Escape the familiar resort and ski into the "natural beyond"

For 10 years, BIG CLOUD has been a backcountry guide in Shiga Kogen, Nagano. Since 2005, based at the Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel, BIG CLOUD has been a specialized backcountry guiding company, inviting skiers to the "nature beyond" the typical ski resort.

They offer tours of the so-called "classic route" connecting Shiga Kogen and Manza Onsen, as well as tours to Shiga Kogen's proud dry and deep powder points, and serious mountain areas such as Mt. Iwasuge.

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Three options: 1-day, private, and backcountry experience

This backcountry tour boasts high altitude and excellent snow quality, and comes in three options: "1-Day Tour," "Private Tour," and "Backcountry Experience Course

." The "1-Day Tour" and "Private Tour" are for experienced skiers and require reservations. Depending on the day, the location will be either around Mt. Yakebitai or towards Yoshigahira, and the presence or absence of hikes and the difficulty of the route will vary. Tours can be conducted with a minimum of two people, and are even available for one person if there is availability in the schedule.

First-timers should start with the Experience Course. This approximately 3.5-hour morning program allows you to enjoy backcountry skiing while receiving instruction. Backcountry-specific equipment is available for free rental, making it easy to participate.

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Guide Area

Main guide area	Shiga Kogen and surrounding areas
Other areas	Hakuba
Representative name (guide qualification)	Yoshiki Ogumo (JMGA Mountain Guide Stage II, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II)
Main guide name (guide qualification)	Homare Iguchi and Nao Umemura
Number of guides	3 full-time employees, 0 part-time employees (including 1 qualified employee)
Guide Ratio	1 guide: 5 guests
Percentage of guests	Skiing/Snowboarding (8 vs. 2) / Men and Women (8 vs. 2)

rental

Snow Safety Gear	Beacon Probe Shovel (Ant)
backpack	Something that can be fitted with a board (yes)
Skiing	Skis with touring bindings (available)
Climbing gear	Climbing skins (Ali) Snowshoes (Ali)

Fee

1DAY	12,000 yen (tax included)
Experience Tour	6,000 yen (tax included)
Private	40,000 yen (tax included) 1 to 3 people
others	Lift and gondola fees are at your own expense

The actual tour content

	First time participating	BC experience	The most difficult
Activity time	3 hours	5.5 hours	Approximately 7 hours
Cumulative elevation gain	400m (using lifts and gondolas)	800m (using lifts and gondolas)	1200m (using lifts and gondolas)
Average hiking time	half an hour	Approximately 3 hours	Approximately 4.5 hours or more
Slope Contents	Open Beginner	Lots of tree runs for intermediate and above	Steep slopes and tight tree runs. For advanced skiers