This is an important question as no one wants to be in over their head, holding up a group or spending their day standing around waiting for others to make it down the mountain. We do our very best to make sure everyone is grouped properly, however this process will only benefit you if it starts with a realistic assessment of your riding abilities.

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.

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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.

We offer backcountry gear rentals. These are offered to everyone on a day-by-day basis, but please be aware that clients on our tours take priority as well as receiving a generous discount. Prices per day are as follows:

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).