Why make a Snow Season Japan trip your next snow adventure?
Powder Snow
Japan is legendary for it’s deep powder snow, with it’s vast mountain ranges receiving some of the world’s highest snowfalls. During winter Siberian winds blow across the Japan Sea, consistently depositing staggering amounts of fresh white goodness on Japan’s ski resorts. The Japanese Alps are a coastal mountain range, receiving 14m+ of snow a season. It’s not uncommon to wake up to overnight dumps of light fluffy powder measuring over 1m in the resorts around Nagano and Niigata, where we are based. Join us this winter and witness roads lined with huge walls of snow and resorts piled high with light dry powder!
No Lift Queues
One of the best things about Japan’s abundant powder snow, is that there is hardly anyone skiing it. With empty resorts and fields of powder, you won’t have to wait in lift queues… which can only mean one thing, more powder laps and faster progression! This is especially the case on weekdays when the smaller hidden gem resorts (and even the bigger ones too) are quite literally deserted, leaving you to play in your own private powder paradise!
The Japanese Alps
With several peaks standing at over 3000m, this is Japan’s largest mountain range. Views of these jagged peaks which run through central Honshu (Japan’s main island) are nothing short of breathtaking and awe-inspiring. The ski resorts which feature on our tours are dotted throughout this incredible landscape and offer the best terrain you’ll find in Japan. From steep tree skiing and open powder bowls to fun cat track hits and literally endless backcountry. Discover the best of Japan’s lift accessed powder terrain on our multi-location road trip!
Terrain Parks
Progressive, well built, feature-packed and maintained by a highly skilled (and very friendly) park crew, the High Cascade terrain park at Happo resort in Hakuba, is the perfect location to progress your freestyle skills. Top European professional snowboarder Vicci Miller will be coaching our Girls Camp in Hakuba in winter 2012. Her freeride and freestyle focused coaching sessions will give you the confidence, skills and inspiration you need to improve your powder and terrain park riding technique over our two week camp in powder heaven!
Unique Wildlife
Japan’s mountains are home to some rather curious creatures. Say hello to the Kamoshika - a Japanese serow, which resembles a cross between a goat and a deer. We’re pretty sure these furry little guys love powder as much as we do. Spotting one of these while riding makes an already magical day even more special.
Culture and Tradition
Our tours and camps offer a travel experience with a real difference. Travelling to Japan is the closest you can come to getting on a plane and stepping off in a different world. Prepare to immerse yourself deep in a unique and rich cultural experience. From ancient temples buried deep under snow to intriguing traditional customs… we know you will love exploring Japan with us!
Amazing Food
From Soba noodles and Sushi, to dishes you might be less familiar with like Basashi (raw horse meat, for those feeling adventurous) and Okonomiyaki (Japanese savoury pancakes), you won’t run out of new things to try. A common misconception about Japan is that it’s an expensive place to travel. You’ll find eating out surprisingly cheap, with main dishes costing as little as £7. Don’t speak a word of Japanese and worried about reading menus? Don’t worry, we’ll be there to show you all the best places and explain everything.
Onsen Hot Springs
Japan’s 70% mountainous and volcanic landscape, results in lots of geothermal activity with thousands of natural Onsen hot springs scattered across the country. After a long day making powder turns, relaxing and soaking in a natural mineral Onsen bath, watching snow flakes flutter down is the perfect way to finish each day. An essential Japanese experience not to be missed!
Friendly Local People
Whether in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo or deep in the mountains, Japanese people will go out of their way to help and welcome you. Their kindness, will amaze you! Experience warm and friendly Japanese hospitality yourself at the lodges we have hand-picked for our multi-location guided Off The Beaten Track Powder Tour.
Snow Monkeys
Jigokudani Yaenkoen in Nagano is home to an entire colony of wild Japanese Macaques, more commonly referred to as Snow Monkeys. A day trip to visit the Snow Monkeys bathing in a natural onsen hot spring is a highlight of both our Powder Tour and Girls Camp. Get up close and see them relaxing, playing and bathing in the natural volcanic hot spring they call home. Don’t forget to pack your camera!
Tokyo
Japan’s capital is one of the world’s most vibrant, high-tech and exciting cities. At every corner there is something to see that will intrigue and amaze. Any trip to Japan just wouldn’t be complete without checking out the sights and bright lights of this incredible city! Our Girls Camp and Powder Tour both include a tour of the city. Tokyo is a vast (and sometimes bewildering) place, so we’ve picked out our favourite must-see places to show you. On your final night in Japan we’ll have a group dinner at the fantastic Izakaya restaurant which inspired the set for Quentin Tarantino’s infamous fight scene in Kill Bill.
