Japan’s Powder Belt is located between Nagano and Niigata prefectures, across the area known as the Five Mountains of Northern Shinshu. This region includes Madarao and the Myoko Togakushi Renzan National Park. Thanks to its proximity to the Sea of Japan, it receives an impressive annual average snowfall of 13 meters.

A land steeped in ski tradition, it is home to both Japan’s first ski resort and its longest continuously operating one. The area preserves its rich local culture, attracting visitors who come not only for the snow but also to enjoy traditional festivals and relaxing hot springs. Compared to popular destinations like Niseko and Hakuba, it can still be considered off the beaten track for foreign tourism, with many small resorts that feel private during weekdays.

With access to over 20 ski resorts including Shigakogen, Nozawa Onsen, Lotte Arai, Madarao, and the resorts around Myoko such as Myoko Suginohara and Seki Onsen, this package offers diverse terrain with big steep, untouched tree skiing zones, and more than enough japow to keep you riding all week long.

NOTES

• Groups of at least 4 friends will receive a 10% discount.
• Contact us if you wish hotel accomodation with breakfast and dinner included. 

DAY 1
Arrival at La Colina Retreat. Your first dinner at a Japanese restaurant—where you'll meet the crew and your guides—is on us. Together, we’ll check your gear and review the snow conditions and weather forecast for the week ahead. Optional additional day or night skiing at Madarao is available.

DAY 2
First contact with Madapow, a fluffy powder paradise with arguably some of the best tree skiing in Japan.

DAY 3-5
Each day, your guide will select the best resort based on conditions. You'll receive daily updates on weather, avalanche forecasts, and local activities through our dedicated website. In the evenings, unwind in a different outdoor hot spring, dine at a variety of traditional or modern restaurants, or cook a cozy meal in your apartment with local ingredients.

DAY 6
Departure from La Colina Retreat. If your flight is later in the day and you still have energy, enjoy one more ski day at Madarao at a discounted rate.

• 6-night private accommodation at La Colina Retreat apartments
• All ski resort transfers
• 5 days of lift passes
• Welcome dinner at japanese restaurant (drinks excluded)
• English/Spanish/French/Japanese speaking mountain guide for resort and side-country (5 days)
• Discount on premium equipment rental at La Colina Gear
• Daily bulletin board including weather forecast, avalanche reports, recommendations of best ski areas, restaurants, activities, etc.
• Pick-up/drop-off at Iiyama, Kurohime or Myokokogen train stations.
• Avalanche safety training (This will give you the confidence to use your equipment with the aim of giving you more skills and knowledge to take away with you at the end of the trip.)

• Direct transfer between La Colina Retreat and Narita/Haneda/Toyama/Shinshu-Matsumoto/Niigata airports
• Courier baggage delivery from La Colina Retreat to the airport
• Insurance
• Backcountry ski tours (non-lifted access)
• Additional activities
• Lunch/dinners