Winter packages

Your Ultimate Winter Escape

Your Ultimate Winter Escape: Snowcountry Ski Packages

Refresh your mind, body, and soul with a premier winter experience in Japan's snowiest regions. Canyons has been providing unforgettable adventure experiences for over two decades, specializing in world-class adventure sports set in stunning alpine landscapes. Our winter packages provide the perfect escape to reconnect with nature, recharge, and embrace the thrill of Japan's legendary winter conditions.

Why Choose Canyons?

World-Class Snow: Experience some of the deepest and most reliable powder in the world.
Expert Guides: Our passionate international instructors lead lessons and tours for all levels.
Exclusive Access: With our guides, get first tracks and access to secluded powder zones.
Tailored Adventures: Choose between our fully guided or self-guided packages to suit your style and budget.

Our Home Base: Minakami, Gunma

Canyons is headquartered in Minakami, a traditional hot spring resort town in northern Gunma Prefecture. Located just 66 minutes from Central Tokyo by bullet train, it serves as a mountainous escape. The town is home to 9 ski resorts, which range from small to mid-sized, offering a variety of terrain and many off-piste options. Minakami is the doorway to "Snowcountry", which has over 20 more ski resorts within an hour's drive. The town's reputation for hot springs is well-known throughout Japan. In addition to its winter activities, Minakami is a hub for outdoor pursuits like rafting and canyoning, making it a year-round haven for adventure.

The Legendary Snowcountry

Minakami is the doorway to "Snowcountry", a region known for some of the heaviest snowfall on Earth. The name "Snowcountry" (Yukiguni) was made famous by Nobel Prize-winning author Yasunari Kawabata, who set his novel of the same name in the area. The region's legendary snowfall is caused by a unique meteorological phenomenon. Moisture-laden clouds from the Sea of Japan are carried by seasonal winds across the island of Honshū and collide with the mountains. As a result, the area receives a tremendous amount of snow, with the southern part of the Snowcountry region around Mt. Tanigawa getting between 11-13 meters of snowfall each winter. The deep, damp snow has fostered a unique local culture and traditional crafts. This heavy snowfall consistently places Minakami’s Mt. T (Tenjin) in the top 5 for snow depth in Japan, making it a premier destination for powder lovers.

winter-package-minakami

Choose Your Adventure: Guided and Self-Guided Packages

We offer both fully guided and self-guided winter packages to suit your travel style and budget.

Fully Guided Experience

Elevate your ski vacation with a curated, priority-access journey. Our expert guides are passionate about sharing their love for the mountains and local culture. They can help you find untouched snow, first tracks, and secluded powder zones.

What's included: 6 nights of accommodation (breakfast included), a welcome dinner, lift tickets, 5 days of professional guiding, and station pick-up and drop-off service.
Basic Pricing: From ¥454,000 per person for two people.

Self-Guided Exploration

For those who want more flexibility and control over their budget, the self-guided package is the perfect choice. This option offers a balance of independence and support, with Canyons providing expert recommendations and assistance with rentals and car rentals.

What's included: 6 nights of accommodation (breakfast included), a welcome dinner, lift tickets, and station pick-up and drop-off service.
Basic Pricing: From ¥204,000 per person for two people.

What the Experts Say

Don't just take our word for it—here's what a ski writer from Ski Magazine is saying about the experience in Minakami:

Working with Canyons provides advantages like early ups and exclusive side-country access. We started our skiing at Mt. T, and since we were with Canyons, we took the gondola up a half-hour before others and skied thigh-deep powder before others arrived. Our guide then led us into the side-country where we found even deeper powder in gladed chutes.

Read the full article here: Japan's Snow Country

The Resorts

With a choice of over 30 resorts in the region, skiers and snowboarders are truly spoiled for choice, with something for everyone from beginners to advanced riders on-piste, as well as those seeking advanced backcountry and big mountain terrain. These are some of our favorites:

Mt. T (Tenjin): https://tanigawadake-joch.com/en/mt-t/
Consistently ranks in the top 5 in Japan for snow depth, this is one of the country's best powder resorts. It offers big mountain terrain with steep and deep options galore, ideal for experienced backcountry riders.
Hodaigi Mountain Resort: https://en.hodaigi.jp/
The largest resort in the Minakami area, with great terrain variety and good snow quality. It has tree runs and short backcountry terrain for powder lovers and plenty of on-piste terrain for beginners to intermediates.
Okutone Snow Park: https://okutone.jp/english/
Offers easy access and the best night skiing in Minakami, with the lifts staying open until 24:00 on weekends. It has great terrain for novice to intermediate skiers and snowboarders.
Minakami Kogen Resort 200: https://www.minakamikogen200.jp/en/winter/
A hotel and resort all in one location, with a large selection of snow activities. It's a great resort for families with smaller kids, as well as beginner to intermediate skiers and snowboarders.
Hakkaisan: https://www.princehotels.com/en/ski/hakkaisan/index.html
Offers exciting trails for advanced riders and is known for its heavy snowfall and perfect powder skiing. Enjoy stunning views of the Japan Alps and the Sea of Japan.
Kagura: https://www.princehotels.com/en/ski/kagura/index.html
One of the most popular areas for ski touring among Japanese backcountry enthusiasts. It offers a wide range of backcountry options, many known only to local guides, providing excellent powder even late into the season.

Optional Extras and Activities

Enhance your winter adventure with these optional extras (costs to be covered by the customer).

Premium Ski or Snowboard Rentals: Canyons offers 5-day powder rental packages for ¥25,000 per set.
Private Lessons: Get a private ski or snowboard lesson for up to 6 participants, with options for 2, 3, or 6 hours.
Cultural Visits: Explore local culture with a visit to Takaragawa Onsen (Japan's largest outdoor onsen), a traditional craft village, or a local sake brewery.
Dinner Options: Enjoy a variety of dining experiences, including a live kitchen buffet at the hotel, a local wild game meal at Hunter's Restaurant, shabu-shabu dining, Japanese Izakaya vibes, or a Joshu Beef BBQ experience.

Plan Your Trip

Canyons is committed to ensuring your safety and enjoyment and to delivering an unforgettable experience. For any special requests or further details, please feel free to reach out. We are here to create the perfect experience tailored to your needs.

As a registered travel agent in Japan (Travel Agent Number T4070001023452), you can book with confidence, knowing you are in the hands of an experienced team of local experts.

To get started, simply fill out our simple inquiry form to provide us with details about your group size, travel dates, and interests.