Myoko Powder Tour
ENQUIRE NOWMyoko Freeride Week
Chase the snow & culture across Myoko P/P
Discounts available when joining multiple weeks.
Jan 20 - Jan 27, 2024
Freeriding around Myoko is freeriding in powder heaven! With an average of about 14m of snow each season, Myoko is one of the snowiest paces on earth! Let our guides show you around to some of our favourite powder bowls in all of Japan, guide you around a variety of different resorts in the Myoko area where you’ll find the best groomers, nicest onsens and best après!
Stay in comfortable accommodation in the centre of town, walking distance to Myoko’s best bars, cafe’s and restaurants. Start the day off with a hearty breakfast, checking the snow and weather forecast, stock up on sushi triangles at the local supermarket then head out for the best day ever. Either head out from the hotel or jump in our Mountainwatch van and head to a nearby resort for an epic day riding that famous Japow! You can ride as long as you want and at any time are free to explore the resort alone. After spending the day scoring bottomless pow, racing down empty groomers or cruising around the fun terrain, relax your muscles in one of the many onsens before heading out to town for dinner and possibly a few cheeky Asahi’s. . .
Expect to ride the 4 resorts linked in Myoko, ride the amazing gates of Lotte Arai, the really fun treeruns of Madarao or head to one of our secret spots after one of those famous dumps. Your guide will decide where to ride each day depending on snow, weather and group dynamics.
Staff backcountry tour in Myoko Kogen
Seki Onsen 'Pizza Box' Lift - Image: Mirae Campbell
Myoko Kogen after a fresh snowfall
Day 01
Welcome to Japan! Make your way to Myoko, one of the snowiest places on earth! Meet your guide, check in and settle in for the afternoon exploring at your own leisure. If you need any rental gear now is the time to pick it up and get ready for the week ahead.
- Let your consultant know if you’d like to add an airport transfer to Myoko.
- Comfortable accommodation at Kogakuro Myoko Kogen – twin share
Day 02
First day riding! Meet your guides for breakfast and go over todays plan of attack. There’s a bunch of different resorts to choose from and we’ll have our Mountainwatch van on hand to explore them all. This being the first day of an epic week, we’ll probably start of mellow, start from he lifts walking distance from the hotel and get a feeling for group dynamics, snow and simply get used to your skis/board again. Your guides are on hand to show you around the best groomers, longest runs, best places to get lunch and those who are up for it show you some great pow stashes. We’ll aim to meet up for drinks after each day riding to go over the day, share photos and go over tomorrow’s plan. Those who want to join us for dinner are welcome to or feel free to explore the town at your own leisure.
- Breakfast at Kogakuro.
- Half day guiding around Myoko Kogen
- Snow chaser lift pass
- Comfortable accommodation at Kogakuro Myoko Kogen – twin share
Day 03
After a fun first day warming up the legs, we’ll head further out into Myoko. After breakfast jump in the van and head to Suginohara Resort. Here you’ll find long groomers, some great tree skiing and for those looking to catch some air a pretty decent fun park. Your guides will be on hand all day to show you around their favourite stashes, best treeruns and get to you to that famous Japow. Feel more like cruising the slopes, there’s plenty to explore and you’ll have some nice views across the valley. We’ll be able to split the group if need be and you’re free to ride with the group for as long or short as you like.
After riding we can head over to a local sake distillery where you’ll learn how sake is made, and of course get the chance to try some!.
- Breakfast at Kogakuro.
- Full day guiding around Myoko Kogen
- Snow chaser lift pass
- Private transfer to/from Sugi
- Sake distillery tour + tasting
- Comfortable accommodation at Kogakuro Myoko Kogen – twin share
Day 04
Today we’ll be first at breakfast so we can jump in the van and head over to one of the funnest resorts in the area Madarao, or locally know as Madapow! Madarao is known for being one of the first Japanese resorts to promote inbound tree skiing. It’s not just the top half of the resorts that won’t get groomed, you’ll also find plenty of inbound powder gates with really fun, playful terrain, little jumps or try your hand on the Ninja Drop… There’s also some really fun backcountry terrain in Madarao with short hikes back to town. If the group is up for it we can head to a local onsen after skiing or head back to Myoko and enjoy a few Asahi’s and relax. For dinner there’s a wide variety of great little places to eat, just ask your guides and they can make a reservation for you or we can head out as a group!
- Breakfast at Kogakuro.
