A unique new snow cat tour service is launching in Myoko Kogen, known for its heavy snowfall
Myoko Kogen is home to three of Japan's largest ski resorts, plus a small but classic ski resort renowned for its deep snow lovers. It also encompasses the vast backcountry fields that surround it, making it one of Japan's most popular snow resorts. Among these is Thunderbird Cat Tour Myoko, which is aiming for its grand opening next season (2021-2022) with new and unprecedented concepts and ideas. We visited the site to check out their trial preseason tour
Two new types of cat tours will be available at the former ski resort site and the Sasaga Mine area
Thunderbird Cat Tours Myoko (SBCT) is preparing to open in two areas of Myoko Kogen.
One is the Myoko Panorama Area. Located behind Myoko Kogen Station, the former Myoko Panorama Park Ski Resort has been repurposed for cat skiing. Located on the opposite slope, the tour offers a spectacular panoramic view of the entire Myoko Kogen area, a unique sight for this area. Guests can enjoy repeated skiing on snowmobiles down untracked, medium- to steep-slope slopes.
The other is the Sasaga Mine Highland Area. This may be an unfamiliar name for skiers, but it is located at the foot of the southwestern slope of Mt. Mitahara, the outer rim of Mt. Myoko. It can be imagined as the inland area further south around Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort
Sasaga Mine is a plateau area at an altitude of around 1,300m, with ranches and campsites scattered along the shores of a lake. It is popular with many visitors during the green season and is also the starting point for climbing Mt. Hiuchi. However, in the winter season, when the roads are closed off by snow, it becomes a silvery white paradise where no one is to be seen. The greatest feature of this area is that by approaching it by snowmobile, you can enjoy snow activities unique to this season, such as backcountry tours and snow camping, in a virtually private setting
This is how Thunderbird Cat Tours Myoko (SBCT) was born
SBCT was founded by American-born Mark Ryan. He is a true skier who traveled to ski areas all over North America from a young age and even worked as a heli-ski operations staff member in Girdwood, Alaska. Ryan first came to Japan as an exchange student during his student days and has since fallen in love with the country, spending his life commuting back and forth between North America and Japan
Ryan decided to move to Myoko Kogen full-time about five or six years ago, mainly because of the deep powder that was constantly being replenished every day
"I've skied on powder snow all over the world, but I've never seen anywhere else where such abundant snow falls every day and is refreshed the day after skiing. That was the main reason I moved to Myoko Kogen, a place I'd visited many times since I was young."
Myoko Kogen has been no exception to the popularity of inbound tourists in recent years, and once snow falls, the powder zones around each ski resort are hugely popular with skiers and snowboarders from both Japan and abroad.When snow falls, the skiers flock to the area, and even in Myoko, where heavy snowfall is common, it is no longer possible to enjoy the powder snow in peace
Even in the midst of all this, Ryan had an idea in mind: if he could start a cat tour somewhere in the vast Myoko area, people would be able to enjoy the powder snow at a more leisurely pace, and he would be able to better convey the appeal of Myoko's powder snow, which he loves so much
There's a reason why we chose to feature a classic mini snowmobile
Another reason behind Ryan's idea for Cat Tours was that he himself was the owner of a small snow vehicle. Ryan, who has always loved vehicles and driving, came across a good-condition second-hand small snow vehicle through a coincidence. The SM-30 was manufactured by Ohara Iron Works, known for its "Latrac" snow groomers. Produced in the 1970s, it is a 10-passenger passenger transport snow vehicle that was once used by Antarctic wintering teams and was highly valued in snowy regions across the country
In the days when snow removal on the roads of Myoko Kogen was still incomplete, snowmobiles were used to transport people between Akakura and Tsubame Onsen, as well as to transport people to and from accommodation facilities on the slopes. Although these vehicles are over 50 years old, they can still be seen in use at lodges adjacent to the slopes of Akakura Onsen and Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort
The greatest feature of this small snow vehicle, the SM series manufactured by Ohara Iron Works, is its excellent lightweight design. Unlike snow groomers used on slopes, it has no blades or mills, and its engine is not very powerful. Still, because it is small and lightweight, it runs smoothly in any place and is easy to control even in tight forests. If ski resort snow groomers are like the heavy, luxurious Land Cruiser, this one is like the nimble Jimny that every family should have. Ryan says he was fascinated by this vehicle
"For example, even the smallest modern snow groomers like Pistenbullie have complex mechanisms and are full of advanced electronic boards. So if they break down, you're helpless. But the OHARA is a simple mechanical machine, so I can do the daily maintenance and repair minor breakdowns myself. It's a 50-year-old vehicle, about the same age as me, but if I take good care of it, it still works perfectly well. And in this day and age, it feels good to continue to use old tools."
