you’re not skiing
      • Swimsuit (for onsens)
      • Toiletries and medication
      • Water bottle
      • Thermos for a warm beverage — optional
      • First aid kit
      • Sunscreen
      • Daypack large enough to carry all items listed (around a 30-40L backpack)
      • Camera — optional (but recommended!)

    Hakuba and Myoko experience cold temperatures in January and February, often ranging from 16°F to 5°F (-9°C to -15°C). The region receives abundant snowfall during these months, with temperatures remaining consistently low. Proper clothing layers, including a down jacket, are essential to stay warm and protected from the cold, dry climate. Additionally, be prepared for occasional snowfall and ensure you have suitable face protection to shield against the cold air and snow in the face (from all the champagne powder!)

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  • All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent:

      • Avalanche safety pack, including backpack, beacon, shovel and probe from your guiding service (for an additional fee)
      • Powder-specific skis, touring boots and poles with powder baskets can be rented from your guiding service (for an additional fee)
      • Splitboards can be rented from your guiding service (for an additional fee)

    You can arrange ski rentals from your guide prior to or upon booking. If you need to rent gear, let us know and we can help make arrangements.

  • In the Japanese Alps, all backcountry skiing dreams come true with exceptional snow, terrain diversity, and remarkable stability. Unlike coastal regions, here, the snow is incredibly dry, falling at frigid temperatures. This consistent cold snowfall creates a stable base, making steep skiing the norm.

    The Japanese Alps are a geological wonder, featuring a classic mountain range with volcanoes. Peaks reach 8,900 to 10,500 feet (2,700 to 3,190 meters), in contrast to Hokkaido’s lower volcanic mountains. Erosion has created intriguing terrain, making for captivating skiing.

    Central Japan’s hero powder is born from unique weather patterns. Cold air from distant regions crosses the Sea of Japan, creating moisture-laden air. The result? A staggering 36 feet (11 meters) of snow in the period between December and February.

    Hakuba Valley houses ten ski resorts within the Japanese Alps, offering extraordinary lift-accessed backcountry terrain. The result is that you can expect quick access to thrilling verticals with minimal effort. Abundant snowfall and varied topography make for endless adventures.

    North of Hakuba Valley lies Mt. Myoko, an active stratovolcano with equally impressive terrain. Its northern side features rock-walled couloirs and birch forests, offering serene tree skiing. Minimal backcountry traffic ensures solitude and pristine conditions.

  • Group sizes and prices:

      • For these group adventures, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 6:1.
      • It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate.

    Backcountry skiing in Myoko and Hakuba can be arranged for larger and private groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements:

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors are not permitted to join these adventures.
  • To get to Hakuba, the starting point of your adventure, most people fly into Narita International Airport or Haneda International Airport (in Tokyo), which are 4-5 hours away (Haneda is closer). From there, we suggest you take train rides (mostly first to Nagano and then to Hakuba). Japan is known for its high-speed trains called Shinkansen and taking one of them is by far the best way to arrive in Hakuba. Alternatively, you can take buses or arrange a private airport transfer with your guide.

    You will meet your guide at the bus or the train station on Day 1 and you will go to your accommodation together. You will get a chance to discuss arrival options and logistics with your guide prior to the trip.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

    Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

  • Deposits

    Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

    Cancellations

    Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

    Basic

      • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If canceled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

    Flexible

      • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If canceled 30-59 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If canceled within 29 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

    Super Flexible

      • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If canceled 30 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If canceled within 29 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
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