I want to skate the backcountry (BC), but I don't know where to start. First and foremost, “experience” is important. A good way to do this is to sign up for beginner tours and classes at a guide club that welcomes BC newbies. You can take a lecture on the basic knowledge of BC, take a course on skiing techniques on the slopes before going to BC, and rent avalanche safety gear, so you can step up more smoothly with peace of mind. Therefore, I picked up a guide club that plans tours and programs for beginners. Reservations are also being accepted at each guide club.
[Hokkaido]
Niseko Mecca｜Hokkaido
[Guiding Area] Niseko, Hokkaido
[Representative] Hisayoshi Tanaka
Based in Niseko, Hokkaido, it is deployed throughout Hokkaido throughout the year. In the summer, we guide you through a wide range of natural fields in Hokkaido, such as trekking, canyoning, river and sea kayaking. There are four types of winter BC tours, and you can choose according to your preference and level, such as "Beginning BC", "Lift Access BC", "Niseko/Kiroro/Asahikawa BC", and "Mt. Yotei BC". It is convenient because it comes with a pick-up service in which the guide will pick you up at your accommodation in the morning.
First challenge to BC in Niseko! Support with gear rental & lecture included
"First Backcountry"
"I want to go to BC, but I don't know the tools well, and there's no one to ask. But I want to try!" Starting at 8:30, first learn the basics such as how to use avalanche gear and how to hike, then experience hiking and sliding on a slippery medium slope. It is a 5-hour program, including about 2 hours of climbing, having lunch and enjoying the BC until 14:00. It is safe because it includes the rental of the necessary tools. (Representative: Hisataka Tanaka)
[Program above INFO]
| price | First time backcountry 13,000 yen / person (17,000 yen if the total number of participants is 1 person) Includes training fee, guide fee, tool rental fee ・Participation with tools is discounted by 1,000 yen |
| gear rental | Gear rental: Snow safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe): Yes / Backpack that can attach a board: Yes / Skiing with tour bindings: Yes / Climbing gear and climbing skins: Yes / Others: Fat skis with tour bindings 4000/day Circle |
| Participation conditions | Those who have deep snow (powder snow) experience and can ski off-piste safely even slowly |
| HP | http://www.niseko-mecca.com/ |
Mountain Guide Coyote｜Hokkaido
[Guiding area] Niseko, Hokkaido
[Representative] Ryuta Furuichi
The three pillars of the Mountain Guide Coyote concept are to have customers take home more than the program, to conduct programs that are naturally positive, and to enable all staff to continue their activities. For that reason, we respect the physical strength and preferences of each guest as much as possible, and while valuing safety and peace of mind, we also offer "backcountry tours" and "BC tours for beginners", including the provision of knowledge and wisdom about nature. ing.
A program to learn with the goal of "becoming able to participate in the BC tour with peace of mind for beginners"
"BC tour for beginners"
For those who are interested in backcountry tours but do not know how to start, we have set the goal of "becoming able to participate in BC tours with peace of mind". It is a program where you can learn the necessary knowledge, how to handle BC gear, actual behavior and how to slide, such as gear and wear equipment check, detachment of seals, walking method, how to get up, beacon operation, how to slide, actual climbing and downhill. It takes about 7 hours including climbing and walking for about 2 hours. Please come and ski in Niseko! (Representative: Ryuta Furuichi)
[Program above INFO]
| price | BC tour for beginners 1 person: 27,000 yen/person, 2 people: 15,000 yen/person, 3 or more people: 14,000 yen/person Course fee, guide fee included |
| gear rental | Gear rental: Snow safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe): Yes / Backpack that can attach a board: Yes / Skiing with tour bindings: Yes / Climbing gear and climbing skins: Yes / Others: Fat skis with tour bindings 4000/day Circle |
| Participation conditions | People who can safely slide down anywhere on the slopes/Subscription to mountain insurance with expenses for distress measures |
| Minimum number of participants | From 1 person Consultation required for schedule |
| HP | https://www.mg-coyote.com/nisekoBC/ |
RIKI JAPOW GUIDE｜Hokkaido
[Guiding area] Hokkaido, Hokkaido, Hoshino Resort Tomamu area, Furano area, Asahikawa area
[Representative] Chikara Nakajima
Chief guide RIKI Chikara Nakajima became the first freestyle ski instructor in the world in addition to his ski instructor qualification in Whistler, Canada in 2000. “I want to share the beauty of nature, the fun of skiing, and the joy of skiing,” he says, through his guiding, giving guests a message of freedom in the midst of nature. Also, after enjoying the snowy mountains, we will also guide you to beautiful natural and cultural spots. You can enjoy the charm of a trip that does not end with just skiing.
