BACKCOUNTRYHAKUBA CORTINA

As mentioned in the ADVANCED / EXPERT section, Cortina's three backcountry access gates link the resort to some extraordinary out-of-bounds terrain, but there are significant risks associated with entering the backcountry, and once you leave the safety of the resort, you are completely reliant on your skills, your experience and your equipment. Never venture out of bounds alone, nor without:

• Checking the recent, current and forecasted weather and avalanche conditions
• Knowledge of the area you intend to travel through
• Appropriate avalanche training
• A full backcountry kit including a working beacon, shovel and probe AND the ability to properly use them

There are a handful of qualified, capable and experienced backcountry tour operators and independent guides based in the Hakuba area, who make a living during the winter months by safely leading customers to endless epic lines chosen to maximize enjoyment and minimize risk given the current conditions. Consider starting your search with one of the following outfitters:

• Evergreen Backcountry Guides:
  https://www.evergreen-backcountry.com/hakuba-backcountry-tours/
• Hakuba Mountain Life Backcountry Guiding:
  https://www.mountainlife.jp/guided-backcountry-tours-and-avalanche-courses
• GoodGuides Hakuba:
  https://goodguides.co.nz