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Golden Snowmads Tour

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Golden Snowmads Tour

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

Golden Snowmads Tour

The Ultimate Japan Experience for our Golden Snowmads! P/P

8th Feb - 18th Feb, 2025

Hosted by Mountainwatch own – Reggae Elliss. This is not just your normal ski holiday, the Golden Snowmads Tour combines epic skiing and boarding with that incredible Japanese culture and cuisine. Staying in luxurious accommodation with western beds, daily breakfast, some dinners and incredible onsens!
Our guides will use their local knowledge to give you the best Japanese experience possible!

Reggae and our “Golden Guides” will use their local knowledge to show you around a variety of great resorts in Honshu. Even tho the itinerary is very flexible, and snow and weather will decide where we ride each day, you can expect to be guided around Hodaigi Ski Resort, Kaguro, Naeba, Oze Iwakure, Gala Yuzawa, Tenjindaira, Myoko Kogen, Lotte Arai, Madarao and Nozawa Onsen! Starting in the lesser known Minakami Region, before transferring to Myoko Kogen. Don’t worry, no days will be wasted as your guides will take you on cultural experiences like visiting the Snow Monkeys, heading into Nagano and visiting the Zenkoji Temple or heading to the local ninja museum. There’s also the chance to keep skiing or boarding.

While skiing and boarding is the main objective of this tour, and we’ll be doing plenty of it, we want to make sure you get the full, Japanese experience. This is why we have added a bunch of great additions to do after each day’s riding. Think of Geisha performance with your traditional Japanese dinner, sake distillery tour with tastings, multiple dinners with wine tasting, and daily visits to different onsens and sightsee locations! All the while staying in comfortable accommodation with western beds, en-suite bathrooms and breakfast included. Experience the taste of Japan with some dinner experiences, sake tasting and wine pairing. This truly is the Golden Japan experience!

 

1

Feb 08 - Day 01

Welcome to Japan! Make your way over to Minakami at your own leisure. The easiest way to get to Minakami is by shinkansen. From Tokyo, take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Jomo-Kogen Station, which takes 75 minutes. If you get to Jomo-Kogen station before 10pm, one of your guides will be able to pick you up from the station and shuttle you to your hotel for the next 5 nights. Alternatively you can catch a local bus, or book a taxi.

After checking in spend the rest of the day exploring the hotel, unwind in the stunning outdoor onsens, or go on a relaxing stroll around the resort before meeting your guide and the group for dinner.

  • Accommodation Matsunoi Onsen Resort, western room with western beds and ensuite. (twin share)
  • We can arrange transport from Jomo-Kogen station if you arrive before 10pm.
2

Feb 09 - Day 02

First day on the slopes! After a delicious buffet breakfast, meet your guide(s) in the lobby and get ready to be shown to some of their favourite runs and stashes around the Minakami area. Even though the snow and weather will decide where we ride each day, the goal today is to head to Hodaigi Ski Resort. A fun, Japanese ski resort offering great terrain for all riders including beginners, intermediates, moguls, and some fun tree runs! It’s the perfect resort to warm up the legs, get a feel for your guides and fellow Snowmads. We’ll have a full day guiding today, but at any time feel free to explore the resort at your own leisure. Having 3 guides will also mean we can split the group up if need be, but we’ll always aim to meet up for lunch, and for apres drinks after riding and before heading back to the hotel.   

After your day skiing, relax, have a drink, then jump in the van back to the hotel where you can relax in one of the many, incredible natural onsens. After some down time, meet in the lobby for a rather exciting dinner. A delicious Japanese feast goes paired with a traditional Geisha and Taiko Drum performance. An incredible Japanese experience and one of the highlights of the week!

  • Buffet breakfast at Matsunoi Onsen Resort
  • Full day guiding
  • Lift pass
  • Private Transfers
  • Japanese dinner with Geisha and Taiko Drum performance
  • Accommodation Matsunoi Onsen Resort, western room with western beds and ensuite. (twin share)
3

Feb 10 - Day 03

With the legs well and truly warmed up, we’ll spend today venturing further into the Minakami region. One of the options for the day is to head to a popular ski resort for day trippers from Tokyo – Gala Yuzawa. Reason for its popularity is it’s one of the only ski resorts that has its own shinkansen station! The gondola from the train station takes you up to the main Gala Yuzawa ski area which has some fun runs for any type of rider. Gala is also interconnected with Yuzawa Kogen, and Ishiuchi Maruyama. Combining the resorts, you can find plenty of fun terrain to keep you entertained for the whole day. Add the incredible amounts of snow this area receives and you know you’re in for a good time!

