Myoko to Hakuba Backcountry Tour
Lift-Assisted Ski Touring in The Japanese Alps
Featured and recommended by Backcountry Magazine, this trip takes you into the historically rich Myoko region and the stunning Japanese Alps for a week of exceptional skiing and riding in the heart of Honshu, Japan. Known for its deep snowfall and strong cultural roots, Myoko and Hakuba offer a true blend of world-class powder and authentic Japan. The itinerary combines resort-accessed backcountry touring in Myoko with the steep, lift-accessed backcountry terrain of the Hakuba Valley — two of Japan’s most iconic ski regions — delivering both variety and consistently rewarding terrain.
Trip Highlights
- Elevated for 2027: Updated hotel selections designed to enhance comfort throughout the journey
- 2 guides on every departure: Led by a certified IFMGA or ACMG ski guide, supported by a Japanese-speaking assistant guide and trip host
- Small group size: Maximum of 6 guests for greater efficiency in the mountains and more opportunities to score untracked snow
- Two iconic regions in one trip: Explore Myoko and Hakuba, known for deep tree skiing, alpine terrain, and longer, steeper descents compared to Hokkaido
- Onsen recovery: Unwind in traditional hot springs and onsen facilities at our comfortable hotels
- Local dining experience: Enjoy traditional, locally sourced meals each evening with your guides, paired with regional beer and sake
Trip Highlights
Itinerary
Click on the + for more details
- Airport: Fly into either Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) Tokyo Airports
- Arrive to Myoko by train private airport shuttle and check in to our hotel
- Group and guides meet-and-greet at 6:00pm
- Hosted welcome dinner with your guides
- Daily group breakfast
- 3 days chasing deep powder and lift assisted backcountry adventures based around best conditions in the Myoko Valley
- Relax in the muscle soothing onsen spas
- Hosted group dinners featuring local cuisine, beer and sake
- Daily group breakfast
- 4 days backcountry exploring based around the best powder conditions in Hakuba. Visiting: Happo-one, Goryu, Cortina, Hakuba 47, Iwatake, Tsugaike Kogen, and Norikura.
- Relax in the muscle soothing onsen and sauna at our hotel
- Hosted group dinners accompanied with beer and locally brewed sake from Omachi
- After breakfast at the hotel it's Sayonara (farewell) to the guides and new friends
- Trip ends at our hotel. Return to airport, Tokyo, or extend your stay in beautiful Japan!
Is This Trip For Me?
You should be in good shape and confident in deep powder, trees, and varied terrain. Participants should be comfortable descending ungroomed advanced runs without hesitation. Snowboarders should be able to maintain speed on flats, hold a solid traverse line, and maneuver smoothly. Ideally, guests will have some ski touring or splitboarding experience, but if not, you should be fit enough to hike 10 km (6 miles) with a 10 kg (22 lb) pack as a gauge of your physical ability. We’ll use ski lifts to gain elevation. Daily vertical climbing may range between 500-1000 meters (1600-3300 ft). Bigger days could range between 1000-1500 meters (3300-4950 ft). Some days offer the option to return to the resort early to ski on your own at a more relaxed pace. If you are unsure if this is a good fit, please contact us before booking. More on ability levels
Trip Essentials
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- Two professional ski guides on every departure, led by a certified IFMGA or ACMG international guide, supported by a Japanese-speaking assistant ski guide and trip host.
- Expert local knowledge in both Myoko and Hakuba, allowing us to adapt daily to snow conditions and maximize your time on the best terrain available.
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- Ground transportation throughout the trip, including transfers between Myoko and Hakuba.
- Coordinated arrival and departure support to ensure a smooth travel experience from start to finish.
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- Lift tickets for all ski days across Myoko and Hakuba resorts.
- Lift-assisted backcountry access combined with backcountry touring for efficient powder hunting.
- Avalanche safety review and ongoing terrain guidance throughout the trip.
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- Updated for 2027: Handpicked hotels selected to enhance comfort, location, and overall trip flow.
- Access to traditional Japanese onsen (hot springs) for daily recovery after skiing.
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- Daily breakfast to start each ski day.
- Dinners hosted by your guides, featuring traditional, locally sourced Japanese cuisine.
- Opportunities to experience regional specialties, including local beer and sake.
- Small group size (maximum of 6 guests) for a more personalized experience and greater flexibility in the mountains.
- Guidance and support navigating both the cultural and logistical aspects of traveling in Japan.
- Arrival to Myoko and departure from Hakuba (see FAQs tab for info)
- Travel insurance
- Lunch
- Guide gratuities at your own discretion
View or download the packing list
FAQs:
- When is the best time to come for the best conditions? January and February typically offer the most consistent snowfall and deepest powder conditions in Myoko and Hakuba, with frequent storms and cold temperatures creating ideal “Japow” conditions.
- Is there Wi-Fi at the hotels? Yes, all accommodations offer reliable Wi-Fi so you can stay connected throughout the trip.
- Where are the other guests from and what is their backcountry experience? Guests join us from around the world, primarily North America and Europe. Expect a mix of advanced skiers and riders who are comfortable in powder, trees, and variable terrain, and prepared for ski touring and splitboarding as outlined in the “Is This Trip For Me” section.
- How much spending money should I bring? While most major expenses are covered, we recommend budgeting approximately ¥3,000–¥5,000 per day for lunches, snacks, and après-ski. Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is helpful for smaller, local establishments.
- Do I need to bring my own avalanche safety equipment? Yes. Guests are required to bring their own avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe). Our guides will provide a safety review at the start of the trip to ensure everyone is comfortable using their equipment.
- Can you help with additional travel in Japan? Yes. We’re happy to assist with additional hotel bookings, transportation, or recommendations before or after your trip to help you make the most of your time in Japan.
Accommodations
Hakuba / Omachi
We’ve hand-selected comfortable, locally operated accommodations around Hakuba and Omachi designed to provide a relaxing and authentic Japanese mountain experience. All properties feature private bathrooms, common areas for socializing, and access to onsen facilities. For 2027, our hotel selections have been elevated to enhance comfort and the overall flow of the trip.
Myoko
For 2027, we are elevating our accommodation approach around Iiyama and Myoko, selecting properties that balance comfort, local character, and convenient access to the surrounding mountains. While specific details are to come, guests can expect a welcoming and well-located base designed to support both recovery and easy daily access to our preferred resorts and backcountry zones.
Book Trip Now
Expert guides. Legendary terrain of the Japanese Alps.
Price Details (USD):
- $5995 per person, shared twin room with private bath
- Solo travelers are comfortably paired with another guest of the same gender whenever possible
- Optional private room: $995 (limited availability)
- Deposit: 25% to confirm your reservation
- Final balance due 90 days prior to departure
Questions? Call us at 1-307-213-9094 or contact us via email.