Zao Onsen Powder Week - MountainWatch Travel
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Zao Onsen Powder Week

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  • OVERVIEW
  • INTINERARY
  • ACCOMMODATION
  • INCLUSIONS
  • GALLERY
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS
  • REVIEWS

Zao onsen Powder Week

World-class powder, amazing terrain, an experience incomparable to others! P/P

Discounts available when joining multiple weeks.

Jan 14th -21st 2027

Zao onsen is one of the hidden gems of Japan which is just starting to get popular with tourists coming through the town. Nestled in the Toahku area of Japan Zao Onsen is a historic Hot Spring Village right at the base of Mount Zao. Zao Onsen is famous for its Outdoor Onsens, Traditional Ryokan stays and amazing Winter views. Zao onsen Skiing is amazing being a large resort all interconnected with plenty of runs and deep powder to keep you entertained all week. Zao Onsen also has its famous Snow Monsters that appear in winter over the trees with heavy snow and cold temps effecting how it settles.

1

Day 01, 14th Jan

Welcome to Zao Onsen, Located about 4 hours from Tokyo By Shinkansen and Home of the Snow Monsters! Make your way Zao Onsen via bullet train to Yamagata and then a 1 hour Bus to Zao Onsen, If arriving in the afternoon we can organize the guides to be there to pick everyone up!. We highly advise having your own skis for this area of Japan as Rental stores are few and far between. Once everyone’s checked in, meet your guide and the rest of the group for some drinks, maybe some dinner and to go over the week’s plan of attack.

  • Let your consultant know if you’d like to be picked up from the station from the guides and we will arrange a meeting time.
  • Comfortable accommodation Hotel Oakhill, Japanese Club Room ( Non Ensuite) – Twin Share
2

Day 02, 15th Jan

First day riding! A good breakfast at the Hotel is the perfect place to fuel up, and go over the plan for the day. With it being Zao Onsen and the Main Mountain being right there we will head right up Mount Zao to warm up the legs and get your bearings of the mounain. We can head directly up to check out the Snow Monsters if there on and then start to explore the vast mountain. This is also the perfect time to assess the groups abilites and riding levels. The aim will be to show you the best runs and powder spots on the day. Depending on group numbers, we have the option to split the group according to everyones ability, fitness and terrain preference.  

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 Hotel Oak Hill
  • Full Day Guiding Zao
  • ZaoLift Pass
  • Private Transfers to/from Ski Resorts
  • Comfortable accommodation Hotel Oakhill Japanese Club Room – (Non Ensuite)
3

Day 03, 16th Jan

Let’s go! With the legs well and truly warmed up we’ll dive deeper into the incredible Zao Onsen Terrain, There’s endless runs plenty of side gates and some tree runs, open bowls and amazing groomed runs. Your guide(s) will be on hand all day to show you to these best areas, all ending up back at the lifts for either lunch, drinks or to go straight back up. The possibilities are endless and we can spend all day on a certain side of the mountain. That leaves tomorrow to explore the other side…

  • Breakfast at Hotel Oak Hill
  • Full Day Guiding Zao
  • ZaoLift Pass
  • Private Transfers to/from Ski Resorts
  • Comfortable accommodation Hotel Oakhill Japanese Club Room – (Non Ensuite)
4

Day 04, 17th Jan

Today we will be up early for Breakfast and jump in the Vans early so we can head out to one of the smaller and quieter resorts in the area such as Tengendaikogen. The riding at Tengendai Kogen Ski Resort is mellow and powder-focused, with mostly gentle, rolling terrain that suits beginners and intermediates, plus a couple of short steeper pitches. The main runs are fairly limited and laid-back, but the resort stands out for its long descents and high-quality natural snow, with access to some fun tree and slackcountry riding off the ropeway. It’s more about quiet laps and soft snow than steep, varied terrain. After riding we can visit a stunning outdoor onsen. It’s the perfect way to relax, and regenerate your muscles. 

  • Breakfast at Hotel Oak Hill
  • Full Day Guiding Zao
  • Zao Lift Pass
  • Private Transfers to/from Ski Resorts
  • Comfortable accommodation Hotel Oakhill Japanese Club Room – (Non Ensuite)
5

Day 05, 18th Jan

It’s a rest day… or, if you want to chase more powder feel free to head up the Mountain. We would recommend to walk through the town to see some of the best views you will see all trip and also to head to one of the local onsens There’s something to do for everyone!. Speak to your guides in the morning for any suggestions they have.

