Hakuba  -   Japan - Powder Journey

Dates Winter 2018 TBD

 

The Trip

You’ll instantly sense the contrast between the two regions.  Hakuba is an international destination with wild rugged mountains and 11 ski resorts nestled in her valley.  We’ll chose among them - and the nearby mountains - as we seek out the region’s best lift-accessed and back-country ski lines.    

 

But let’s always remember: we are here to ski great snow and will adjust our plans to be sure we hit the best possible conditions.  Each day of your week-long ski holiday will be unique and rewarding as we explore the mountains around Hakuba in the heart of Japan’s most wild and rugged mountain range.  Made famous for her steep ski lines and soft deep powder, Hakuba is often called the Chamonix of Asia.  With beautiful open alpine bowls, impressive colors and steep perfectly spaced beech trees - Hakuba is the ideal destination for any weather condition. 

 

 

Japan

Japan has long been known for her abundant snowfall and tree skiing where ancient beech forests offer perfectly spaced open runs.  2 years ago - JAPOW (the knickname given to storm after powder storm that hit Japan in January) hit the world stage since she boasted the best snow of the Northern Hemisphere for much of the year.  But even in last year’s low snow conditions - there were still great ski line to be found above 1700m in the alpine!  When it’s not stormy - we’ll explore these alpine open bowls and steep faces.  But when it is stormy - laps in the trees will keep us entertained and hooting with delight.  

 

Often people ask me “Why is there so much snow”?  A dominant pattern has cold air from a high pressure in Siberia descend south across the moist Sea of Japan influence by a low NE of Hokaido.  When this Northerly flow hits the mountains of Japan one of the worlds most reliable pattern of snowfall results.  The Hakuba valley receives 11-13m of snow a year with 50cm / day common.

 

Japanese culture and hospitality will be our constant companions during our ski adventure in the Kita or North Alps.  A soak in a traditional onsen (hot springs) or sampling fresh sashimi paired with local sake at the end of the day are but a couple of  examples of how your this ski holiday will be culturally richer than any other you’ve done before.

 

 

Who is this trip for?

We envision this ski trip for people who love to ski powder and are willing to spend some energy climbing in the backcountry to make their way to the top of powder ski lines.  Both climbing skins and chairlifts will be our friends for these 7 days.  We will alternate days of pure backcountry skiing with days riding the lifts high into the mountains to access the back-country adjacent to Hakuba’s numerous resorts.  

 

Split boarders, telemarkers or skiers on Alpine Touring gear - all are welcome, no matter what is your way to enjoy “riding” on the snow.  Be sure to bring your powder boards!  Hakuba and nearby regions will surely delight you with the rich array of accommodation, thousand year old hot springs, ancient beech forests, culinary delights as well as the different world class resorts and rustic small ski hills that form Hakuba.

 

With Aspire Mountain Journeys, you will always travel in style.  In our vision, we want you to just think about skiing and having a good time.  We are familiar with and love Japan - This is Cece’s 9th trip to Japan and her 4th trip to Hakuba.  We will take care of all the logistics and help you to feel at home in the land of sake and tradition.    Every day we will chose the easiest and most efficient way to get to the skiing - and then to the Japanese style apres’ ski.