Hakuba Backcountry Basic Courses
Gain field experience and knowledge to safely travel in the backcountry
Backcountry Basics is designed as an introduction to the wonderful world of backcountry ski & snowboard touring. Our objective is all about learning & riding safely beyond the ski area boundaries. During the course of three full days, we will try to cover as much pertinent information as we can about safe mountain travel; from group management, being aware of risks, interpreting snow and weather, the fundamentals of using your gear/equipment, ascending & descending, route selection, recognising avalanche terrain and rescue practices.
Who is it for?
This course is for people who are new to the sport or those may like some training or refreshing of their skills. With this course we will build on what backcountry experience you may have and lay the foundation for those wanting initial training.
Skiing and Riding Ability:
As the majority of the terrain we will be accessing is off the groomed resorts, skiers and boarders on the course should be comfortable negotiating variable snow conditions and linking turns in powder . If you would like to join the course but are not sure of your level, please feel to ask us.
Skier's Skills:
Usually this will mean a minimum strong intermediate level with the ability to link parallel turns on all runs in all snow conditions, negotiate turning in trees, avoiding hazards, following a traverse on skis and being fit enough to hike up.
Snowboarder's Skills:
Usually this will mean a minimum strong intermediate level with the ability to link toe and heel side turns on all runs in all snow conditions, negotiate turning in trees, avoiding hazards, reading terrain and carrying speed across flats, following a traverse on board and being fit enough to hike up.
Fitness Ability:
You don't need to be a triathlete to join this course, however... We will be backcountry touring and touring usually means hiking up. These are "earn your turns" type of days, where we will use the lifts as much as possible, but from there we will hiking up to access the terrain. Our pace is generally slow and steady with ample breaks to snack and look at the mountains!
What to Bring:
All our backcountry basics courses will require touring equipment (touring skis with skins, splitboard with skins or snowshoes) , avalanche safety gear (beacon, probe, shovel) backpack (25L minimum) , lunch & snacks, water, warm clothes, helmet, goggles,sunglasses, money for lift(s). A notebook/pencil is optional.
Duration :
Three full days. A full day is 8:00 AM ~ 4:00 PM)
Dates in 2023/2024:
Please contact us for private backcountry basics course date requests
Pricing: (private group)
¥190,000 / up to 5 persons
Location:
Various backcountry areas in the Hakuba region.
Details:
We will be meeting at a decided base area for every day, so please arrange your own transportation (if in a public group course) . Ideally we would recommend having the 4-5 people in your group remain the same throughout the program so as to build on each day while keeping the group cohesive. Together we can make plans to hopefully suit everyone's schedule. There is a 5 person minimum to run a course.
Private Course Includes:
• Private vehicle, door-to-door transportation
• Professional guide/course instructor
• Flexible start time. Recommended is 08:00 ~ 15:30. End time is 16:00.
• Up to 5 students per private group
• Assistance with local services
• Totally tailored to you - at your pace and abilities
Kindly note the following for all bookings:
- To ensure availability on your desired dates, advanced booking is strongly recommended.
- Please take a few moments to fill in all sections during the booking process. This information allows us to better plan your day.
- If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us through the website, or feel free to phone us from within Japan at 090 1828 2276 or from abroad at +81 90 1828 2276.
We look forward to joining you in the snowy peaks of Hakuba.
Hands down one of the most professional and knowledge mountain guides I have ever come across. Having just completed a three day backcountry refresher course with James, I am thoroughly impressed with his passion for the mountains and his ability to impart his extensive knowledge in way that is easy to comprehend and put into practice every time you head into the backcountry. Greg Groves, Hakuba
BOOK NOW FOR 2023/2024
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