More Info

Getting to Hakuba

Ready to ride

- Rental Gear

- Lift Tickets

- Ski / Snowboard Lessons

- The Mountains

- Riding the Backcountry

Local Leisure

- Restaurants and Cafes

- Nightlife

- Onsens

- Rest day activities

Book it now

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

The backcountry around Hakuba offers some of the most spectacular skiing and snowboarding in the world, but it comes with serious risks that demand respect, preparation, and experience. Entering the backcountry should only be done by experienced, advanced riders, and even then, we strongly recommend going under the guidance of a local backcountry guide who knows the terrain and can assess the ever-changing conditions.

It's crucial to understand that avalanche conditions in Hakuba are fundamentally different from what many international visitors might be familiar with. The sheer volume of snow that Hakuba receives, combined with the maritime climate and rapid temperature fluctuations, creates a complex and often unstable snowpack. Unlike some European resorts where avalanches might be a relatively rare concern, they are a constant and serious threat in Hakuba's backcountry. The deep powder that makes this area so attractive to riders also creates layers of instability that can persist long after a storm has passed.

Every winter, tragedy strikes in the Hakuba backcountry. A handful of people lose their lives each year, and most commonly these are tourists who ventured into areas they shouldn't have been, often without proper equipment, knowledge, or respect for the mountain. These aren't just statistics; they represent devastated families and traumatized rescue teams who risk their own lives trying to save others. The Japanese authorities and local community take these incidents extremely seriously, and there's growing concern about the impact of irresponsible backcountry use on access and relationships with local landowners.

When you enter the backcountry unprepared, you're not just risking your own life. You become a danger to everyone around you. Your poor decision-making can trigger avalanches that affect other groups, your need for rescue puts search and rescue teams at risk, and your actions contribute to a negative perception of foreign visitors that could lead to restricted access for everyone. The backcountry is not a playground; it's a serious mountain environment that demands the highest level of personal responsibility.

If you're determined to explore the backcountry without a guide, the absolute minimum requirements are completion of an AST1 (Avalanche Skills Training Level 1) course and carrying essential safety equipment: an avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel. But equipment is useless if you don't know how to use it effectively under stress, and a weekend course doesn't prepare you for the specific conditions you'll encounter in Japan. Even experienced backcountry riders from other parts of the world should consider hiring a guide for at least their first few days in Hakuba to understand the unique challenges of the local snowpack and terrain.

Any groups planning to venture out without a guide should definitely inform the Starfall team about their plans for the day before heading out. Let us know where you're planning to go, your expected return time, and make sure someone knows to raise the alarm if you don't check in. This isn't us being nosy; it's a basic safety protocol that could save your life.

Some of the best backcountry turns in the world

With all these warnings properly stated, the Hakuba backcountry, when approached with the proper respect and preparation, offers an absolutely incredible experience. The valley hosts world-class backcountry and sidecountry terrain that attracts serious riders from around the globe. The quality and quantity of snow, combined with varied terrain from mellow tree runs to steep alpine bowls, creates opportunities for every type of backcountry enthusiast.

Despite growing popularity, the backcountry here still offers solitude and untracked snow that's increasingly rare at major ski destinations. If you're willing to earn your turns with a hike, you're basically guaranteed perfect snow, sometimes days after the last snowfall when the resort runs have been tracked out multiple times over. There's something magical about floating through untouched powder in a silent forest, with only your group's whoops of joy breaking the stillness.

For those looking to dip their toes into backcountry riding, several resorts offer accessible zones that don't require hiking. Happo, Tsugaike, Norikura, and Cortina all have gates or access points to backcountry terrain right from the resort boundaries. These areas still require proper equipment and knowledge, but they offer a taste of the backcountry experience without committing to a full day of touring. Remember that once you pass through these gates, you're leaving the controlled resort environment and taking full responsibility for your safety.

For those ready to explore further with hiking, the entire valley becomes your potential playground. Popular zones include areas accessible from all the previously mentioned resorts, as well as Goryu, the Obinata area, and the slopes around the old Highland Hotel resort. Each area has its own character, from the technical terrain above Happo to the perfectly spaced trees near Cortina. A local guide will be able to match you with appropriate terrain based on your skill level, fitness, and the current avalanche conditions.

For guided experiences, we recommend Evergreen Backcountry Guides and Northern Heights Guiding, both of which have excellent reputations and experienced guides who know the Hakuba backcountry intimately. They offer everything from introductory tours for those new to backcountry riding to advanced expeditions for experienced tourers. Additionally, we have connections with some friends of the lodge who are longtime locals offering private guiding for experienced groups. If you're interested in a more personalized experience with someone who's been riding these mountains for decades, have a chat with our crew and we can make introductions.

Ready to drop into the Happo Backcountry

The backcountry represents the pinnacle of what Hakuba has to offer for advanced riders, but it demands the ultimate respect. The mountains don't care about your experience level back home, your expensive equipment, or your Instagram followers. They respond only to knowledge, preparation, and good decision-making. If you're willing to approach the backcountry with the seriousness it deserves, preferably with a qualified guide, you'll access experiences that will define your relationship with mountain riding. If you're not, please stick to the resorts where patrol keeps you safe and your decisions don't put others at risk. The powder will still be there when you're properly prepared for it.

Hiking into the backcountry of Tsugaike Kogen

ENTERING THEBACKCOUNTRY

More Info

ENTERING THE
BACKCOUNTRY