HAKUBA BACKCOUNTRY

The premier backcountry location in Asia

If backcountry is your thing then Hakuba is your place. The secret is well and truly out that Hakuba has steep challening terrain that is easily accessible. The most popular ski resorts for backcountry are Happo, Tsugaike and Cortina. It is possible to do 1,000 metre vertical descents after only a short hike. As long as you begin your descent from a point above the the ski resorts (through one of the backcountry gates) you don’t have to worry about violating any local ski rules. What you do need to worry about is avalanche safety so make sure you have appropriate avalanche safety training,equipment and experience. If you don’t, then go with a qualified guide from one of the reputable companies below.

BACKCOUNTRY TOUR COMPANIES

You wil be entrusting your life to your guide so make sure whoever you choose is fully qualified, experienced and highly familiar with the backcountry terrain in Hakuba. Based on these requirements SkiHakuba highly recommends Northern Heights Guiding and Evergreen Backcountry. They both provide excellent value backcountry and side country private tours in Hakuba. All tours are private groups- you pay for a guide and will not be sharing the trip or the instructor with anyone else. Costs depend on the number of people in your group but typically range from 80,000 to 100,000 per group per day.