Japan Ski Touring in Hakuba Valley

Dolomite 360 Trips Ski Touring

Irasshaimase or Welcome to Japan! This guided 10-day ski touring adventure through the Hakuba Valley and beyond will have you exploring freeride meccas like Happo One, Cortina, and Tsugaike, salivating over soba and ramen, sipping sake & soaking in onsen hot springs. You’ll fly into Tokyo, hit the road to the Japanese Alps, and dive into ten days of peaks and pure adventure. Join us at Dolomite360 and get ready to chase Japan’s legendary powder.

Days 10
Pax 6
Tokyo

Highlights

Discover Japan’s Hakuba Valley, an ultimate ski touring playground, surrounded by the Hida and Kiso mountain ranges
Enjoy 6 full ski days of freeride or ski touring & carve legendary slopes at Happo One, Cortina, Tsugaike, and Myoko Kogen
Freeride Japan’s classic Happo One ski resort with (1,000m / 3,281’) verticals and sweeping views of the Northern Alps
Savor Nagano’s soba & ramen and soak in onsen hot springs
Relax for 9 nights in classic Japanese lodges, ryokan, or guesthouses

Itinerary

The journey begins with a drive from Tokyo to Nagano, the highest prefectural capital in Japan. It hosted the 18th Winter Olympics, and it’s where we'll get our first bowl of mouthwatering shoyu ramen or local soba. We’ll head into the Hakuba Valley, which is a haven for freeriders, one of the most iconic ski destinations, and our base for the next week of pure mountain magic.

First, we'll warm up at Hakuba 47, with gentle climbs and peaceful birch forests. You’ll start skinning and getting your gear tuned for the week ahead. Then, we’ll head to Happo One. You’ll ride classic chair lifts to a high ridge, then drop long, flowing runs down either side.

Next, expect thigh-deep turns, easy access, and unreal snow in Hakuba Cortina. You’ll climb even higher at Tsugaike Kogen, skinning for big alpine views and long, wide descents. We’ll change it up and drive to Myoko Kogen, a wilder ski area near Nagano, with fewer crowds and steep lines, through open woods. You’ll tour high ridges under the peaks of Mt Shirouma and Mt Hakubadake. Evenings will be spent relaxing in onsen hot springs, tasting new Japanese dishes, and swapping stories over a cold beer or hot sake. This is what ski touring dreams are made of!

Ready to make it happen? Pack your skis, and ride Japan’s deepest powder with us. It will be an unforgettable mix of ski touring and culture in the heart of the Japanese Alps.

Programma ( 10 )

Day 1

Arrive in Tokyo & Hakuba

Welcome to Japan!
After landing in Tokyo, we’ll pick up our rental car and start the drive to Nagano, the gateway to the Japanese Alps. On the way to the famous Hakuba Valley, we’ll stop in Nagano city for an authentic dinner, a perfect start to our ski adventure. Once we arrive in Hakuba, we’ll check into our lodge or hotel and get ready for the exciting ski touring days ahead.
Day 2

Warm-up Ski Day in Hakuba Valley

Today, you’ll start your warm-up in one of Hakuba 47’s most iconic areas. After breakfast, throw on your skins and start skiing through fresh powder and forested slopes in a playground of birch forests and small climbs (100–200m / 328–656’).
Day 3

Ski Day on Happo One Ski Resort

Get ready for another legendary spot — Happo One, a famous Japanese ski resort. Hop on a few old-school lifts that take you up to a high ridge, and let the adventure begin. You'll pass through the backcountry gates leading to a crest with descents to both the east and west. Depending on snow conditions, our expert mountain guide will decide which side to take. Expect long, thrilling runs of (800–1,000m / 2,625–3,281’), with just a short (150–200m / 492–656’) climb on skins to reach the best powder.
Day 4

Ski Day in Hakuba Cortina

Today, we head to Hakuba Cortina in the Hakuba Valley, a top choice when the weather is challenging, as the resort gets up to twice as much snow as other resorts. With heavy snowfall or low visibility, its wide, steep beech forest pistes deliver safe yet thrilling terrain and have some of Japan’s best tree skiing. Minimal skin climbs and maximum powder turns are perfect for Hakuba backcountry skiing!
Day 5

