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BASIC BACKCOUNTRY TOUR

Basic Tour

SeasonMinakami Area - January through Early March

Tsumagoi Area - January through Early March

Yuzawa Area – Late December through Mid April

Hotaka Mountain - January through Early March
FeeMinakami or Tsumagoi Area 9,000 yen (Guide Fee, General Insurance, Emergency Medical Insurance)
Yuzawa Area or Hotaka Mountain 10,000 yen (Guide Fee, General Insurance, Emergency Medical Insurance)
Tour Time8:30 to 16:00
ConditionsEven if you have little or no experience backcountry skiing or snowboarding, if you feel confident in your ability on groomed runs, this tour is a possibility. If you feel uncomfortable or uncertain, please take the Beginner’s Tour first!
Meeting PlaceMinakami Area - Forest & Water Office
Tsumagoi Area - Yunomaru Ski Resot, in front of the first pair lift
Yuzawa Area - Kaguramatsumata Ski Resort
Hotaka Mountain – Oguna Hotaka Ski Resort, in front of the information center
Contact UsTEL : 0278-72-8017
e-mail: booking@fw-jp.com

Half-Day Rafting

Everyone, from those who have never been backcountry skiing before, to experienced professionals, can enjoy the Basic Tour. Even if you take the same course every time, natural variations in snow and terrain make every experience unique. Additionally, the number of courses available means that no matter how times you come, it will always be a slightly different, and amazing experience.

On this tour you learn how to use a distress beacon, avalanche probe, and discuss some basic avalanche survival techniques. The ascent takes about 1-2 hours. Occasionally, depending on weather conditions, the course may be changed or canceled at the discretion of our guides. Please understand that this is for your safety!

 RESERVE A SPOT NOW!


What to Bring

Please take:

Skiwear: What you would normally wear when you go snowboarding or skiing is also fine for backcountry. Further, snow gear that is both waterproof and breathes is a good investment. For example Gore-Tex, or skiwear that has ventilation pockets.

Middle Layer: synthetic fiber or wool work really well. Cotton feels really comfortable when you first put it on, but you should also consider that it does not shed moisture very well. If it gets wet with sweat or snow, it has the potential to lower your body temperature, which is very dangerous while you’re in backcountry.

Inner Layer: Just like your middle layer, wool or synthetic fiber work great. Recently, a lot of different makers have started selling comfortable, breathable, and heat retaining long underwear. It’s very important to have a good inner layer, so take your time and pick something of high quality.

Gloves: What you would normally wear snowboarding or skiing works great. Please pick warm gloves! It is also a good idea to bring a spare pair so you can exchange them if your first pair gets wet.

Boots: Same as you would wear snowboarding or skiing are perfect.

Headwear: What you normally wear when snowboarding or skiing is fine. If you don’t wear a beanie you will be very cold! It’s also not a bad idea to wear a helmet. Make sure that it’s light, and fits well.

Goggles: What you would normally wear snowboarding or skiing is great. Get a pair that fit well and do not fog up easily. It is also really convenient to take an extra pair; if you fall and the goggles break or get covered in snow you can easily exchange them.

Sunglasses: For the hike up, sunglasses are very convenient. Goggles tend to fog up, and are more cumbersome than sunglasses.

Lunch: We recommend something easy to eat, like a pizza or other bread product from a convenience store. Things that hold a lot of moisture, like onigiri, tend to freeze if it’s really cold outside. Please do not buy things that take a lot of time to prepare, like cup ramen.



Necessities: (Rentals available - 500 yen per article)

Distress Beacon: In the case of an avalanche, the distress beacon makes it easier for rescuers to find you. You can also use the beacon to search for other lost or trapped backcountry riders. Analog and digital are both okay. Please make sure that your model is at least 475 KHz, and that the battery is fully charged.

Shovel: Very useful in the case of an avalanche. If possible, a shovel than can be broken down and compacted is good to have. Shovels with a D grip give you much more leverage, and are easier to use, that T grip shovels.

Snow Probe: Important to have if there is an avalanche. 200 to 320 cm is a good length.

Backpack: 25 liters or more. It is important that you be able to fix your skis or snowboard to your backpack on the way up, and have it securely hold your ski poles and snowshoes on the way down.



Necessities while climbing (may vary depending on the person): (Rentals available - 500 yen per article)

Snowshoes: Generally used on the hike up. Those who use skis or telemarks, may, if they like, attach a skin to the bottom of their skis, and hike without snowshoes. However, there are times when using snowshoes will become necessary. We ask that snowboarders always use snowshoes on the ascent. Pick snowshoes that are light and have securely fitting bindings.

Trekker: With the exception of telemarks and mountain skis, if you are using ski skins, you should also definitely use a trekker. If you just use regular bindings with skins you will be unable to climb.

Ski Poles: Ski Poles become necessary for both skier and snowboarders on the hike up the mountain. Snowboarders should pick poles that can be contracted and attached to a backpack for the ride down.



Other important things: (Rentals Unavailable)

A Drink: Please bring a warm drink in a small thermos

Spare Equipment: It’s a good idea to bring an extra pair of gloves and goggles. If you bring a change of clothes, be sure to bring only one set so that your backpack doesn’t get too bulky.

Leash: Important to secure your snowboard or skis in the case of an accident.