Tours led by backcountry guides
When skiing in the backcountry, there are many benefits to participating in a tour guided by a reliable guide. Especially when skiing in unfamiliar areas or when the weather is unsatisfactory, having a guide will give you peace of mind.
In general, there are two types of guided tours: the application type, in which various applicants choose a fixed schedule and content and freely apply to participate, and the private type, in which groups or individuals rent out guides. Each has its advantages, but this time I experienced a private tour. Let's take a look at that fact.
International Mountain Guide
Yuji Emoto Private Tour
Yuji Emoto, an international mountain guide, is a freelance guide who does not belong to a specific guide club and only conducts private tours.
“In the application type where each individual participates, people who don’t know each other form a group, so it’s quite difficult because they have different levels and different aspirations. There are times when you don't have to feel like you're going to ski first... Well, Japanese people are relatively easy-going, so they don't complain or argue about that, but foreigners don't. He doesn't hesitate to complain.There
are many foreign guests on my tours, so I basically deal with them in private, whether it's one person or a group.If it's the same group, even if the level is different, even if someone falls, Even if troubles arise, they mostly tolerate each other.Also, most of the time, the group has a consensus on where they want to skate, what kind of situation is best, etc., so they often listen to their requests. says
Emoto.
Certainly, in a typical tour, participants who don't know each other first get together and start by saying "Nice to meet you" while being nervous. It's not uncommon for hikers to be considerate of those around them, checking their skills by watching the hike and the first slide, and exploring whether they can go without causing trouble for the group.
This time we asked Mr. Emoto for a private tour with 5 friends. I know everyone's skating level, physical strength, and selfishness, so I don't feel the stress mentioned above. Mr. Emoto said that in the 2021 season, the number of guides for foreigners is being reduced due to the corona crisis. We were lucky to be able to book even though it was a long holiday in February.
First, we have a meeting the day before to decide where to go.
In the case of a guided tour, the group will share in advance where they will go skiing and what kind of situation they will be in.
“I was hoping to ski the top of Happo, but it hasn’t snowed for two days. Do you want to skate?” Emoto asks.
"Is high-quality powder in the forest? Tsugapau?
"
I want to go
ski resort ." ”
Our group usually enjoy powder at places like Tenjindaira, Kagura, and Niseko. I enjoy backcountry skiing on my home slope, but this time I decided to ask for a guide because I wanted to fully enjoy the unknown parts of Hakuba. We told Mr. Emoto well in advance about our technical level.
Aiming for the top from Tsugaike
The next morning, one car was depoted at Hakuba Norikura, and we headed for the top of Tenguhara from Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort. 90 minutes to hike . Each one climbs with their own rhythm in the fine weather.
Even if you raise the altitude, the surrounding trees are completely spring. I wonder if there is really dry powder left...
Exquisite powder spread even though it was sunny
"It's going to slide here. I'll be waiting for you down there, so you can go down there freely. There might be snow in the middle."
Mr. Emoto guided us along a steep north-facing slope. A bowl-shaped terrain. Mr. Emoto lightly raises the spray and descends at once. Despite the sunny weather and the rising temperature, the powder was superb. Our tension rises as we watch. Each jumped into the soft-looking snow.
In the morning, enjoy two skiing points with good visibility, and connect them for long runs on trees and swampy powder. As I said last night, there was still some nice snow left. Thankfully, Takahiro Nakanishi, a photographer who accompanied the tour, filmed our slides. Here is the riding.
Descend to Hakuba Norikura for a break and move to the neighboring Cortina
After climbing back up, skiing again, and then descending to Hakuba Norikura Ski Resort for a coffee break.
“The temperature is high and the snow is quite heavy, but do you still want to ski?” Emoto asked.
"We still want to go," we said.
I got into the car that was depoted in Norikura and moved to the Cortina ski area next door. Purchase a 2-time lift ticket here and go to the top of the ski area again.
With a luxurious dessert called tree run with powder
"From here on, it's a tree run. I don't think the snow is dead yet... What do you think? Well, let's go." Mr. Emoto jumped into the forest.