What better way to relax after a long day riding than visiting a traditional Japanese bathhouse. Located in Osenkaku, upstream of Tonaegawa. It follows the stream of Takaraga into the beautiful building surrounded by nature. We can spend hours here just looking at the beauty that surrounds the baths, listening to the relaxing sounds of the river and streaming water.  

  • Buffet breakfast at Matsunoi Onsen Resort
  • Full day guiding
  • Lift pass
  • Private Transfers
  • Visit to Takaragawa Onsen
  • Accommodation Matsunoi Onsen Resort, western room with western beds and ensuite. (twin share)
4

Feb 11 - Day 04

With 2 full days riding under our belt it’s time to visit one of the snowiest, and steepest resorts in all of Honshu – Tenjindaira. This awesome little resorts is renowned for receiving massive amounts of snow! Most people don’t come to Tenjin to ride in the little ski area; they come to check out the amazing side- and backcountry. A chairlift takes you to the ridge where endless opportunities await! Being steeper, snow filled terrain this also goes paired with some obvious dangers, so your guides will be on hand to make decisions on what runs are safe. Please listen to your guides as your safety is paramount!

When all that powder scoring comes to an end, we’ll head to a local Sake Distillery where you get a tour around the place, learn how sake is made, and, of course ample time to try a few (3). Back at the hotel you have the rest of the night off to spend at your own leisure. Your guides are on hand to make dinner reservations, or give you options on where to go.

  • Buffet breakfast at Matsunoi Onsen Resort
  • Full day guiding
  • Lift pass
  • Private Transfers
  • Visit to local sake distillery with tasting
  • Accommodation Matsunoi Onsen Resort, western room with western beds and ensuite. (twin share)
5

Feb 12 - Day 05

The last day in Minakami, what better time to re-visit some of your favourite runs from earlier in the week. Together with your guide, and the group we’ll decide that morning where to go. Your guides will keep a close eye on snow and weather forecasts and will advise where the best place to go will be. 

Being the last night in Minakami, we can go for dinner at a delicious local restaurant, only serving “wild” meats and vegetables. This local family lives off the land hunting and growing vegetables so you can expect dinner to be fresh, and local! Such a nice way to close out the Minakami chapter of this trip.

  • Buffet breakfast at Matsunoi Onsen Resort
  • Full day guiding
  • Lift pass
  • Private Transfers
  • Accommodation Matsunoi Onsen Resort, western room with western beds and ensuite. (twin share)
6

Feb 13 - Day 06

Transfer day! We can take it a little easy today as we’ll travel from Minakami to Myoko. After a relaxing breakfast, pack up the vans as we say goodbye to our local Minakami Guide(s). The journey to Myoko Kogen is only 2.5hrs but on the way we can stop at a few different sightsee stops like the Snow Monkeys, Yudanaka,Nagano and the Zenko-ji Temple. Alternatively, if everyone prefers we can decide to ski an extra day either in Minakami, or in Myoko. The schedule is flexible and your guides will make sure everyone’s happy with the plan of attack. 

In Myoko relax at your own leisure, and prepare for the next few days exploring some of our favourite resorts in all of Japan! 

  • Buffet breakfast at Matsunoi Onsen Resort
  • Full day hosting
  • Private Transfers to Myoko Kogen
  • Accommodation Akakura Park hotel, combination room with western beds and ensuite. (twin share)
7

Feb 14 - Day 07

Let’s explore Myoko! Luckily you’ll find tracks for days, maybe not in Myoko itself, but there’s a bunch of different little resorts nearby to explore. Depending on snow and weather decide each day where to ride. An example of a great resort nearby is Lotte Arai – a newly renovated resort with luxury hotel. Closer to the sea of Japan. Crowds here are unlike, in stead you’ll find plenty of inbound, patrolled powder gates! Being that close to the sea, if it’s not dumping, you have some incredible views. After skiing, when the legs are burning, you can exchange your  lift ticket for access to an incredible onsen. Relax in the indoor and outdoor onsens, massage showers, sauna’s and different baths. It’s the benefit of having our Mountainwatch van and snow chaser lift pass, we can go whenever, wherever we want!

