Off Piste Ski & Snowboard Tours.
Japan Powder Skiing At It’s Best
You’ve seen the Japan powder skiing / off piste / backcountry videos and gotten stoked, and Hakuba gets huge snowfalls, but with the keen local skiers and riders lined up first thing in the morning after a big dump the resorts get tracked out pretty fast, unless you know where to find the “secret stashes”. Join a tour with Evergreen’s experienced guides and smash powder like a local.
Several of Hakuba’s resorts have excellent side-country access where you can get the best taste possible of Hakuba Off Piste. Access the goods with the lift services of the resorts and then ride the excellent “side-country” terrain. Go with the knowledge and expertise of local professional ski & split-board guides into the best steep powder stashes in Japan…right here in Hakuba!
INTRO TO OFF PISTE
Sometimes all you need to do is take a few steps from the ‘well worn path’ to find the terrain that you came to Japan for. But where to start? It can be confusing to understand exactly where you are allowed to go and what to do in Off Piste terrain if something goes wrong. That’s where we come in. We have all the ski resorts in the Hakuba Valley wired, you will be able to challenge yourself on terrain that is accessed by ski lifts, and our Guides will create an itinerary of runs for you that are like a stepping stone for those wanting to adventure beyond the groomers and start making the most of the incredible Japan powder skiing on offer.
MAKE A
RESERVATION2016-2017 Season: Dec 16 – April 15
(depends on the condition)
Location: Hakuba / Nagano BC
Price: ¥18,500~
Time: 7:55 – 15:30
Includes: includes 3-piece set, pack, guide & tax
Not included: Food, drinks, lift tickets (access)
> Jump to the more info section
This program is delivered by our team of Evergreen Alpine Academy trainers. Click here to learn more about the Academy
ADVANCED OFF PISTE
If you’ve skied a lot of off piste and side country terrain but prefer to ride the lifts to get more vertical in your day, then this is the program for you. We ride hard, covering lots of terrain with exciting features and technical entries. At times we might even go for a short 20 minute hike to access a hidden face of fresh Japan powder skiing. This program suits riders who can confidently navigate dense trees, big fluffy moguls open creek beds and fast narrow exit trails.
We set you up with all the safety gear needed and your Guide will take care of the itinerary, all you have to do is show up and shred!

MAKE A
RESERVATION2016-2017 Season: Dec 16 – April 15
(dependent on conditions)
Location: Hakuba / Nagano Resorts
Price: ¥18,500~
Time: 7:55 – 15:30
Includes: 3 -piece set, pack, guide, tax
Not included: Lunch, lift tickets
> Jump to the more info section
PRIVATE OFF PISTE
Whether you are visiting Hakuba with family or you have a group of friends in town, book a Private Off Piste Guide for a day or two – you will not regret it. Depending on the ability of your group, we will show you the fun stuff, the secret stashes and the many hidden gems that the valley has to offer. You will be traveling through technical terrain and navigating obstacles like trees, creek beds and variable features, so it’s be to make sure everyone in your group can ride to the standard so you will all get the most out of your day.
We will arrange for your pick up and drop off from your accommodation in town. You will also be supplied with all the safety gear you need.

MAKE A
RESERVATION2016-2017 Season: Dec 16 – April 15
(dependent on conditions)
Location: Hakuba / Nagano Resorts
Price: ¥54,500 for 1, ¥30,250pp for 2, ¥22,200pp for 3, ¥18,150pp for 4, ¥15,700pp for 5, ¥15,500pp for 6+
Time: 7:55 – 15:30
Includes: 3 piece-set, pack, guide & tax
Not included: Lunch, lift tickets
> Jump to the more info section
More Information
Please beware that our tours are geared towards advanced-intermediate, advanced and expert skiers.
We will work with you through the booking process to explore in more detail your skill level so we can ensure you will get the most out of your day in the mountains.
- In the interest of safety, EBG reserves the right to direct guests to on-piste terrain, and/or a safe exit from the tour route, if it is determined that your skill level is insufficient to safely navigate natural hazards and keep up with the pace of your group. Please be aware that we are unable to give on-piste instruction and guiding, unless you have booked a private group tour where all participants are happy to change the tour itinerary. Refunds on tours or lift tickets in these situations will not be available.
CRITICAL SKILLS NEEDED TO COMPETENTLY RIDE IN OFF-PISTE & BACKCOUNTRY TERRAIN.
Skiers:
All skiers must feel confident making solid parallel turns, of varying rhythm and size, on steep blue or black angled terrain at an active pace. Being able to manage this terrain in deep snow or crud (depending on conditions) is of particular importance.
Boarders:
Critical skills are being able to hold a strong edge for high traverses and the ability to read terrain effectively so you can avoid the pitfalls of flat benches, miniature gullies and deep pow that will often stop snowboarders in their tracks. Literally.
