We adapt to your skill level and offer resort guiding, freeride and full backcountry touring/splitboarding day tours in the “Powder Belt” area of Myoko, Madarao, Lotte Arai, and surrounding mountains.
SEASON 2025 / 2026
Late November to May
Every year, more and more snow aficionados come to Japan in winter to experience its legendary powder snow (“japow”). With consistent record snowfalls in Madarao and the Myoko area—but without the crowds found at Hokkaido or Hakuba resorts—we are perfectly located to organize day adventures in the region.
We offer four types of guided day experiences at Madarao-Tangram ski resort or at any of the other “Powder Belt” resorts and beyond, including the Myoko resorts that conform Japan’s largest skiable domain (Akakura, Suginohara, and Ikenotaira), as well as Charmant Hiuchi, Kurohime, Lotte Arai, Nozawa Onsen, Seki Onsen, Shigakogen, Togakushi, and Yamaboku.
Stay with us at La Colina Retreat or book two or more consecutive days of guiding to receive a 10% discount.
Resort Tours
Visiting a ski resort in Japan for the first time can be a little intimidating—not just because of the different language and customs, but especially after a long trip, jet lag, or a lack of confidence after months without skiing.
For skiers and snowboarders who want to make the most of a one-day visit to a ski resort and get firsthand insight into the best terrain for their ability level, great lunch spots, optimal conditions throughout the day, and local tips about nearby resorts—or simply want a professional guide by their side—this program is the perfect way to discover Madarao-Tangram or any of the 20 nearby ski resorts.
Madarao (Half-day) | Madarao (Full-day) | Other (Half-day) | Other (Full-day) | |
Solo (1 person) | ¥20,000 | ¥30,000 | ¥30,000 | ¥40,000 |
Group (2-8 ppl) | ¥35,000 | ¥55,000 | ¥45,000 | ¥65,000 |
Freeride
Madarao, Myoko, and Arai areas arguably offer some of the best lift-accessed powder freeriding in Japan, and our local guides are eager to share their secret powder stashes with you.
Our freeride tours are ideal for chasing powder in ungroomed areas within the resort and in sidecountry / slackcountry terrain that is easily accessible from lifts without the use of skins. Since these tours include terrain outside the resort boundaries, participants are required to carry—and know how to use—avalanche safety gear.
Avoid the early morning powder rush, enjoy the best snow on north-facing slopes, and have a safe, fun powder experience with our knowledgeable guides.
Madarao (Half-day) | Madarao (Full-day) | Other (Half-day) | Other (Full-day) | |
Solo (1 person) | ¥25,000 | ¥35,000 | ¥35,000 | ¥45,000 |
Group (2-6 ppl) | ¥40,000 | ¥60,000 | ¥50,000 | ¥70,000 |
Backcountry
A vast amount of terrain beyond the ski resorts awaits beyond the lifts. Whether you’re motivated by the thrill of backcountry skiing in deep powder or the challenge of ski mountaineering on more exposed terrain, the possibilities are endless.
Our backcountry tours require touring skis with skins, splitboards, or snowshoes to move efficiently across the terrain. We offer everything from introductory tours for those venturing into the backcountry for the first time to challenging volcano tours reaching altitudes of up to 2,500 meters.
Our qualified local guides speak Japanese—an essential skill for interpreting local avalanche reports, weather forecasts, and last-minute updates from the local guiding community. It also ensures proper submission of backcountry and hiking plans, and allows for effective coordination with authorities in case of an emergency.
Madarao (Half-day) | Madarao (Full-day) | Other (Half-day) | Other (Full-day) | |
Solo (1 person) | ¥35,000 | ¥50,000 | ¥50,000 | ¥65,000 |
Group (2-4 ppl) | ¥50,000 | ¥80,000 | ¥65,000 | ¥90,000 |
Snowshoeing
Discover the snow-covered beauty of Madarao and Myoko on a snowshoeing adventure that takes you through the breathtaking beauty of Japan’s satoyama (area between villages and mountains) in winter. Explore the serene, snow-covered trails and vast white landscapes of the yukiguni (snow country) region, with opportunities to visit one of the area’s picturesque lakes or historic shrines.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plan my trip?
Unlike most places in the world, Japan experiences very consistent snowfall in January and February, with “Japanuary” being a highly anticipated month for many riders. However, weather patterns like “El Niño” and “La Niña” can impact precipitation and slightly alter conditions each year. Below are some general seasonal observations for the snow conditions of Japan:
November – December: Snow begins falling in Japan from early to mid-November. Tateyama is the only place where early powder can be enjoyed in late November. In early December, some ski resorts start opening, with the most consistent snow found at higher altitudes, such as Shigakogen. By mid-December, most resorts are open, offering great on-piste conditions, though off-piste skiing remains limited, except in abandoned resorts or slopes.
