Golden Snowmads Tour
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Golden Snowmads Tour
12 Nights, 10 Days guiding around multiple resorts P/P
12 Feb - 24 Feb, 2023
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.
Our “Golden Guide” will use his local knowledge to show you around a variety of great resorts in the Nagano prefecture over 10 days of skiing. Even tho the itinerary is flexible, expect to ride around Shiga Kogen, Myoko Kogen, Lotte Arai, Nozawa Onsen and more! We have one transfer day included between resorts. Don’t worry, these days won’t go to waste as we’ll have a variety of options for traditional cultural experiences like visiting the Snow Monkeys, heading into Nagano and visiting the Zenkoji Temple or heading to the local ninja museum. For those keen to keep skiing or boarding we can decide to transfer early (or late). Because we have our private Mountainwatch Shuttle, we can decide on the day what we’re doing!
Of course skiing and boarding is the main objective of this tour, but we’ve added a bunch of great experiences to do after a day’s riding. Think of sake tastings, multiple dinner experiences and a visit to the snow monsters of Shiga Kogen at night are all included!
Stay in comfortable accommodation with en-suite bathrooms and breakfast included. Experience the taste of Japan with somme dinner experiences included, sake tasting and wine pairing. This truly is the Golden Japan experience!
Staff backcountry tour in Myoko Kogen
Day 01
Welcome to Japan! Make your way over to Shiga Kogen at your own leisure. You can either catch a bullet train to Nagano, then a local train and bus to Shiga Kogen. Or, for peace of mind we can book you a direct airport shuttle. This takes a bit longer but there’s no stress dragging your luggage around Tokyo hopping in and out of trains. Just make sure to let your consultant know who can easily add this to your package. After checking in spend the rest of the day exploring Shiga Kogen, relax in your room or head to the onsens before meeting your guide and the group for dinner.
- Accommodation Shiga Prince West hotel, combination room with western beds and ensuite. (twin share)
- We can arrange transport from Tokyo Airport to Shiga Kogen, just make sure to let your consultant know who can easily add this to your package.
day 02
First day on the slopes! After breakfast meet your guide who will take you around Mt Yakebitayama. Explore the fun groomers, stunning views and if the legs are warmed up enough, score some fun powder stashes! Mt Yakebitayama is the perfect place to warm up the legs for what will be an epic trip ahead! If at any time you want a rest, head back or get a drink, the hotel is nearby and you ski right into the bar or restaurant. After your day skiing, relax, have a drink, an onsen then once everyone is settled and changed, head to one of the local restaurants for dinner – there is a surprisingly good Indian restaurant which we highly recommend.
- Breakfast at Prince West hotel
- Full day guiding Mt Yakebitayama
- Lift pass Mt Yakebitayama
- Accommodation Shiga Prince West hotel, combination room with western beds and ensuite. (twin share)
day 03
With the legs well and truly warmed up, we’ll spend today venturing deeper into the Shiga valley. Made up of 18 resorts Shiga Kogen is the largest ski area in Asia with the highest lift access in Japan. Because of this elevation, fresh lines can be found days after a snowfall. Your guide will be on hand to take you to the best groomers, the steepest runs or the deepest powder. There’s something for everyone and it’s unlikely you’ll get to ride it all in 1 day. We’ll head back a little earlier andtake a short drive to Mt Yokoteyamar. Jump in a snow cat and journey up to see the snow monsters of Shiga Kogen at night. Walk around these lit up monsters before enjoying a nice hot cup of thee or coffee. Back in town head for dinner and go over the plan for tomorrow.
- Breakfast at Prince West hotel
- Full day guiding around Shiga Kogen
- Lift pass Shiga Kogen All Mountain
- Private transfer to/from Mt Yokoteyamar
- Snow cat tour of the Snow Monsters of Shiga Kogen at night with hot drink
- Accommodation Shiga Prince West hotel, combination room with western beds and ensuite. (twin share)
Day 04
It’s your last day exploring Shiga Kogen. Seeing as tomorrow can be a travel day, we can push it a bit more today. There’s plenty of great inbound tree runs to choose from which, thanks to the altitude, receive amazing amounts of snow! After ripping around Shiga Kogen, we’ll quickly pack a bag and jump in the van to drive to to Yudanaka. A small traditional Japanese onsen town where we’ll spend the evening enjoying the onsen, and a cultural dinner experience.
- Breakfast at Prince West hotel
- Full day guiding around Shiga Kogen
- Lift pass Shiga Kogen All Mountain
- Private transfer to/from Yudanaka
- Dinner experience Yudanaka
- Accommodation Shiga Prince West hotel, combination room with western beds and ensuite. (twin share)
Day 05
We can take it a little easier today and meet for breakfast after a little sleepin.. Pack up and say goodbye to Shiga Kogen as we’ll make our way to Myoko Kogen. Even tho Shiga Kogen is known for the great skiing, it’s also known for the many snow monkeys that live in the mountains. There’s a small area just down from Shiga where these monkeys all come together to warm up in a natural onsen. It’s quite the sight seeing these monkeys relax and warm up in the natural hotspring, completely unphased of people trying to take photo’s of them. The walk up to the onsen is also quite nice through the forest. Other options are visiting Nagano and the Zenkoji Temple, going to a ninja museum or some other local shrines and walks. If the group prefers to keep skiing, we can arrange for an extra day at either Shiga Kogen or Myoko Kogen.
