One of the most notable aspects of Hakuba’s backcountry is that in most cases, you can easily access the top of the slopes using the gondolas and ski lifts at the ski resorts allowing you to start your ascent from an already high elevation. In other words, you can ski down a considerable distance in one go with a shorter uphill journey compared to backcountry routes in other areas. In addition to the breathtaking scale, ease of access is one reason Hakuba’s backcountry is growing in popularity.
Best season From late December to early April
There are six main backcountry fields in the Hakuba area with mountain skiing for people of all skill levels from giant descents starting at a 2500m elevation to deep forest snow courses. The Hakuba Valley ski resorts are vast, but these fields are the best gateway into the draw of mountain skiing that cannot be experienced on the slopes.
Guide
Color Sports Club President Mr.Tonekawa tomohiro
A pioneer who established the backcountry scene that continues to this day. Beginning in the early 90’s, he started turning away from the groomed slopes and began paving a path for the mountain ski scene during the harsh winter months. He spent time living in a tent where his sense of humor served him well, and upon returning from working overseas, he began trailblazing the backcountry of the entire Hakuba area, which he is now well-known for. His pioneer work continues today.
“Stepping into the mountains with skis on your feet is the act of releasing yourself into freedom.”
- Japan Mountain Guides Association Mountain Guide Certification Stage 2
- Japan Mountain Guides Association Ski Guide Certification Stage 2
- Japan Mountain Guides Association Ski Guide Examiner
- Northern Alps Mountain Guide Association
- Shinshu Mountain Climbing Guide (Mt. Shirouma Guide Union Member)
- Hakuba Meister (Hakuba Master)
- Chubu-Sangaku National Park Guidance Officer
- Northern Alps Northern Region Mountain Disaster Prevention Association Mountain Disaster Rescue Team member
- JAN: Japan Avalanche Network Avalanche Worker Level 2
- Japanese Red Cross Society First Aid Provider
- Domestic Travel Tour Manager
- Bachelor of Physical Education
Trailhead vicinity weather
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Weekly weather forecast zone：富山県東部地方
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This is a publication of the calculated figures for weather predictions and is not the weather forecast. There are instances where there will be big differences in the values stated for the mountains, in accord with the topography as well as sunlight, etc. so please take care.
72 hours weather information：Hakuba Village, Kitaazumi District, Oaza Hokujo Sarukuwaso,Nagano Prefecture
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| Precipitation | 0.4mm/h | 0mm/h | 0mm/h | 2mm/h | 0.4mm/h | 0mm/h | 0mm/h | 1mm/h | 0.4mm/h | 0mm/h | 0mm/h | 0mm/h | 0.4mm/h | 0mm/h | 1mm/h | ※ 16時間以降は表示されません | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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※The weather information will be information on 5km square including the relevant point.
※天気予報マークは一次細分区域から表示しています
Route Information
The route information and gliding routes for each field are outlined for reference only. It can vary greatly depending on the skills of the person entering the mountain, the weather, and the snow conditions. To enter the mountain, please take a tour or accompany an experienced guide. Check with the tour organizer or guide for more information on routes.
【Kita Otari】
The 100 Famous Mountains of Japan, the foothills of Mt. Amakazari
The approach is from Otari onsen. The area’s allure is the deep snow surrounding it as far as the eye can see. In the fields around Mt. Onagi, the drop is from Mt. Amakazari for experienced skiers.
【Minami Otari】
Located in the northern part of Hakuba Valley, this area boasts constant snowfall, exquisite tree lines, and deep snow. There is something for everyone here from beginners to advanced skiers.
【Hakuba Norikura】
This area is accessed from Tsugaike Kogen ski resort, which has the highest elevation in Otari. From trees to open berms, this higher elevation area offers a wide variety of terrain. It is the most popular field in the Hakuba Valley and can be enjoyed by beginners and experts alike, conditions permitting.
【Mt.Kobinata】
This expansive area is located in the center of Hakuba Valley. Hiking it in full from the foothills is very quiet with fantastic views. This area is perfect for advanced and expert skiers.
【Karamatsu-dake】
This is the vastest field Hakuba Valley has to offer. It is accessed from Hakuba Happo One and boasts amazing views in every direction featuring an alpine landscape of snow and rock. Weather and conditions permitting, advanced and expert skiers can enjoy the open berms for as far as the eye can see.
【Goryu-Toomione】
This area is accessed from ski resorts with higher elevations like Hakuba Goryu and 47. The further you go into the mountains, the more you can enjoy the serene and steep tree line.
Backcountry tour introduction
Backcountry inexperienced, introductory course
For first-timers and those who want to relax and enjoy the backcountry. Including an orientation, you can enjoy 400-600m runs.
For those who want an authentic backcountry experience. You’ll make full use of snowshoes or climbing skins and enjoy runs twice the distance of the blue course with 600-1000m runs.
*The perfect course for those who want to improve their skills.
Backcountry beginner-intermediate class
For those who really want to get hands-on with the excitement of Hakuba’s backcountry. You’ll make use of the gondolas and lifts while enjoying runs 1000-1,200m in length, twice the distance of the yellow course.
*The perfect course for those who want to gain more experience.
Main fields/ Happo Big Triangle, Kuzuresawa, O-nuke One Higashi, Tsugaike’s Shinpenkei Hiyodori area, Otari Mushiosawa (Otari train journey), Goryu Ichinose north ridge, etc.
Backcountry intermediate to advanced class
For those who want to enjoy the excitement of Hakuba’s backcountry at an even deeper level. On top of riding the gondolas and lifts, there are additional hikes upward, far, far into the mountain past the red course. Enjoy runs down 1,200-1,400m courses.
* This course is great for making use of all your acquired experience.
Main fields/ Happo Big Triangle, Kuzuresawa, O-nuke One Higashi, Tsugaike’s Shinpenkei Hiyodori area, Otari Mushiosawa (Otari train journey), Goryu Ichinose north ridge, etc.
For those who want to enjoy an authentic alpine experience. Prepare your crampons, pickaxe, and harness as we head to higher altitudes than the black course to ski runs 1,400 – 1,600m long.
*This course allows you to demonstrate all of your backcountry knowledge and skills.
Main fields/Happo-sawa, Oiwa Chutes, Mumeisawa, Otari Mushiosawa henkei Petit Canada (Otari train journey), Daihoraku, Tsugaike’s Shinpenkei Tengu area, etc.
About the tour company
Introduction of “HAKUBAVALLEY”
Hakuba Valley is a vast area surrounded by magnificent mountains located at the foot of the Northern Alps in Northern Nagano Prefecture. It was one of the venues for the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, and today it is an international mountain resort visited by hordes of people from around the world who enjoy winter sports. The naturally-formed spectacular mountainous terrain spreading from the 3000m-class Northern Alps is covered with an abundance of quality powder snow. From well-groomed slopes that beginners can relax and enjoy, to long cruising runs totaling 8,000m in distance, the 10 ski resorts are all richly unique allowing you to enjoy the slopes in exactly the way you want.