January – February: This is the peak season. Days are short, and typically filled with deep, cold snow. In regions like Hokkaido and Tohoku, temperatures can drop to -20°C, while in other areas they hover around -10°C. By mid-January, a deep snowpack (2-4 meters) is established in most areas, providing reliable off-piste powder conditions.
March: Excellent snow coverage, longer and sunnier days, with occasional snowstorms until the end of the month. The mountains are generally less crowded, and accommodations are more readily available. It’s a great month to enjoy bluebird days and powder backcountry skiing.
April: Most low-altitude resorts close their doors, while some higher-altitude ones remain partially open until early May. Spring brings sunny days and excellent snow conditions, with the possibility of spring powder skiing. The longer days are perfect for big spring tours on the highest peaks of Tateyama, the Central Alps, or big volcanoes like Chokai or Fuji.
May: The first week of May, known as “Golden Week,” marks the end of the season for most ski resorts in Japan. However, it’s still possible to enjoy some spring snow on the highest peaks, sometimes even until early June.
For more info, check our blog post “The Best Months for Skiing in Japan”
Are guided snowboard & ski packages and day trips suitable for solo travellers?
Yes! Our ski and snowboard packages and guided day tours are perfect for solo travelers. If you are looking for a Japan ski trip for solo travelers, you are in the right place. We can provide best rates for shared occupancy accomodation, or provide single occupancy accomodation at a minimum extra cost.
When should I reserve spaces?
We work hard to maintain our small size, ensuring a personalized experience on every trip. Our tours sell out quickly, and cancellations are rare. Single-day trips are available on a limited basis during the season.
I have limited or zero powder experience. Are guided tours for me?
Absolutely! Our One-day Powder Snow Experience is perfect for skiers and snowboarders eager to experience powder for the first time. With expert guidance and the use of powder-specific gear, you’ll learn the essentials of riding on soft, deep, and variable snow.
Are dates flexible to catch the best conditions?
We all dream of the perfect bluebird day after a meter of fresh snow overnight, but the reality is that a bit of luck is always needed for ideal powder conditions.
For guided day tours, please contact us if you’d like to reschedule. If we have availability, we’ll do our best to move your tour at no extra cost.
For multi-day packages, our guides will tailor each day’s destination based on the snow and weather conditions to ensure the best possible experience.
Do you provide photos or videos of the trips?
We partner with professional photographers and videographers who can be hired at discounted rates. If you’re interested in having your experience filmed, please contact us. Advance booking is required.
What board or skis should I bring?
We suggest bringing your favorite powder board or skis, to float effortlessly through the deepest snow of your life. We recommend skis with at least 110mm waist width, and powder board. If you don’t want to lug a board bag across the world, we have a curated selection of powder skis and boards for rent at La Colina Gear.
Our group is a mix of skiers and snowboarders. Can we join a guided tour together?
Generally, this is not a problem. The main concern when mixing skiers and snowboarders is the terrain and the ability level of the group. For example, in backcountry terrain, snowboarders may sometimes struggle with long traverses or maintaining speed on flat sections.
Please discuss your group’s ability levels and the type of terrain you’re aiming for with your guide. In some cases, snowboarders may benefit from renting poles.
For backcountry ski tours, what equipment should I bring?
You should bring your own touring boots, since there are not many places to rent touring boots in Japan, and we do not recommend embarking on a 4-5 hour ascent with boots you are using for the first time. Everything else can be rented at La Colina Gear. We are one of the few rental operations in Japan offering touring skis with demo pin bindings.
Should I bring my airbag backpack?
Most of the powder skiing in Japan takes place below the treeline, where airbag backpacks are generally unnecessary and only add extra weight. For the tours we offer, airbag backpacks are not required. The only essential equipment for venturing beyond the resort slopes is an avalanche safety kit, which includes a transceiver, shovel, and probe. Please note that we do not offer airbag backpack rentals or gas cartridge filling services.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have travel insurance that includes coverage for rescue operations outside of ski resort boundaries. While we can arrange rescue insurance, we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance in your country of origin. This should cover medical expenses, trip interruptions, and changes to flight tickets. Having insurance in your native language can be a significant advantage when making a claim, ensuring you receive the full benefits of your coverage.
Do you provide ski or snowboard lessons?
While our guides are happy to provide tips and advice to help you improve your skills in powder and variable snow conditions, please note that they are mountain guides, not instructors. We partner with ski and snowboard schools at most of the resorts where we operate and can offer discounted lessons when booked through us.
If you’d like to include lessons for yourself or others in your group who are not participating in our trips, let us know, and we will arrange them for you.
Powder & Backcountry gear rental
Prefer to leave your gear at home? We offer our clients discounted prices on backcountry and powder gear rentals, including a range of touring skis with tech bindings, splitboards, powder skis, snowboards, avalanche kits, and equipment from WNDR, Skitrab, Arva, Tyrolia, and more.