Backcountry Thrills of Central Japan: Skiing in Hakuba & Myoko

Things to know

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • • An experienced, ACMG or IFMG ski guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • 7 or 8 days of backcountry and slackcountry skiing in Hakuba and Myoko (depending on which itinerary you choose)
    • 8 or 9 night of lodging in a superb private lodge and chalet based on double occupancy (depending on which itinerary you choose)
    • Breakfasts while in Myoko lodge
    • Lift tickets for 7 or 8 days (depending on which itinerary you choose)
    • 8-seater 4WD van and drives to skiing locations, onsens, restaurants and in the grocery shops
    • Transfer to your accommodation upon arrival in Hakuba
    • Travel instructions and options for getting to Hakuba and Myoko from Narita or Haneda (Tokyo Airports)

  What’s not included:

  • • Transportation to Hakuba (airfare to Tokyo and train ride to Hakuba)
    • 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)
    • Travel and medical/rescue insurance — highly recommended
    • Guide gratuities — optional
• How fit do I need to be?

  To fully enjoy this guided backcountry skiing adventure in Japan, a reasonable level of fitness is essential. What’s even more crucial, though, is having a solid foundation of backcountry skiing experience. You should be proficient in both uphill skiing and downhill backcountry powder skiing in deep snow conditions. Participants should be able to spend 4 to 6 hours a day on their skis.

  In the Japanese snow environment, technique plays a vital role in efficiency and safety. Struggling on the skin track or falling down in deep powder can be physically demanding and pose risks. Your guide will always be there to ensure your safety and enjoyment, setting the skin track through deep powder and maintaining a comfortable pace for the group, allowing for a “walk and talk” approach.

  This adventure is tailored for intermediate to expert skiers with substantial backcountry experience. While you won’t need avalanche decision-making skills (since your expert guide handles this aspect), having a strong foundation in skiing skills is essential.

  To prepare for this adventure, dedicate time to improve your skiing skills, focusing on uphill and downhill techniques. Additionally, practice your fitness by engaging in activities that enhance your endurance and strength in weeks leading to your adventure, as this will help you thrive in the Japanese snow.

  Having a guide by your side throughout the journey offers numerous advantages. Your guide will continually assess your skill level, monitor your technique, and provide guidance when needed. At the tour’s outset, they’ll organize an avalanche rescue refresher course to ensure everyone is prepared for different scenarios. Your guide will also select appropriate terrain based on weather conditions, avalanche risk, and your skill level, prioritizing the safety of your group while delivering an exciting and memorable experience.

• What do I need to bring?

  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!)

• Can I rent equipment?

  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.

• What’s the accommodation like?

  During your guided backcountry skiing adventure in Hakuba and Myoko, you’ll enjoy comfortable and diverse accommodations to enhance your experience. You’ll spend half of your time at the Morino Lodge in Myoko and the other half in one of two chalets in Hakuba.

  Morino Lodge in Myoko:
  Your Myoko nights will be in a private lodge with double and twin rooms. Each room is designed for your comfort and includes suite bathrooms, heaters/air conditioning, TVs with Apple TV for unlimited movie entertainment, mini-fridges, and breathtaking views of the Myoko valley. The .odge also features a welcoming lounge room for relaxation and socializing, a dining area serving a delicious continental breakfast, and a rejuvenating onsen heated by volcanic rocks beneath Mt Myoko. Other amenities include free wireless internet, laundry services, a drying room, and a waxing & repair room.

  Hakuba Chalets:
  In Hakuba, you will stay in one of the two chalets outlined below, depending on availability. The first option is the Wabisabi chalet, offering the comforts of home with a modern kitchen, two full bathrooms, underfloor heating, and a cozy lounge area. It’s conveniently located in Wadano, providing easy access to various restaurants in Happo Village and Wadano. The chalet features Western-style twin/double rooms with additional sofa beds. You’ll enjoy amenities like full underfloor heating, a well-appointed kitchen, a lounge room with entertainment options, free wifi, and laundry facilities.

  The second option is the Hakuba Hillside Apartment, providing a spacious modern kitchen, two full bathrooms, underfloor heating, and stunning views of Happo One ski resort. It’s a short walk from the Nakiyama Lift area of Happo and the restaurants and services of Echoland. The apartment includes twin/double Western bedrooms with flexible bedding arrangements. Additional features encompass modern heating, a fully-equipped kitchen, an open-plan living room with entertainment facilities, free Netflix, wireless internet, laundry facilities, a drying area, and convenient access to local amenities.

  These accommodations ensure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay while experiencing the beauty and adventure of backcountry skiing in Hakuba and Myoko.

• Terrain and skiing conditions in the Japanese Alps

  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.

• Cuisine and culture of central Japan

  The culture of central Japan is a captivating blend of tradition and modernity, creating a unique backdrop to your backcountry skiing adventure. It’s a place where ancient customs seamlessly coexist with contemporary life, offering an enriching experience beyond the slopes.

  Immerse yourself in a society built on values of peace, honor, and respect. The Japanese commitment to mastery is awe-inspiring, from their precision in traditional tea ceremonies to the efficiency of the Shinkansen (bullet train) contrasting with serene temple visits.

  Venturing beyond the bustling cities means discovering an old-world landscape shaped in equal parts by nature and human hands. Ancient rice paddies and apple orchards nestle amidst forest-clad mountains and old farmhouses stand beside centuries-old temples and roadside shrines.

  No trip to Japan is complete without savoring its delectable cuisine. Your adventure promises authentic culinary experiences, from delightful Izakaya, offering Japanese tapas, to savoring tempura, soba, yakitori, nabe, and sushi (the cost of a meal is usually between $10 and $20 without drinks). Delight your taste buds with a diverse array of flavors, each dish a reflection of Japan’s rich cuisine.

  Your journey is made even more memorable by connecting with expats fluent in Japanese. Accommodation in Morino lodge and chalet also ensures you access the best restaurants and local insights. It’s your gateway to the heart of Japanese culture, offering an authentic experience.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • For these group adventures, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 6:1.
    • It takes a minimum of 6 people for this tour to operate.
    • The cost is per person and doesn’t decrease as the group grows.

  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.
• Deposits and cancellation policy

  A 50% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.

  • • If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to forty-five (45) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total price of the adventure.
    • After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund. Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.
• Getting there and meeting location

  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.

• Safety measures in Japan

  For these backcountry skiing tours in Hakuba and Myoko, we strongly encourage participants
  to cover all their bases with emergency rescue/medical insurance. With rescue insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation,

  We also suggest arranging travel insurance to cover canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

  We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to.

  If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!