- Full day guiding around Madarao
- Snow chaser lift pass
- Private transfer to/from Madarao
- Comfortable accommodation at Kogakuro Myoko Kogen – twin share
Day 05
It’s a rest day. There’s so much to do in and around Myoko besides the great skiing and boarding. If the group likes we can jump in the van and drive to the snow monkey park where you can see the famous snow monkeys bath and relax in a natural hot spring, watch the young ones play around the hillside and enjoy the stunning nature. On the way back we can stop in Nagano to explore the Zenkoji temple. Don’t want to head out? No problem, simply stay in Myoko, relax and explore the area on your own or get an extra lift pass for an extra day on the hill. We can book in cat ski days, backcountry days and snow scooter backcountry adventures. Just let your travel consultant or guide know and we can book these in for you!
- Breakfast at Kogakuro.
- Lay Day for activities
- Comfortable accommodation at Kogakuro Myoko Kogen – twin share
Day 06
After having enjoyed a relaxing day, meet up for breakfast before jumping in the van and head to our staffs favourite resort – Lotte Arai. This recently renovated resort is closer to the Sea of Japan and on a powder day is a true powder heaven! You’ll find many official powder gates here with some amazing tree skiing, open bowls and fun little drops all ending back at updated lifts which will have you on top of your favourite runs in now time! The upgrades are also found in the resort at the bottom of the hill with an amazing bathhouse, which you can enter in exchange for your lift pass after a days riding. This bathhouse has a stunning indoor/outdoor onsen, hot- and cold baths, massage showers, sauna’s and more! The perfect way to relax after a big day on the hill!
- Breakfast at Kogakuro.
- Full day guiding around Lotte Arai
- Snow chaser lift pass
- Private transfer to/from Lotte Arai
- Comfortable accommodation at Kogakuro Myoko Kogen – twin share
Day 07
It’s the last day riding around Myoko. We can either head back and re-visit some of our favourite runs of the week, or if it’s been snowing all night, we can drive to a nearby hidden gem for some unreal powder riding, without any crowds! No matter where we’ll end up riding, our guides will make sure you have a great time and get the best conditions possible! After the last riding riding, we’ll “debrief” at the local bar, enjoy a few Asahi’s before heading out for a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. We’ll see where the night takes us…
- Breakfast at Kogakuro.
- Full day guiding
- Snow chaser lift pass
- Private transfer to/from resort
- Last night dinner
- Comfortable accommodation at Kogakuro Myoko Kogen – twin share
Day 08
After an epic week freeriding around the best resorts near Myoko, it’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers and guide.
For those who are joining us in Nozawa for week 2 we’ll jump in the van and head on over to this beautiful traditional ski town.
If Myoko is your last stop, please let your consultant know if you’d like an airport transfer or Tokyo transfer. Otherwise it’s pretty easy jumping on a bullet train and making your own way down.
- Breakfast at Kogakuro.
- Private transfer to Nozawa for those who are joining week 2 – Nozawa Powder Tour
Please Note: the above itinerary is only an example of what each day can look like. Together with your guide you’ll decide each day where to ride depending on snow and weather forecast. You’re free to join for as long or short as you want and can explore the resorts on your own as you choose.
To find out exactly what’s included please check the inclusions tab above.
-
Kogakuro
Onsen
Japanese Room
Lounge
Kogakuro is a family owned Japanese-style ryokan located in the heart of Akakura Onsen town, with an easy 3 minute walking distance to the nearest lift, plus bars, restaurants and shops right at your doorstep.
There is a nice outdoor onsen surrounded by stones and snow. There is also a lovely lounge area, with a fireplace, where you can have your après drink and mingle with the other guests. Dinner is available in the hotel’s restaurant or you can choose from one of the many options right outside your door.Features- 7 Nights - Japanese Room with Toilet - Twin Share
- Amazing Breakfast Included
- Welcome Drinks
- Onsen
- 1x Dinner included
Kogakuro
Kogakuro is a family owned Japanese-style ryokan located in the heart of Akakura Onsen town, with an easy 3 minute walking distance to the nearest lift, plus bars, restaurants and shops right at your doorstep.
There is a nice outdoor onsen surrounded by stones and snow. There is also a lovely lounge area, with a fireplace, where you can have your après drink and mingle with the other guests. Dinner is available in the hotel’s restaurant or you can choose from one of the many options right outside your door.Features- 7 Nights - Japanese Room with Toilet - Twin Share
- Amazing Breakfast Included
- Welcome Drinks
- Onsen
- 1x Dinner included
INCLUDED
- Comfortable accommodation walking distance to shops, cafe’s and lifts
- Daily Breakfast
- 5 Day Snow Chaser lift tickets
- Welcome Drinks
- 1x Dinner in town
- 5 Days Guiding
- Private Mountainwatch Transfers
- Visit to Sake Distillery
EXLUDED
- Lunch + Dinner
- Flights – Let your consultant know if they can help you lock them in
- Travel Insurance
- Rentals or Add-ons – Let your consultant know if they can help you lock them in
- Airport transfers – Let your consultant know if they can help you lock them in
EXPERIENCE + GEAR
This tour is for all levels skier/boarder. The resorts we visit cater to a wide variety of riders and having multiple guides on hand means we can split the group up if need be and you can join them for as long or short as you want.