Smooth transition from technical lessons to the backcountry
"Lesson & Guide"
This is a two-hour program with few hikes, starting early in the morning around Mt. Aizu Bandai or around Hoshino Resorts Tomamu. [Lesson & Guide] is a technical lesson that also serves as a level check for BC. It takes about 2 hours to ski at Alts Bandai Ski Resort or Hoshino Resort Tomamu. It is attractive that you can step up to the BC tour with peace of mind in the program where you can check your skiing technique and take a point lesson on the technique necessary for BC at the proram that makes use of the instructor qualification of the guide. Avalanche gear (beacons, shovels, probes) and backpacks are available free of charge. (Representative: Chikara Nakajima)
[Program above INFO]
| price | Lesson & Guide 20,000 yen~/person (additional 8,000 yen/person for each additional person) Includes course fee, guide fee, and equipment rental fee ・1,000 discount for participants bringing their own equipment |
| gear rental | Gear rental: Snow safety gear (beacons, shovels, probes): Yes (free) / Backpacks that can be used with boards: Yes (free) / Skis with tour bindings: Yes / Climbing gear / climbing skins: Yes |
| Participation conditions | People who want to feel the beauty of nature, the fun of sliding, and the fun of skiing |
| Minimum number of participants | Since it is only a private reception, consider the itinerary according to the customer's needs |
| HP | https://www.rikijapowguide.com |
[Tohoku/Niigata]
ZAOC | Tohoku
[Guiding area] Southern Tohoku centering on Miyagi Zao, Mt. Chokai, Mt. Gassan, Hachimantai, etc.
[Representative] Yuzuru Handa
ZAOC proposes the beauty 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.
Reliable starter pack & easy cat
double feature for backcountry introductory
“ First BC Starter Pack”
“Easy BC Introductory Tour with CAT ”
A “starter pack” is a “starter pack” where people who are going to BC for the first time will be given a lecture on how to use safety gear in the rest house, etc., and then slowly experience a hike for about 15 to 30 minutes and ski the BC. ZAOC also offers a BC introductory tour using CAT, which is a set of safety and basic skiing skills training. It is recommended that you can enjoy Miyagi Zao with a short hike. K2 fat skis can be rented for free on any tour. (Representative: Yuzuru Handa)
[Program above INFO]
| price | [Starter pack] 10,000 yen/one private/8,000 yen/person for 2 people/7,000 yen/person for 3 or more people 13,000 yen per person for 2 people ・12,000 yen per person for 3 or more people |
| gear rental | Gear rental: Snow safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe): Yes / Backpack that can attach a board: Yes / Skis with tour bindings: Yes / Climbing gear and climbing skins: Yes / Others: Free K2 fat skis for those who wish rental |
| Participation conditions | You can slide down anywhere on the slopes (you don't have to be good at it) |
| Minimum number of participants | From 1 person |
| HP | http://www.zaoc.org/ |
IWATE BACKCOUNTRY GUIDES｜Iwate Prefecture
[Guiding Area] Iwate Hachimantai, Ura-Iwate Mountain Range, Other Iwate Areas
[Representative] Kousei Takahashi
Based in the Iwate Hachimantai area, we hold backcountry tours and ski slope sessions mainly on comfortable slopes of gentle mountains. The tour is mainly for beginners "BC ENTRY", and the main tour "BC HIKE" where you can enjoy the backcountry around Hachimantai and the Ura-Iwate mountain range, which can be approached by hiking for about 2 hours. Only a local guide can guide you to a good spot according to the conditions of the day.
