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
"In mountain climbing, smooth communication and coordination create speed and lead to safety. We propose tours with an appropriate number of people for safety, which is why you can feel at ease and relaxed," they
said.
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 tours to quiet areas with good snow conditions during the high season, and traverse tours during the spring season. Discover mountain areas you've never been to before and broaden your enjoyment of the mountains. Open tours are held in various areas across Japan, from Hokkaido to Tohoku, Hakuba, Myoko, and more. Particularly interesting are the courses that teach knowledge and actions on the themes of "technical training" and "risk management for backcountry skiing." For details, please visit the official website.
・Slope lessons for backcountry skiing
・Backcountry skiing risk management "Backcountry skiing technical training"
・Backcountry skiing risk management "Backcountry skiing equipment and basic knowledge"
・Backcountry skiing risk management "You as the leader"
[Private Tours]
We offer tours tailored to your requests regarding dates, locations, and content. You can book a guided tour exclusively for yourself or your group and enjoy it at your own pace. We can accommodate a wide range of requests, including quiet, off-the-beaten-path areas, tours focusing on snow conditions such as deep/dry powder, big mountains, multi-day treks, and overseas expeditions.
representative
Shoji Matsumoto
"I started going into the mountains because I wanted to snowboard down various slopes. I've experienced the diverse charms of the mountains throughout the seasons, and I've been fortunate enough to meet friends who enjoy the field, and now I'm working as a mountain guide."
<サポート> THE NORTH FACE
[Qualifications, etc.]
・JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
・JAN Avalanche Operator Level 2 Completion
・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 |
| Cumulative elevation gain |
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 hiking 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