  • Breakfast at Hotel Oak Hill
  • Comfortable accommodation Hotel Oakhill Japanese Club Room – (Non Ensuite)
6

Day 06, 19th Jan

After having enjoyed a relaxing day, meet up for breakfast before jumping in the van and head to one of the resorts close by Zao Liza World, This resort although smaller offers amazing views of the valley and amazing powder turns. The terrain is fairly short and mellow, but offers good snow quality and fun side hits, with a couple of steeper, race-standard courses for stronger riders. It’s more about relaxed laps and uncrowded powder turns than big terrain or variety, making it ideal for easy days on the mountain.

  • Breakfast at Hotel Oak Hill
  • Full Day Guiding Zao
  • Zao Lift Pass
  • Private Transfers to/from Ski Resorts
  • Comfortable accommodation Hotel Oakhill Japanese Club Room – (Non Ensuite)
7

Day 07, 20th Jan

It’s the last day riding and what we do today depends on what the group wants to do, We can head back up Mount Zao in town or head to one of the smaller and quieter resorts. 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.

  • Breakfast at Hotel Oak Hill
  • Full Day Guiding Zao
  • Zao Lift Pass
  • Private Transfers to/from Ski Resorts
  • Comfortable accommodation Hotel Oakhill Japanese Club Room – (Non Ensuite)
8

Day 08, 21st Jan

After an epic week freeriding in the hidden Gem of Zao Onsen, it’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers and guide. If Zao onsen is your last stop, Please let your consultant know and we can try to help you get back to Yamagata Station the guides will be heading back to the Nagano area for a few days to rest up before heading up to Furano. If your interested in rejoing the guides in our Furano tour in Hokkaido please reach out to your travel consultant and we can organize accommodation for you for the few days prior to tour starting!.

 

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.
  • Hotel OakHill
    Hotel Oakhill in Yamagata is a 2-minute walk from Zao Onsen Ski Resort and a 3-minute walk from Zao Onsen Bus Terminal. There are 3 indoor/outdoor hot spring baths. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas.
    The Japanese-style rooms come with tatami-mat flooring and futon bedding. A satellite TV and personal safe are included.

    Daily Japanese set breakfast are available at either the restaurant or banquet hall. After-dinner drinks can be enjoyed at Cinderella Darts Bar from 19:00 to midnight.
    Features
    • 7 Nights Japanese Club Room ( Non Ensuite)
    • Daily Breakfast at Hotel Oakhill
    • 5 Day Ski Pass
    • Private Transfers
    Hotel OakHill
    Hotel Oakhill in Yamagata is a 2-minute walk from Zao Onsen Ski Resort and a 3-minute walk from Zao Onsen Bus Terminal. There are 3 indoor/outdoor hot spring baths. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas.
    The Japanese-style rooms come with tatami-mat flooring and futon bedding. A satellite TV and personal safe are included.

    Daily Japanese set breakfast are available at either the restaurant or banquet hall. After-dinner drinks can be enjoyed at Cinderella Darts Bar from 19:00 to midnight.
    Features
    • 7 Nights Japanese Club Room ( Non Ensuite)
    • Daily Breakfast at Hotel Oakhill
    • 5 Day Ski Pass
    • Private Transfers

INCLUDED

  • Comfortable accommodation Hotel Oakhill Japanese Club Room – (Non Ensuite)
  • Daily Breakfast at Hotel
  • 5 Days All Mountain Guiding
  • 5 Day Lift Pass
  • Private Mountainwatch Transfers to Resorts
  • Rest day to explore the town
  • 1 Group Dinner

EXLUDED

  • Flights
  • Airport Transfers
  • Lunch + Dinner
  • Travel Insurance
  • Rentals or Add-ons

EXPERIENCE + GEAR

This tour is for the higher intermediate to experienced skier/boarder. Niseko is a great all-round resort, but our goal is to find as much powder snow as possible. We can cater this tour to anyone, but to make the most of your holiday we recommend having some powder riding experience or at least the desire to learn. 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.

Groups Terms and Conditions

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

CLICK HERE TO
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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 Japan 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 Japan 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.

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