Location: Kagura Photo: Diceman
A backcountry field "Honshu" that can be accessed from the ski resort. As a premise, select a place where a gate is installed at the entrance to the backcountry (BC) under the official approval of the ski resort. It was composed mainly of comments received from professional guides who provide BC guide services in that field.
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Important note
As introduced here, there are many BC fields that can be accessed from ski resorts, but starting from the elevation point that you climbed using the ski lift, you will suddenly enter a deep mountain. It is necessary to be fully aware of this fact, to prepare carefully, and to be extremely careful. Let's face it with a high level of awareness, including proper BC equipment, mountain etiquette and knowledge of risks, and managing your own health.
A safer way to explore the charm of BC skiing is to join a BC Guided Tour. Before entering the BC, they will give you a lecture on what you need to do, such as how to use the gear on the slopes and how to ski off-piste. Let's start by telling you that it's a smart choice to let a professional manage the various risks that exist in the backcountry.
Hakuba Area | HAKUBA VALLEY
The Hakuba area, which is located at the foot of the Northern Alps, a mountainous region that represents Japan, is home to a wide variety of natural BC fields. "HAKUBA VALLEY", which consists of 10 ski resorts, offers "HAKUBA VALLEY Safety Tips" so that you can enjoy BC safely. Based on that regulation, BC access from ski resorts is approved, and five ski resorts, Able Shiroba-Goku, Hachikataone, Tsugaike Kogen, Shiroba Norikura, and Shiroba Cortina, each have their own BC gates. is set up. HAKUBA VALLEY Safety Tips
Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort｜Nagano Prefecture
Optimal environment for BC entry users who
can choose a safe field
Tsugaike is the most popular place to guide entry-level users. This is because the conditions and the environment for the users are the best match. First of all, the main reason is that there are few steep slopes geographically and topographically, and there are many gentle slopes and medium slopes, so there are many slopes that entry users can relax and enjoy.
Next, it is also important to be able to respond flexibly to weather conditions. If the weather is fine, choose an open barn that is relatively open, and if the weather or visibility is poor, choose a slope centered on a forest zone. In bad weather, it is difficult to see the undulations of the slope in an open barn, so a forest zone is good to avoid the risk as much as possible.
The advantage and feature of Tsugaike is that you can avoid risks to safety from adverse conditions and reduce the burden on your body, and you can choose a field that guarantees safety. In addition, because of its high altitude, it is also blessed with good snowfall and good snow quality.
If you are an entry-level user, you can start with a route that you can enjoy walking for about an hour to an hour and a half. There is also a route that allows you to go deep into the mountains for an extra hour and enjoy it. Furthermore, if you get used to the overall physical strength of the mountain, the changes in the snow quality, and the skiing technique, you can stand on the ridgeline of the Northern Alps and the Ushiro Tateyama mountain range if you step in for another hour.
Tsugaike also has an environment where you can go further back from the ski resort and go down to another place, so it is an environment that can be enjoyed not only by the entry level but also by core users. Tsugaike has a lot of depth, so it is also attractive that you can enjoy it in various ways.
Compared to Happo and Goryu, the terrain is gentler, so there are many places where safety is guaranteed. Along the way, there are many places where you can take a break and avoid danger, so you can relax and enjoy yourself. Other fields in the Hakuba area tend to be more tense, but in Tsugaike, everyone can relax and enjoy themselves at their own pace. Isn't it a nice point that you can enjoy it with a smile all day long?
The representative point of Tsugaike is "Tenguhara". You can also enjoy slippery and gentle open slopes and long runs on trees and swamps. Powder can also be expected on the north facing slopes.
It is necessary to submit a climbing notification. When purchasing a ticket at the gondola station or at the ropeway station, submit a climbing notification. There is no need to contact us when descending.
[Comment]
Tomohiro Tonegawa
Color Sports Club Official Website: http://www.colorsportclub.com/
Introductory article in STEEP https://steep.jp/spot/2732/
Happo-One Ski Resort｜Nagano Prefecture
Vast open barn that exceeds the forest limit. The
snow quality changes drastically and is challenging.
The field is easily affected by the natural environment. Compared to Tsugaike, the change in snow quality is more drastic. There are some icebergs where the snow has been scraped by the wind, and there are places where it is blowing up. Since it is necessary to respond to subtle changes in snow quality, the field is slightly more suitable for repeat users than for entry users.
