From skier who competed in technical competitions to guide
Spur Akita Mountain Guide is based in Akita and offers mountain climbing and backcountry tours. Its founder, Mariko Sato, graduated from I-NAC (International Nature and Outdoor College, Mountain Professional Department), a professional guide training school in Myoko, Niigata Prefecture, and is a skilled skier who was formerly an alpine racer and even competed in the All Japan Technical Championships.
She is a highly reliable guide with impressive skiing and guiding skills, and is attracting a lot of attention among the young members of the JMGA. It is also refreshing to see a female professional guide in the Akita area.
There are two main guide menus
Beginner's Tour
This tour is for people who are new to backcountry skiing, or who don't know how to use beacons or equipment, or are unfamiliar with it. You can take part in the tour at your own pace, with peace of mind, as you will receive a lecture on how to climb and the appropriate behavior during the tour. Even if you are traveling alone, it is OK.
Period: Late December to May
Basic Tour
This tour is for people with backcountry experience and who understand how to use a beacon. Enjoy skiing on open runs and tree runs at temperatures of around 20-30 degrees. This tour is also open to solo participants, and is held with just one guest.
Period: Late December to May
Powder Lesson
This is an opportunity to "not do anything too formal, but ski on a variety of slopes and snow types to check your skiing! Fix any areas of concern and ski cooler, and be able to ski the mountains more safely!" First-timers are welcome. You can even start by putting on your boots! First, let's talk.
- People who want to improve their powder snow skills
- People who want to solve their backcountry skiing problems
- People who want to practice for their backcountry debut - People whose
goal is backcountry skiing, but are new to skiing... We also welcome people like you!
What I value
"I run tours with the hope that guests can experience the unique sensations of being enveloped in the forest, or at other times being released on the mountain slopes. Everyone has different motivations and goals for heading to the mountains, and their skills and experience vary, so I try to tailor the tours to suit each guest as much as possible. From first-timers to veterans, I aim to take guests to places they can enjoy without straining themselves, matching their physical strength and skiing level as much as possible."
Mariko Sato
started skiing from a young age, competing in alpine skiing until high school, then moving on to basic skiing. She has competed in the All Japan Ski Technical Championships. Something happened that made her fall in love with mountain skiing, and she studied at the International Nature and Environment Outdoor College (i-nac) with the aim of becoming a guide, which is where she is today.
[Qualifications]
JMGA Mountaineering Guide Stage II
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage I
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 1
*JMGA: Japan Mountain Guides Association
JAN: Japan Avalanche Network
Guide Area
| Main guide area | Akita area, Iwate area |
| Other areas | Nothing in particular |
| Representative name (guide qualification) | Mariko Sato (JMGA Mountaineering Guide Stage II, JMGA Ski Guide Stage I, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 1) |
| Main guide name (guide qualification) | Mariko Sato (JMGA Mountaineering Guide Stage II, JMGA Ski Guide Stage I, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 1) |
| Number of guides | 1 full-time employee (1 qualified employee) |
| Guide Ratio | 1 guide: 6 guests |
| Percentage of guests | Skiing/Snowboarding (7 vs. 3) / Men and Women (5 vs. 5) |
rental
| Snow Safety Gear | Beacon Probe Shovel (Ant) |
| backpack | Something that can accommodate skis or snowboards (Yes) |
| Skiing | Skis with touring bindings (none) |
| Climbing gear | Climbing skins (none) Snowshoes (yes) Poles (yes) |
Fee
| 1DAY | BC Beginner Tour 13,000 yen BC Basic Tour 15,000 yen | |
| others | BC entry 11,000 yen |
The actual tour content
| BC Beginner's Tour | BC Basic Tour | Only during the remaining snow season | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activity time | Approximately 4 to 5 hours | About 5-6 hours | About 8 hours |
| Total altitude difference | 200-600m (depending on the route) | 600-1000m (depending on the route) | 1000-1200m (depending on the route) |
| Average hike time | About 1 to 2 hours | Approximately 1 to 3 hours | Approximately 3 to 5 hours |
| Slope Contents | An altitude of 1,300m or less, with a slope of about 20 to 30 degrees | Open burn or tree run in temperatures of 20-30 degrees | Aim for bigger mountains and slopes that suit your strength, skills, and experience |
Information
| address | Yajimacho, Yurihonjo City, Akita Prefecture |
| Tel | 080-5454-4569 |
| spur.guides@gmail.com | |
| Web | https://spur-akita.com |
| Social Media | supr_akita |
*The information posted is current as of July 2025
