OVERVIEW/INTRODUCTION

Due to ease of access and the enormous amounts of snow it receives, the Tateyama Area is one of the most popular backcountry ski destinations in Japan, offering unlimited skiing and riding possiblities. It lies in Toyama Prefecture, just off the coast of the Sea of Japan, with peaks reaching upwards of 3000 meters. The area is often one of the earliest places that skiing can be had on new snow in Japan, usually starting in mid/late November.

ACCESS

OVERVIEW/INTRODUCTION

Located in the southern section of the Northen Alps of Japan, the Karasawa Area has long been a popular destination for hikers, climbers and backcountry skiiers. At an elevation of 2,300 meters, it is considered the entrance to the Hotaka Range (Okuhotaka, Kitahotaka, Maehotaka and Nishihotaka) and like the rest of the Alps, this area too receives an enormous amount of snow, making it a mecca for backcountry skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts.

ACCESS

Procedure for Calling Rescue in Japan from a Cell Phone

God forbid anyone has to make an emergency call, but hopefully this wiki will give you an idea of what to expect.

Norikura & Cortina are a bit further north from Hakuba's major resorts up the 148 highway. Both resorts (and the associated backcountry and sidecountry are entirely below treeline, so worth checking out if the viz has shut down the alpine.

EVERYONE, THIS PAGE REALLY NEEDS TO BE IMPROVED - db

General resort info

Good inbounds and Side Country Poaching but not any major BC lines or stuff steeper than 40 deg (unless you are heading to Mt. Naeba).

2 main Hiking roots, both starting at the top of the Kagura #1 high speed lift.
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