Escape the familiar resort and ski into the "natural beyond"
For 21 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.
Three options: 1-day, private, and backcountry experience
This backcountry tour boasts high altitudes 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 program lasts approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours in the morning, allowing participants to enjoy backcountry skiing while receiving instruction. Backcountry-specific equipment is available for free rental, making it easy to participate.
representative
Yoshiki Ookumo
We also welcome skiers and snowboarders who want to work during the winter while gaining experience as a guide and gaining knowledge about the mountains!
[Qualifications, etc.]
・JMGA Mountain Guide Stage II
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
・All Japan Ski Federation Certified Instructor/Class B Examiner
JMGA…Japan Mountain Guide Association
*The information presented here is current as of October 2026
Guide Area
| Main guide area | Shiga Kogen and surrounding areas |
| Other areas | ― |
| Representative name (guide qualification) | Yoshiki Ogumo (JMGA Mountain Guide Stage II, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II) |
| Main guide name (guide qualification) | Shota Hirosawa (JMGA Mountain Guide Stage II, JMGA Ski Guide Stage I) (All Japan Ski Federation Certified Instructor/C-Class Examiner/Crown), Nao Umemura |
| Number of guides | Two full-time staff members and two part-time staff members (two of whom are qualified) |
| 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
| 1 DAY | 13,000 yen (tax included) |
| others | Experience Tour: 10,000 yen (tax included) Private Tour: 50,000 yen (tax included) 1-3 people *Lift/gondola fees are not included. |
The actual tour content
| First time participating | BC experience | The most difficult | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activity time | 2.5~3 hours | 6 hours | 6.5 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 |
Information
| address | Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel West Wing, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano Prefecture |
| TEL | 0269-34-3111 (Prince Hotel main number) (16:00-21:00) 090-8584-9311 (Staff mobile phone) |
| info@bigcloud.jp | |
| WEB | https://bigcloud.jp/winter/ |
| Social Media | BIGCLOUDACTIVITY |