Hakuba Backcountry Powder Tour
Welcome to the ultimate guided Hakuba backcountry tour. The stunning Japanese Alps and the Hakuba Valley is your base for the next 9 days and home to some of the best ski and snowboard terrain in all of Japan. Our fully hosted guided adventure blends lift accessed off-piste freeriding, outstanding tree skiing, and backcountry ski touring led by our Association of Canadian Mountain Guide and Japanese-speaking tail guide.
Hakuba seeped into skiers’ consciousness following the town’s hosting of the 1998 Olympics, but now it is considered one of the world’s greatest ski destinations, receiving an abundance of more than 35 feet of snowfall annually and with access to a staggering 11 resorts within a short drive. The Hakuba region is also known for mind-blowing backcountry terrain, incredible tree skiing, and as home to Japan’s steepest runs. We’ll get you to the goods with our fully flexible, powder-chasing backcountry adventure that allows for us to choose our destination daily based on snow conditions.
The trip is balanced out with soul-satisfying, off-slope activities following a long day riding and skiing. We will be based out of a comfortable hotel that puts us within walking distance to explore the Hakuba village, dine on traditional cuisine every evening, take a soak in a local volcanic hot spring, and enjoy the region’s sake and beer.
Trip Highlights
- 2 certified guides, 6 guests maximum per trip
- All trip logistics are handled once you arrive to Japan
- Completely flexible itinerary based around best snow conditions
- Discover up to 11 local ski areas and classic Hakuba backcountry touring
- Relax in onsen spas
- Stellar Japanese food and culture
Daily Itinerary
Arrival
Airport: Tokyo
Pick-up Location: Either Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) Airports
Pick-up Time: 7:30am to 1:30pm (contact us for other pick up times/options)
Departure
Airport: Tokyo
Drop-off Location: Either Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) Airports
Drop-off Time: Based around flight time.
- Fly into Narita or Haneda airport ideally by 11:00am
- Coach shuttle to Hakuba hotel. Check in
- Group and guides meet-and-greet
- Hosted welcome dinner
- Daily group breakfast
- 7 days of off-piste and backcountry exploring based around best conditions in Hakuba and more secret Japanese Alps gems. Including but not limited to: Goryu, Hakuba47, Happo-one, Iwatake, Tsugaike Kogen, Norikura, and Cortina.
- Relax in muscle soothing onsens
- Hosted group dinners in our favorite select Hakuba Valley restaurants
- Breakfast
- Sayonara (farewell) to the guides
- Coach shuttle to airport based around your departure (5-6 hrs travel time)
Is This Trip For Me?
Advanced snowboarders and skiers keen on the steeper terrain of Hakuba accessed via a combo of ski lifts and backcountry touring gear will love this trip. Geared toward adventurers who are willing and able to earn their turns, even if you’ve never toured before. Expect deep powder snow, steep tree runs, alpine spines and bowls and uphill skinning to access the goods when we leave the resorts.
Make sure our Backcountry tours are for you via the Trip Finder Quiz
Trip Essentials
- 2 full-time, certified, PowderQuest guides
- lift tickets
- private 4x4 van
- Airport pick up and drop off coach shuttles
- comfortable hotel, private bath
- daily breakfast
- all dinners, hosted by your guides at select Hakuba restaurants
- beer and sake at dinner
- travel insurance
- international airfare
- snacks and lunches
- gratuities to your PowderQuest guides
Accommodations
Hakuba
Comfortable, 4-star hotel with deluxe bedding and private bathrooms. Rooms typically come with twins, but double beds for couples or single upgrades can be arranged. It is important to note that hotel rooms in Japan are smaller in comparison to North American hotels.
Book Trip Now
Nearly all inclusive. Expert guides. Legendary terrain of Hakuba. Reserve a spot today.
Pricing Details at a Glance: (in USD)
- $TBD per person, based on twin or double share occupancy, private bath
- Solo Travelers: Will be paired with another same gender guest in a twin share room
- Privacy Please: Ask about our limited number of single rooms available for a $TBD upgrade
- Payment: A $600 deposit is required at time of reservation. Final payments 90 days before trip departure