One of the features of Happo is that the top of the ski resort is beyond the forest line and there is no forest zone, so unless the weather is stable, it is difficult to make a plan and enter the mountain. This is also a difficult place unlike Tsugaike. In Tsugaike, if it's sunny, you can choose to go open, and if the visibility is bad, you can choose to go to the forest area. Ice cream and snow quality changes are also intense. In other words, the more severe the weather, the greater the risk of an avalanche due to the drastic changes in snow accumulation.
There is no forest belt, the weather conditions are rough, and the snow quality changes drastically, so it is a stressful area for intermediate and above climbers, but it is a stressful area. There are many people who are overwhelmed by the change in snow quality and struggle when they suddenly go to Happo. It would be a good idea to get some experience around Tsugaike and get used to BC before entering Happo.
It is also a feature of Happo, but it is rich in places where you can ski the altitude difference of about 1000m on the back mountain in one hour. On the one hand, it is easy to climb, and on the other hand, you can step into one of the most high-level alpine areas in Japan in about 3 hours. Happo also has such a challenging face. For BC users, it can be said that Happo has endless depth and charm.
Speaking of Happo, the most famous is "Garagara swamp". If the conditions are right, it's a relatively relaxing and enjoyable route. Climb for 30 to 45 minutes, and you can ski with an altitude difference of nearly 1000m. There is also a place to climb back up and play on the way. Since this route goes down to the back hill, you will have to park your car in advance or use a taxi on your way back.
Another popular field is Happoike. Compared to Raragarasawa, this slope is slightly less steep, so if Raragarasawa is for intermediate to advanced skiers, Happoike is suitable for intermediate skiers. There is also an open barn on the south slope where you can relax and play. Happoike becomes the route back to the ski resort.
[Comment]
Tomohiro Tonegawa
Color Sports Club Official Website: http://www.colorsportclub.com/
Introductory article in STEEP https://steep.jp/spot/2732/
Able Goryu｜Nagano Prefecture
Enjoying the steep slopes in the broadleaf forest zone is unique to Goryu
, and the risk is high, and the topography is also suitable for advanced skiers.
Goryu is below the forest limit, so no matter how far you go, you will find yourself in a forest zone. The feature of Goryu is that you can enjoy the steep slopes of the broadleaf forest. The slopes are steep and the skiing area is not very wide, so each route is detailed. It can be said that it is for advanced players geographically. It is easy to get lost, and if you descend into a deep valley, the risk of an avalanche is high. So you can never go wrong with the route.
Also, Happo skis appear closer to the city, but Goryu skis farther from the foot of the mountain. At the end, you have to come back by traversing the forest road along the river for more than an hour. It's too hard for snowboarders, and there are fewer snowboarders these days. In addition, since we return while crossing the bottom of the slope, it becomes a nest of avalanches in early spring, and we will be exposed to the danger of avalanches for an hour and a half. It's not for people.
The real pleasure of Goryu is skiing down steep slopes covered with plenty of powder in a beautiful forest of broad-leaved trees. Situations like this are especially rare overseas. Light powder doesn't cover steep slopes, but it's the slightly damp snow in Japan that makes steep slopes stick to the slopes, making Steep & Deep possible. Goryu is an irresistible field for inbound skiers.
[Comment]
Tomohiro Tonegawa
Color Sports Club Official Website: http://www.colorsportclub.com/
Introductory article in STEEP https://steep.jp/spot/2732/
Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort | Nagano Prefecture
There are many people because it can be turned with a lift!
Considering the risk of skiing, some parts are suitable for advanced skiers
The slope is steeper than Tsugaike, so the field is more slippery.
Many people buy a one-day ticket for the ski resort, enter the BC area with lift access, and return to the ski resort repeatedly, so it is characterized by a large number of users. In that sense, there are more people than the stress that comes from the natural environment, and it can be stressful. Geographically, there are cliffs and rivers, so you can't let your guard down. In fact, there are many troubles such as holes in the snow piled up on the river, falling and getting stuck, and other parties helping us. Considering the risk of skiing, it is not recommended for beginners, and there are parts suitable for advanced skiers. Because there are so many people and the route is short, we don't often go on guided tours, but if you go with a guide, even beginners can enjoy skiing.