All Riders:
Much of Hakuba’s best and most protected terrain is among the trees in areas with naturally occurring hazards, so you need to be able to navigate these and make turns where the terrain dictates. Many runs end with trails that are winding, narrow and bumpy ‘luge’ like exits where speed control is a requirement. With the assistance of your guide you can expect to cross partially open creek beds, flat cat roads and benches on which we may need to hike/walk across.
Intro to Off-Piste Tours:
This introductory program provides the first time off-piste skier/rider with coaching on how to translate the abovementioned skills into powder and variable off-piste terrain. Depending on the amount of fresh snow, you will need to make sure you have an appropriate fat powder ski or board to get the most out of your day.
Advanced Off Piste & Backcountry Tours:
In these programs it is assumed that skiers/riders already have experience in powder, at least in off-piste terrain. You don’t necessarily need to have the best style but you need to be capable of making your way down the mountain at a reasonable pace relative to your group.
BACKCOUNTRY TOURS: For guests who have NEVER been backcountry touring, you will join the Usagi tour on your first day so you can receive instruction on how to climb and using the safety equipment.
Item |
General Price / Day | Price for AST course participants | Price for BC Tour participants |
Beacon | ¥3,300 | ¥2,200 | Included in Tour |
Probe | ¥2,200 | ¥1,500 | Included in Tour |
Shovel | ¥2,200 | ¥1,500 | Included in Tour |
Backpack | ¥2,200 | ¥1,500 | Included in Tour |
BCA Airbag Backpack w/ air cylinder | ¥3,300 | ¥2,200 | ¥1,500 |
BCA Air Cylinder (only) | ¥1000 | ¥650 | ¥650 |
BCA Air Cylinder (refill/replace) *only cylinders from Japan | ¥4,000 | ¥4,000 | ¥4,000 |
Poles | ¥2,000 | ¥1,500 | ¥1,500 |
Snow Shoes | ¥3,300 | ¥2,500 | ¥2,500 |
Skins | ¥3,300 | ¥2,500 | ¥2,500 |
Alpine Trekkers | ¥2,750 | ¥1,250 | ¥1,250 |
3 Piece companion set (beacon, shovel, probe) | ¥5,500 | ¥4,400 | Included in Tour |
5 Piece set (companion set + any 2 from above) | ¥9,900 | ¥7,150 | N/A |
Splitboard w/ bindings | ¥6,600 | ¥5,500 (skins & poles included) | ¥5,500 (skins & poles included) |
Powder Skis w/ touring bindings | ¥6,600 | ¥5,500 (skins & poles included) | ¥5,500 (skins & poles included) |
BCA Air Cylinder (only) | 1 day = ¥1,000 | 1 day = ¥ 650 | 1 day = ¥ 650 |
2 day = ¥ 1,500 | 2 day = ¥ 1000 | 2 day = ¥ 1000 | |
3 day = ¥ 2,000 | 3 day = ¥ 1,350 | 3 day = ¥ 1,350 | |
4 day = ¥2,500 | 4 day = ¥ 1,700 | 4 day = ¥ 1,700 | |
5 day = ¥ 3,000 | 5 day = ¥ 2,050 | 5 day = ¥ 2,050 | |
6 day = ¥ 3,500 | 6 day = ¥ 2,400 | 6 day = ¥ 2,400 | |
7 day = ¥ 4,000 | 7 day = ¥ 2,750 | 7 day = ¥ 2,750 | |
add ¥500 /day | add ¥ 350 | add ¥350 |
We kindly request credit card details for rentals outside of regular tours. If you are renting avalanche gear, you and all of your group should be familiar with using the gear, you should understand current avalanche conditions and have knowledge of your intended route(s).
The weather and snowpack stability are also considered to ensure safety. We ski the off piste and backcountry terrain of Tsugaike, Norikura, Cortina, Happo & Hakuba 47 etc
Sign-in & pay, gear check & pre-tour briefing at 17:00
On The Day
Sign-in at 7:55. Tour from 8:00 – 15:30.
- Avalanche equipment – beacon, shovel, probe (mandatory & supplied)
- At least a 25L pack with straps which can carry ski/board (unless you are a skier or split-boarder using skins) – note, we supply packs FOC
- Skins or snowshoes (mandatory, skins are supplied)
- Lunch, drinks and at least 1L water (mandatory)
- Energy bars/chocolate/nuts etc (mandatory)
- Layering for warmth, wicking & ventilation (mandatory)
- Sunglasses (even if it is not sunny!) When you are hiking sunglasses are more comfortable to protect your eyes because they will not fog up. You can keep your goggles in your pack for the ski down.
- Helmet (recommended)
- A pair of lightweight gloves or glove liners for hiking (recommended)
We highly recommend that all clients have Backcountry Insurance. Please check with your travel insurance company – most insurance packages do not cover those skiing in Backcountry areas. We offer backcountry insurance for an additional ¥1,500/person/day.
“More powder that I could handle. Can’t wait for next year!”SEAN T. (AUSTRALIA)
