Backcountry Guiding Hakuba Alpine Guides
Hakuba Alpine Guides
Hakuba Alpine Guides exists to help visitors gain safe and fulfilling access to Hakuba's backcountry. We are a small guiding company offering customised backcountry experiences for clients with specific requirements. Let us know what you would like and we will help make it happen for you and your group.
Hakuba Alpine Guides is managed by year-round Hakuba resident Damian Banwell. Damian joins most tours as a tail guide and on his days off he goes touring with friends or is gathering snow stability data in the field. We spend nearly every day in the backcountry: it is what we love, so it is what we do. Damian both skis and snowboards so no matter what you ride, you will feel at hom
Easy access, simple terrain, beginner skill
If you are a beginner in the backcountry and simply want to experience what it is like to ski outside of the resorts without much physical effort during the asent then this is for you. Based in small terrain sidecountry there is usually the opportunity for multiple runs and to step it up a little as confidence grows.
Easy access tree skiing, multiple laps, intermediate skill
Best after a storm, there are a number of areas that allow for relatively little physical effort to gain altitude. Depending on the group, a number of short laps through the trees can be made in a day. It is not uncommon for people to feel uncomfortable when first confronted with tree skiing in variable snow, as such this type of itinerary is best suited to intermediates or confident beginners.
Introductory summit descents
If you have a little experience in the backcountry and are determined (and fit) then we can help you get 1000m higher than the highest lift in Hakuba. The ascent takes some time – perhaps 4 hours. The descent is within reach of any intermediate. Some of the biggest smiles and feelings of accomplishment come from this type of tour. The high alpine in Hakuba is not out of your reach! Don’t just take photos home, take experiences.
Introductory backcountry touring
Do you really want to taste the art of backcountry touring? – Moving over terrain along a planned route to access a remote descent. It requires a few hours of ascent, some sweat and, at the introductory level, typically only one descent for the day. There is much more to the backcountry than the descent itself, some people say “it’s all about the tour, not just the turns” . We can help open the door to a very rewarding future backcountry lifestyle. This type of day is popular with groups of friends or families who want a private introduction to the basic skills of backcountry travel with some challenges and satisfaction along the way.
Long-range touring, multiple descents
The true essence of a committing day in the backcountry – traversing a wide area of linked itineraries and covering a lot of ground. Usually only for the experienced and very fit, although the riding itself need not be difficult. There are endless options for very big days. And just as many for full days of constant climbing and skiing that won’t quite leave you exhausted. This is what most Hakuba Alpine Guides staff do on their days off.
Easy access, big terrain, intermediate to advanced skill
This type of sidecountry terrain is a big draw card in Hakuba. Not strictly backcountry, and not for everyone. In other countries it is the type of terrain that a confident off-piste skier might be taken to by a heli ski company. No need for the helicopter in Hakuba. Very little muscle powered ascent. Challenging descents with up to 1000m vertical. It is available with or without trees and at angles of descent between 30 and 50 degrees. But please don’t automatically expect to be taken into the steep stuff.
Advanced summit descents
Seriously experienced people only. We can take you way up into the high alpine backcountry, possibly as high as you can go. The climb will usually be very tough and the descent will require plenty left in the bottle right up until the end. More terrain options open up in March through the end of May. Many people require more than 12 hours to complete such tours.
Alpine camping
If you want to book us for 2 consecutive days, and you want to stay in the alpine with us at 2000m or above, then we can set that up. In fact we'd love to. No matter the skill or experience level, camping way up there is for everyone to enjoy. All food is supplied and camping gear can be rented from us (subject to numbers). Please note that the night up there adds to the guiding cost. We usually use tents, but if you want to stay in an incredibly warm and comfortable igloo then we can arrange that as well (unfortunately also at extra cost as it takes two people considerable time to make a suitable igloo out of blocks).
Early season touring
In Hakuba we can usually get you into the backcountry as early and November. Even earlier of you are very fit and experienced. Early season turns, usually in powder, are possible for enthusiastic skiers and boarders of all backcountry skill levels. While the valley is full of autumn colours you can enjoy stunning remote snow and terrain that is perfectly ok for first timers (who are fit and familiar with a bit of backpacking). Early season touirng makes a great combination with an overnight camp at snowline
Pricing
Hakuba Alpine offers customised guiding for individuals, groups of friends or families. We do not offer discount priced fixed-date courses open to anyone on a first in first served basis.
Our basic daily guiding fee is 35,000 yen for one person. For each additional client we charge 5,000 yen. Maximum group size is 8 people.
Included:
•Personalised consultation and itinerary planning.
•Guides.
•Transportation.
•Lunch.
•As much help as we can manage getting your rentals arranged and delivered (if required).
40,000 yen per instructor. (1-4 clients)
Extra client is 5,000yen to a maximum of 8
This covers - guide, transportation & lunch
Equipment
All clients must carry a beacon, shovel and probe in a suitable backpack capable of carrying skis or snowboard.
Skiers: skins, alpine bindings and compatible boots. You can also use snowshoes, although this is not recommended for longer tours.
Snowboarders: snowshoes with collapsible poles. Splitboards are preferable.
All essential equipment can be rented. Please enquire with Hakuba Alpine Guides at least 12 hours notice if this is the case - earlier if possible to avoid disappointment. They can give rental prices on request.
Check out their website at www.hakuba-alpine-guides.com
Send an enquiry to Hakuba Alpine Guides