Backcountry
Beginner Backcountry Tour
If you’re new to backcountry (outside the ski resort boundary), we recommend our Beginner Backcountry tour which you will learn about the avalanche and terrains, and practice how to use avalanche equipment.
In the field, you will learn how to hike easily, how to find safe spots and some of riding tips. Our guide will help you to enjoy backcountry safely.
Cost*:
- Private (1 person): ¥21,000/person
- Semi-Private (2 people): ¥17,000/person
- Regular (3 or more people): ¥12,000/person
*Book from this website and get a special discount!
*Includes guiding fee, insurance, and sales tax. Bus fare and lift fare not included.
*The tour is also available in Hakuba and Myoko area with the Destination Backcountry Tour rate.
Splitboard Clinic
Splitboard can be a very effective tool to access backcountry for snowboarders. But you need to learn how to use them in a right way otherwise they could become a burden.
Cost*:
- Private (1 person): ¥21,000/person
- Semi-Private (2 people): ¥17,000/person
- Regular (3 or more people): ¥12,000/person
*Book from this website and get a special discount!
*Includes guiding fee, insurance, and sales tax. Bus fare and lift fare not included.
*The tour is also available in Hakuba and Myoko area with the Destination Backcountry Tour rate.
Local Backcountry Tour (Mt. Norikura, Hirayu and Mt. Yake)
Experience the thrill of riding one of Japan’s top backcountry areas. Mt. Norikura has good snow all season long, as late as May. Hike from 2,000 meters and challenge one of the peaks at 3,026 meters. Ride in the trees and experience a natural half-pipe. After conquering Norikura why not venture out to other areas. Hirayu Onsen area, on the Gifu side of Mt. Norikura, has deep dry powder! Mt. Yake is an active volcano and gives you an unforgettable experience. Our experienced guides will adjust the tour according to the weather and your riding level.
Cost*:
- Private (1 person): ¥21,000/person
- Semi-Private (2 people): ¥17,000/person
- Regular (3 or more people): ¥12,000/person
*Book from this website and get a special discount!
*Includes guiding fee, insurance, and sales tax. Bus fare and lift fare not included.
*The tour is also available in Hakuba and Myoko area with the Destination Backcountry Tour rate.
Kuraigahara Mountain-Hut-Stay Backcountry Tour
Kuraigahara Sanso is a historical mountain lodge located at 2,350m deep in the backcountry of Mt. Norikura. In the winter the only way to get there is by hiking which makes for a great base camp to access the peaks of Mt. Norikura. You will be greeted with a warm smile from the lodge owner on arrival and if the sky is clear the stars look amazing from up there.
By staying at Kuraigahara Sanso we can expand our riding options to enjoy more of the powder and terrain that Norikura offers. We can get deeper into the backcountry and enjoy the amazing views from the high alpine of the Japanese Alps.
Cost*:
- Private (1 person) : ¥44,000/person
- Semi-Private (1-2 people) : ¥34,000/person
- Regular (3 or more people) : ¥27,000/person
*Book from this website and get a special discount!
*Includes guiding fee, backcountry insurance, and sales tax. Lift fare and Lodging at Kuraigahara Hut(¥9,000) not included.
Destination Backcountry Tour (Hakuba, Myoko and other area)
You can request backcountry tours in Hakuba, Myoko and other areas. You can choose from a variety of terrain depending on the conditions in Hakuba or Myoko. Let’s find the best spot of the day!
You can also have beginner tours or split board clinics in these areas.
Cost*:
- Private (1 person): ¥24,000/person
- Semi-Private (2 people): ¥19,000/person
- Regular (3 or more people): ¥15,000/person
*Book from this website and get a special discount!
*Includes guiding fee, insurance, and sales tax. Bus fare and lift fare not included.
Spring Backcountry Tour
A Spring Backcountry Tour is the perfect way to prepare for the winter backcountry season. Spring offers mellow weather and great corn snow. If you are lucky, you might get some fresh snow even in May! Tours are available from Golden Week (first week of May) until the first weekend in June.
Cost*:
- Private (1 person): ¥21,000/person
- Semi-Private (2 people): ¥17,000/person
- Regular (3 or more people): ¥12,000/person
*Book from this website and get a special discount!
*Includes guiding fee, insurance, and sales tax. Bus fare and lift fare not included.
Backcountry Equipment Rental
Having your own backcountry gear and being able to use it is very important for going into backcountry, but for beginners we provide rental gear to try out.
*All avalanche equipment (beacon, probe, and shovel) are only available to rent for those who participate in a NORTHSTAR tour. Without proper understanding, this equipment is useless and will not protect you in an emergency.
Cost:
Snowboard Set : ¥5,500/day
Includes avalanche beacon, probe, shovel, snowshoes, and ski poles.
Avalanche Gear Set : ¥3,000/day
Includes avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel.
*All prices include sales tax.