Collaboration with a proven ski guide expands possibilities
After much hard work, Ryan obtained the rights to operate cat tours at the former Myoko Panorama Park ski resort site, and then asked for cooperation from his old friend, Myoko ski guide Toyokazu Nakano, owner of Infield. By adding a veteran guide with extensive knowledge of the Myoko mountain range to his team, Ryan hoped to explore various possibilities, including the selection of new tour locations beyond Myoko Panorama
Nakano is an experienced mountain ski guide certified by the Japan Mountain Guides Association, currently holds a leadership position in the Ski Guide Stage II qualification, and serves as a director of the Japan Avalanche Network and the Japan Telemark Ski Association. He has been based in Myoko since 2006, working as a backcountry ski guide in the winter and a mountaineering guide in the summer, and is a veteran guide who is well acquainted with the Myoko mountain range in both name and reality
While participating in the operation at Myoko Panorama Park, Nakano envisioned various possibilities for utilizing CAT in the Myoko area. He found the most potential in tours to the Sasaga Mine Highlands, another pillar of SBCT
"In the spring, when the roads to Sasaga Mine Ranch are cleared of snow, Infield has run expert tours where participants camp in tents and approach the mountains further inland. That was the first thing we had in mind. However, with the Cat, it will be possible to approach Sasaga Mine even in the depths of winter, and the range of tour participants will be greatly broadened. There are also major benefits in terms of equipment. There is no need to worry about the weight of the tents and food you bring with you. This means you can bring a large, comfortable base camp tent and enjoy elaborate cooking to your heart's content. What's more, since this area has been inaccessible to people in the winter until now, there are still many unexplored slopes around Sasaga Mine. This suddenly opens up new possibilities, and our expectations are growing."
First, I took part in a cat tour at the former Myoko Panorama Park
Those of you who are familiar with the JR "Spuur-go" ski train may remember this ski resort, which can be seen right in front of you from the platform at Myoko Kogen Station. It was a small slope with a few short single lifts, but at the top there was a directly managed hotel that boasted a panoramic view of the entire Myoko Kogen, and it was very popular during the bubble era. It ceased operations in 2003. Since then, it has never reopened as a ski resort, and it seems that after snowfall, local enthusiasts would hike up and enjoy skiing
The SBCT Cat Tour starts near Myoko Kogen Station, from a point overlooking the main slopes. After a lecture from the guide and a beacon check, we put our skis, poles, and snowboards into roof bags and immediately board the Ohara SM-30. The interior is not exactly spacious, but this is because the benefits of a compact and lightweight design are prioritized. Given the current situation, efforts are also being made to prevent infection, with the interior of the vehicle equipped with a ventilation system and clear seats
After a 20-minute rumble along a rugged forest path through a larch forest, you'll reach the peak. The ruins of the former Panorama Hotel are still visible, but after passing through a gentle, sparse forest, a large slope opens up before you. This is the main slope. From the start to the middle, the slope is steep, approaching 30 degrees, and although it's wide, it doesn't feel too oppressive, it's still quite a steep slope. Once you get through, a comfortable powder cruise awaits you to the orange snowmobile waiting at the bottom
SBCT Myoko Panorama Cat is recommended for the following types of skiers
The Myoko Panorama Cat Tour's routine is to repeat this run four or five times over the course of half a day, starting early in the morning, with the guide coordinating and choosing the lines. On this day, the snow was damp and moist, having snowed a few days ago, but if it had been fresh powder snow, the slope would have been overhead for sure. That said, the elevation difference is only 150 to 200 meters, the equivalent of one average medium-steep slope at a modern ski resort, so it may not be enough for experts who are serious about tackling the backcountry
However, it's perfect for those who want to try out backcountry skiing or powder lovers who don't want to hike up even a single step. Best of all, you'll have this one-of-a-kind run all to yourself, without anyone to disturb you. And if you're blessed with good conditions and can enjoy a panoramic view of Myoko Kogen, nestled in the heart of Mount Myoko, it's sure to be an unforgettable experience
Because the altitude itself is not high, the best chance is the morning after a heavy snowfall during the peak season from January to February, but this is a tough decision to make. Should I line up for the lifts at Akakura Kanko Hotel Ski Resort or Seki Onsen Ski Resort before opening time and join the fierce battle for first track? Or should I just smile at the deep snow on the Panorama Cat, as if mocking the hustle and bustle? It's sure to be a tough decision
The 3-day, 2-night Sasaga Mine Highlands Cat & Snow Camping Tour has begun!