BC to enjoy on the comfortable slopes of the gentle mountains of Hachimantai, Iwate
"BC ENTRY"
A beginner's tour for those who are new to BC and a few times. The rental fee for backcountry gear is included in the fee, so even those who do not have equipment can rest assured. After a lecture on the basics, we will guide you to a comfortable slope that even beginners can enjoy with peace of mind. It is a program of around 6 hours including a hike of about 1.5 hours. If you want to start backcountry or have a blank, please come by. I want you to enjoy the climate unique to Hachimantai and the pleasures that can only be found here and only on that particular day. (Representative: Kousei Takahashi)
[Program above INFO]
| price | BC entry tour 13,000 yen/person Including course fee, guide fee, safety gear rental fee |
| gear rental | Gear rental: Snow safety gear (beacons, shovels, probes): Yes / Backpacks that can attach boards: Yes / Snowshoes: Yes / Skis with tour bindings: No / Climbing skins: No / Others: Slope cruising 8,000 yen, Hachimantai CAT Hike tour 18,000 yen, Hachimantai CAT ride tour 26,000 yen |
| Participation conditions | Those who can ski while controlling the slopes and non-compressed snow slopes |
| Minimum number of participants | Held every day if there are 1 or more participants |
| HP | https://www.iwatebackcountry.com/index.html |
JUNRINA mountain service｜Niigata Prefecture
[Guiding area] Kagura BC, Echigo Yuzawa BC, Tateyama BC, Tanigawa mountain range, etc.
[Representative] Atsushi Nagai
Based in Echigo-Yuzawa, JUNRINA develops a variety of BC guides by taking advantage of the blessed environment of vast fields such as Mt. Tanigawa, Mt. Naeba, and the three mountains of Echigo. Hiking times and locations are arranged and grouped according to skill and experience. Thanks to the detailed division of levels, even beginners can participate without hesitation. There is no wasted time lost, the session is purely enjoyable, and you can expect to improve your level by receiving good stimulation.
Even beginners can participate without hesitation
"Level 1 for backcountry beginners"
From Level 1 for beginners to Level 5 for experts, Level 1 is for those who are new to BC. While learning how to use safety gear and basic actions and skiing techniques on BC, you will ski on gentle to medium slopes in forested areas and open slopes. It is a 3-4 hour program, including 1-2 hours of climbing. RINA is the guide for this program. JUN is in charge of the advanced level. A backpack and safety gear are included, so you can participate with peace of mind. BC first step! Let's enjoy nature together. (Representatives: Jun Nagai & Rina)
[Program above INFO]
| price | Level 1 backcountry beginner 13,000 yen / person Including training fee, guide fee, safety gear & backpack rental fee |
| gear rental | Gear rental: Snow safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe): Available (included in the tour fee) / Backpack that can attach a board: Available (included in the tour fee) / Skis with tour bindings: Available / Climbing gear/climbing skins: Yes (charged) / Others: Fat ski with tour bindings available (charged) |
| Participation conditions | You can safely slide on uncompacted snow slopes |
| Minimum number of participants | Held every day if there are 1 or more participants |
| HP | https://www.junrina.com/ |
[Nagano]
LOCUS GUIDE SERVICE｜Nagano Prefecture
[Guiding area] Center of Hakuba Valley
[Representative] Kazuya Furuse
The representative, Kazuya Furuse, has 15 seasons of guiding experience in the Hakuba area. Using his local connections, he guides you to the best slopes for the day according to your level. He's also focused on teaching freeride techniques. BC supports everyone from first-timers to experts to “have a wonderful experience in harmony with nature.” There are 3 levels of backcountry tours.
It is safe to proceed while resolving the doubts and anxieties of beginners one by one
"Beginner Backcountry Guide"
If you are interested in BC, but think "It looks like it will be difficult to climb" or "I'm worried about keeping up with other participants," try this tour first. There are plenty of practical learning that are ideal for those who want to enjoy BC in earnest in the future. As you progress through the process, you will learn how to climb efficiently and easily, how to enjoy it safely, how to use the gear, and so on. It takes about 4 hours and the hike is about 1-2 hours. There is a sense of security because you can act slowly and calmly with the same beginner participants.
