Enjoy the unique nature and powder snow of Zao to your heart's content
ZAOC has been planning and operating outdoor activities mainly in Miyagi Zao since 2013. They offer the beauty of Miyagi's nature, especially Zao, and the joy of playing there, throughout the four seasons.
In winter, they offer a wide variety of backcountry tours where you can enjoy the beautiful and fantastical natural scenery unique to Zao, as well as savoring untouched powder snow.
We also offer backcountry lessons for beginners
ZAOC offers tours tailored to all skill levels, from beginners to experienced skiers in the backcountry. For beginners, there's the "Starter Pack," which includes equipment explanations and instruction, followed by a leisurely 15-30 minute hike up the mountain before skiing down the backcountry. Lunch is enjoyed in the mountains, allowing you to fully appreciate nature. Free rental of K2 fat skis is also available for those who wish!
Choose from Levels 1-3 based on level and location
For experienced skiers, there are three levels to choose from, ranging from "Level 1" to "Level 3," with locations and tour content tailored to your skill level. "Level 1" tours run from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM and require a minimum of three participants. There are three locations: "Eboshi," "Minowa," and "Omoshiroyama." The hikes are light, lasting only 1-2 hours, making them easy to participate in. Each tour offers an attractive experience, allowing you to enjoy the unique characteristics of the slopes.
"Level 2" is for advanced skiers. It involves deeper mountain exploration, with longer hikes of 2-3 hours, but the elevation gain during the descent is also greater. There are three locations for this level: "Eboshi," "Kito," and "Fubouzan."
"Level 3" involves a hike of approximately 3 hours. A high-quality backcountry field awaits, with terrain, snow conditions, and breathtaking scenery that are well worth the effort. Tours include "Miyagi Prefecture's highest peak, Byobu-dake," "Zao's Okama Crater Lake Tour," and "Zao's heartland, Maruyama-zawa Tour." Check the ZAOC website for details
representative
Yuzuru Handa
ZAOC representative. A man of many talents, including professional skier, backcountry guide, web creator, and tea master. He has been exploring Zao since childhood. His life's textbook is "From the North Country."
[Qualifications, etc.]
- JMGA Mountain Guide Stage II
- JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
- JAN Avalanche Worker Level I Completion
- FWT Japan Advisor
- Japanese Red Cross First Aid Responder
Guide Area
| Main guide area | Southern Tohoku, centered around Miyagi Zao, including Mt. Chokai, Mt. Gassan, and Mt. Hachimantai |
| Other areas | ― |
| Representative name (guide qualification) | Yuzuru Handa (JMGA Ski Guide Stage II, Mountaineering Guide Stage II) |
| Main guide name (guide qualification) | Kei Kano (JMGA Ski Guide Stage I, Mountaineering Guide Stage II) |
| Number of guides | 1 full-time employee, 2 part-time employees (1 of whom is qualified) |
| Guide Ratio | 1 guide: 6 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 (none) |
| Climbing gear | Climbing skins (Ali) / Snowshoes (Ali) |
Fee
| 1 DAY | From 7,000 yen |
| others | ― |
The actual tour content
| First time participating | BC experience | The most difficult | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activity time | About 4 hours | About 6 hours | About 6 hours |
| Cumulative elevation gain | 300m | About 800m | About 1300m |
| Average hiking time | 15-30 minutes | 1-3 hours | 3.5-4 hours |
| Slope Contents | Open to tree runs at around 25 degrees Celsius | Open barn, wooded area | Open slopes with a gradient of 35-40 degrees. There are also stream-like terrains |
Information
| address | Kaminohara, Togatta Onsen, Zaō-machi, Katta-gun, Miyagi Prefecture |
| TEL | － |
| mail@zaoc.org | |
| WEB | http://www.zaoc.org/ |
| Social Media | zaoc zaoc_miyagi |