  • Breakfast at Akakura park Hotel
  • Full day guiding Lotte Arai
  • Snow Chaser lift pass (access to Myoko, Madarao, Nozawa Onsen, Lotte Arai, Seki)
  • Accommodation Akakura Park hotel, combination room with western beds and ensuite. (twin share)
8

Feb 15 - Day 08

It’s another powder day! Luckily you’ll find tracks for days, maybe not in Myoko itself, but there’s a bunch of different little resorts nearby to explore. Depending on snow and weather decide each day where to ride. An example of a great resort nearby is Lotte Arai – a newly renovated resort with luxury hotel. Closer to the sea of Japan. Crowds here are unlike, in stead you’ll find plenty of inbound, patrolled powder gates! Being that close to the sea, if it’s not dumping, you have some incredible views. After skiing, when the legs are burning, you can exchange your  lift ticket for access to an incredible onsen. Relax in the indoor and outdoor onsens, massage showers, sauna’s and different baths. It’s the benefit of having our Mountainwatch van and snow chaser lift pass, we can go whenever, wherever we want!

  • Breakfast at Akakura park Hotel
  • Full day guiding Lotte Arai
  • Snow Chaser lift pass (access to Myoko, Madarao, Nozawa Onsen, Lotte Arai, Seki)
  • Accommodation Akakura Park hotel, combination room with western beds and ensuite. (twin share)
9

Feb 16 - Day 09

Another great little resort, not too far from Myoko is Madarao, or better know as Madapow! Madarao has some really fun, playful terrain and prides itself as having some of the best inbounds tree skiing in japan! They where also one of the first resorts to invite visitors to explore the powder by providing patrolled, ungroomed gates. There are also some great, easily accessible backcountry options if you’re up for it. When the lifts close, head to a nice little onsen, only locals seem to know. Relax in the outdoor bath while taking in the beautiful, snow covered garden. Dinner is in Madarao at a local lodge. Run by a Dutch chef and his partner. “Dutchy” will use local, organic ingredients to create a delicious 6 course dinner, each dish paired with a local wine.

  • Breakfast at Akakura park Hotel
  • Full day guiding Madarao
  • Snow Chaser lift pass (access to Myoko, Madarao, Nozawa Onsen, Lotte Arai, Seki)
  • Private transfer to/from Madarao
  • 6 Course dinner with wine pairing at Madarao
  • Accommodation Akakura Park hotel, combination room with western beds and ensuite. (twin share)
10

Feb 17 - Day 10

Today we head to one of the most sought after resorts in all of Japan – Nozawa Onsen!
Here you’ll find either long, wide groomers, moguls or ample of terrain to explore the amazing side and backcountry. For lunch there’s a great en-piste ramen place, with views over the mountain and a delicious spicy ramen. Nozawa receives the abundant powder Japan is famous for, with plenty of terrain for beginners, powder chasers and backcountry riders to explore. Relax in one of the many public onsens after a deep day and relax. Go for a drink and meet the group for another dinner out in town. 

  • Breakfast at Akakura park Hotel
  • Full day guiding Nozawa Onsen
  • Snow Chaser lift pass (access to Myoko, Madarao, Nozawa Onsen, Lotte Arai, Seki)
  • Private transfer to/from Nozawa Onsen
  • Accommodation Akakura Park hotel, combination room with western beds and ensuite. (twin share)
11

Feb 18 - Day 11

What a trip it’s been. Filled with lifelong memories, new friends made and most likely, some tired legs. It’s time to say goodbye to Myoko Kogen, to your guides and to your new mates. Depending on what, or where, your next destination is either transfer to the airport, Tokyo or onto your next resort. Please let your consultant know where you’re heading as we can easily help you get there. If this is the end of your ski trip, we highly recommend spending a few days exploring Tokyo. This wild city is full of surprises, centuries old history and overall an amazing culture.  

  • Breakfast at Akakura park Hotel
  • To get back to Tokyo, it’s very easy getting a bullet train or if you’re heading to the Airport, an airport transfer might be the easiest option. Let your consultant know and we can help arrange anything you need.

 

This itinerary is just an example. We’ll have the freedom to decide per day what resort to visit depending on weather and snow forecast. We’ll aim to ride as many different resorts as possible or if snow if absolutely amazing at certain resorts we’ll ride the same resort multiple times. More Freedom = More Pow!

