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.