Hakuba, Japan evoTrip

Hakuba, Japan evoTrip

Renowned for its excellent terrain, big mountains, and spectacular views, Hakuba is one of Japan's go-to spots for the country's best skiing and snowboarding.

Hakuba, Japan
Group Trip
Ability level: Intermediate, Advanced
Select Your Trip Package:

Questions? Let us help! Call us at 1-866-386-1590

Questions? Connect with an evoTrip expert. Contact us here.

 

Renowned for its excellent terrain, big mountains, and spectacular views, Hakuba is one of Japan's go-to spots for the country's best skiing and snowboarding. 


Ride some of the finest terrain in Japan, experience local culture, and explore some of the most beautiful areas Japan’s largest island, Honshu, has to offer on this Hakuba ski & snowboard trip. We will travel from the bustle of Tokyo and drive to the Hakuba Valley, a scenic, mountainous valley filled with some of the most incredible skiing and riding in the world. When you're not out on the hill, stay at the exceptional evo Hotel Hakuba, enjoy amazing food at an izakaya or ramen bar, and take in the local culture or soak in one of the many onsen (hot spring baths). On this trip, we also have the option to explore Nagano’s temples and visit the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park.

Please note: This trip is designed and recommended for intermediate and above skiers and snowboarders, meaning you are comfortable on most blue runs, can link turns in powder snow, can make a variety of turn shapes and can traverse & hold speed. Your trip leaders will arrange groups based on skill level & pace, so whether you're an intermediate skier or an expert shredder rest assured you'll be riding with folks that share the same objective as you. See our FAQs for more information.

Got an Epic Pass? See FAQ for trip discount information.

Got a crew? Bring your friends and you'll score the trip for less. See our FAQ for more details.

Plans may evolve with weather & guides' judgement, we strive to find the best conditions each day

ITINERARY

Meet your group in the lobby of Hotel Nikko Narita at 11:00am. As flights from North America arrive to Tokyo in late afternoon, you will need to book a pre-trip hotel night the day before Day 1 of your trip (we recommend Hotel Nikko Narita). We will travel by private bus to the evo Hotel in Hakuba. Along the way, we will stop for food at one of the many impressive Japanese B-kyū gourmet rest stops featuring regional cuisine made fast. We'll arrive in Hakuba and head out for an incredible dinner together before our first day of riding.

We will gather for breakfast to fuel up before heading to whichever resort has received the most snow & has the best conditions. Ski and snowboard all day if you like, or catch the earlier van ride back to the hotel whenever you need it. We will get lunch on-hill. Ride with the group or explore on your own until it’s time to meet up and take our private transport back to the hotel. Store your gear in the dry room and get comfortable. We will have a group dinner reservation which you can join or opt out of if you prefer.

Repeat! If there is fresh powder, we may head to the north side of the valley for a day of epic tree riding at the beautiful Cortina Resort. There are so many options at this resort, from long groomers to incredible off-piste terrain. If you'd like, bring a backpack with a change of clothes and take a dip in the beautiful onsen with views of the slopes while you soak. You'll also have daily access to the rooftop onsen at evo Hotel Hakuba -- the options to soak & relax are plentiful!

Depending on the weather and the group’s needs, we will likely take this or the following day for an optional tour of Nagano (alternatively, feel free to stay in Hakuba to ski/snowboard more). We’ll eat breakfast and meet in the lobby at 8am to take our private van to Zenkoji Temple, one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in the country. Next up, we'll feast on sushi delivered via conveyor belt before going to Jigokudani Monkey Park to visit the snow monkey's. Upon return to Hakuba, you'll have a free evening to relax and make your own dinner plans -- we are happy to help make a reservation in advance.

Gather for breakfast and load up the van to head to another epic Hakuba Valley resort -- whether it's the vast Happo One, the family-run vibes of Iwatake, more laps at Cortina or adjacent Norikura.

Rise and shine for your final day of riding Hakuba. As always, your trip leaders will have their sights set on finding the best snow in the area, and getting us there in time for fresh tracks. We'll celebrate our last night in Hakuba with a group dinner out, toasting the epic week we've shared together.

Say farewell to the incredible humans at evo Hotel Hakuba, and travel by private coach from Hakuba to Tokyo. We will check into our accommodations at the Hilton Tokyo, located in the Shinjuku area of the city. You'll enjoy a full afternoon and long neon night exploring Tokyo. Stick with the group or choose your own adventure, from grabbing noodles in Omoide Yokocho (more colorfully referred to as Piss Alley), immersing yourself in digital art at TeamLab, strolling through Yoyogi Park, and/or catching a jaw-dropping rooftop view of the city & Mt. Fuji from the top of the Government Building . This will be a great opportunity to pick up gifts for your friends and family.

