You want to try backcountry skiing, but you don't know where to start. First and foremost, experience is key. To do this, it's a good idea to join a beginner's tour or course offered by a guide club that welcomes beginners to backcountry skiing. You can receive lectures on basic backcountry knowledge, learn skiing techniques on the slopes before heading out to the backcountry, and rent avalanche safety gear, allowing you to progress more smoothly and with peace of mind. We've picked out some guide clubs that offer tours and programs for beginners. Reservations are also accepted at each guide club
[Hokkaido]
Niseko Mecca | Hokkaido
[Guiding area] Niseko, Hokkaido
[Representative] Hisataka Tanaka
Based in Niseko, Hokkaido, the tour operates throughout the prefecture year-round. In the summer, the tour offers a wide range of Hokkaido's natural fields, including trekking, canyoning, and river and sea kayaking. There are four main types of winter BC tours, which can be chosen based on your preference and level, including "First Time BC," "Lift Access BC," "Niseko, Kiroro, Asahikawa BC," and "Mount Yotei BC." A convenient pick-up service is included, where the guide will come to pick you up from your accommodation in the morning
Take on your first BC challenge in Niseko! We'll support you with gear rental and lectures
"My first time in the backcountry"
"I want to go to a BC, but I don't really know what equipment to use and there's no one to ask. But I want to try it!" A guide will provide lectures and support for your first attempt at a BC. Starting at 8:30, you'll first learn the basics, such as how to use avalanche gear and how to hike, before experiencing hiking and skiing on a slippery medium slope. The program lasts about five hours, including about two hours of climbing, lunch, and enjoying the BC until 2:00 pm. All necessary equipment rentals are included, so you can have peace of mind. (Representative: Tanaka Hisataka)
[Information about the above program]
| Fee | First-time backcountry skiers: 13,000 yen per person (17,000 yen if there is only one participant). Includes training, guide fee, and equipment rental. 1,000 yen discount for participants who bring their own equipment. |
| Gear Rental | Gear rental: Snow safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe): Available / Backpack for skis: Available / Skis with touring bindings: Available / Climbing gear and climbing skins: Available / Other: Fat skis with touring bindings: 4,000 yen per day |
| Participation conditions | Those who have experience skiing in deep snow (powder snow) and can ski off-piste safely, even slowly |
| HP | http://www.niseko-mecca.com/ |
Mountain Guide Coyote | Hokkaido
[Guiding Area] Niseko, Hokkaido
[Representative] Ryuta Furuichi
The three pillars of Mountain Guide Coyote's concept are to ensure that guests take home something more than just the program, to provide programs that benefit nature, and to ensure that all staff members are able to continue their activities.To achieve this, they offer "backcountry tours" and "beginner BC tours" that respect the physical strength and preferences of each guest as much as possible, while valuing safety and peace of mind, and also providing knowledge and wisdom about nature
A learning program aimed at enabling beginners to participate in BC tours with confidence
"BC Tour for Beginners"
For those who are interested in backcountry touring but don't know how to get started, our goal is to help you "become confident in participating in a backcountry tour." This program teaches you the necessary knowledge, how to handle backcountry gear, and how to actually move and ski, including gear and clothing checks, putting on and taking off skins, how to walk, how to get up, how to use a beacon, how to ski, and how to actually climb and descend. The trip takes about 7 hours, including about 2 hours of climbing and walking. Please come and ski in Niseko! (Representative: Furuichi Ryuta)
[Information about the above program]
| Fee | Beginner's BC Tour: 1 person: 27,000 yen/person, 2 people: 15,000 yen/person, 3 or more people: 14,000 yen/person. Includes course and guide fees. |
| Gear Rental | Gear rental: Snow safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe): Available / Backpack for skis: Available / Skis with touring bindings: Available / Climbing gear and climbing skins: Available / Other: Fat skis with touring bindings: 4,000 yen per day |
| Participation conditions | You must be able to ski down safely anywhere on the slopes. You must have mountain insurance that covers expenses for accidents |
| Minimum number of participants | 1 person or more, schedule to be discussed |
| HP | https://www.mg-coyote.com/nisekoBC/ |
RIKI JAPOW GUIDE | Hokkaido
[Guiding area] Hokkaido, Hokkaido, Hoshino Resorts Tomamu area, Furano area, Asahikawa area