Ski Day in the Tsugaike Area

On Day 5, we explore Tsugaike Kogen, the highest ski area in the Hakuba Valley. Starting at around (1,800m / 5,906’), we’ll climb towards peaks near (2,600–2,800m / 8,530–9,186’). Using a points card, we’ll access big ascents, (up to 1,000m / 3,281’ skinning), before descending deep into the valley. If energy and conditions allow, we’ll link with Cortina for added terrain and adventure.
Day 6

Myoko Ski Resort

Today, we travel slightly off the beaten path to the region just outside Hakuba: the Myoko Ski Resort near Nagano. After a 1-hour drive, we access lifts, climb (400m / 1,312’) with skins, and ride steep slopes with sparse woods, and we’ll explore another layer of backcountry terrain in Japan’s snowy mountains.
Day 7

Ski Touring in the Hakuba Valley and surrounding mountains

We dedicate today to ski touring in the surrounding Hakuba Valley and its remote ridges. Traversing high alpine terrain, you’ll experience classic Japanese powder, bush tracks, and untouched descents. This is deep freeride in the Japanese Alps and Hakuba backcountry skiing at its most adventurous!
Day 8

Ski Touring in the Hakuba Valley and surrounding mountains

Another full day of ski touring and freeride in the Hakuba Valley. We’ll explore new lines, link high plateaus, drop into hidden valleys, and enjoy abundant snowfall and varied terrain. It will be a day of unmatched skiing for those seeking powder, adventure, and big verticals.
Day 9

Travel back to Tokyo & Evening at leisure

This morning, we depart Hakuba and drive back towards Tokyo. Ascending out of the valley, you’ll take a scenic route through the Northern Alps and the Nagano highlands, arriving in Tokyo with time to relax, stroll a neighbourhood like Shibuya or Ginza, enjoy a memorable meal, or simply unwind in your hotel. This can be decided by the group.
Day 10

Departure

Transfer to Tokyo airport & return flight to Italy

More information

Difficulty level

Solid skiers with powder/off-piste experience

Necessary Equipment – Provided by Dolomite360 on request

Skis, skins and poles
Ski touring boots
Avalanche Safety Gear: Beacon, Shovel & Probe (ARTVA kit)
Climbing harness
Ice Axe
Boot crampons

The equipment above listed may be included or available for an additional fee based on your selected itinerary. Please refer to the “What’s included” section for more details.

Necessary Equipment – Not Provided

Backpack
Gloves
Hat or headband
Water bottle or thermos
Snacks
Sleeping bag liner and towels (if sleeping in shared rooms in rifugios)

For tours in non-glaciated terrain, ice axes, boot crampons, and climbing harnesses may not always be required, but it's generally recommended to bring them due to potential itinerary changes and varying conditions.

Recommended Equipment

Layered technical clothing (base layer, insulating layer, waterproof outer layer)
Waterproof pants and jacket
Spare change of clothes
Sunglasses or ski goggles
Sunscreen and lip balm

More information

Accommodation in lodges, ryokan, or guesthouses, twin/shared rooms

A Ryokan is a traditional Japanese Inn. They offer futon bedding laid over tatami mats, soothing onsen baths, and serve traditional Japanese meals all delivered with warm omotenashi, Japan’s signature style of hospitality.

GALLERY / PHOTOS

from €2750 / p.p.

Guided tour: starting from € 2750 per person (based on a group of 6 participants)

Important to note
Prices may change between the time of the quote and the reservation. Your Dolomite360 consultant will promptly inform you of any variations. All itineraries are subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control, including weather, road, or trail conditions.

Full-time UIAGM/IFMGA mountain guide
6 full ski days (freeride or ski touring)
Accommodation in lodges, ryokan, or guesthouses, twin/shared rooms
Breakfast and some dinners (depending on location)
All domestic transfers (train, private van, shuttles)
Local assistance and translation when needed
Pre-departure briefing and MountainFree staff support
Access to onsen (Japanese hot springs) when available
1 night in Tokyo or Sapporo, central hotel with breakfast

International flights (we’re happy to advise routes)
Domestic flight (if needed, e.g. Tokyo–Sapporo)
Lunches and some dinners
Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory)
Lift passes for freeride days on ski resorts (if applicable)
Gear rental (skis, beacon, shovel, probe, touring pack)
Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, extras)

DOLOMITE 360

YOUR JOURNEY, OUR EXPERTISE. EVERYDAY.

When you embark on an adventure, you want the assurance of being supported by experts who share your passion. Every day, we strive to offer you the best, making our expertise available to make your adventure an extraordinary experience. By choosing us, you are guaranteed professional and dedicated support at every step of your journey.