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Epic terrain, wicked pow and a super unique culture–go deep into Japan. Experience seven days of skiing immersed in some of the best snow conditions on earth. The Japanese Alps deliver when it comes to steep chutes and deep trees, combined with huge, cold dumps. Our Hakuba trip is the powder trip of a lifetime.
On this guided Japan backcountry skiing & snowboarding trip, you’ll explore the epic Hakuba backcountry with our fully certified guides who know the area like the back of their hands. Day tours will range from lift-accessed touring to full human-powered ascents, it all depends on what you want to experience. Our 8-day Hakuba backcountry packages let you choose the dates that work best for you and your skiing and riding needs. In addition to these highly curated itineraries, we will be staying at one of several private Morino Chalets, offering some of the best lodging in the area.
Unfortunately we will not be running our Japan trips for the 2021 winter due to restrictions on international travel and COVID-19. However, our Japan trips will make a comeback in winter 2022!
Our trips to Japan are built for intermediate to advanced skiers with moderate to good fitness. We will be ski touring (mainly resort accessed touring) and skiing deep snow for seven days, meaning your legs will feel it!
Basic backcountry skills are required for this trip and we will review avalanche skills on the first day.
On this trip, we will be staying in one of two Morino Lodge Chalets. Both chalets, Alps View and Alps Retreat, have prime locations just above the village of Happo and are both a short walk to the base of Happo resort, one of the largest resorts in the region. The larger village of Hakuba is about a 5 min drive from the Chalets. Each offer twin/double western-style rooms with shared bathrooms, fully equipped kitchens, spacious living rooms, drying rooms and views of the surrounding mountains
We provide all transport around the Hakuba Valley, to and from the resorts and touring locations.
We will help pair you for the group that best fits your needs. Group offerings include, young active groups, a women’s only group hosted by Girls Do Ski, a mature active couples group, mid 30’s mixed-gender groups and more. Don’t see a group that fits your needs? Just ask and we will try and find a space for you. Whitecap also offers private buyouts for 6 people.
We have partnered with Canada’s premier women’s freeski camp ,Girls Do Ski, to offer a women’s only touring Hakuba trip, Jan 12- Jan 20. All details are the same as the trips listed above but this trip will include private coaching by professional skier Leah Evans, in which she will focus on bringing you to the next level physically and mentally. This trip will be open to advanced and expert female skiers who love to ski in the backcountry and have some experience with ski touring.
Please check with us for availability. Due to the shared chalet accommodations, single rooms may not be available.
Yes, gear can be rented directly through Whitecap at an additional fee. G3 skis, skins, and bindings are available and backpacks with avy gear are available as well. Splitboard rentals may also be available.
On this trip you have a few options based on your arrival time into Japan. Please provide your flight info to us and we will help find the best transfers and options for you. Please also keep in mind transfer costs to/from Hakuba are not included in the package. Depending on travel method, the travel time between Narita/Tokyo and Hakuba is roughly 3.5-6 hours. Some people opt to spend one night in Tokyo or near the airport after they arrive and take the following day to make their way to Hakuba. Others who fly in prior to 3 pm chose to depart the same day to Hakuba. Transportation ranges from private shuttle to a combination of trains and taxis. Your guides can meet you at the Hakuba station or at the lodge depending on your arrival time and transportation method. Depending on your budget, flight times and preferences we will help you find the best route.
Breakfast and lunch will be organized at the Chalet each morning for ease and efficiency of getting out to the snow. Apres and dinner will be a combination of local restaurants. You can choose to sample the amazing Japanese cuisine (Sushi, Soba, and Kobe), or spend some nights in at the chalet to maximize your chill time after skiing. If you are averse to cultural food, fear not, there are lots of western options along with vegetarian, gluten-free, etc. Breakfasts, lunches, and dinner on the first night are included in the price of the trip. The rest of your dinners and alcohol are not included. We advise on the best locations, assist in arranging your reservations, as well as provide transport to and from each venue. It is difficult to avoid gluten in Japan, but it is possible. We recommend that you bring your own soy sauce and some snacks, as you will eat a lot of rice dishes. Being a vegetarian in Japan is easy and avoiding meat but eating fish is even easier.
Dinners typically range between $10-35 USD please provide your budget to your guide and they will give recommendations accordingly
Yes, you can submit a 50% non-refundable deposit. The remaining balance will be due 10 weeks prior to departure.
There is a maximum of 6 guests per trip. Due to the flexible nature of the groups please check with us to see what dates are available.
Yes, please let us know if you will be using your Epic pass and receive $250 off!
Whitecap and Whitecap International cannot make exceptions to the cancellation policy for any reason, including personal emergencies and weather.
All cancellations must be received in writing. If we receive your cancellation more than 10 weeks prior to the start of your trip, you have two options:
a) We are happy to rebook your reservation if you find an alternative date of the same season at Whitecap and McGillivray Pass Lodge, or Whitecap International.
b) We provide a full refund, less a $400 administration fee
If notice is received less than 10 weeks prior to the starting date, no money will be refunded.
For more information about our cancellation policy, please contact us by calling toll-free at 1.604.862.9757 or by email at info(at)whitecapalpine.ca
We strongly recommend that all guests purchase trip cancellation insurance and mostimportantly trip medical and evacuation insurance.
The specific is evacuation and repatriation insurance coverage, most travel policies do not cover this, please check with your provider to see if you are covered. If you are injured while skiing in Japan and need to be evacuated to a higher level of care, the evacuation expense is to be covered by the injured party. Basic travel insurance does not cover this and we want to ensure that you are adequately protected in the event of an injury.
We highly recommend our insurance partner https://www.globalrescue.com for our international insurance
needs. They provide comprehensive medical, evacuation and repatriation coverage. Please go to ourWhitecap link here https://ss.globalrescue.com/partner/whitecap/index.html read through the information and details and lock in a policy that works for you. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.