Oh, you look good. The sun is shining and the temperature is 5 degrees. I thought it was already spring crust snow, but there was still plenty of dry snow left in the forest. And no track. I never thought I'd be waiting for such a gorgeous dessert.
Go hard through the forest. After passing through a pleasantly gentle slope, the trees with an interval of around 25 degrees are lightly flown. I think we can still go. As we descended, the snow turned into heavy wet snow.
"We're going to traverse the steep slope ahead. Be careful with your board."
Catch the train in 15 minutes! From Nakatsuchi Station to Cortina
``I have to go to the bottom in 15 minutes. If you are in a hurry and walk for a few minutes, you will reach an unmanned station called Nakatsuchi. From here, take the train back to Cortina.
Shortly after we arrived at the station, the train arrived. There are other skaters with boards and boots, and they all get on board. If I missed this train, the next one would be an hour and a half later. Here you can see the meaning of having only 15 minutes. If I asked the reason on the mountain, I might have fallen because I was nervous and missed the train.
In the end, this day's course started from Tsugaike, crossed many mountains, and finally slipped to a small station in Otarimura. The event starts at 9:00 and continues until 16:00. What a special tour.
[Tour Course]
Tsugaike Kogen Ski Area → Tenguhara Area → Hakuba Norikura Ski Area → Cortina Ski Area → JR Nakatsuchi Station in Otari Village
2 days later Apply for private
this time to Happo BC
Two days later, we decided to ask Mr. Emoto again as a private guide. There was no snow yesterday, so it doesn't look like it would be fun to slide down the slopes. I asked again that if I asked Emoto-san, he would surely take me to a good place even in this situation.
“Today we want to ski the top of Happo,” we said.
"Then let's walk for about 3 hours from the top of the lift and ski a long powder run that hasn't been roughed up," says Mr. Emoto.
However, this time we declined Mr. Emoto's proposal and requested, "The weather is nice, so I'd like to ski two slopes of Happo BC." It is also private to have such a request heard.
To Happo BC
Today I went to the top of Happo-one. Start with stickers and snowshoes from Happoike Sanso. The dazzling Hakuba Blue was waiting for us.
Mt. Karamatsu and Mt. Fukimine in front, Mt. Shiroumayarigadake, Mt. Shakusidake, and Mt. Shirouma on the right, and Mt. Goryu and the high peaks of the Northern Alps on the left.
No track even the next day without snow thanks to the guide
Although there was no snow last night, I chose no track and dropped it on a wide slope. With High Alpine, you can enjoy no-track powder even on the next day when there is no snow. Thanks to the guides who lead me to good routes.
Enjoy the great nature of Hakuba and feel the goodness of a private guide
We were able to ski Happo BC two times, just as we had hoped, under the clear skies of Hakuba Blue.
“Hakuba has a lot of depth. Whether it’s sunny, snowy, or a little windy, there is always a point where you can enjoy skiing. Of course, the places you can go depend on your skill level and physical strength, but Hakuba is an area where you can truly experience skiing in the great outdoors,” says Mr. Emoto.
Blessed with good weather this time, I fully enjoyed the powerful nature of Hakuba. I was able to feel the goodness of a private guide more than enough.
[Tour Data]
Happo-One Ski Resort → Happoike Sanso → Happo BC → Hakuba Village (2 routes
Reviewing the benefits of a private guide
Private guides are basically the same price for one person or more than one person. If it's one-on-one, it takes a lot of courage, but if it's a group like this time, it's quite reasonable. Reviewing the points
・You can ski without worrying about your skill level and with like-minded friends without any stress.
・You can make requests such as where you want to ski, and they will customize it for your group
. There is also
Not only Mr. Emoto, but many of the guide clubs are private. We would like you to use it as an optional plan when enjoying BC with like-minded friends.
❖ Yuji Emoto
, UIAGM International Mountain Guide
, French State
Ski Instructor
* Yuji Emoto's private guide is 50,000 yen per day for up to 6 people. Prices vary depending on location and content.
Report: BS.H / STEEP Editorial Department Photo: Takahiro Nakanishi , Diceman, Dominick