Enjoy your last morning in Japan with a hearty buffet breakfast, before an optional walk through Shibuya and Harajuku, where Japanese fashion will be on full display. Reserve your space on the airport limousine (which you can catch near the hotel) and prepare for your flight out of Narita or Haneda airport. Enjoy your last bowl of soba and a chair massage before heading home.

What’s Included

  • Seven nights of lodging in Japan (six at evo Hotel Hakuba, one night at Hilton Shinjuku Tokyo hotel), based on double occupancy
  • Support from two guides & one host
  • Seven breakfasts and one dinner
  • Welcome reception at evo Hotel Hakuba
  • Optional group dinner reservations throughout the week
  • Transfer by private coach from Hotel Nikko Narita to evo Hotel Hakuba
  • Private coach transfer from Hakuba to Tokyo Hilton Hotel
  • Four days of lift tickets to Hakuba Valley resorts
  • Daily resort transportation for our group while in Hakuba
  • Optional Nagano tour of Zenkoji Temple and the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Or, ski a 5th day (lift ticket at your expense).
  • Recommendations for food, drink, and entertainment in Hakuba and Tokyo
  • Gift from Oyuki 
  • One-time 20% off discount code for evo.com (some exclusions apply)
  • 10% discount on rentals & retail from Rhythm Japan (see FAQ)
  • Loyalty credit of $200 off future evoTrip
  • evo Members earn $100 in points to shop on evo.com (sign up here)

Not Included

  • Airfare to Narita International Airport
  • Pre-trip hotel night (contact us if you would like to book Hotel Nikko Narita)
  • Most lunches and dinners
  • Backcountry skiing or snowboarding
  • Transportation from Tokyo to Narita (options include bus, train or taxi and cost approximately $35)
  • Taxi rides or any transportation in Tokyo
  • Travel insurance (we recommend World Nomads) 
  • We recommend planning to spend $500-$700 on meals, drinks, entertainment, tips, and gifts
  • Trip leader gratuities
Questions? Connect with an evoTrip expert. Contact us here.

What’s Included

  • Seven nights of lodging in Japan (six at evo Hotel Hakuba, one night at Hilton Shinjuku Tokyo hotel), based on double occupancy
  • Support from two guides & one host
  • Seven breakfasts and one dinner
  • Welcome reception at evo Hotel Hakuba
  • Optional group dinner reservations throughout the week
  • Transfer by private coach from Hotel Nikko Narita to evo Hotel Hakuba
  • Private coach transfer from Hakuba to Tokyo Hilton Hotel
  • Four days of lift tickets to Hakuba Valley resorts
  • Daily resort transportation for our group while in Hakuba
  • Optional Nagano tour of Zenkoji Temple and the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Or, ski a 5th day (lift ticket at your expense).
  • Recommendations for food, drink, and entertainment in Hakuba and Tokyo
  • Gift from Oyuki 
  • One-time 20% off discount code for evo.com (some exclusions apply)
  • 10% discount on rentals & retail from Rhythm Japan (see FAQ)
  • Loyalty credit of $200 off future evoTrip
  • evo Members earn $100 in points to shop on evo.com (sign up here)

Not Included

  • Airfare to Narita International Airport
  • Pre-trip hotel night (contact us if you would like to book Hotel Nikko Narita)
  • Most lunches and dinners
  • Backcountry skiing or snowboarding
  • Transportation from Tokyo to Narita (options include bus, train or taxi and cost approximately $35)
  • Taxi rides or any transportation in Tokyo
  • Travel insurance (we recommend World Nomads) 
  • We recommend planning to spend $500-$700 on meals, drinks, entertainment, tips, and gifts
  • Trip leader gratuities
Questions? Connect with an evoTrip expert. Contact us here.

Location Details

Our new evo Hotel in Hakuba is centrally located in the middle of all the action across from the Hoppo transportation hub and various food, drink and shopping options.

Upon arrival, the new listening lounge, community gathering space, and on-site onsen provide the ultimate welcome vibe to take a load off from travel so the group can get ready for an action-packed trip.

The entire Hakuba Valley offers tons of restaurants and nightlife options too - there’s plenty to explore during downtime off the hill. This trip is designed to strike the ideal balance between having enough loose plans to explore and discover a new culture based on your preferences while having a guide and new friends to steer you in the right direction.

