I was a solo participant on a late Feb early March tour and really enjoyed my experience. I'm 62, and I got my self assessment wrong in that I really should have emphasized how few hours I have had in actual deep powder (despite being a reasonably accomplished skier in other contexts). So a tip for those who are filling out the form is to make sure you consider context. You may be shmick in-bounds & front side but how much actual deep Japanese pow have you got under your belt? Anyway, I was well looked after by Jase and the crew (hats off to Evan, Meg, Patrick & Naru) & I most certainly got a lot better as the week progressed. The mountain which cannot be named is a great spot. This was my 5th Nagano trip but my first based in Yudanaka and its nearby yama. The snow quality is superb. We got some bluebird days so killer views too. Yudanaka itself is a gem. Same for Shibu Onsen. Well worth a walk up there at night time. I stayed at Hotel Omodaka and had a spacious Japanese style room to myself. 5x4 tatami. Great staff & service and the in house banquet style meals are seriously oishi. In house onsen is a huge plus. As others have said Jase himself is his own man and his humour & style won't be to everyone's taste, but it worked for me. The world is too cotton wool, imho. Having a mix of skiers and boarders of all levels all together works a treat. Great fun, jammed in on the bus each morning and heading out to dinner after a full day each night. My strava says I got around 5000m vertical each day and 20+ runs, and I'm sure the more athletic types got a lot more. The cultural aspect of the trip is well worth mentioning - Sensei Nakano is a must see, as is the same for Fred the Belgian magician and the super elegant Geisha. She also runs the karaoke bar (Y3000 bottomless beers -you have been warned!). The trip runs like clockwork and the vibe is very much 'be safe, have fun & learn a bit along the way'. This is not an intensive SLAP program - you will get some tips but the focus isn't so much on 1:1 technical skills improvement. Would I sign up for another JPCT trip - yep. But I have yet to ski the Dolomites and that might be the next itch to scratch. Thanks Jase and to all your team for a great bang for your buck ski experience.
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We joined the March 5 2025 Grey Snowmads tour which coincidentally was my 70th birthday and we're so happy we did. Jase and his team of guides provided an excellent tour of the mega area Shiga Kogen. We were fortunate to get several days of powder and several days of nice spring skiing, but that was only a part of what made this a special trip. It included cultural aspects of Japan such as the Geisha performance, Karate, Drum and Lion Dance, and magician in addition to the Snow Monkeys and shrines. Jase also provided excellent suggestions for sightseeing trips. The restaurant reservations and transportation made it an easy and fun holiday. The accommodations were nice as well. Somewhat traditional Japanese. The group that we were with were all enjoyable to be with which really enhanced an already great trip. All in all a fantastic holiday. I'd also like to thank Powderhounds for their help. A great sevice
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We were a group of three friends travelling together, but not necessarily skiing together. We were most fortunate that this February was a bumper snow year. the service provided by Jase and his guides couldn’t be faulted. The skiing was fantastic, albeit somewhat challenging at times in the trees.

It was our first trip to Japan so we had zero expectations. Having skis, avalanche equipment , transport to different ski locations, sightseeing tours, dinner bookings and cultural shows all provided meant we didn’t have to think and we would not have experienced nearly as much if it was not for Jase and his team.

Having skied in many resorts in Europe and North America we found living in a totally Japanese town, staying in an authentic Japanese hotel, and skiing where we were the only foreign tourists most refreshing. We also enjoyed the group culture, something we had not experienced before.

Note to enjoy this tour,  be familiar with and follow the instructions given, and be as fit as possible.
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Was looking for a trip as a solo skier, but I wanted to be with other like-minded people and have a guide. This trip fulfilled all requirements and was a lot of fun. As a result, I made my third trip in 2025 and it was just as good as previous times. The guides were excellent and went out of their way to ensure everyone was having a good time. The terrain and locations varied every day with the team seeking out the best possible places to ski and eat. Heavy snowfall one day meant we couldn’t ski (as lifts needed to be dug out) so Jase took us a few places around the Nagano district for a cultural tour. I hired their powder skis which were perfect for the conditions. Also, the whole thing ran to a schedule so we weren’t left waiting. Would thoroughly recommend.
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Japanese Powder Culture Tours are unique. Not just as a ski tour, but as a remarkable journey of what makes Japan such a unique country, it's environment , it's culture it's people.

Jason has spent two decades of exploration not only to find every nook and cranny of powder, our daily location chosen by terrain and weather in this district, but of magical places off the beaten track on our journeys to and from the literally dozens of ski areas in the Nagano prefecture.

I have returned for my fourth tour this year, and yet in the first two days of our return trip from a ski area this year, stopped at two previously unseen magical lookouts, a stunning waterfall, and a monastery ,hundreds of years old, yet magestic in it's architecture.
On previous trips we have stopped at a myriad of other scenic and historic landscapes.

The location of Yudanaka township (our base) is in the centre of a rural area of Japan, but not rural as western standards of agriculture are measured. Family apple orchards, their branches supported by lengths of wood to prevent their destruction under the weight of snow, sit next to rice paddies, now dormant for winter.
We travel down narrow roads flanked by Japanese homes, sometimes plain by western standards, but entrances, or miniscule gardens will be enhanced by bonsai trees and shrubs, patiently cultivated by decades, if not hundreds of years of loving care and attention.

