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Backcountry

Ski.com's Epic Dream Job Stop 6 – Hakuba, Japan

Check out Jackson Lebsack’s adventure in the Land of the Rising Sun.

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The Japanese Alps are home to several dozen ski areas, many of which surround the city of Nagano, home of the 1998 Winter Olympics. Hakuba Valley, which is comprised of 11 ski areas and receives 11 meters (36 feet) of snowfall on average, is the most famous ski domain in all of the Japanese Alps. Combined, Hakuba Valley offers 137 kilometers (85 miles) of skiing, 200-plus trails and 135 chairlifts. While most of the resorts are not interconnected via chairlift, they are available on one lift ticket.

If you don’t have any mishaps, like getting lost, and to find the best powder, hiring a professional guide is a must (which Ski.com can help you with).

Here are the highlights in Hakuba according to Jackson:

Hiking and skiing Japow in the backcountry with Evergreen Alpine Academy

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Earning the pow.Photo courtesy of Ski.com / Jackson Lebsack

Climbing an abandoned bridge in the backcountry

hakuba crossing
Looks a little sketch.Photo courtesy of Ski.com / Jackson Lebsack

Enjoying an onsen on the mountain

Hakuba Onsen Entrance
No photos allowed inside.Photo courtesy of Ski.com / Jackson Lebsack

Traditional Japanese cuisine

Hakuba dumplings
The best food truck in Hakuba.Photo courtesy of Ski.com / Jackson Lebsack
Hakuba Ramen
Traditional Ramen.Photo courtesy of Ski.com / Jackson Lebsack

Next Stop → Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia

To see more from Jackson’s skiing and travels around the world, follow him on Instagram @skicom or @jacksonlebsack, and on Ski.com’s Facebook page. You can also keep up with his travels in realtime on Ski.com’s website.