Skiing & Snowboarding

Private Custom-Made Backcountry Ski Tours

Enjoy backcountry powder in the harsh winter season and spectacular views in the late snow season as well a guide's favorite inns and hot spring baths.

Length

3 days/2 nights

Season

January to May

Area

Backcountry ski areas

Group size

1 to 6 persons

Type

Private

Price/person

33,000 - 132,000 JPY

Kammui Style:

Challenging

Guide

中江 明子 Akiko Nakae

中江 明子 Akiko Nakae

Representative of Epic Japan

About

We specialize in in offering custom-made, completely private, backcountry ski tours. Whether you are looking for a Tohoku tour with hidden hot springs, a trip to a secret area in Hokushinetsu, or a backcountry beginner experience out in the backcountry for three days, we can provide it for you. We design unique and special experiences based on your theme. Please let us know your approximate dates, level, and area of interest so that we can tailor the tour to your tastes and take you where you would like to go. With that information and a budget, we will put together a tour package for you. We will also direct you to our favorite hot springs and inns where you can enjoy the local cuisine. <Pricing> 66,000 JPY per day / group of 1~4 people 99,000 JPY per day / group of 5~6 people

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Hosted by 中江 明子 Akiko Nakae
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If you have any questions about this experience, please contact the guide below.

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Itinerary

Reference example: Backcountry beginner tour for three days during severe winter season Day 1 8:30 - Meet at Nozawa Onsen ski resort After checking your equipment, we will give you a lecture on how to use your equipment, how to make efficient transitions, how to climb with ski skins, and how to ski powder. 15:00 Check in at the lodge recommended by the guide. Relax with a hot spring bath and a delicious meal. Day 2 8:30 - 15:00 - After breakfast, we will use the lift access at Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort to gain elevation. Then we will venture into the backcountry, going over the lectures of the first day and enjoying the powder snow all day long. After skiing, we will share a hot spring, local beer, and dinner and reflect on the day's experiences. Day 3 8:30 - 15:00 - On the last day, depending on the conditions, we will either go to the Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort or to the nearby Satoyama. We will do our best to support you so that you can experience the joy of improving in areas that went wrong the previous day. The tour will end at the bottom of the ski resort or at the entrance to the mountain.

Requirements

There are no special requirements, but it is recommended that everyone in the group keep in step with each other for the best enjoyment of the tour. Please note that we may increase the guide ratio depending on the age and skill level of the group.

Equipment

Required equipment: Skiing gear, poles (snowboarders should have short poles), ski stickers or snowshoes, beacon, shovel, probe, headlamp, helmet or hat, goggles, sunglasses, balaclava/neck warmer/mask, waterproof/breathable clothing such as Gore-Tex Top and bottom, warm clothing (fleece, down, etc. with adjustable layers depending on the cold), gloves, lunch, drinks, extra batteries, emergency sheets, toilet paper and garbage bags to take home after use, and a backpack (about 30 liters) to hold the above and to attach skiing equipment. Rescue insurance for the country and toiletries for overnight stays. Useful equipment: Sunscreen, spare goggles (especially in powder season), body warmer Rental equipment (limited number available): Beacon: 1,100 yen/day Shovel: 550 yen/day Probe: 550 yen/day

Facilities

In the case of multiple days, we will suggest accommodations and make reservations on your behalf, but payment should be made directly to the accommodation facility, as this is a direct contract between you and the accommodation facility.

Access info

By car from Tokyo: 3 hours 30 minutes - 4 hours 20 minutes (about 284 km) via Kan-etsu Expressway and Joshin-etsu Expressway 3 hours 40 minutes - 4 hours 20 minutes (about 259 km) via Kan-etsu Expressway Parking: Paid parking is available at Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort. By Shinkansen and train from Tokyo Station to Iiyama Station: Tokyo Station ⇨ Shinkansen Asama-Kagayaki ⇨ Nagano Station ⇨ JR Iiyama Line (approx. 60 min.) ⇨ Iiyama Station Tokyo Station ⇨ Hokuriku Shinkansen (Fastest 1hr 39min) ⇨ Iiyama Station From Iiyama Station to Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort: Iiyama Station ⇨ Nozawa Onsen Liner (25 min) ⇨ Nozawa Onsen Village ⇨ Direct Free Shuttle Bus (15-20 min) ⇨ Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort Iiyama Station ⇨ JR Iiyama Line (15 min) ⇨ Togari Nozawa Onsen Station ⇨ Car/Taxi (20 min) ⇨ Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort

Pick up

no

Nearest station

Iiyama Station

Meeting place

Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort

If you come by car

Approximately 25 minutes from Iiyama Station