[Comment]
Tomohiro Tonegawa
Color Sports Club Official Website: http://www.colorsportclub.com/
Introductory article in STEEP https://steep.jp/spot/2732/
Hakuba Norikura Ski Resort｜Nagano Prefecture
Difficulty level is higher than Cortina for advanced skiers
Beginners can enter depending on the conditions if it is limited to the south slope
A field with broad-leaved beech forests, just like Goryu. In Cortina, even a beginner can go on a guided tour, but in Hakuba Norikura, even a guided tour is difficult for beginners. The reason is the characteristic of the forest zone on the steep slope. This is the reason why it is absolutely popular with inbound skiers, but the steep slopes in the forest zone are too difficult for Japanese people to go. The target will inevitably be advanced skiers, and it will be more for advanced skiers than Cortina.
However, if it is limited to the southern slopes of Hakuba Norikura, even beginners can do it, depending on the conditions. The route is short and you can get off and come back soon. On the other hand, this southern slope is prone to changeable conditions, and large avalanches can occur. It is also a place that is greatly affected by conditions and weather, as cracks can form on the slopes and injuries can occur when visibility is poor. Of course, it is better to follow a guide, as sometimes troubles occur.
[Comment]
Tomohiro Tonegawa
Color Sports Club Official Website: http://www.colorsportclub.com/
Introductory article in STEEP https://steep.jp/spot/2732/
Kagura Ski Resort ｜ Niigata Prefecture
Ideal for BC beginners to make their debut You
can reach the main points in about 60 minutes on a hike
A ski resort where BC-oriented users in the Tokyo metropolitan area gather. There are many guide clubs based here, and it is also known as a friendly spot for BC beginners.
At the top of Kagura Ski Resort, go down the No. 5 Romance Lift (commonly known as Goroma) and you will find the BC Gate. Open until 12:00 pm or 1:30 pm, except in bad weather or bad slope conditions (depending on the season). Submit a climbing report to the gate management patrol and go through the beacon checker to the field.
From here, hike to areas with common names such as Kaguramine, Reflector, Nakaridge, North Slope, and Triangle. The main point is usually a 60 minute hike. From the ridgeline, you can see Mt. Naeba, the highest peak in the area, the Tanigawadake mountain range, Uonuma Sanzan, Myoko and Hakuba areas in the distance, and even the Sea of Japan. Of course you can ski, but just seeing this view is worth the hike.
The BC area has an altitude of 2000m to 1500m, and each slope has a variety of slope configurations such as open slopes and trees. The feature is that you can enjoy fresh snow with a stress-free feeling of slope with an altitude difference of 400 to 500m, such as large slopes and long runs, depending on how you choose the course. There are few steep slopes where avalanches occur frequently, but accidents such as getting lost or falling into a stream occur every year, so it is not easy enough for beginners and intermediate BC who can not read maps to go. I would like to have fun with guide club tours and experienced people.
From either area, you can return to the Kagura or Tashiro ski resorts. At the ski resort, we instruct them to return to the ski slopes by 2:00 pm and make sure to make a phone call to report their descent.
[Comment] STEEP Editorial Department
Muika Snow Resort ｜ Niigata Prefecture
field where even beginners can enjoy a long run BC on a gentle slope of 1.5km
A backcountry area that spreads out on the slope side of "Muika Snow Resort" in Muikamachi, Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture (a non-controlled mountain course). Located in a heavy snowfall area, you can enjoy heavy snow powder that resets almost every day during the high season.
After getting off the third pair lift and hiking up about 150m (about 15 minutes) to the top of the ski resort (748m), the backcountry field spreads out below. Muika is characterized by a sparse forest zone, almost like the forest line, even though the altitude near the summit is less than 1,000m. It is a mystical world where trees dot the vast slopes.
This hike-up zone is only covered by a snow compactor, so you can walk even on your feet. However, on days with a lot of snow, it's more comfortable to bring climbing skins and snowshoes. Also, since the hiking distance is only 150m, it is also recommended for beginners who want to put on climbing skins and practice climbing before going out to the full-scale backcountry.
The appeal of this backcountry area is that you can run long runs on gentle slopes. From 748m at the top to 400m at the bottom, you can ski for a total length of 1500m. Also, if you slide down, you can come back to the parking lot at the foot of the mountain, so it is an area that can be enjoyed by backcountry beginners and those who want to challenge themselves.
In order to enter this unmanaged application mountain course, it is necessary to apply in advance at the ticket window of Muika Ski Resort and wear an armband. A deposit of 1,000 yen is required for the armband. It will be refunded when the armband is returned.