Sierra getting deep in the Myoko powder.
Staff backcountry tour in Myoko Kogen
Visiting Temples in the snow in Myoko Kogen
Akakura Main Street - Image: Mirae Campbell
Exterior
Groups Terms and Conditions
Covid-19 Cancellation
- Cancellations due to covid related border closures are subject to suppliers terms and conditions. In most instances refunds or credit will be available up to 30 days prior to travel as a result of a government order currently in place and preventing you from travelling to the region specified in your confirmation. Some exceptions may apply.
- Cancellation and refund requests will only be accepted up to 40 days prior to travel to allow adequate time for international travel to resume.
- Mountainwatch Travel will not be liable for any additional costs incurred as a result of Covid related restrictions or requirements, including but not limited to mandatory quarantine or Covid-19 testing.
- Your refund will be processed after funds are received from suppliers, this can take between 4-8 weeks.
- All refunds will incur a processing fee of $49 per person, deducted from your refund. If you choose to keep your booking as credit for future travel, the processing fee will be waived.
- Refunds will not be available for change of mind or any other reason indirectly related to Covid-19, including but not limited to leave unapproved, loss of income or unwillingness to travel due to Covid-19. Refunds will not be available if you choose not to adhere to the government or airline’s policy regarding vaccinations.
- It is the client’s responsibility to check the policies relating to international travel for the relevant countries. Note these can change at any stage.
DEPOSIT: A NON-REFUNDABLE deposit for all bookings is required within 5 days of your confirmation to secure your booking, otherwise your reservation may be automatically cancelled. Some properties may a require deposit payment inside the standard 5 days and an increased deposit to secure the booking. Payment of a deposit indicates acceptance of these conditions. Tour leaders are responsible for checking all travel dates and arrangements are correct at time of confirmation. If there is a discrepancy Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch must be notified immediately. Subsequent changes may incur amendment and/or cancellation fees.
PAYMENTS: Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch will accept payments by the following methods. Credit card, or direct deposit into our bank account. Agent payments can be made via direct deposit. Please note: there is a 1.5% charge when paying with Visa or Mastercard.
PRICES
All quotes are in Australian dollars unless stipulated otherwise and are subject to change prior to us accepting your booking request. Prices are based on the quoted itinerary including where applicable, coach transportation, economy class airfares, rail travel, multi-share accommodation, resort lift passes, rental equipment, instructors, etc. Prices are also subject to change in accordance with the following provisions.
Note: coach, airline, and rail fares are subject to change without notice at any time prior to full payment. All government taxes and charges imposed by suppliers beyond the control of Liquid Snow Tours/Mountainwatch (including ticketing fees and airline fuel surcharges) are payable by you and are subject to change. If there are any increases in such taxes or charges, or if you request any itinerary changes or the number or mix of passengers changes prior to you making payment in full, which increases the price of your booking, we reserve the right to change the price at any time by giving you notice. You must pay the additional charges prior to the date of your departure.
Unless otherwise stated, the cost of travelling to or from departure points, flights, visas, airport taxes, port taxes, city taxes, items of a personal nature, laundry, additional beverages and consumables are not included in the tour price.
Exchange rates are subject to change without notice (based on currency fluctuations) until final payment has been processed. Once a booking has been made on your behalf, your booking is subject to deposit and final payment being made by due dates as outlined on your statement or your booking may be cancelled.
Cancellation within 30 days prior to departure will incur a 100% cancellation fee. No allowance or refund can be made for unused meals, accommodation, transport, vehicle rental, equipment hire, lift tickets, or any other unused package components once travel has commenced. If a person or persons cancel from Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch booking, they and the remaining people in the booking will be liable for the additional accommodation costs that result from the cancelling persons.
ACCOMMODATION: Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch reserves the right to substitute and confirm alternative accommodation of a comparable or superior standard if necessary should that described in the proposal not be available. Your consultant will communicate any possible changes prior to deposit payments being received.