Situated in a long valley at the north end of the Japanese Alps, the mountains of Hakuba have a distinctly rougher texture than what you’ll find anywhere else in the Land of the Rising Sun. Home to ten ski resorts and eight villages, each pocket of the valley has its own unique character.

While much of Japanese skiing and snowboarding terrain is centered around long, flowing, playful powder laps down volcanic cones, the truly steep and technical terrain can be a bit harder to come by. In Hakuba, freeriders will find themselves drooling at the fluted ridgelines of gnarly alpine terrain hanging above every resort in the valley. Meanwhile, intermediate riders will enjoy some of the longest powder laps in the country on enjoyably steep terrain.

Down below, the villages that line the valley floor are as exciting and varied as the ski terrain that sits above them. Hakuba is a gathering place for skiers and snowboarders from around the world, and the town is alive with the mutual stoke to be in such an incredible place. You’ll find shops, bars, restaurants, and enthusiasm around every corner.

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FAQs

Is my trip guaranteed to run?

The January & February trips are all confirmed to run! The March trips will require a minimum number of travelers to confirm. Please wait to make travel arrangements, such as booking flights, until you receive confirmation from evoTrip that your departure is confirmed.

I'm ready to book. What next?

To secure your spot, you can either pay the full amount now online or contact Customer Care at 1.866.386.1590 if you prefer to only pay your $1,000 per person deposit. Note that regardless of paying full payment or deposit at time of booking, we will consider $1,000 to be a non-refundable deposit in accordance with our terms and conditions. Full payment is due 60 days prior to departure.

I've got a crew! What kind of pricing can you offer for me & my party of 6 or more people?

Awesome! We are pleased to offer discounted pricing for groups of 6-12 people. For a group of 6-7 (including you), the trip price is $3,850 per person. For a group of 8-9, it's $3,750 per person. For a group of 10-12, it's $3,650 per person. Please email [email protected] if you have a group and we can happily arrange a custom discounted booking for you.

When and how do I meet up with the group?

You are responsible for booking your own travel and you must meet your group at Hotel Nikko Narita by 11AM on Sunday. This is an airport hotel located about 10 mins by free shuttle from Narita Airport.

What if I would like to book pre-trip ("Day 0") hotel at Hotel Nikko Narita?

We are happy to arrange a pre-trip hotel booking for you at Hotel Nikko Narita. The hotel is clean, comfortable, and reasonable with ensuite rooms typically available for $100-150 per night. The hotel also has a free airport shuttle to Narita (10 minute ride). Please email [email protected] for more information and/or to book.

Can I choose my roommate?

Yes. If you have a roommate request, please let us know. By default, we will place two people of the same gender in a room with two beds.

Can I book a private room? Will there be a single supplement?

Yes, though single rooms are first come, first served and subject to availability. Please note an additional cost (known as a single supplement) of $1250 will apply. Please check in with Customer Care before booking if this will determine your participation.

What if I'm a solo traveler that would like a roommate but none are available?

If you are a solo traveler that would like a roommate, we do our best to pair you with another solo traveler of the same gender. However, if no roommate option is available and you must be assigned your own room, you will be asked to pay 50% of the single supplement to cover the cost of your room. In this case, as the single supplement is $1250, you would be liable for $625 extra. Please note roommates are paired on a first come, first served basis, so the earlier you book the less likely you will be "forced" into a single room.

What skill level is required to join these trips?

We recommend this trip for everyone from intermediate to advanced & expert skiers and snowboarders, as your trip leaders will group participants by skill level, pace, and objective. "Intermediate" means you feel comfortable on most blue runs, and can link turns in powder snow, can make a variety of turn shapes and can traverse, hold speed and are adventurous when skiing and snowboarding the entire mountain. Familiarity with riding off-piste is highly beneficial on this trip. If you are not intermediate or above, you are welcome to join the trip -- we can recommend lessons and/or you are always welcome to do your own thing! Please reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions about ability level.

Can I rent equipment in Japan?

Yes! Our partners at Rhythm in Hakuba can help take care of all your ski and snowboard rental needs. More information on rental inventory at www.rhythmjapan.com/rentals. We are happy to offer guests 10% off rentals booked for their evoTrip. Please use the following link to make your reservation and receive your discount https://tinyurl.com/Rhythm-Rentals

What is included in this trip?

