Guide to hiking areas with good snow and less crowds
Matsumoto Shoji started going into the mountains because he wanted to snowboard on a variety of slopes, and after experiencing the charm of the mountains throughout the four seasons and meeting new friends, he began working as a guide
He has been working as a splitboard backcountry guide since 2015. He guides people around Japan to backcountry areas that have good snow and are less crowded at that time of year, and can be approached by hiking
Many of the tour participants want to eventually become independent and ski in the backcountry, so in addition to providing tours, they also hold seminars using their own curriculum to teach equipment and techniques, providing a wide range of backcountry-related services
"When hiking, smooth communication and action leads to speed and safety. We offer tours with groups of an appropriate number for safety, which is why we offer a relaxed and reassuring tour
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A variety of service menus, from tours to seminars
They offer a variety of tours, including public tours, private tours, and seminars. The seminar menu in particular is extremely wide-ranging and practical, ranging from knowledge and skiing techniques for beginners who want to start backcountry skiing, to training for group leaders. Check the website for details on all of these
[Backcountry Open Tours]
We offer quiet areas with good snow in the high season, and traverse tours in the spring season. You'll get to know mountain areas you've never been familiar with before, and your ways of enjoying the mountains will likely expand. Open tours are held in various areas across the country, from Hokkaido to Tohoku, Hakuba, and Myoko. Of particular interest are the courses on knowledge and behavior under the themes of "Technical Training" and "Risk Management for Backcountry Skiing." Please visit the official website for details.
- Slope lessons for backcountry skiing
- Backcountry skiing risk management "Backcountry skiing technique training"
- Backcountry skiing risk management "Backcountry skiing equipment and basic knowledge"
- Backcountry skiing risk management "You're the leader"
[Private Tours]
We propose tours based on your requests regarding dates, locations, and content. You can rent a guided tour for an individual or a group and enjoy it at your own pace. We can accommodate a wide range of requests, including quieter, lesser-known areas, snow quality (deep/dry powder), big mountains, traverses, and overseas expeditions.
representative
Shoji Matsumoto
"I wanted to snowboard on a variety of slopes," which is what got me into the mountains. I've experienced the charms of various mountains throughout the four seasons, and I've been blessed with meeting friends who enjoy the field, so now I work as a mountain guide."
<Supported by> THE NORTH FACE
[Qualifications]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 2
, JAN Professional Member
, JAN Safety Camp Provider
, JAN AvSAR Basic Course Provider
Guide Area
| Main guide area | Hakuba, Myoko, Akita, Eastern Hokkaido, etc |
| Other areas | — |
| Representative name (guide qualification) | Shoji Matsumoto (JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II) |
| Main guide name (guide qualification) | Shoji Matsumoto (JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II) |
| Number of guides | 1 full-time employee (1 qualified employee) |
| Guide Ratio | 1 guide: 5 guests |
| Percentage of guests | Skiing/Snowboarding (5 vs 5) Men/Women (5 vs 5) |
rental
| Snow Safety Gear | Beacon Probe Shovel (Available/Paid) |
| backpack | Something that can be fitted with boards (available/charged) |
| Skiing | Skis with touring bindings (available/fees apply) |
| Climbing gear | Climbing skins/snowshoes (available/fees apply) |
Fee
| 1DAY | 15,000 yen (excluding tax) No experience necessary |
| others | Climbing and skiing tours are also available for those with climbing experience |
The actual tour content
| First time participating | BC experience | The most difficult | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activity time | Approximately 3 to 6 hours | About 5~6 hours | 6 to 6 hours or more |
| Total altitude difference |
Approximately 400-600m (depending on the route and conditions) | Approximately 600-1600m (depending on the route and conditions) | 600-1600m or more (depending on the route and conditions) |
| Average hike time |
About 1~3 hours | Approximately 2 to 5 hours | 4~8 hours |
| Slope Contents | Use the lift or gondola to safely enjoy short hikes across gentle open slopes or widely spaced forested areas | We use lifts and gondolas to hike to areas with good conditions. We challenge steep slopes depending on our pace and snow conditions. We also enjoy open slopes and forested areas safely | You will hike or climb deep into remote areas and prominent peaks, then ski down them. This requires the physical strength to stay active for long periods of time and the ability to ski steadily down steep slopes without falling. You will safely enjoy skiing on open slopes, forested areas, and, if the conditions are right, steep slopes |
*The information posted is from January 2021