NOT INCLUDED: All other costs, apart from those detailed in a quote/invoice, are at the clients’ own expense eg: passport and visa fees, inter-airport transfers, meals or any other items including those of a personal nature unless otherwise stated. If flight or other travel delays lead to missed connections, Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch cannot be responsible for train fares, taxis or other extra expenses.
RESPONSIBILITY: Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch acts only as an agent for the companies or persons (principals) providing or offering the means of travel, accommodation and other services (the principals’ services) and bookings are made subject to the terms and conditions under which the principal’s services are provided. Accommodation, flights, transportation and any other services are subject to availability at the time of booking. The principals reserve the right to change the prices of their services without notice. Confirmations and invoices are subject to re-issue if incorrect through error or omission and the passenger accepts liability to pay the correct costs for services. Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch reserves the right to cancel or withdraw any tour or passenger booking or to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of a Tour or passenger booking. This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of NSW, Australia.
LIABILITY: To the extent permitted by law, neither Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch nor anyone on its behalf can be held liable for any alterations, act or omission on the part of the service providers/principals for any consequential, loss, death, injury, accident, delay or damage occasioned to any person or their belongings (including baggage) in connection with the tour or holiday offers supplied by Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch whether or not such loss, injury or damage is due directly or indirectly to any default, negligent act, misrepresentation, breach of duty, or omission of the travel operator, their respective representatives, servants, contractors or agents. Matters outside the control of Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch may affect the services offered and Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch will not be responsible for any such matters. Programs, offers, tour prices, services and conditions are current at the time of publication of promotional material are subject to change without notice due to unforeseen circumstances, including increases in operating costs. Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch will not accept responsibility or liability for any traveller who contravenes the law or regulation of any country visited. Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch strongly advise against the use or possession of prohibited drugs in foreign countries and warns travelers that if found to be involved in the use or possession of illegal drugs on a Liquid Tours tour or travel package, we reserve the right to discharge the traveler from a tour. This is a zero tolerance policy.
FORCE MAJEURE: Except where otherwise expressly stated in these booking conditions, neither we nor any Third Party Supplier can accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our or the Third Party Supplier’s contractual obligations is prevented or affected by or you otherwise suffer any damage or loss as a result of force majeure. In these booking conditions, ‘force majeure’ means any event which we / the supplier of the service(s) in question / the Third Party Supplier could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events may include, whether actual or threatened, war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, epidemics, fire and all similar events outside the control of the party concerned.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: We require all travellers to have travel insurance. Please ask your travel consultant about our comprehensive policies or click HERE for an online quote
Another Japan year passes and yes Mountainwatch once again showed why they are the best travel Ski Company to travel with in Japan,great staff,excellent service,and a great bunch of girls and guys who give you the upmost attention while on your stay through the Japanese Alps. Thanks everyone again for a great holiday
Steve Japan
Rob was extremely helpful with our recent trip to Hakuba, Japan. All aspects of our organised trip were fantastic. Would highly recommend :)
Emma Japan
The Mountainwatch crew provided a hassle free experience from start to finish. Nothing was too difficult and they made the trip easy from start to finish.
Nigel Japan
Going on a trip with the Mountainwatch Travel crew was an epic experience. Having experienced riders guiding you through some amazing fun terrain, off the beaten track, with fun as a priority. As it should be. Off the hill was excellent to have someone with some local knowledge to show you around and keep you clued up. Basically, its a rad fun crew to tour with and it was well worth it. Hell yeah.
Chris Myoko, Japan
FAQ
You will be in very capable hands throughout this tour with our professional guides. Our local guide(s) have spent a lot of time riding around Myoko so know the mountains very well and will be able to show you around all the best spots. Our guides will also be around to greet you on your arrival and be around to help you with anything you need when back at the hotel. We’ll make bookings at the best restaurants for those that want to join us for a great night out!
All the rooming is two queen bedrooms, twin share, shared with other members on the tour.
We aim to allocate rooms to guests of similar ages and genders.
Breakfast is included. Wifi is also freely available.
Approximately 2-4 weeks prior to your departure you will receive detailed information on your trip which includes your travel vouchers, airline and airport transfer information (if applicable), information on the respective resort, etc. Since this year we also have our head office in Queenstown so there will always be someone around to help in case of an emergency.
We can also add in airport transfers. If you don’t have your own skis/snowboards or just prefer to travel without, we can arrange rentals in Myoko.
Why not extend your stay at the resort or better yet, join us in Nozawa for week 2 of the freeride weeks.
