Slide through a spectacular view surrounded by frost-covered trees
The Zao mountain range runs north to south as the main course of the Ou Mountains. Straddling Yamagata Prefecture and Miyagi Prefecture, they are known as “Yamagata Zao” and “Miyagi Zao” respectively. While you can enjoy scenic views such as frost-covered trees and Okama, the area is blessed with abundant snowfall due to its geographical conditions, which absorb the moist air from the Sea of Japan. This time, I would like to introduce a record that accompanied the back country tour of the guide club "ZAOC" walking from Miyagi Zao, which has abundant back country routes.
[1 Day TOUR - Ushiroeboshidake -]
9:00 Meet at Miyagi Zao Eboshi Resort
9:30 Start hiking from the summit of Eboshi Resort
10:30 While the conditions are good, climb back up the open burn for the first run at
11:30 and climb Mt. Ushiroeboshi
12:00 Open burn 2nd run
12:30 Traverse and 3rd tree run
13:00 4th tree run
13:30 5th tree run
14:00 Traverse and return to Eboshi resort slopes
14:30 Return to slope bottom - end
*This schedule is a full course, and the number of runs varies depending on weather conditions and the number of participants.
What is Miyagi Zao?
Miyagi Zao has three ski resorts: Shiroishi Ski Resort, Mountain Field Miyagi Zao Sumikawa, and Miyagi Zao Eboshi Resort. And from the top of each slope there is a backcountry route to Mt. Fubo, Mt. Katta, and Mt. Ushiroeboshi. The appeal of Miyagi Zao is that you can choose where to ski depending on the slope, the weather, and the amount of snow.
Ushiroeboshidake (elevation 1,681m) is popular as a spot where you can hike up to the summit and from the top you can see the long Zao mountain range from north to south.
Access to around 1,300m by lift, and the actual walking distance is less than 400m, so the advantage of this tour is that you can conserve your stamina and concentrate on skiing. Leading the tour is ZAOC, a local guide in Miyagi Prefecture. From Hachimantai to the mountains in Miyagi Prefecture, it guides you through a wide variety of routes and slopes.
Even a backcountry beginner can go
Immediately after leaving the summit of Eboshi Resort, we walk through a forest zone. You can enjoy the scenery while walking through a coniferous forest based on pine. The slope of the climb is relatively gentle, and the walking route is well-maintained, making it easy for even beginners to walk.
As you walk along the ridge leading to Mt. Ushiroeboshi and gradually raise the altitude, the forest becomes sparse and the scenery opens up. Looking back, you can see the town below, and in the distance you can see the Sea of Japan and even Matsushima. One of the charms of backcountry skiing is that you can see the special scenery that you cannot see at the ski resort.
Get the best powder!
Let's have the best powder while the temperature is low and the conditions are good! So, I skied on the open barn just before the summit. On this day, the surface was slightly blown by the wind, but the inside was covered with fluffy powder. Depending on the snowfall and how the wind blows, it doesn't seem too difficult to apply deep snow powder.
Enjoy a spectacular view of Zao from the top of the mountain
Seal Hike again while feeling fulfilled on the first fast track. Aim for the summit this time. After walking for about 30 minutes, we reached the summit. The trees around Mt. Ushiroeboshi usually don't turn into frost-covered trees, but they seemed to be growing well in the 2020 season, and splendid frost-covered trees were scattered about. If you can see beautiful frost-covered trees in just one and a half hours of hiking, it's easy and affordable.
From the top of the mountain, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Zao mountain range. You can see Mt. Fubo at the south end to Mt. Gando at the north end, and the view of Mt. Kattadake, where Okama is located, is also good. In particular, the view of Mt. Byobu-dake in between your eyes is a masterpiece. Literally a "byobu", or rather, the mountain rises like a wall, creating a dynamic atmosphere that keeps visitors away. If you are a skier who is confident in your skills, some people may find it a fascinating slope.
Open, tree, natural terrain, powder! Even seniors are satisfied
After enjoying the frost-covered trees and the view from the top of the mountain, put away your climbing skins and have a ski time.
I skied again on the open barn on the way up, and this time traversed about 100m south and skied through the trees. The atmosphere here is different from that of an open barn, and you can enjoy the changes in the topography and the steep slopes.
There are mashed, undulating, and swampy trees that even advanced players can enjoy. There was plenty of snow preserved because it was in the forest. Here, I ski while looking for three slopes that look good.
After skiing the tree, ski time is over. Traverse north to the slopes of Eboshi Resort. When you traverse, you will come to the top of the ski resort, so go down the course and return to the parking lot to end the tour.
There are two types of skiing: open barn skiing and tree skiing. Above all, the greatest attraction of this route is the magnificent view of Zao. The amount of hiking up is also small, so people of a relatively wide range of levels should be able to enjoy it.
Guided tour DATA
| tour name | Ushiroeboshidake Tour (ZAOC) |
| average hike time | about an hour and a half |
| guide ratio | Guide 1-2: 2-8 guests |
| Required equipment | Beacon, shovel, probe, climbing gear, helmet (recommended) |
| Difficulty (required BC experience level) | BC Beginner/Intermediate Skiing skill is intermediate or higher and can handle fresh snow |
| Participation fee | From 7000 yen |
| Reservation/Inquiry | mail@zaoc.org |
*Information as of February 20, 2022
Interviewed and written by: Daigo Onozuka