Japan Ski & Snowboard Adventure

Required Skill Level for Guided Ski Days

The four guided ski/snowboard days are designed for strong intermediate and advanced powder riders. Experts are welcome but may find themselves waiting occasionally. Intermediates on powder will find themselves challenged most of the time. If our guides feel that a riders' ability level isn't up to par, they reserve the right to direct guests to resort-riding. Beginners and lower intermediates will not be able to participate in the guided ski days, but are welcome to ski in the resort on their own.

What does it mean to be a strong intermediate or advanced powder skier/rider?

Riders must be able to confidently descend the mountain in all conditions. Mountains in Japan specialize in tree skiing and that is where we spend most of our time. Some of the trees would be described as "tight", so its necessary that guests are able to descend through tight trees in powdery conditions.

In general, we expect guests to be fairly proficient in off piste terrain - you don't necessarily need to have the best form or style, but need to be capable of making your way down safely before you come.

If you're not sure if your skill level is up to what is described here, that's OK but you need to understand that if the guide determines that your skill level isn't suited to the terrain, conditions, and natural hazards, they reserve the right to direct you to separate from the guided group and ski on your own for part or all of the ski day. Refunds will not be offered in the event of this occurrence.

Your guides are there to provide guiding on lift-accessed, off-piste terrain, not to guide on groomers. Your guide is not a ski instructor and will not be providing instruction on how to improve form, etc. aside from perhaps a few anecdotal tips here and there.

The tree skiing accessed with your guides on this trip is typically “side country” terrain - which is the same as backcountry terrain, just accessed by a lift. To safely access the side country you'll need to know how to use an Avalanche Safety Set (beacon, shovel, and probe). Avalanche Safety Sets are available for rent or you will need to bring your own. Since it takes a day or two to get aquatinted with avalanche safety gear (beacon, probe, shovel), please know how to use these items before you arrive in Japan. Depending on where you live, many options exist for getting aquatinted with avalanche safety gear: including a knowledgable friend, a training course, or acquiring the gear, watching instructional videos, and then practicing yourself.

While your guide isn't an avalanche instructor, he or she will be glad to provide refreshers and pointers on how to use the devices.

Specifically for snowboarders: critical skills are the ability to hold a strong edge allowing for good high traverses without losing too much elevation and the ability to read terrain effectively (to avoid the deep pow and flat spots). Also many runs will end with winding, bumpy trails through the forest that you will need to be able to navigate.

Specifically for skiers: the biggest challenge typically comes with skiing through deep snow and through trees. Much of the best skiable terrain occurs below treeline so its important that you are able to consistently turn where the terrain dictates. Managing this in deep snow is of particular importance. A great tool to help improve your ability is a good set of fat skis and we highly recommend upgrading with a rental ski if conditions are deep and you aren't skiing a fat ski.