[Representative] Nakajima Chikara
Chief guide RIKI, also known as Nakajima Riki, became the world's first certified freestyle ski instructor in 2000, in addition to being a certified ski instructor in Whistler, Canada. "I want to share the beauty of nature, the joy of skiing, and the joy of skiing," he says, and through his guiding he sends out a message to guests about being free in nature. After enjoying the snowy mountains, he will also take you to beautiful natural and cultural spots. You can enjoy the charm of a trip that doesn't end with just skiing
Smooth transition from technical lessons to backcountry
"Lesson & Guide"
This is a two-hour program that starts early in the morning and involves little hiking, skiing around Mount Aizu Bandai or Hoshino Resort Tomamu. The Lesson & Guide is a technical lesson that also doubles as a level check for backcountry. You will ski for about two hours at Alts Bandai Ski Resort or Hoshino Resort Tomamu. The program also makes use of the guide's instructor qualifications, and you will receive a skiing technique check and key lessons on the techniques required for backcountry, which gives you the advantage of being able to confidently step up to a backcountry tour. Avalanche gear (beacon, shovel, probe) and backpacks are available for free rental. (Representative: Nakajima Chikara)
[Information about the above program]
| Fee | Lesson & Guide: From 20,000 yen/person (8,000 yen/each additional person) Includes lesson fee, guide fee, and equipment rental fee. Participants who bring their own equipment receive a 1,000 yen discount. |
| Gear Rental | Gear rental: Snow safety gear (beacons, shovels, probes): Available (free) / Backpacks for skis: Available (free) / Skis with touring bindings: Available / Climbing gear and climbing skins: Available |
| Participation conditions | People who want to experience the beauty of nature, the joy of gliding, and the fun of skiing |
| Minimum number of participants | We only accept private bookings, so we will consider the itinerary according to your needs |
| HP | https://www.rikijapowguide.com |
[Tohoku, Niigata]
ZAOC｜Tohoku
[Guiding area] Southern Tohoku with Miyagi Zao as its heart, Mt. Chokai, Mt. Gassan, Hachimantai, etc.
[Representative] Yuzuru Handa
ZAOC offers the wonderful nature of Miyagi, especially Zao, and the fun of playing there throughout the four seasons. In winter, you can enjoy the beautiful and fantastic natural scenery unique to Zao, and we also offer a wide range of backcountry tours where you can enjoy untouched powder snow
A reliable starter pack and easy cat for
beginners to backcountry skiing
" First time BC starter pack"
"Easy BC introductory tour with CAT "
The "Starter Pack" is aimed at people heading out to a backcountry for the first time, and involves a lecture on how to use safety gear at a rest house or other location, followed by a leisurely 15-30 minute hike before skiing down the backcountry. ZAOC also offers an introductory backcountry tour using a CAT, which includes a course on safety and basic skiing techniques. This is a recommended tour that allows you to fully enjoy Miyagi Zao with a short hike up. With any tour, you can rent K2 fat skis for free if you wish. (Representative: Handa Yuzuru)
[Information about the above program]
| Fee | [Starter Pack] 10,000 yen/private tour for one person, 8,000 yen/per person for two people, 7,000 yen/per person for three or more people [Easy BC Introductory Tour with CAT] 15,000 yen/private tour for one person, 13,000 yen/per person for two people, 12,000 yen/per person for three or more people |
| Gear Rental | Gear rental: Snow safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe): Available / Backpack for skis: Available / Skis with touring bindings: Available / Climbing gear and climbing skins: Available / Other: Free rental of K2 fat skis for those who wish |
| Participation conditions | You can ski down anywhere on the slopes (you don't need to be a good skier) |
| Minimum number of participants | From 1 person |
| HP | http://www.zaoc.org/ |
IWATE BACKCOUNTRY GUIDES | Iwate Prefecture
[Guiding area] Iwate Hachimantai, Ura-Iwate mountain range, other Iwate areas
[Representative] Takahashi Kosei
Based in the Hachimantai area of Iwate, they hold backcountry tours and slope sessions, mainly focusing on the gentle slopes of the mountain ranges. The tours are mainly for beginners, called "BC ENTRY," and their main tour, "BC HIKE," which allows you to enjoy the backcountry around Hachimantai and the Ura-Iwate mountain range, which can be reached by hiking for about two hours. Only local guides can take you to the best spots according to the conditions of the day
Enjoy BC on the gentle slopes of the Hachimantai mountains in Iwate
"BC ENTRY"