- Breakfast at Prince West hotel
- Private transfer to/from Myoko
- Possible to stop at snow monkeys, Nagano, ninja museum or other options
- Accommodation Akakura Park hotel, combination room with western beds and ensuite. (twin share)
Day 06
Time to score some pow! Myoko Kogen, possibly one of the snowiest places on earth averaging about 15m of snow each season! That’s 15m of soft, dry Japanese pow! The treeruns in Myoko are top notch and the backcountry terrain is easily accessible and offers some amazing skiing. There are some nice, widely spaced groomers as well for when the powder is a little tracked out or you feel like cruising. Myoko is a very fun little town with a lot of different bars, cafe’s and restaurants so when you’re done skiing, there’s plenty to do! Your guide can make sure a table is reserved at our favourite restaurant.
- Breakfast at Akakura park Hotel
- Full day guiding Myoko
- 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)
Day 07
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)
day 08
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)
Day 09
Depending on snow and weather, either head to one of the smaller resorts of Myoko, or revisit your favourite runs of the days before. Because we have the freedom to go where we want, just make sure to discuss with your guide on where you want to ski or board! There are plenty of options and your guide will make sure to find you the best conditions for the day!
Now Japan is also known for the delicious sake, and near Myoko is a beautiful little distillery. Get a tour of the place and see how sake is made. ofcourse there’s plenty of time for a taste..
- Breakfast at Akakura park Hotel
- Full day guiding around Myoko
- Snow Chaser lift pass (access to Myoko, Madarao, Nozawa Onsen, Lotte Arai, Seki)
- Visit to local sake distillery
- Accommodation Akakura Park hotel, combination room with western beds and ensuite. (twin share)
Day 10
Another big decision to make. Either spend another day scoring deep pow around Myoko, or jump in the van early and head over to Nozawa Onsen. Nozawa has some of our favourite backcountry treesuns. Long deep runs with widely spaced trees ending back at a long, really wide run out back to the lift. You’ll also find a natural halfpipe on the top of the mountain and views, when it’s not snowing are stunning. After skiing there’s plenty to see and do in town. Walk the narrow cobble stone streets, jump in one of the 14 public onsens, visit a local brewery or have some drinks at one of the many little bars.
- Breakfast at Akakura park Hotel
- Full day guiding
- Snow Chaser lift pass (access to Myoko, Madarao, Nozawa Onsen, Lotte Arai, Seki)
- Private transfer to Nozawa Onsen
- Accommodation Gasthof Schi Heil, combination room with western beds and ensuite. (twin share)
Day 11
There’s plenty of fun to be had around Nozawa, either cruising the long, wide groomers, moguls or 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 another deep day and relax. Go for a drink and meet the group for another dinner out in town. There’s plenty to choose from, and because spots are limited, your guide will make sure to book in some places before hand.
- Breakfast at Gasthof Schi Heil
- Full day guiding
- Snow Chaser lift pass (access to Myoko, Madarao, Nozawa Onsen, Lotte Arai, Seki)
- Accommodation Gasthof Schi Heil, combination room with western beds and ensuite. (twin share)
Day 12
It’s the last day riding for this tour. Re-visit your favourite runs of Nozawa, or go explore some bowls further out of the resort. A short hike offers some amazing steep and deep bowls. The outrun is easy and back at the lift you can re-energise with a hot coffee from the vending machine. After another hot soak in one of the many onsens, we’ll all head out for dinner somewhere local. Talk about the amazing trip, share stories, photos and numbers with new, lifelong mates and memories.
- Breakfast at Gasthof Schi Heil
- Full day guiding
- Snow Chaser lift pass (access to Myoko, Madarao, Nozawa Onsen, Lotte Arai, Seki)
- Accommodation Gasthof Schi Heil, combination room with western beds and ensuite. (twin share)
Day 13
What. trip it’s been. Filled with lifelong memories, new friends made and most likely, some tired legs. It’s time to say goodbye to Nozawa Onsen, to your guide and to your new mates. Depending on what, or where, your next destination is either transfer to the airport, Tokyo or 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 Gasthof Schi Heil
- We can arrange transport to Tokyo Airport , Tokyo city or any next destination you have in mind. Please make sure to let your consultant know who can easily add this to your package.
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!