  • Matsunoi Onsen Hotel
    A stunning 4 star, Japanese hotel beautifully located on the river with large, natural onsens. All rooms are western rooms with ensuite and have a stunning view over the snowy forest or river. An excellent buffet breakfast provides fuel
    Features
    • Western room with ensuite - Twin Share (western beds)
    • Breakfast included
    • Natural onsen baths on site
    • Centrally located to nearby ski resorts
    Matsunoi Onsen Hotel
    A stunning 4 star, Japanese hotel beautifully located on the river with large, natural onsens. All rooms are western rooms with ensuite and have a stunning view over the snowy forest or river. An excellent buffet breakfast provides fuel
    Features
    • Western room with ensuite - Twin Share (western beds)
    • Breakfast included
    • Natural onsen baths on site
    • Centrally located to nearby ski resorts
  • Myoko Kogen - Akakura Park Hotel
    The Akakura Park Hotel is located in the heart of Akakura village and is only a 5-minute walk to the closest chairlift of Akakura Onsen. Staying here you’ll be close to all the restaurants and bars the village has to offer.
    Features
    • Western combination room with ensuite - Twin Share (western beds)
    • Breakfast included
    • close to lifts, restaurants and shops
    • onsen on site
    Myoko Kogen - Akakura Park Hotel
    The Akakura Park Hotel is located in the heart of Akakura village and is only a 5-minute walk to the closest chairlift of Akakura Onsen. Staying here you’ll be close to all the restaurants and bars the village has to offer.
    Features
    • Western combination room with ensuite - Twin Share (western beds)
    • Breakfast included
    • close to lifts, restaurants and shops
    • onsen on site

INCLUSIONS

  • 11 Days hosting by Reggae Elliss
  • 5x Nights accommodation in Matsunoi Onsen Resort – Western room room, western beds with ensuite (twin share)
  • 5x Nights accommodation in Myoko Kogen at Akakura Park Hotel – Western room, western beds with ensuite (twin share)
  • Daily Breakfast
  • Daily mountain guiding
  • Private transfers to/from resorts
  • 4x Lift pass Minakami Region
  • 4x Snow Chaser lift pass (covers 9 ski resorts)
  • 1x Dinner experience in Minakami with Geisha and Taiko Drum performance
  • 1x Takaragawa Onsen entry
  • 1x Sake Distillery tour with 3 tastings
  • 1x 6 Course Dinner in Madarao with local wine pairing
  • Different activities to choose from when travelling to Myoko. Visit the snow monkeys, Nagano, the Zenkoji temple, a ninja museum or more.
  • Visit to Sake distillery in Myoko

NOT INCLUDED

  • Transfer from Tokyo/Airport to Minakami
  • Transfers from Nozawa Onsen to Tokyo/Airport/Other resort – Our travel consultants can help you book this if needed, please let them know
  • All Meals unless specified above
  • Flights
  • Travel Insurance
  • Additional Nights, Rentals or Add-ons

EXPERIENCE + GEAR

Not just your normal ski holiday, the Golden Snowmads Tour in Japan combines adventure, culture, comfortable accommodation and local knowledge to give you the best Japanese experience. Perfect for solo travellers, or small groups of mates who want to experience Japan, ski/board whenever they want and be with likeminded people their own age. This tour is open to anyone, but aimed more towards the golden generation, who don’t feel like trying to keep up with the young guns and their powder stress.

Open to advanced-intermediates to experienced skiers and boarders. No experience riding deep powder needed but we would recommend feeling comfortable riding all the groomers, also the black ones, at your local resort. That way you get the most out of your holiday.

If you want to venture out in the powder we recommend having a minimum of all mountain skis or board, but powder specific ones are preferred. More with under foot means more float means more fun! Let your consultant know if you’d like to rent some as we can add these to your package!

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.
The deposit amount is:
• Tours to Japan: $1,000 per student
• Tours to New Zealand: $600 per student
• Tours to North America: $1,000 per student

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.

FINAL PAYMENT: Final payment is payable 90 days prior to departure date. A final invoice will be issued prior to the payment due date.

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: In the event of cancellation more than 90 days prior to departure, Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch will charge $1,000 per student cancellation fee in addition to any airline or accommodation and supplier fees. For cancellation within 90 days but more than 30 days prior to departure, Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch will retain 50% of the total trip price in addition to any applicable airline, accommodation or supplier cancellation penalties. 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 (e.g. within Tokyo’s Narita airport to Haneda airport by bus), 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 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

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FAQ

You will be in very capable hands throughout the trip with Reggae Elliss, and our fellow Golden Guide(s) who have spend several seasons in Japan so knows the areas 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.

In the Minakami region we use a local guide that lives in the area and can cater each day perfectly to the group!

At both properties we’ll be staying in western rooms – meaning western beds, and en-suites bathrooms.
In Minakami, the Matsunoi Onsen Resort is a stunning hotel, centrally located to some of the best resorts. It also boasts incredible onsens and baths.
In Myoko Kogen the hotel is in walking distance to the lifts, bars and restaurants. It also has a decent onsen on site.
Daily buffet breakfast is included in both.
Rooms are shared with other members on the tour. We aim to allocate rooms to guests of similar ages and genders.

