Hakuba

1. Big-Mountain Terrain

Access steep alpine bowls, open glades, and deep powder lines across multiple interconnected resorts and backcountry zones.

2. Reliable Snowfall

Frequent storms from the Sea of Japan bring consistent dumps of light, dry powder throughout January and February.

3. Cultural Immersion

Experience authentic Japan with onsen hot springs, traditional mountain villages, and incredible local cuisine.

4. Backcountry Gateway

Skin beyond the resort boundaries into special terrain, led by a certified ACMG guide for maximum safety and reward.

Q: What do you recommend packing?

A: Please see the detailed packing list below.

Q: Will I be required to sign a waiver? 

A: Yes, all participants must sign a waiver as a condition of registration. Click here to review the waiver.

Q: Do I need to share a room?

A: No, if you'd feel more comfortable please inquire about our single supplement.

Q: What happens if ability levels are different in the group? 

A:We keep ratios reasonable to manage this and we do our best to create a compatible mix in the presale of the trip.  

Equipment:

• Skis and snowboards (touring setup if required)

• Boots

• Bindings

• Poles

• Helmet & goggles

• Gloves/mitts

• Waterproof outerwear

• Variety of warm layers

• Backpack (25L)

• Avalanche safety Gear (shovel, probe, beacon)

Other items:

• Slippers

• Sunscreen

• Buff/balaclava

• Lip protection

• Sunglasses

• Headlamp

• Water bottle

• Camera/phone

Don't Forget:

• Passport

• R/X / over the counter medications

• Power converter

• Travel & Personal Insurance

• Baggage

• Flight check in time

• Credit Card / Cash

7:30am — Start your day with a buffet breakfast at the hotel, mixing Japanese and Western fare. Over coffee and miso soup, your guide gives a morning briefing on weather, snowpack, and the game plan. You’ll review avalanche conditions and ensure everyone has the necessary safety gear before heading out.

8:30 - 9:00am — Hop in our private van for a short drive to the day’s ski area. By 9 AM, we’re on the first lifts, gearing up for an epic day. A quick beacon check at the trailhead, then it’s time to drop in! We’ll use resort lifts to gain elevation quickly, then slide beyond the ropes into backcountry powder as conditions allow.

10:00am — Morning powder laps. Expect a mix of ripping through gladed trees and charging down open bowls, depending on where the snow is best. Your guide leads the way, finding untouched lines and offering technique tips as you go. Stoke is high as the group shares hoots and high-fives after each awesome descent.

12:30am — We usually pause around midday to refuel. If we’re near a resort lodge, we might grab lunch at a slope-side ramen house or curry cafe – nothing hits the spot like a hot meal in the middle of a powder day. On farther backcountry days, we’ll pack lunches or snacks in our packs and eat in the field, surrounded by the stunning Japanese Alps. (Either way, take the time to hydrate, recharge, and maybe swap stories of the morning’s best run!)

1:30pm — Back out for afternoon adventures. With legs refreshed, we’ll seek out new terrain or revisit that honey hole of powder we discovered. The afternoon might involve linking to a different zone or even moving to another nearby resort if conditions warrant – our flexible schedule lets us chase the best snow. Typically, we get in a few more solid laps, finding those last secret stashes. The guide may throw in some instruction on skiing variable conditions or tree skiing tactics, tailored to the group’s needs.

4:00-4:30pm — Last lifts and wrap up the ski day. We’ll aim to ski right until lifts close or until our legs happily scream for a rest. Back at the base, we load up the van and return to the hotel. Now it’s après-ski time: shed your gear and celebrate a fantastic day. You might soak in the onsen to rejuvenate your muscles, or grab a beer and relax in the lounge. Some afternoons, you could explore the village – check out a local bakery, gear shop, or simply enjoy the winter atmosphere of Hakuba.

6:30pm — Regroup for dinner. Each evening, your guide has a dinner spot lined up – from sushi to sizzling hot-pot (nabe) or a cheerful izakaya. We head out as a group (transport provided), but dinner is pay-your-own. It’s a chance to dig into authentic Japanese cuisine and relive the day’s highlights together. Clink glasses of sake, try new dishes like yakitori or tempura, and soak up the local culture. After dinner, night owls can check out one of the cozy bars or head back for a good night’s sleep. Rest up – tomorrow, we do it all again in another corner of Hakuba’s powder paradise.