In addition, from October, the content of lessons for beginners, which was previously held on the slopes, will be held online. Please contact us if you are interested. (Representative: Kazuya Furuse)
[Program above INFO]
| price | Beginner backcountry guide 12,000 yen ~/person Including training fee and guide fee |
| gear rental | Gear rental: Snow safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe): Yes / Backpack that can attach a board: Yes / Skis with tour bindings: Yes / Climbing gear and climbing skins: Yes / Others: Skis with tour bindings: Yes (all paid) |
| Minimum number of participants | From 1 person |
| HP | https://locus.guide |
KAGURA POWDER STATION | Niigata Prefecture
[Guiding area] Centered on Kagura BC
[Representative] Momoyo Yoshizawa
The parent body is "Black Diamond". With expert knowledge of snowy mountains and gear unique to a ski pro shop, and guides who know everything about Kagura, even beginners can go to BC with peace of mind. Taking advantage of Kagura's abundant snowfall and snow quality, we will guide you to the best spots for the day. Content that emphasizes "slipping" in the vast Kagura BC, which is rich in variety. You can choose a tour according to your level. The Wada-goya 2-day, 1-night tour offers the advantage of fast track on the morning of the second day by staying overnight.
To the nearest powder heaven from Kanto. Support unique to a pro shop
"Beginner Limited 1 Day Tour"
No BC experience required. Participation conditions are to be able to make a parallel turn on a medium slope and stop where you want to stop. It's okay if you can't skate cool. People who think, "I want to start powder, but the threshold is high! I'm worried!" The tour takes about 7 hours while giving lectures on how to use BC gear and how to slide, and climbing takes 1-2 hours. (Chief Guide: Kazuya Igarashi)
[Program above INFO]
| price | Beginner-only 1-day tour 12,000 yen / person including training fee and guide fee |
| gear rental | Gear rental: Snow safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe): Yes / Backpack that can attach a board: Yes / Ski with tour bindings: Yes / Climbing gear / climbing skin: Yes (all charged) / Others: Ski set 10,000 5000 Yen |
| Participation conditions | You can make parallel turns on medium slopes and stop where you want to. |
| Minimum number of participants | Held every day if there are 1 or more participants |
| HP | http://kagurapowderstation.com/ |
COLOR SPORT CLUB ｜ Nagano
[Guiding area] Tateyama, Mt. Fuji, etc. around Hakuba Valley
[Representative] Tomohiro Shakawa
Set in the Hakuba mountain range, it also has shops, cafes, and lodges in addition to guides. Representative Tomohiro Shakawa turned his attention to the off-piste since 1992, pioneered the backcountry field in the Hakuba area, and built the backcountry scene to this day. He has many routes that he has developed himself, so he can go to the field in the best conditions for the day. The number of withdrawals is widely known. At the COLOR SPORT CLUB, colors characterize BC experiences and places to enjoy. Each of the six colors has its own “fun”. The process takes 4 to 6 hours per “play (color)”.
A 4-hour tour that includes an orientation and enjoys an altitude difference of about 400 to 600m
blue play
Among the 6 colors that are color-coded according to experience and level, the "blue play" is for those who are new to BC and those who want to enjoy it casually. It is a program of about 4 hours to enjoy the altitude difference of about 400 to 600m with an orientation. Hike is 1-2 hours. The main fields are around Tsugaike Nature Park, around Otari Amechu, West Brown-eared Bulbul Minami, etc. Anyone can participate in the blue play. If you want to have fun while holding down the basics even if you are an experienced person, please come here! Twenty years after its founding, Color Sports Club places great importance on deepening communication between guides and guests before entering the mountains. (Representative: Tomohiro Shakawa)
[Program above INFO]
| price | 8800 yen / 1 person with full gear rental 11,000 yen Includes course fee and guide fee |
| gear rental | Gear rental: Snow safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe): Yes / Backpack that can attach a board: Yes / Skis with tour bindings: Yes / Climbing gear/climbing skins: Yes / Others: Fat skis with tour bindings available |
| Participation conditions | Be careful with manners when participating in guided play! |
| Minimum number of participants | 1 person ~ Departs on the set date |
| HP | http://www.colorsportclub.com/ |
◆BC beginners also check here!