This trip includes: Transportation by private coach from Hotel Nikko Narita to evo Hotel Hakuba and return from Hakuba to Tokyo. Six nights stay at evo Hotel Hakuba, one night stay at Hilton Tokyo in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Support from two guides and one trip host. All breakfasts, and one group dinner. Four days of on-snow guiding in the Hakuba Valley, including optional lift-accessed backcountry. Four days of lift tickets to Hakuba Valley resorts.
Private daily transportation for our group while in Hakuba.
Optional Nagano tour of Zenkoji Temple and the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Or, ski a 5th day (lift ticket at your expense). Optional group dinner reservations as well as recommendations for food / drink and entertainment in Hakuba and Tokyo.

What is NOT included in this trip?

Airfare – please note you must arrive at Hotel Nikko Narita by 12pm/noon on Sunday of your trip start. Pre-trip hotel. Single supplement. Most lunches and dinners – we will provide recommendations and some of the ski resorts include lunch with their lift tickets, but any expenses will be out of pocket. Backcountry guiding services. Transportation from Tokyo to Narita (options include bus, train or taxi and cost approximately $35). Taxi rides or any transportation in Tokyo. Trip leader gratuities. We recommend that you purchase travel insurance to protect your flight and belongings as well as cover medical expenses. We recommend planning to spend $500-$700 on meals, drinks, entertainment and gifts.

What gear should I bring?

You will be sent a recommended packing list after booking. Some people bring more than one snowboard / skis (one for powder, one for all-mountain), this is not a requirement. Bringing two pairs of skis can potentially put your bag over weight and be expensive.

I am going to come early / stay longer; can I do something with my snow gear?

Japan has an incredible luggage delivery service (Black Cat) that you can take advantage of for about $50. If you arrive early, you can send your snow gear to the lodge from the airport. If you are staying longer, you can have your luggage delivered to the airport ahead of your arrival. We can give you all the information to coordinate this.

Can my dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Yes! For meals provided by the lodge/evo (breakfasts and one dinner), there will be options available. Gluten Free: It is difficult to avoid gluten in Japan, but it is possible. We recommend that you bring your own soy sauce and some snacks, as you will eat a lot of rice dishes. Being a vegetarian in Japan is easy. We will provide you with a card that will alert restaurants/grocers to your needs and most locations will be accommodating. Halal & Kosher while there are a limited number of Halal and Kosher restaurants in Japan, there will be many meal options available by avoiding meat. For all dietary restrictions, we recommend that you bring some snacks just in case.

Can I (or my partner) come even if I don't ski or snowboard?

Yes. The primary activity on these trips is skiing/snowboarding; however, there may be options if you or your loved one does not currently participate. There are English-speaking ski schools in Hakuba, you can sign up for lessons and rentals at an additional cost (we can help book this). For folks not interested in learning to ski / snowboard, we may be able to help coordinate other activities, such as visits to a spa, yoga or snow shoeing.

Is there a discount if I already have an Epic pass?

Yes, if you have an Epic or Epic Local pass and would like to join our Hakuba trip, we will provide a discount of $260 after booking in the form of a refund. Please let us know after booking if you do not need lift tickets.

Should I purchase travel insurance?

YES! While it is not required, we always recommend purchasing travel insurance for all trips. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement if you are forced to cancel your trip for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to cover medical help, emergency transport, theft and/or accidental damage while traveling. We recommend World Nomads.

What if I need to change or cancel my trip?

If you cannot or no longer wish to join your scheduled trip, we offer the option to forward your deposit to a future evoTrip (at no cost) up to 60 days prior to departure date. However, if you need to cancel, the deposit for the trip is non-refundable and cancellations will be subject to a cancellation fee (see policy below). For this reason, we recommend purchasing travelers insurance, which will cover the cost of your trip in extenuating circumstances. All cancellations must be submitted to evo in writing, are effective as of the date we receive them according to our internal records, and will be subject to a cancellation fee as follows (amounts are per person and only apply to amount paid after the $1,000 non-refundable deposit amount): Cancellation 60 days or more prior to trip departure - Non-Refundable $1,000 Deposit charged. Cancellation between 30 and 59 days prior to trip departure - 50% of total booking cost charged. Cancellation less than 30 days prior to departure - 100% of total booking cost charged. Cancellation policy for custom trips may differ from these terms and will be communicated prior to booking. No refunds will be made if you voluntarily leave a trip for any reason after the trip has begun. The same applies if you leave a trip or cannot fully participate in a trip due to injury or illness. Refunds will be at the discretion of the Company if you are involuntarily forced to leave a trip for any reason. No refunds will be made for any accommodation, transport, sightseeing, meals or services not utilized.

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