Hakuba backcountry is what makes Hakuba the truly unique destination that it is. The Hakuba resorts are fun, the terrain parks are good, but the backcountry is mind-blowing and virtually untouched.
The Hakuba backcountry isn’t what brought us to Hakuba, but the backcountry is what will keep us living here for a very long time.
Hakuba backcountry has something for everyone. Whether you are into:
- In Resort Off Piste: This is not considered backcountry, however, it is a great place to improve your off piste riding safely before entering the backcountry.
- Side Country: Easy access tree skiing, with diverse terrain; pillows, hits and natural half pipes. Many of these lines end on the Hakuba House front door step.
- Side Country: Easy access big mountain alpine terrain, with steep open faces, chutes and spines through to long, rolling and playful run outs. Up to 1200 meters of breathtaking heli-skiing-type vertical with out the price tag.
- Backcountry touring: For those who enjoy the ascent as much as the decent. Moving in remote and exceptionally scenic mountains, across varied terrain gaining access to mellow or challenging, deep untracked descents.
The Hakuba snowpack is usually deep with short avalanche cycles and is generally more stable than other parts of the world. However, this maritime climate and snowpack should be treated with an additional degree of caution as there is no organised avalanche control of the backcountry terrain in Hakuba. As always, this complex avalanche terrain should be treated with respect and not complacency.
Initially, we always recommend a guide when entering the backcountry in Hakuba.
Hakuba Alpine Guides is the only backcountry guiding operation in Hakuba offering customised guiding with fully qualified ski guides of an international standard. These guys provide a safe and memorable experienced with a wealth of local knowledge.
Before entering the Hakuba backcountry it is essential to have at least a; beacon, shovel, probe, friend you can trust, avalanche knowledge/experience and respect for the weather, snowpack and terrain.
For those free riders who have the drive, experience and knowledge to “figure it out for themselves”, we are happy to share our local knowledge of terrain choice, snow pack and previous weather conditions to point you in the right direction.
Useful links and resources regarding backcountry conditions in Hakuba;
Avalanche Control Team (ACT) Japan - The only official bulletin in Hakuba.
Steep Deep Japan - Independent Hakuba backcountry daily observation on weather and snowpack.
Snow-Forecast.com - General snow and weather forecast.
Hakuba Alpine Guides - More local avalanche information.