We require all group members to have travel insurance when joining our tour. We strongly recommend arranging travel insurance at the time of booking, so you are covered against cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness or accidents. We can arrange a quote for travel insurance so please contact your agent for further information or click here for an online quote. If you are using your own insurance please ensure it covers you for ski/snowboarding. Keep in mind Mountainwatch is in no way or form responsible or liable for anything that happens during your trip.
Our guides make calls on which resorts will be visited based on the best conditions. Calls can be made even the night before if there’s some unexpected weather conditions to be taken advantage of. Our lay day is also decided by the guides based on the weather conditions.
Most days we offer full-day guiding to give you the best experience possible. Of course, you don’t have to stay with the group and you are free to explore some further terrain, hit the powder stashes our guides have shown, or head back to town to enjoy the onsen or beer at your own leisure. Please make sure to tell the guide before heading off.
The Japan Freeride Weeks are open to everyone, whether you’re traveling solo, with mates or with your family. The Freeride Tours are most suitable for intermediate and above skiers and snowboarders. Because of our guide to guest ratio we can always split the group up when needed and meet back at the pub for Après drinks or lunch.
In advance of the tour we collect information relating to guests’ skiing/boarding levels, and the type of terrain they prefer to tackle. This information assists us in allocating guests into subgroups of usually 6-10 people. We aim to have guests of similar abilities teamed together to maximize the experience on the slopes. We’ll always aim to start and finish the day as a group and have the space during the day to split up if need be. It’s all about your experience and we want to make it as enjoyable as possible!
Our guides are on hand to assist with any queries/advice, they will be with you throughout the tour staying at the same accommodation. We also aim to set up a Whatapp or Facebook group chat to each other during our time in NZ. At the end of each day, we have a catch-up with the group to go through the day’s adventures, share photos and outline the next day’s plan of attack.
You will be in very capable hands throughout this tour with our professional guides. Our local guide(s) have spent a lot of time riding around Myoko so know the mountains very well and will be able to show you around all the best spots. Our guides will also be around to greet you on your arrival and be around to help you with anything you need when back at the hotel. We’ll make bookings at the best restaurants for those that want to join us for a great night out!
Our guides make calls on which resorts will be visited based on the best conditions. Calls can be made even the night before if there’s some unexpected weather conditions to be taken advantage of. Our lay day is also decided by the guides based on the weather conditions.
All the rooming is two queen bedrooms, twin share, shared with other members on the tour.
We aim to allocate rooms to guests of similar ages and genders.
Breakfast is included. Wifi is also freely available.
Most days we offer full-day guiding to give you the best experience possible. Of course, you don’t have to stay with the group and you are free to explore some further terrain, hit the powder stashes our guides have shown, or head back to town to enjoy the onsen or beer at your own leisure. Please make sure to tell the guide before heading off.
Approximately 2-4 weeks prior to your departure you will receive detailed information on your trip which includes your travel vouchers, airline and airport transfer information (if applicable), information on the respective resort, etc. Since this year we also have our head office in Queenstown so there will always be someone around to help in case of an emergency.
The Japan Freeride Weeks are open to everyone, whether you’re traveling solo, with mates or with your family. The Freeride Tours are most suitable for intermediate and above skiers and snowboarders. Because of our guide to guest ratio we can always split the group up when needed and meet back at the pub for Après drinks or lunch.
We can also add in airport transfers. If you don’t have your own skis/snowboards or just prefer to travel without, we can arrange rentals in Myoko.
Why not extend your stay at the resort or better yet, join us in Nozawa for week 2 of the freeride weeks.
In advance of the tour we collect information relating to guests’ skiing/boarding levels, and the type of terrain they prefer to tackle. This information assists us in allocating guests into subgroups of usually 6-10 people. We aim to have guests of similar abilities teamed together to maximize the experience on the slopes. We’ll always aim to start and finish the day as a group and have the space during the day to split up if need be. It’s all about your experience and we want to make it as enjoyable as possible!
We require all group members to have travel insurance when joining our tour. We strongly recommend arranging travel insurance at the time of booking, so you are covered against cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness or accidents. We can arrange a quote for travel insurance so please contact your agent for further information or click here for an online quote. If you are using your own insurance please ensure it covers you for ski/snowboarding. Keep in mind Mountainwatch is in no way or form responsible or liable for anything that happens during your trip.
Our guides are on hand to assist with any queries/advice, they will be with you throughout the tour staying at the same accommodation. We also aim to set up a Whatapp or Facebook group chat to each other during our time in NZ. At the end of each day, we have a catch-up with the group to go through the day’s adventures, share photos and outline the next day’s plan of attack.
ENQUIRE NOW