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Shiga Kogen - Prince Hotel West
Twin Room
Family Quad Room
Restaurant Westside
Ideally located ski-in ski-out accommodation at the base of Mt Yakebitaiyama. The Prince Hotel offers a range of facilities on-site including breakfast (included), restaurants, shops and a large onsen.Features- Japanese/Western combination room with ensuite - Twin Share (western beds)
- Breakfast included
- ski-in ski-out
- onsen on site
Shiga Kogen - Prince Hotel West
Ideally located ski-in ski-out accommodation at the base of Mt Yakebitaiyama. The Prince Hotel offers a range of facilities on-site including breakfast (included), restaurants, shops and a large onsen.Features- Japanese/Western combination room with ensuite - Twin Share (western beds)
- Breakfast included
- ski-in ski-out
- onsen on site
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Myoko Kogen - Akakura Park Hotel
Onsen
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- Japanese/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- Japanese/Western combination room with ensuite - Twin Share (western beds)
- Breakfast included
- close to lifts, restaurants and shops
- onsen on site
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Nozawa Onsen - Gasthof Schi Heil
Entrance
Clean & Comfortable Traditional Japanese Rooms
Hotel Entrance
Hotel Dining Room
Offering good, clean accommodation with various room types from single rooms to Japanese Quad rooms the Gasthof Schi Heil Hotel is located in a great location in the centre of Nozawa just 80m from the main bus stop and 200m from Oyu Onsen, the oldest and regarded the best Onsen in Nozawa. Nozawa dining and nightlife are all close by.Features- Japanese/Western combination room with ensuite - Twin Share (western beds)
- Breakfast included
- close to lifts, restaurants and public onsens
- onsen on site
Nozawa Onsen - Gasthof Schi Heil
Offering good, clean accommodation with various room types from single rooms to Japanese Quad rooms the Gasthof Schi Heil Hotel is located in a great location in the centre of Nozawa just 80m from the main bus stop and 200m from Oyu Onsen, the oldest and regarded the best Onsen in Nozawa. Nozawa dining and nightlife are all close by.Features- Japanese/Western combination room with ensuite - Twin Share (western beds)
- Breakfast included
- close to lifts, restaurants and public onsens
- onsen on site
INCLUSIONS
- 4x Nights accommodation in Shiga Kogen at Prince Hotel West – Japanese Western room room, western beds with ensuite (twin share)
- 5x Nights accommodation in Myoko Kogen at Akakura Park Hotel – Japanese Western room, western beds with ensuite (twin share)
- 3x Nights accommodation in Nozawa Onsen at Gasthof Schi Heil – Western room with ensuite (twin share)
- Daily Breakfast
- Daily mountain guiding
- Private transfers to/from resorts
- 1x Lift pass Mt Yakebitayama
- 2x Shiga Kogen all mountain lift pass
- 8x Snow Chaser lift pass (covers 9 ski resorts)
- 1x Dinner experience in Shiga Kogen
- 1x 6 Course Dinner in Madarao with local wine pairing
- Snow Cat tour to see the Snow Monsters of Shiga Kogen (hot drink included)
- Different activities to choose from when travelling to Myoko. Visit the snow monkeys, Nagano, the Zenkoji templa, a ninja museum or more.
- Visit to Sake distillery in Myoko with sake tasting
- Inter Resort Transfer; Shiga to Myoko & Myoko to Nozawa
NOT INCLUDED
- Transfer from Tokyo/Airport to Shiga Kogen – Our travel consultants can help you book this if needed, please let them know
- 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
Loved the Japan Tour! Terrain was amazing and Bart knew the area really well. It was great to be shown around every day and we scored some bottomless pow! Highly recommend
Chris Japan
Going on a trip with the 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, it's a rad fun crew to tour with and it was well worth it.
Gus Powder Culture
I’ve joined the Powder Culture Tour in Japan. It gave me memories that will stay with me forever. Bottomless snow, great culture, amazing food. Around every corner hid a secret that left an everlasting impression on me. It was organised perfectly, and even so, we were still flexible enough to move around the travel itinerary according to the best possible snow conditions.
Tim Powder Culture
Bart found the best spots on and off the mountain. Nipple deep powder and cheap laughs. It's been a blast going to Japan with them.
Jelle Japan
FAQ
You will be in very capable hands throughout the trip with our Golden Guide who has 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.
At all 3 properties we’ll be staying in combination rooms – meaning western beds, en-suites and a Japanese tatami sitting area.
The hotels are walkin distance to the lifts, bars and restaurants, have an onsen on site and include breakfast.
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 Genaration”. Ski with likeminded people your own age, without having to try to keep up with the young guns and their powder stress. Suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders who feel comfortable riding black runs around 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 our Golden Guide who has 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.
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 all 3 properties we’ll be staying in combination rooms – meaning western beds, en-suites and a Japanese tatami sitting area.
The hotels are walkin distance to the lifts, bars and restaurants, have an onsen on site and include breakfast.
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 Genaration”. Ski with likeminded people your own age, without having to try to keep up with the young guns and their powder stress. Suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders who feel comfortable riding black runs around 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.