Nozawa Backcountry Group Tour - Japan Snow Adventures

15+

Age

Nozawa Onsen

Destination

Here at Japan Snow Adventures, we offer affordable Group Backcountry Tours at Nozawa Onsen for people hungry for powder.

Our Nozawa backcountry tour features easy access and great tree riding. Some of the best hot springs in Japan make Nozawa the first choice location for backcountry adventures.

The resort tops out at 1650m with bottom lift starting at 550m. The terrain allows for a plethora of route options ranging from lift access short hike powder bowls to long run touring. We have something for all levels and styles. Typically the season starts early January and the best snow lasts until late Feb, but there are always a few surprisingly good days in March.

The route will be chosen and customised by your guide to match the skill and experience of your group

Routes and skill levels

Whether you are a newbie to backcountry looking to learn how to use all the gear and access some untracked powder, or a veteran of the BC looking for something steep and deep, we will find a group of others that have a similar amount of BC experience to you.

If you are looking for especially big days with big terrain, ask us about our private tours!

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION

BunBun 6928 Toyosato, Nozawa Onsen, Shimotakai, Nagano 389-2503

SEASON

Jan 15th – March 15th

MEETING TIME

Please arrive by 8:00AM

RETURN TIME

Approximately 4:00PM.

REQUIREMENTS

A minimum of 2 people are required to run a group tour.

The minimum age to join our group tours is 15 years old.

Participants under 18 need a guardian to be present on the tour.

Participants under 20 need a signature from a guardian.

A minimum level of fitness and downhill skiing/riding ability is required for our tours. Please refer to our Ability Levels.

BRING

Ski/snowboard, boots, ski clothing, gloves, helmet, goggles, ski poles with BIG baskets, lunch, plenty of snacks and water
Snowshoes & poles OR climbing skins (split board or touring skis)

RENTAL

If you require rental equipment please advise when booking:

Snowshoes & poles set 1000 yen
Backpack 1000 yen
Split board & climbing skins 5000 yen
Touring skis & climbing skins 5000 yen

INCLUDED

Professional guide	Avalanche transciever
Probe	Shovel

NOT INCLUDED

Ski/Snowboard equipment

Lift ticket

Lunch

LIFT TICKETS

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.

Additional information

Month	February, January, March

8.00 AM – 8.30 AM: Orientation

Organise and check gear for the day
Discuss days conditions and planned routes with guides
Safety equipment introduction and instructions
Fill out mountaineers card

8.30 AM – 9.30 AM: Lifts

Take the lifts to the BC access point for the day and do basic beacon checks.

9.30 AM – 10.00 AM: Hike 1

A short hike will take you to the first powder area of the day.

10.30 AM – 10.45 AM: First run of the day

Time to crank that smile and enjoy the powder that “Snowzawa” is famous for.

10.45 AM – 11.15 AM: Hike 2

A short hike and lift ride will bring you back to the top of out BC area.

11.15 AM – 11.45 AM:Second run

Another pristine powder field ready for you to make your mark.

11.45 AM – 13.00PM: Hike and lunch

Another short hike, lift and then lunch before we take on the afternoon.

13.00PM – 15.00PM : More powder

Nothing better for after lunch than chomping into some more powder. Guides will make the most of conditions by choosing routes perfect for your group.