The other main attraction of SBCT is the Sasaga Mine Highlands Cat Tour, which starts from the parking lot in the Suginosawa minshuku area of Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort. After loading our luggage onto two Ohara SM-30s that had just finished warming up, we began climbing the slopes with our engines roaring loudly. The route mainly traces the summer trail that leads to the Sasaga Mine Highlands in summer
The snowmobile climbs a series of undulating, switchback slopes along the middle of the Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort slope for a while, then makes a sharp left turn along the lower part of the Panorama slope and heads through a beech forest. It takes about 30 minutes to get here. We've grown accustomed to the noise and vibrations unique to snowmobiles, and our excitement gradually builds as the scenery changes rapidly
After riding through the beech forest for a while, the scenery changes completely, and the gentle plateau of Sasaga Mine and the white mountains behind it spread out before us. Although we are riding solely to approach the backcountry, from this point on, we begin to realize the unique charm of snowmobile travel that goes beyond that. We could even call it the sheer joy of traveling on a snowmobile. For some reason, just riding and traveling is enjoyable
I've been on a variety of cat tours both in Japan and overseas, but this was the first time I'd ever experienced such a sensation. It's a feeling you could never get in a luxurious cabin mounted on a large piste bully. Because the vehicle is small and simple, the feeling of being one with the snowy world outside is incredibly fun. If I had to compare it to something, it was similar to the feeling of driving a snowmobile, and I found myself thinking, "Wow, this might be fun even if you're not sliding."
Snow camping in the harsh winter season, with a focus on authentic mountain specifications
After a roughly two-hour ride from Suginosawa Parking Lot, you'll arrive at the planned base camp site on the Sasaga Mine Plateau. From here, they'll begin packing down the snow and setting up the campsite. By the time the operation begins in earnest next season, the staff will have already completed all the setup, including transporting equipment and food and setting up tents
However, it might be a good idea to have the option of participating in tent setup, as the pure white snow is like a canvas and the task of laying out the necessary elements, such as the dining tent, individual tents, ski storage, and toilets, in a functional and beautiful manner is one of the best parts of the first day of snow camping
SBCT provides the Space Station, an extra-large mega-dome tent developed by Mountain Hardwear for polar expeditions, as a kitchen and living room tent for base camp. With a height of 2.57m, a diameter of 5.8m, and a floor area of 26.3m2, it is one of the world's largest base camp tents and is extremely comfortable. Even if there's a raging snowstorm outside (and indeed, there was a terrible snowstorm on the first night), there's no need to worry as long as you're inside
Additionally, for those who don't have a winter tent or sleeping bag, preparations are underway to make them available for rental, also from Mountain Hardwear. A dedicated tent will also be set up for the toilet, and the system will allow you to take your toiletries home in a portable sanitary bag, so you'll be warm, comfortable, and safe. This should eliminate one of the biggest stresses of snow camping
However, this is as far as luxurious equipment goes, and you can't expect any glamping-style luxurious facilities, and the camping gear such as two-burner stoves, BBQ grills, or even the trendy wood-burning stoves for tents is deliberately avoided, and the equipment used is strictly gear suitable for serious winter mountain climbing
"We don't want SBCT's snow camping to be like glamping. Just because you can carry your gear in a cat bag, there's no end to it if you start doing that. You'll lose sight of the true enjoyment of camping in the snow during the harsh winter. Instead, we want to provide basic snow camping with basic winter mountain gear plus a little extra, so you can experience the depths of winter in nature
We want you to enjoy experiencing everything from how to choose and wear winter clothing and warm clothes to cooking and other aspects of life in the snow mountains. I think that's actually the best part of snow camping. I also think that it will be useful when you go snow camping on your own someday. Of course, we'll be happy to give you advice. We guides will also take care of preparing the food and drinks, and we'll also have some fun things planned, so please look forward to it."