This tour is aimed at beginners, from those who are new to backcountry skiing to those who have been there a few times. The fee includes the cost of backcountry gear rental, so even those who don't have their own equipment can feel at ease. After a basic lesson, we will guide you to a comfortable slope that even beginners can enjoy with peace of mind. The program lasts around six hours, including a 1.5-hour hike. This tour is perfect for those who want to start backcountry skiing or have been away for a while. We hope you will experience the unique climate of Hachimantai and the fun that can only be had here, on that day. (Representative: Takahashi Kosei)
[Information about the above program]
| Fee | BC Entry Tour: 13,000 yen/person, including training fee, guide fee, and safety gear rental fee |
| Gear Rental | Gear rental: Snow safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe): Available / Backpack for skis: Available / Snowshoes: Available / Skis with touring bindings: Not Available / Climbing skins: Not Available / Other: Slope cruising 8,000 yen, Hachimantai CAT Hike Tour 18,000 yen, Hachimantai CAT Ride Tour 26,000 yen |
| Participation conditions | Those who can ski down slopes and ungroomed slopes with firm control |
| Minimum number of participants | 1 person or more. Held every day if there are participants |
| HP | https://www.iwatebackcountry.com/index.html |
JUNRINA mountain service | Niigata Prefecture
[Guiding area] Kagura BC, Echigo Yuzawa BC, Tateyama BC, Tanigawa mountain range, etc.
[Representative] Jun Nagai
Based in Echigo Yuzawa, JUNRINA offers a variety of BC guided tours, taking advantage of the blessed environment of the vast fields of Mt. Tanigawa, Mt. Naeba, and the Echigo Sanzan mountains. Hiking times and locations are arranged and groups are divided according to skill and experience. Thanks to the detailed level divisions, even beginners can participate without feeling intimidated. There is no wasted time, and the sessions are purely enjoyable, providing good stimulation and the expectation of improving your level
Even beginners can participate without feeling intimidated
"Level 1 Backcountry for Beginners"
Level 1 is for beginners, ranging from Level 1 to Level 5 for experts. Level 1 is for those new to backcountry skiing. You will ski through gentle to medium slopes in forest areas and open areas while learning how to use safety gear and basic backcountry behavior and skiing techniques. This is a 3-4 hour program, including 1-2 hours of climbing. RINA will be the guide for this program. JUN will be in charge of the advanced level. Backpacks and safety gear are included, so you can participate with peace of mind. Your first step to backcountry skiing! Come and enjoy nature together. (Representatives: Nagai Jun & Rina)
[Information about the above program]
| Fee | Level 1 Backcountry Beginners: 13,000 yen/person. Includes training fee, guide fee, safety gear and backpack rental. |
| Gear Rental | Gear rental: Snow safety gear (beacons, shovels, probes): Available (included in the tour price) / Backpacks for skis: Available (included in the tour price) / Skis with touring bindings: Available / Climbing gear and climbing skins: Available (fees apply) / Other: Fat skis with touring bindings available (fees apply) |
| Participation conditions | You can safely ski on un-groomed slopes |
| Minimum number of participants | 1 person or more. Held every day if there are participants |
| HP | https://www.junrina.com/ |
[Nagano]
LOCUS GUIDE SERVICE | Nagano Prefecture
[Guiding area] Hakuba Valley area
[Representative] Furuse Kazuya
Representative Kazuya Furuse has 15 seasons of experience guiding in the Hakuba area. Utilizing his local connections, he guides guests to the best slopes of the day depending on their level. He also focuses on teaching freeride techniques. From beginners to experts, he supports "a wonderful experience in harmony with nature." Backcountry tours are available at three levels
Beginners' questions and concerns are resolved one by one, so you can feel at ease
"Beginner Backcountry Guide"
If you're interested in backcountry climbing but are worried about how hard it will be to climb or whether you can keep up with the other participants, this tour is the place to start. It's packed with practical lessons perfect for those who want to get serious about backcountry climbing. As you progress through the tour, you'll learn how to climb efficiently and easily, how to enjoy it safely, how to use your gear, and more, so your doubts and anxieties will be cleared up one by one. The tour takes about four hours, with only one to two hours of hiking. You'll feel at ease knowing you'll be moving along at a relaxed pace with fellow beginners
