BACKCOUNTRY TOURS

NOZAWA ONSEN

Nozawa’s ONLY OFFICIAL English backcountry guide service!

Make the most of the amazing powder at Nozawa and hire a professional mountain guide to safely guide you around Nozawa’s and surrounding mountains backcountry.

BC tours are the best way to learn about the area's secret powder stashes and our crew of highly experienced international guides will ensure you have an amazing day!

We keep the group sizes small to maximize the riding time and freshies! It's best if you have a group with ability levels that are relatively close so we can customize the terrain for you.

If you like exploring then make the most of your time at Nozawa by booking multiple days and we can show you around some of the hidden gems at other nearby resorts. (Other resort trips are only available for those booking more than one day of tours.)

For more detailed information visit the Nozawa BC site.

Toshi Shiokawa

Head Guide

Toshi is a keen mountaineer with a wealth of experience in Japan and has been our backcountry guide for 3 seasons in Canyons. His passion for the outdoors and backcountry is contagious! Not only will you have an awesome day but your knowledge will be taken to the next level!

  • JAN - Japan Avalanche Network Operational Level

  • WFR - Wilderness First Responder

Pete Ozich

Head Guide

Pete has been working with us in Nozawa for several years. He is a well-established guide in New Zealand and Japan. When he's not touring, Pete runs avalanche awareness courses and enjoys climbing and kayaking

2020-2021Backcountry Tour Details
Tour duration7 hours
Price20,000JPY/person (minimum of 2 people required to run tour) 40,000JPY private tour * *Price based on a 2 person tour, larger group options available Ask us about multi day discounts for private tours!
Registration & Payment@Nozawa Onsen Ski School (Hikage Gondola) on the day before tour (or earlier) OR Using online booking form below (recommended)
Meet time8:00 @ Nagasaka Gondola Ticket Office
IncludesGuide fee, Transceiver, Probe, Shovel
Additional costsLift ticket, rental equipment (Lift tickets are not included in the price of the tour. Please wait until the morning of the tour to purchase lift tickets so that the guide can advise you on the type of ticket required.)
Participation requirementsAge 13 and older (Participants under 20 must have signature of guardian or parent.) We require all participants to be at least level 1 on the downhill ability level chart below.
FitnessPlease be aware that a certain level of fitness is required for our backcountry tours. Typically there will be 10-20 minutes of hiking per every minute of skiing. We require all participants to be at least level 1 on the fitness level chart below (and level 3 if you wish to use snowshoes on a group tour)
BringSki/snowboard, boots, ski clothing, gloves, helmet, goggles, ski poles with BIG baskets, drink, snacks, sandwich/food Snowshoes & poles OR Split board/touring skis and skins
SeasonJan 15th – March 15th
NoteTours to other resorts are only available as private tours. Tours including a participant aged 15 or under are only available as a private tours. Private tours are based on the cost of 4 people.
Backcoutry rental equipmentBackpack 1000yen Snowshoe & Poles 1000yen Poles with big baskets 1000yen Touring skis and skins 5000 yen Split board and skins 5000 yen Note: Touring skis and splitboards are strongly recommended. Snowshoes can be used as an alternative to touring gear.
InsuranceInsurance is not inlcuded in tour so we recommend ALL tour participants have travel insurance.

Backcountry Tour Flow

All participants sign up, organise BC rental equipment and guides check everyone’s gear.

The group takes the gondolas and lifts to the top of the mountain, then leaves the ski area to head to the deep snow.

The guide(s) assess everyone’s ability and choose appropriate routes, maximizing POW time.

Time to refuel for the afternoon session.

More BC bliss!

Everyone returns rental gear, then off for a refreshing beverage.

Need more Information?

Nozawa BC site

Backcountry fitness levels

Downhill ability levels

BC Experience levels

Please feel free to contact us with any other questions you may have and we will be happy to help at nozawaskischool@gmail.com

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