The SBCT Sasaga Mine Cat & Snow Camping Tour has the following planned menu:
SBCT Sasaga Mine Cat & Snow Camp, which takes place in the vast snowfields around the Sasaga Mine Plateau, is full of various possibilities. The first of these is a backcountry tour called Cat & Hike, which departs Suginosawa early in the morning and takes you to the Sasaga Mine area and back as a day trip
This backcountry run is accessible only to tour members, with snowmobiles used to access areas previously off-limits to people during the harsh winter. Depending on the route chosen, a variety of routes can be set, from those for experts to beginners
Next up is the Snow Camp & Hike Tour, where you'll stay in a tent and ski in the backcountry. Next season's plan is for it to be a three-day, two-night course, with the first day spent at the campsite. The next day, you'll cross Sasaga Mine Dam from the campsite, hike and ski in the area to the south, and then ski out after skiing on the final day. Weather and conditions permitting, you can enjoy different routes on each of the three days
In fact, during this pre-operation, a backcountry tour with overnight stays on the snow was conducted. Check out the photos and video to see the excellent snow quality and the smooth ride
Alternatively, for those who don't do backcountry skiing/snowboarding, there are tours that combine snowshoe hiking with snow camping. There are many attractions, such as the spacious Sasaga Mine Ranch area, the frozen white Lake Otomi, and the primeval beech forest of Yumemidaira. All of these will be guided by ski guides who are experts on the Myoko backcountry
SBCT backcountry tours are full of great possibilities
Having participated in a pre-tour before the official opening, my honest impression is that it looks like a very exciting tour. Of course, it will undoubtedly be greatly influenced by the weather and snow conditions, but that's the same for any snow area. With that in mind, it will propose a new way to enjoy Myoko
The Sasaga Mine Highlands area in particular has been untouched until now, so there is great potential for developing new tour routes, which is another area that is very promising
For example, one possible option is to integrate the tour with the Mitaharayama tour, a popular route in the Myoko backcountry. On a typical Mitaharayama tour, you approach from the top of Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort, ski down the southern slope, and then return to Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort
However, by having a cat wait at the bottom of the southern slope, you can ski down the huge elevation difference of around 1000m to the bottom. Then, board the cat that comes to pick you up and head to the campsite. If conditions and stamina permit, the next day you can do a one-day backcountry tour across Sasaga Mine Dam. Then, on the final day, you can ski nearby before finally boarding the cat and returning to Suginosawa Parking Lot. If the conditions and the number of participants are right, this long-distance course for those with good stamina is possible
As operations progress each season, new tour routes are expected to be developed. However, no matter how popular the route becomes, there is a limit to the number of passengers on a snowmobile, so there is no need to worry about first-track battles or overuse, and the quiet backcountry tours that are unique to the Sasagamine Plateau in midwinter will remain forever. This is another major attraction of SBCT
DATA
Thunderbird Cat Tours Myoko (SBCT)
https://thunderbird-guides.com/
Recruitment starts: December 2021 (planned)
Business period: January 1st to March 28th, 2021 (mainly weekends)
Inquiries: myoko.thunderbird.guides@gmail.com
Thunderbird Cat Tours Myoko offers the following three tours, allowing participants to choose from a variety of snow activities to suit their interests, preferences, level, and goals
01 Panorama Tour
: A tour that touches on the history and culture of Myoko, reusing the former Myoko Kogen Panorama Park Ski Resort.
Backcountry skiing/snowboarding by snowmobile, snowshoeing
. Starting early in the morning, the tour takes about half a day.
02 Sasagamine Tour
: A one-day tour that approaches the Sasagamine Plateau by snowmobile and allows you to enjoy backcountry skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. The tour
starts early in the morning and ends in the evening.
03 Sasagamine Base Camp Tour
- A two-day base camp tour approaching Sasagamine Plateau by snowcat, where you'll set up base camp and enjoy snow camping while skiing. Includes backcountry
skiing/snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowcat tours, and snow camping
. The tour is scheduled for two nights and three days, starting early in the morning.
Text = Chikara Terakura
Photo = Joe Kobashi
Movie = ebis films