Hachimantai, deep in the Tohoku region, is widely known for having the best dry powder in Honshu. Here, we would like to introduce the participation report of HACHIMANTAI CAT TOURS, where you can enjoy riding a CAT.
[TOUR] "CAT & HIKE Tour"
7:30 CLUBMAN clubhouse meeting briefing, equipment check
8:00 CAT base meeting, final check
8:30 Departure at CAT
9:00 Arrival at Daikokumori top, hike up start
10:00 Open barn 1st run
11:00
Arrive
at Chausu Sanso ~ Lunch break
12:00 Second run from 00 5th run is extreme powder on the northern slope 14:30 CAT base return
15:00 HOT drink after at CLUBMAN clubhouse
*This schedule is a full course. The number of runs varies depending on weather conditions and the number of participants.
The Hachimantai Cat Tour is a cat tour run by the Mt. Daikoku Management Cooperative, which is funded by local guides.
This time, I participated in the Clubman Mountain Guide tour led by professional skier Junya Kurakane. What I experienced was a CAT & HIKE tour that went up to the top of Daikokumori in the former Hachimantai ski resort by CAT, and then attached a sticker and headed for the summit of Mt. Chausu.
First, about 30 minutes by CAT to the summit. hour and a half if you hike, so you can conserve your physical strength and concentrate on skiing from a relatively early time.
When you reach the top of the old ski resort, attach a sticker and start hiking. Walk through a fantastic forest of Aomori Todomatsu and birch trees. I walk step by step in the silence without any sign of people. The real pleasure of backcountry skiing is the feeling of being one with nature, listening to the sounds of birds, wind, and snow. Savor it to your heart's content while aiming for the summit of Mt. Chausu, the main peak of Hachimantai
As we climbed higher, the number of trees gradually decreased. An open barn spreads in front of you, and everyone gets excited. Before reaching the top of the mountain, I decided to enjoy a no-track open burn as a break-in. Draw a big turn like jumping into the plain of Hachimantai and slide down at once.
After skating the best one, attach the sticker again and hike up.
Once you reach the ridgeline, Chausu Sanso is right in front of you. Nice to have a rest spot on the peak. Here, I want to replenish my carry-on food and water, and prepare firmly for skiing.
After leaving the hut, I ski down the slope in front of me again. I also enjoyed the moderately open slopes and tree run elements.
If you continue traversing in the west direction, you will come to a slope with a unique landscape with splendid large trees. One of Hachimantai's charms is that you can enjoy a variety of skis on one mountain.
After skiing the third run, climb up the ridge again and hike up to the west.
You can enjoy skiing and hiking moderately, and you will never get tired of it. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Hachimantai and the surrounding natural beauty.
The fourth is a long run of about 300m. The slope is full of ups and downs, and you can feel even more floating when you step on the board.
Lower the altitude from there, the last one! At the end, I had a light fluffy powder that remained in good condition on the north-facing slope. Hachimantai is said to be the lightest in Honshu. As you can see, it's light even though it's afternoon.
On the way back, ski the Aspite Line, which is closed in winter, to the parking lot.
This is the end of the CAT & HIKE tour that fully enjoys the hinterland of Hachimantai.
After the tour is over, go back to the CLUBMAN clubhouse and look back on the day while looking at the photos of the tour with a HOT drink in hand. It's the moment when everyone smiles the most.
In addition to this, Hachimantai backcountry also a simple ride tour
that repeats riding on a CAT It is also nice that there are plans that you can enjoy depending on your level and physical strength. It has a wide variety of natural topography and plenty of slopes for skiing. We want you to fully enjoy the quality of snow on Honshu and the great nature of Hachimantai on a backcountry tour.
Guided tour
| tour name | CAT & HIKE Tour |
|---|---|
| average hike time | about 1 hour |
| guide ratio | Guide 1-2: 2-8 guests |
| Required equipment | Beacon, shovel, probe, climbing gear, helmet (recommended) |
| Difficulty (required BC experience level) | Intermediate BC Skiing skills are intermediate or higher and can handle fresh snow |
| Participation fee | 20,000 Yen |
| others | CAT & RIDE Tour ¥27,000 No hike. Ride a cat and slide! |
| Reservation/Inquiry | Clubman Mountain Guide |
Check here for Ski Lodge Clubman!
