Mountain and backcountry guide Shoji Matsumoto | A tour that values ​​"safety", "communication" and "growth" | Nagano Prefecture

Guidance on areas to approach by hiking, where snow is good and there is little congestion

Shoji Matsumoto started his career as a guide because he wanted to "snowboard and ski various slopes" and began to experience the charm of the mountains throughout the four seasons.

Since 2015, he has been working as a backcountry guide on a splitboard. In areas all over Japan, we guide you to backcountry areas that can be approached by hiking, where the snow is good at that time of year and there is little congestion.

Since many of the tour participants want to eventually become independent backcountry skiers, we not only offer tours, but also hold workshops to teach equipment and techniques using our own curriculum. We offer a wide range of backcountry services.

"In mountaineering, smooth behavior with good communication creates speed, which leads to safety. We have the right number of people in the group for safety, and that's why we propose a safe and relaxing tour. ”
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A variety of service menus from tours to workshops

We offer a variety of tours, such as open recruitment tours, private tours, and workshops. In particular, the course menu is very wide and practical, from learning knowledge and skiing techniques for beginners who want to start backcountry, to training leaders to lead groups. Check the homepage for details.

[Backcountry public offering tour]
We propose a quiet area with good snow in the high season, and a traverse tour in the spring season.

Knowing the mountain area that was unfamiliar until now, the way to enjoy the mountain will spread further. Click here for the tours we are recruiting for the 2020-21 season. ・20-21 Kitaakita Ani Moriyoshiyama BC skiing
・Slope lesson for
BC skiing ・Risk management for BC skiing "BC skiing technical course"
・Risk management for BC skiing "BC skiing equipment and basic knowledge"
・BC skiing Risk management "You are the leader"

[Private tour]
We propose a tour that meets your requests, such as schedule, place, and content. Private guided tours can be reserved for individuals or groups and enjoyed at their own pace. They can respond to a variety of requests, such as quiet minor areas, deep/dry powder snow conditions, big mountains, traverses, and overseas expeditions.

representative

Shoji Matsumoto

"I want to ski on various slopes with a snowboard" is what got me into the mountains.
I have been able to experience the charm of various mountains throughout the four seasons, and I have been fortunate enough to meet friends who enjoy the fields, and now I am working as a mountain guide." <Support> THE NORTH FACE

[Qualifications]
・JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
・Completed JAN Avalanche Operator 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 affiliated guides 1 full-time employee (including 1 qualified employee)
guide ratio 1 guide: 5 guests
percentage of guests Skiing/Snowboarding (5 vs. 5) Male/Female (5 vs. 5)

rental

snow safety gear Beacon, probe, excavator (ant/charged)
Backpack A board can be attached (Ant/charged)
ski Skis with tour bindings (ant/charged)
climbing gear Climbing skin/snowshoes (ant/charged)

price

1DAY 15,000 yen (excluding tax) Inexperienced person OK
other Climbing and sliding tours are also held for experienced climbers

Actual contents of the tour

first participation BC experience Ali most difficult
action time 3~6 hours 5~6 hours6~6 hours or more
Cumulative
elevation difference
About 400-600m (depending on the route and conditions)  About 600-1600m (depending on the route and conditions) 600~1600m or more (depending on the route and conditions)
average hike
time
1~3 hours 2~5 hours 4-8 hours
Slope content Take a lift or gondola and take short hikes safely over gentle open slopes or wide-spaced wooded areas. Hike to places with good conditions using lifts and gondolas. Challenge steep slopes according to your pace and snow conditions. Enjoy open slopes and forested areas safely. Hike or climb deep areas and prominent peaks and ski. It requires physical stamina to be able to act for a long time and the ability to ski stably without falling over steep slopes. You can safely enjoy skiing on open slopes, forest zones, and steep slopes if the conditions are right.

*The information on this page is as of January 2021.