Japan - Hakuba Backcountry
Big terrain, Big snow, Culture
Altus Mountain Guides is very excited to offer Guided Backcountry Trips to Japan, and bookings are now available for February 2020. Ski waist-deep powder, summit volcanoes, take a soak in the natural hot springs and enjoy great food- this is going to be a trip of a lifetime. And with the most consistent snowfall anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere, if Japan is not on your ‘Bucket List,’ it should be.
We will take in all the different backcountry options the Hakuba area offers, from the big alpine runs off Happone to the deep snow days ripping bamboo forest. The best: everything is just a short drive from your hotel.
We are heading to Japan in February for the best snow coverage. Longer days and more stable weather than January will give us more time to ski bigger objectives.
Scheduled Trip Dates: TBD
Custom Trips Available
The Goods
Length: 5 days of adventure and amazing pristine powder skiing
Elevations: 300 - 2300m
Terrain: Big alpine terrain to the legendary bamboo forest
Length of Runs: From a 400m to 1500m of vertical.
Season: January - February
Max. Guide to Guest Ratio: 6:1
Favourite Runs: Norkura, Happen
The Skiing
It's actually quite simply a fantasy... lots of snow… may be too much snow. Large perfect picturesque volcanoes covered in a thick blanket of blower powder. You are standing at the top. There is no rush, no powder anxiety, no lines. You and your group are the only people around, and the mountain is yours.
The Terrain
- 60% Tree Skiing. So bad weather is a good thing!
- 40% High Alpine
- 500-1500m of Vertical
- 300-2300m of Elevation Range
- The Entire Hakuba valley, all 11 resorts can access the backcountry
Scheduled Trip Dates
Custom Dates AvailableContact Us
Dates to be Determined
Season - Late January/February has the best snow coverage. The days are longer and the weather is more stable than January, giving us more time to ski bigger objectives. The snow base would also be quite mature, so creeks and other early season hazards are no longer as big an issue.
Guides - We are extremely selective of the Guides who run these trips. Both Guides are full ACMG Ski Guides or IFMG Mountain Guides. This means they have the training and the work experience to deliver excellent skiing while ensuring the utmost safety.
Exploration - We will ski the classic lines and local secrets. Not to mention taking in a variety of Japanese culture along the way.
Still Have Questions or Concerns?
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, concerns or requests on how we can make this the best trip ever!
Jump To
Popular Trips
Altus mountain guides is a group of motivated professionals dedicated to providing our clients with outstanding quality in the mountains with safe adventurous trips. From our base in Squamish and Whistler BC we provide you access to the most amazing mountain experiences the West Coast has to offer. Our exciting itineraries showcase the Coast Range but reach beyond to the interior ranges of the Selkirkʼs and Purcellʼs and onto the Rockies. We also offer trips internationally from the historic and classic European Alps to the windswept wilds of Patagonia.