Additionally, starting in October, we will be offering online lessons for beginners that were previously held on the slopes. If you are interested, please contact us. (Representative: Furuse Kazuya)
[Information about the above program]
| Fee | Beginner Backcountry Guide: From 12,000 yen/person, including training and guide fees |
| Gear Rental | Gear rental: Snow safety gear (beacons, shovels, probes): Available / Backpacks for skis: Available / Skis with touring bindings: Available / Climbing gear and climbing skins: Available / Other: Skis with touring bindings: Available (all fees apply) |
| Minimum number of participants | From 1 person |
| HP | https://locus.guide |
KAGURA POWDER STATION | Niigata Prefecture
[Guiding area] Kagura BC center
[Representative] Yoshizawa Momoyo
The parent company is Black Diamond. With the specialized knowledge of snowy mountains and gear that only a ski pro shop can offer, and guides who are experts on Kagura, even beginners can head out to the base camp with peace of mind. Taking advantage of Kagura's abundant snowfall and snow quality, they will guide you to the best spot of the day. The tour focuses on "skiing" at the vast and varied Kagura base camp. Tours can be chosen to suit your level. The appeal of the 2-day, 1-night tour at Wadagoya is that by staying overnight, you can get the advantage of being on the first track on the morning of the second day
The closest powder paradise to the Kanto region. Support only a pro shop can provide
"Beginners-only 1-day tour"
No BC experience is necessary. The prerequisite for participation is being able to make parallel turns on a medium slope and being able to stop wherever you want. It's okay if you can't ski coolly. Even those who think, "I want to start powder skiing, but it's too difficult! I'm worried," can join with peace of mind. The tour lasts about 7 hours, and includes a lecture on how to use BC gear and how to ski, with the climbing taking 1-2 hours. (Chief Guide: Igarashi Kazuya)
[Information about the above program]
| Fee | Beginners only 1-day tour: 12,000 yen/person, including course fee and guide fee |
| Gear Rental | Gear rental: Snow safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe): Available / Backpack for skis: Available / Skis with touring bindings: Available / Climbing gear and climbing skins: Available (all with additional fees) / Other: Ski set 15,000 yen |
| Participation conditions | You can make parallel turns on medium slopes and stop wherever you want |
| Minimum number of participants | 1 person or more. Held every day if there are participants |
| HP | http://kagurapowderstation.com/ |
COLOR SPORT CLUB ｜ Nagano Prefecture
[Guiding area] Hakuba Valley, Mt. Tateyama, Mt. Fuji, etc.
[Representative] Tomohiro Shakawa
Based in the Hakuba mountain range, the club operates a shop, cafe, and lodge in addition to guides. Since 1992, CEO Tomohiro Shagawa has been looking beyond the slopes, pioneering the backcountry fields of the Hakuba area and establishing the backcountry scene that it continues to this day. With many routes he has personally pioneered, he can visit fields with the best conditions of the day. His vast array of skills is widely known. At COLOR SPORT CLUB, each BC experience and place to enjoy is characterized by a color. There are six colors, each with its own unique "fun." Each "play (color)" takes 4-6 hours
A 4-hour tour including orientation, with an elevation difference of 400-600m
Blue Play
Of the six color-coded programs based on experience and level, "Blue Play" is for those experiencing backcountry skiing for the first time or those who want to enjoy it casually. It's a roughly four-hour program that includes an orientation and allows you to enjoy skiing at an elevation difference of 400-600m. The hike lasts one to two hours. The main areas are around Tsugaike Nature Park, Otari Amaka, and Nishi Hiyodori Minami. Anyone can participate in Blue Play. Even experienced skiers who want to have fun while still mastering the basics should definitely try this! Founded 20 years ago, Color Sports Club values deep communication between guides and guests as they enter the mountains. (Representative: Shagawa Tomohiro)
[Information about the above program]
| Fee | 8,800 yen / person (including full gear rental) 11,000 yen ( including course fee and guide fee) |
| Gear Rental | Gear rental: Snow safety gear (beacons, shovels, probes): Available / Backpacks for skis: Available / Skis with touring bindings: Available / Climbing gear and climbing skins: Available / Other: Fat skis with touring bindings available |
| Participation conditions | Please be mindful of your manners when participating in guided play! |
| Minimum number of participants | 1 person or more. Departures on the scheduled date |
| HP | http://www.colorsportclub.com/ |
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