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Japan’s Powder Belt is located between Nagano and Niigata prefectures, across the mountain of Madarao and the mountains of the Myoko Togakushi Renzan National Park. A region that due to its close proximity to the Sea of Japan, receives an annual average snowfall of 13 meters. A land of ski tradition, both the first ski resort and the longest in operation are located here. It’s an area that maintains its local culture and traditions, with an influx of visitors traveling just to enjoy its festivals and hot springs. Compared to 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, this package offers diverse terrain with big steep, untouched tree skiing zones, and more than enough japow to enjoy for the whole week.
DAY 1
Arrival at La Colina Retreat. Check your gear and meet your guide, who will fill you in on the snow conditions and weather forecast for the week ahead. Optional additional day or night skiing at Madarao.
DAY 2
First contact with Madapow, a fluffy powder paradise with arguably one of the best tree skiing in Japan.
DAY 3-5
Your guide will decide the best place to ski each day, and you will receive information about the weather, avalanche forecasts, and activities in the area each day through our dedicated website. You will have the opportunity to end each day in a different outdoor hot spring, eat in traditional or modern restaurants, or just buy some groceries to enjoy the comfort of a homemade meal at your apartment.
DAY 6
Departure from La Colina Retreat. If you have a late flight to catch and still have stamina, you can squeeze an additional day skiing at a reduced price at Madarao.
- 6-night private accommodation at La Colina Retreat apartments
- All ski resort transfers
- 5 days of lift passes
- English/Spanish/French/Japanese speaking mountain guide for resort and side-country (5 days)
- Discount on premium equipment rental
- 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
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