[Comment] STEEP Editorial Department
Myoko Akakura Tourist Resort ｜ Niigata Prefecture
You
can enjoy the tree run while enjoying the changes in the vegetation.
Myoko is famous for its heavy snowfall. Mt. Myoko, the symbol of the area, consists of the main peak and five outer rims: Mt. Maeyama, Mt. Mitawara, Mt. Akakura, Mt. Okura, and Mt. Kana. At the foot of the mountain is Myoko Kogen Onsen Village, which consists of seven hot spring resorts and ski resorts such as Akakura Kanko Resort, Myoko Suginohara, Akakura Onsen, and Ikenotaira Onsen.
Backcountry skiing is possible on any of the five outer rims, but Akakura Kanko Resort has a gate. Maeyama is accessed from there. Start climbing from the end of the hotel No. 5 lift with a sticker, and reach the ridgeline in 2 to 2.5 hours. From there, it is a route that runs parallel to the ski resort with an altitude difference of about 1000m and returns to the bottom of the ski resort.
If it's a tour, we'll meet at 9:00 and go up on the lift, start climbing at 10:00, and arrive at the ridgeline in the early afternoon. A one-day tour that starts from there and ends around 15:00 is common. Climbing to the summit of Mt. Maeyama has some steep slopes, and if you are not accustomed to kick turns in seal climbing, you will have a hard time. Also, there are places where avalanches have occurred in the past, so it is safe to use a guided tour in the sense that safe line drawing is required.
Since the forest line is not crossed, there are trees even if you go to the ridgeline, but the upper part is sparse forest, and the middle part is skied between moderate intervals of trees. The upper part is birch, and halfway through it changes to a beech forest zone, so you can enjoy a tree run while enjoying the changes in vegetation. If you go up to the ridgeline, you can see the mountains of Hokushinetsu and even the Sea of Japan.
Snow conditions are often quite good in January and February. On the other hand, sometimes I can't go to BC because I get off too much. Choose your destination flexibly from among the vast fields, depending on the daily weather and snow conditions. This is where the need and value of a local guide club that knows the mountain well. In March, the influence of temperature and sunlight increases, and the time during which good snow can be maintained is shorter, so the powder season is generally from mid-January to early March.
Considering the technical difficulty of going up to the ridgeline of the outer rim of Mt. It will be difficult if you are a completely new person. However, if you don't have much experience, you can enjoy it even halfway without going to the ridgeline. It is a field where you can adjust the settings around it according to your level.
The appeal of Myoko BC is that it is not so impressive that it looks like the mountains of Hakuba. Myoko gets deeper the further you go. The depth of the mountain itself is the same, and the slopes change greatly, and the changes continue one after another. Everyone has their own tastes, but when you start to understand the charm of BC, you may be able to understand the true goodness of Myoko. In fact, there are quite a few people who come to Myoko after gaining BC experience in Tsugaike in Hakuba or Kagura in Niigata.
[Comment]
Toyokazu Nakano
Infield Official HP https://www.in-field.com/
Introductory article in STEEP https://steep.jp/spot/2765/
Tanigawadake Ropeway ｜ Gunma Prefecture
Mountainous areas with many steep slopes are recommended for
guided tours and skiing with experts
The Tanigawadake area where you can use the Tenjindaira ski resort's ropeway and lifts to ski BC.
From the top of the summit, there are many steep ridges on the forest limit that are prone to avalanches. It is possible to enjoy adventurous skiing here, but it is not recommended unless you are an experienced skier who can handle snow conditions, weather, and slope changes.
BC users submit a mountain report at the Sanroku Ropeway station building. The point that many BC skiers use is called Nishi Kurosawa. Lift access to the top. From here, go through the gate on the ridge and head to the BC field.
From the top of the ski area to the ridgeline, we slide along the open slopes and forests of the ridge extending from here toward the Ropeway Sanroku Station building, but most of the slopes in this area are very steep. It is also known as an area where avalanches occur frequently, and there are many thrilling slopes exceeding 40 degrees. It is recommended that you refrain from skating in bad weather or skating alone, and join a guided tour or skating with an experienced skier. Skiing is prohibited in other areas that do not pass through the gate. It's a place where avalanches and shipwrecks happen frequently, so it's necessary to follow the rules when skiing.
[Comment] STEEP Editorial Department
❖ BC Tour Report