Transport daily by bus, an adventure in itself, involves jokes, music, sometimes a running commentary from Jason.
Bring your music collection. You may get the honour of supplying the entertainment for the day.

Departure from the average is the cornerstone of Jason's tours.

His passion for sharing what he has discovered geographically, as well as his appreciation of Japanese culture are shown by the variety of dramatic presentations he has arranged.

The opportunity to experience the individuality of a ski tour like this in my humble opinion unrivaled.
As the world is discovering, Japan is the go to location for ski holidays.
Jasons Tours are getting incredibly popular, and because I have been totally privilaged to spend as much time as I have on his tours, three words. Do Not Wait.
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I have experienced many guided groups from the group of mates, to a "matched" group of unknowns and private mountain guides. Every guiding group needs a benign dictator to maximise enjoyment and efficient use of valuable ski hours whilst providing, as far as possible, a safe and secure environment. This role is admirably performed by the owner/organiser/indefatiguable driving force - ski fuehrer Jase.
This operation is well organised and flexible. I agree with some other reviews which point out that the term "grey snomads" is a movable feast, in that groups are adjusted by skill and energy levels rather than age. However this is not a negative but an inevitability if you wish to optimise compatibility. There are only so many people who "work together" in any group like this at any one time. My feeling is that Jase and his team handled this challenge well.
The group of young kiwi guides were a delight to spend the day with. They were all enthusiastic, helpful and fun. Despite their age they were willing to make important, sometimes awkward, calls. e.g on my 1st morning it was clear that I would struggle to manage with a younger, relatively inexperienced boarder, and a very good skier in the deeper snow. As a result Harry tactfully moved me to a more suitable match. This was the pattern for the week. Whilst some of these guys were relatively inexperienced they were all quite capable of fulfilling the task at hand. They have all been schooled in the teaching views (frequently repeated) by he who must be obeyed leading to a consistency in advice offered. Jase himself is an extremely experienced effective teacher who helped me a lot. I spent most of my time with Jase or Dan who needs special mention for his infectiously positive outlook on life and for whom nothing was ever too much trouble. But be clear this a guided tour with instruction not a ski school lesson and participants need to be happy to be part of a "group dynamic". I met some lovely people, mainly my age, and had a great week on skis (helped somewhat by great snow).
Contrary to some other reviewers I loved the vibe on the bus with great music (charley Pride excluded) and banter. I also appreciated the Shinkansen departure times I have a pet hate of missing snow time because people can't get their act together in the mornings - if you're not ready, sadly, YOU miss out, but no-one else does.
The ski areas visited were impressive in their extent and lack of crowds.
The hotel might be seen as a little "basic" by those wanting a 5 star resort experience. However the rooms are huge, the futons extremely comfortable, the onsen excellent, and the family owners a delight. My only negative about the Omodaka would be that I would prefer a few more western breakfast options. I love foreign food but breakfast is "comfort" time.
I found the shows in the hotel far more engaging than my natural cynicism expected. The magic show, in particular, was skilful and extremely entertaining.
Yudanaka is a quiet and traditional Japanese town with very little western influence. Its readily accessible via train from Tokyo. There is a good choice of local restaurants at very affordable prices a short walk away and a free "lift" is given into town at 6ish every evening. If you would rather stay home there are couple of included Japanese meals and the Omodaka cafe serves pretty good burgers.
Overall it would be hard to fault this product (though no-one can ever guarantee snow conditions - ours were excellent). However if it is for you then you need to be a "participant" i.e to give as well as to take. I would have no hesitation in rebooking.
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What a wonderful experience I have just had.
Love the whole set up, you are looked after all the way. Having a guide skiing with you all the time giving you tips and pointers on how to improve your skiing is very special.
The guides could not do enough for you, they were very polite, patient and helpful.
I felt very safe on the mountain with Jace and his crew.
The other guests were a wonderful diverse group of people who’s company I enjoy very much. Going out to dinner with them was so much fun.
PS so glad I went in March had the best snow
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My 4th or so trip with Jason and his Merry Men. Once again, service over, above and beyond..
Although getting on in years, I always find the guides are able to improve my skiing so every year I get more enjoyment, more courage to tackle what I find confronting, and consequently am able every year to find renewed enthusiasm and can't wait to get back into the snow for our home season.
Needless to say Jason's attention to detail, his infectious enthusiasm about the history and culture of Japan contagious, that so many aspects of a ski holiday in a different country which would not be discovered, become exciting adventures in their own right.
Can't wait till next year. 5/5
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Had some amazing powder days with Jase and his team. This was the second time I joined them and I was not disappointed.

The choice of resorts is outstanding. The guiding is fantastic. And no complaints about the snow after the first few lean days.

Met people of all ages from all over the world with all levels of skiers. I will probably be back for a third tour!!
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Had a great time both on and off the snow over 2 weeks. The snow was excellent so we were able to visit many resorts and locations, which made each day special. The tour ran like clockwork and was so well organised it was a pleasure to just focus on the experience. The guides, equipment, ski runs and lunch spots were fabulous. This was my second time on this tour and I would thoroughly recommend it for anyone from inexperienced to expert skiers.
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