Ski Touring in The Japanese Alps
Featured and recommended by Backcountry Magazine, this ski touring and splitboarding focused trip takes you into the historically rich Myoko region and the stunning Japanese Alps for a week of exceptional skiing and riding in the heart of Honshu, Japan.
From the trip description by PowderQuest
On-snow support
- Independent: Below this trip's level of support
Ski or ride independently, without trip staff accompanying you on the mountain.
- Hosted: Included
Trip hosts ski or ride with the group, help everyone get oriented, and share local knowledge.
- Guided: Included
Professional guides lead the group and select suitable terrain and routes based on conditions and ability. Instruction is not included.
- Coached: Not confirmed
Professional coaches lead the group, select suitable terrain, and provide instruction and personalized feedback to help you improve.
- Backcountry guiding2 guides on every departure: Led by a certified IFMGA or ACMG ski guide, supported by a Japanese-speaking assistant guide and trip host
- 1 guide : 3 guests
Terrain, ability and who it is for
- You should be in good shape and confident in deep powder, trees, and varied terrain.
- Participants should be comfortable descending ungroomed advanced runs without hesitation.
- Snowboarders should be able to maintain speed on flats, hold a solid traverse line, and maneuver smoothly.
- We’ll use ski lifts to gain elevation.
- Ideally, guests will have some ski touring or splitboarding experience, but if not, you should be fit enough to hike 10 km (6 miles) with a 10 kg (22 lb) pack as a gauge of your physical ability.
- Daily vertical climbing may range between 500-1000 meters (1600-3300 ft).
- Bigger days could range between 1000-1500 meters (3300-4950 ft).
- Two iconic regions in one trip: Explore Myoko and Hakuba, known for deep tree skiing, alpine terrain, and longer, steeper descents compared to Hokkaido.
- Sport
- Ski + Snowboard
- Max group size
- 6 guests
From the trip description by PowderQuest
What the price includes
Included
- Lodging
- Lift pass
- Meals
- Transfers · partly
- Expert Support Two professional ski guides on every departure, led by a certified IFMGA or ACMG international guide, supported by a Japanese-speaking assistant ski guide and trip host.
- Expert local knowledge in both Myoko and Hakuba, allowing us to adapt daily to snow conditions and maximize your time on the best terrain available.
- Seamless Travel Ground transportation throughout the trip, including transfers between Myoko and Hakuba.
- Coordinated arrival and departure support to ensure a smooth travel experience from start to finish.
- Skiing Lift tickets for all ski days across Myoko and Hakuba resorts.
- Lift-assisted backcountry access combined with backcountry touring for efficient powder hunting.
- Avalanche safety review and ongoing terrain guidance throughout the trip.
- Accommodations Updated for 2027: Handpicked hotels selected to enhance comfort, location, and overall trip flow.
- Access to traditional Japanese onsen (hot springs) for daily recovery after skiing.
- Dining & Local Experience Daily breakfast to start each ski day.
- Dinners hosted by your guides, featuring traditional, locally sourced Japanese cuisine.
- Opportunities to experience regional specialties, including local beer and sake.
- Thoughtful Extras Small group size (maximum of 6 guests) for a more personalized experience and greater flexibility in the mountains.
- Guidance and support navigating both the cultural and logistical aspects of traveling in Japan.
Not included
- Arrival to Myoko and departure from Hakuba (see FAQs tab for info)
- Travel insurance
- Lunch
- Guide gratuities at your own discretion
Not confirmed by the company: Lesson.
Day by day
- Day 1: Arrive to our Myoko area hotel + Welcome dinner with the groupFly into Tokyo Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND), travel to the Myoko-area hotel, and check in. Meet the guides and group at 6PM for the welcome dinner.
- Days 2–4: Fully flexible itinerary based around the best snow and backcountry touring conditions around MyokoThree days of backcountry touring in Myoko Valley, with daily destinations chosen for the best conditions. Daily breakfasts, hosted dinners and onsen visits are part of the itinerary.
- Days 5–8: A new location and another 4 days of powder chasing adventures. Flexible itinerary based on conditions around HakubaFour days of backcountry touring around Hakuba. Lifts at areas such as Happo-one, Goryu, Cortina, Hakuba 47, Iwatake, Tsugaike Kogen and Norikura provide access before skinning into the backcountry. Return for onsen or sauna time and hosted dinners.
- Day 9: Departure DayBreakfast and farewell at the hotel, where the trip ends. Continue to Tokyo, the airport or further travel in Japan.
From the trip description by PowderQuest
Where you stay
Hakuba / Omachi: We’ve hand-selected comfortable, locally operated accommodations around Hakuba and Omachi designed to provide a relaxing and authentic Japanese mountain experience. All properties feature private bathrooms, common areas for socializing, and access to onsen facilities.
Myoko: For 2027, we are elevating our accommodation approach around Iiyama and Myoko, selecting properties that balance comfort, local character, and convenient access to the surrounding mountains.
Getting there
- Airport: Fly into either Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) Tokyo Airports. Arrive to Myoko by train private airport shuttle and check in to our hotel.
- Arrival to Myoko and departure from Hakuba are not included; the page's FAQ tab carries the options.
From the trip description by PowderQuest
Pins show the approximate main trip area—not a route, meeting point, or full itinerary. Confirm exact locations in the company's trip details.
Dates and prices
- Jan 22 – Jan 30, 20272026/27 · 9 days · 8 nights5,995 USD$5995 per personAvailableChoose these datesBook on company website
- Jan 31 – Feb 8, 20272026/27 · 9 days · 8 nights5,995 USD$5995 per personAvailableChoose these datesBook on company website
Prices, taxes and fees, required extras, inclusions, availability, and booking terms can change. Confirm the current price and trip details on the company website; details as of September 2, 2026.
Good to know
Is this "sidecountry"? What does backcountry touring with lift access actually mean? No, this is true backcountry touring, and the difference matters. On our trips, the lift does one thing: it saves you the long, low-elevation approach and drops you up high so the real touring can start sooner. From there you'll skin, climb, and earn your descents under your own power—expect 500–1,000m (1,500′–3,000′) of climbing on a typical day. Ski touring or splitboard gear and the fitness to match are required.
Do I need to bring my own avalanche safety equipment? Yes. Guests are required to bring their own avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe).
When is the best time to come for the best conditions? January and February typically offer the most consistent snowfall and deepest powder conditions in Myoko and Hakuba.
Can you help with additional travel in Japan? Yes. We’re happy to assist with additional hotel bookings, transportation, or recommendations before or after your trip.
From: $5995 USD (trip fact box).
From the trip description by PowderQuest
