Recent high pressure in Hakuba has presented the opportunity to ski some of the bigger lines in the valley. We decided to take the opportunity and go after the Y Couloir. The Y is the definition of a classic descent; aesthetic, huge vertical, easy access and visible from just about anywhere in Hakuba. It only takes about three hours to climb, but provides a whopping 6,300 vertical feet of descent (including 3,250 within the walls of the couloir). Despite slow climbing due to challenging snow on the ridge, we were able to reach our line in reasonable time. The skiing provided a wide variety of snow conditions, ranging from powder to wind buff to corn to frozen crust. Overall, a successful and satisfying day.

Y Couloir line 620x465

Hakuba's Classic Y Couloir

About the author

Lee Lyon is the primary author and contributor to Unofficial Japan. Lee has done seasons in Utah, Colorado, Switzerland, India, Japan and Argentina. He has now settled down to split his winters between Hakuba, Japan and Las Lenas, Argentina.

3 Comments

  1. That chute system looks like it could be in the Andes or Eastern Sierras.

    Reply
  2. Vote -1 Vote +1Brennan Lagasse
    says:

    A super fun day and super aesthetic line. So fired up to nail it with you and Jake! Still snowing here in Niseko, hope Furano is treating you guys well!

    Reply
  3. Vote -1 Vote +1Bri
    says:

    Sick Line guys

    Reply

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