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Suitable equipment for backcountry touring

All clients must carry a beacon, shovel and probe and a suitable backpack capable of securely carrying skis or snowboard.

Skiers: skins, alpine bindings and compatible boots. You can also use snowshoes, although this is not recommended for longer tours.

Snowboarders: snowshoes with collapsible poles. Splitboards are preferable. A variety of sizes can be rented from Hakuba Alpine Guides.

All essential equipment can be rented. Please enquire with at least 12 hours notice if this is the case - earlier if possible to avoid disappointment.

Here are some hints especially aimed at clients of our introductory tours. Moving in the backcountry is different to skiing in a resort so you should bring equipment that suits the experience, making the day easier and more enjoyable. This list is in addition to the mandatory equipment that must be carried by all clients: beacon, collapsible shovel and probe.

  • Clothing choice should be based on layering: a thermal base layer on the skin, a mid-layer on the body, a spare insulating layer in the backpack. A lightweight gortex style shell jacket and pants with no lining is best, but standard ski wear will do for short tours.
  • Don't wear any cotton. It absorbs all your sweat and then becomes wet, heavy and cold at the summit or over lunch break.
  • Hakuba is generally not so cold, even above 2000m. On a sunny day expect to heat up very quickly once hiking, even on cloudy days it is likely that you will generate sweat. One insulating layer is enough.
  • Backcountry skiing/snowboarding specific backpacks that hold more than 30 liters are suitable. 20 liters packs are unlikely to hold everything you would typically carry in the field when hiking, particularly if the weather is fair and you remove layers on the hike up. Expect to carry in your pack: avalanche shovel, probe, insulating layer, goggles, camera, lunch, drink, ski jacket.
  • Bring sunglasses and a case to protect them. This is one that many people ignore or forget, only later to wish that they did not. Goggles are usually not suitable for long sunny hikes as they do not vent well when moving slowly and sweating. Sunglasses for hiking, goggles for riding.
  • Bring your helmet if you wear one as you may well end up skiing in trees. Also bring a spare hat for hiking. Helmets get hot and uncomfortable when worn during the hike up, unless it is particularly stormy weather. Helmets are frequently strapped to backpacks during the hike.
  • On sunny days a bandana or cap that keeps the sweat out of your eyes is a blessing.
  • Apply sunscreen before leaving your accommodation and bring some spare with you.
  • Bring extra water if you want more than the 500ml of sports drink provided with lunch.

Your Checklist
Besides additional guiding equipment, this is the personal equipment that I take. You can rent many items from us if required.

  • Backpack capable of carrying skis/snowboard. 25 liters or more is best.
  • Beacon
  • Shovel
  • Probe
  • Sunglasses and case
  • Goggles
  • Sun hat
  • Suncream
  • Helmet and warm knitted cap (helmet is optional)
  • Gortex outer shell jacket and pants
  • splitboard or snowshoes plus collapsable hiking poles (snowboarding)
  • Touring skis and skins (skiing)
  • Lunch (we provide it)
  • Chocolate (to give to your guides)
  • Water
  • Synthetic insulating layer or thin puffy jacket
  • Camera


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