Zao's unique nature and powder to your heart's content
Since 2013, ZAOC has been planning and managing outdoor activities mainly in Zao, Miyagi.
We propose the splendor of Miyagi's nature, especially Zao, and the fun of playing there throughout the four seasons. In winter, you can enjoy the beautiful and fantastic nature of Zao, and there are plenty of backcountry tours where you can enjoy the powder snow where no one has slipped.
Backcountry lectures for beginners
ZAOC offers tours for all levels, from backcountry beginners to experienced riders. "Starter pack" for beginners. After explaining the equipment and giving a lecture on how to use it, you will actually experience a leisurely 15 to 30 minute hike up the backcountry. It is nice to have lunch in the mountains and enjoy nature. For those who wish, there is also a free rental of K2 fat skis!
Choose from Level 1 to 3 by level and location
For those with experience, you can choose from "Level 1" to "Level 3", depending on the location and tour content according to your level.
By the way, "Level 1" is 10,000 yen for 3 or more people from 9:30 to 14:30. There are three locations: "Eboshi", "Minowa" and "Omoshiroyama". All hikes take 1-2 hours and are light, making it easy to participate. It is an attractive tour where you can enjoy the characteristics of each slope. "Level 2" is for advanced skiers. The hike will be tough, taking 2 to 3 hours, due to the deeper mountains, but the altitude difference will increase accordingly. There are three locations: "Eboshi", "Kito" and "Fubozan".
"Level 3" is a hike of about 3 hours. A high-quality backcountry field is waiting for you, including the topography, snow quality, and superb view that are worth it. "Miyagi Prefecture's highest peak Mt. Byobu tour", "Zao's cauldron tour", and "Maruyamazawa tour, the heart of Zao" are held. Check the ZAOC website for details.
representative
Yz
Representative of ZAOC. He is a professional skier, backcountry guide, web creator, and tea master. Since he was a child, he has been playing around Zao. His life textbook is "From the Northern Country".
[Qualifications]
・JMGA Climbing Guide StageⅡ
・JMGA Ski Guide StageⅡ
・Completed JAN Avalanche Worker Level I
・FWT Japan Advisor
・RESCUE 3 Swift Water Rescue First Responder
・SUPA Basic Instructor
・Japanese Red Cross Emergency First Aid
※JMGA … Japan Mountain Guide Federation
JAN … Japan Avalanche Network
guide area
| main guide area | Southern Tohoku centering on Miyagi Zao, Mt. Chokai, Mt. Gassan, Hachimantai, etc. |
| Other areas | pear |
| Representative name (guide qualification) | Yuzuru Handa (JMGA Ski Guide Stage II, Climbing Guide Stage II) |
| Main guide name (guide qualification) | Kei Kano (JMGA Ski Guide Stage I, Climbing Guide Stage II) |
| Number of affiliated guides | 1 full-time, 2 part-time (including 1 qualified person) |
| 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 | A board can be attached (Ant) |
| ski | Skis with tour bindings (pear) |
| climbing gear | Climbing Skin (Ant) Snowshoe (Ant) |
price
| 1DAY | From 7000 yen |
| other |
Actual contents of the tour
| first participation | BC experience Ali | most difficult | |
|---|---|---|---|
| action time | 4 hours | about 6 hours | about 6 hours |
| Cumulative elevation difference |
300m > | about 800m | about 1300m |
| average hike time |
15-30 minutes | 1-3 hours | 3.5-4 hours |
| Slope content | Tree run from the open of about 25 degrees | Open barn, forest zone | Open burn of 35-40 degrees. There is also swamp terrain |