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. You will also have access to our 24hour emergency number if for any reason something goes wrong in your journey to the respective resort.

We can also add respective flights, corresponding airport transfers, Japan Rail Passes, etc. If you don’t have your own skis/snowboards or just prefer to travel without, we can arrange rentals in resort. And perhaps you would like to extend your stay at the resort, or explore a bit more of Japan such as Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto, your consultant can assist with this and recommendations.

Our guides are on hand to assist with any queries/advice. Your guides will be staying at the same accommodation so will be available to help at any time. We strongly recommend arranging a Japanese sim card, global roaming, or pocket Wifi so you have access to internet during your time on the slopes. This way we might set up a group chat for the duration of the tour. At the end of each day we’ll catch up with the group to go through the day’s adventures, and outline the next day’s resort to be visited.

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. If you had an epic day at one of the resorts make sure to tell the guide and if weather allows we can always head back there!

We offer full day guiding to give you the best experience and score the best snow possible. Of course you don’t have to stay with the group and are free to explore some further terrain, hit the powder stashes our guides have shown, or head back to town to enjoy an onsen or Asahi at your own leisure. Please make sure to tell the guide before heading off.

The Golden Snowmads Tour is open to solo travellers or small groups. Open to anyone but aimed towards the “golden Generation”. Ski with likeminded people your own age, without having to try to keep up with the young guns and their powder stress. Suitable for high intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders who feel comfortable riding around the whole mountain at their own resorts.

As this tour is mainly resort based, finding the best powder, the best groomers and the best snow we use a 1:8 Guide to Guest ratio. If the group is larger, 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 sub groups of usually 6-8 people. We aim to have guests of similar ability teamed together to maximise the experience on the slopes.

We insist on anyone joining a group tour to take out travel insurance, and recommend doing this 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 or you can click here for more info and an online quote. If you are using your own insurance please ensure it covers you for ski/snowboarding.

You will be in very capable hands throughout the trip with Reggae Elliss, and our fellow Golden Guide(s) who have spend several seasons in Japan so knows the areas 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.

In the Minakami region we use a local guide that lives in the area and can cater each day perfectly to the group!

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. If you had an epic day at one of the resorts make sure to tell the guide and if weather allows we can always head back there!

At both properties we’ll be staying in western rooms – meaning western beds, and en-suites bathrooms.
In Minakami, the Matsunoi Onsen Resort is a stunning hotel, centrally located to some of the best resorts. It also boasts incredible onsens and baths.
In Myoko Kogen the hotel is in walking distance to the lifts, bars and restaurants. It also has a decent onsen on site.
Daily buffet breakfast is included in both.
Rooms are shared with other members on the tour. We aim to allocate rooms to guests of similar ages and genders.

We offer full day guiding to give you the best experience and score the best snow possible. Of course you don’t have to stay with the group and are free to explore some further terrain, hit the powder stashes our guides have shown, or head back to town to enjoy an onsen or Asahi 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. You will also have access to our 24hour emergency number if for any reason something goes wrong in your journey to the respective resort.

The Golden Snowmads Tour is open to solo travellers or small groups. Open to anyone but aimed towards the “golden Generation”. Ski with likeminded people your own age, without having to try to keep up with the young guns and their powder stress. Suitable for high intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders who feel comfortable riding around the whole mountain at their own resorts.

We can also add respective flights, corresponding airport transfers, Japan Rail Passes, etc. If you don’t have your own skis/snowboards or just prefer to travel without, we can arrange rentals in resort. And perhaps you would like to extend your stay at the resort, or explore a bit more of Japan such as Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto, your consultant can assist with this and recommendations.

As this tour is mainly resort based, finding the best powder, the best groomers and the best snow we use a 1:8 Guide to Guest ratio. If the group is larger, 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 sub groups of usually 6-8 people. We aim to have guests of similar ability teamed together to maximise the experience on the slopes.

Our guides are on hand to assist with any queries/advice. Your guides will be staying at the same accommodation so will be available to help at any time. We strongly recommend arranging a Japanese sim card, global roaming, or pocket Wifi so you have access to internet during your time on the slopes. This way we might set up a group chat for the duration of the tour. At the end of each day we’ll catch up with the group to go through the day’s adventures, and outline the next day’s resort to be visited.

We insist on anyone joining a group tour to take out travel insurance, and recommend doing this 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 or you can click here for more info and an online quote. If you are using your own insurance please ensure it covers you for ski/snowboarding.

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