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 2024 / 2025
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 three 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.
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.