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TOUGE GOE Backcountry & Sidecountry Tour

TOUGE GOE Backcountry & Sidecountry Tour5/52
TOUGE GOE Backcountry & Sidecountry Tour5 out of 5 based on 2 reviews
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Classic Dolomites Ski Safari Inspired Italy
TOUGE GOE Backcountry & Sidecountry Tour Enquire
Price p/p sample price is based on 2 guests staying in a twin room with a shared bathroom for 2025 group tour
USD 1,967

GUIDED POWDER TOUR
6 Nights | 5 Days Guided - Shigakogen + Other Ski Areas

Location: Japan | Tour Focus: Guided | Terrain Focus: Off-Piste, On-Piste, Backcountry, Sidecountry
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Price p/p sample price is based on 2 guests staying in a twin room with a shared bathroom for 2025 group tour
USD 1,967
This powder adventure is based in the onsen town of Yudanaka near Shiga Kogen. The Japanese lead guide is a qualified backcountry guide & accompanied by another local guide who were born and raised in Shigakogen so they can show you the best secret local powder stashes.
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Fixed Date(s)
Days
Price
Availability
Fixed Date(s): Feb 16 - Feb 22, 2025
Days: 7
Price: USD 1,967
Availability: Available
Future rates & dates are currently not yet available for this operator. Click here to enquire.
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Advanced to Expert Backcountry & Sidecountry Tour TOUGE GOE

(Touge goe: crossing a mountain pass)

"Touge Goe"  implies "skiing across the mountains" which in some cases requires a combinations of lifts and backcountry traversing to access some of the best terrain. The tour is designated for advanced and expert skiers and riders and is based in Yudanaka at the base of Shiga Kogen.

The vast scale of Shiga Kogen differentiates it from other resorts and also sets the stage for enjoying fresh powder. By utilising the knowledge of local guides, you will be guided to places that few foreigners know of in and around Shiga Kogen.

The tour also has the flexibility to ski/ride at another local ski area as the daily weather conditions dictate.

Highlights

  • Two local guides - qualified lead guide (with JMGA/IFMGA) and tail guide to show you the best powder stashes in Shigakogen
  • Ride with a small group of up to 6 people  
  • Free Go pro shooting service during tour
  • Stay in a lodge that has retained plenty of Japanese charm (it was previously a traditional Japanese inn) with the comforts of features such as a kitchen & lounge area
  • Stay in a cool town with its onsen, several restaurants & a few cute bars, or take a short walk to the Shibu Onsen village
  • Farewell dinner of a lovingly prepared kaiseki meal where you can watch the tour video to celebrate all the fun moments

Ability Level & Fitness

The required ski or snowboard ability is advanced to expert. You should be comfortable with skiing/riding in tight trees in deep powder (as Shigakogen is a national park, the trees can be tighter than other Japanese ski resorts). You should be comfortable on double black diamond terrain in variable snow conditions. When conditions are favourable, you will be guided into the backcountry so you must have backcountry experience.

To get the most out of this tour it is recommended that you have a good level of fitness. Please make an honest assessment of your abilities whilst keeping fitness in mind as to not slow the group down. If you are unsure about your ability, please have a look at the video below.

If you have any questions or want to double check availability you can make a booking request.

Equipment Required

  • For skiers your skis should be around 105 - 115 mm in the waist
  • For snowboarders you will require a split-board with skins or snowshoes & collapsible poles
  • Both skiers & snowboarders will require touring gear

Yudanaka

This tour is based in Yudanaka, which sits at the base of Shiga Kogen. Yudanaka is a rural hot spring town located in the northern part of Nagano that has been loved by many people since it was discovered by a monk 1350 years ago. In the old days, the water was considered to heal diseases, for this reason it was called ‘ 養遐齢(Youkarei)’ meaning healing water in ancient Japanese. In fact, the hot springs here are known to be very effective in treating and relieving the symptoms of mental illness such as depression as well as physical illnesses.

Yudanaka is adjacent to the little village of Shibu Onsen, with its cute cobblestone streets and laneways.

Yudanaka is also known as snow monkey town, due to its proximity to the famous snow monkeys.

More information on Yudanaka here.

The following video aims to show the minimum ability required for this tour......

Itinerary

Day 1- Arrival Day

  • Have a safe trip to AIBIYA and check-in (information will be provided on getting to the lodge)
  • Meet your guide and have an orientation at AIBIYA from 5 pm

Day 2 - 6 - Back Country / Side Country for 5 days in Shigakogen

(Note that depending on the weather conditions of the day, tour location may be subject to change)

  • Start your day with locally-sourced continental breakfast at AIBIYA
  • Depart from AIBIYA at 8am
  • Soak up the powder with your local guides
  • Return to AIBIYA late afternoon
  • Savour your free time
  • You can have local beer in the tatami lounge or soak your body in the exquisite hot spring bath and feel the authentic atmosphere
  • Prepare your own feast in the kitchen or eat out at a local restaurant
  • Kaiseki dinner on the last day of the tour

Day 7: Departure Day

  • After breakfast, head off to your next destination or the airport or extend your stay and enjoy more powder days

Lodge Aibya

Location

Lodge Aibiya is located in the Yudanaka township and the perfect place to relax after a day on the slopes. Yoshi and Seongmi provide a high level of Japanese service backed up with western insights gained by working overseas. English speaking with a wealth of knowledge of the Nagano area, Yoshi and Seongmi will look after all your needs.

Rooms

The lodge has an option of quad/family share single western bed rooms for group bookings and twin share rooms with shared bathroom. They have a twin room with double bed which is ideal for couples or for those that want to upgrade to the single supplement, and there is the option to upgrade to the deluxe rooms with private bathrooms which can sleep up to four people.

Facilities

There is a well equipped kitchen & dining space for those who would like to cook themselves (supermarket shuttle available once every 2 days) or you can enjoy the many traditional Japanese restaurants only a short walk away. The lounge room at Aibiya has books, board games and is available 24 hours a day. 

There are separate male & female shared shower facilities.

A free continental breakfast is provided each day with breads, cereal, fruits, yoghurt, coffee, tea and fruit juices.

Free WI-FI is available throughout the lodge. A gift shop with crafts made locally and beverages, local Shiga Kogen beer, and snacks are available for sale.  

The lodge is only a 6 minute walk from the train station and local convenience stores are nearby.

History

The building has served several purposes over the past 70 years since it was first built. Before Yoshi (tail guide) and his wife took over, it served as a traditional Japanese inn. The historical building has retained many of its charms and Japanese decor, whilst also being a perfect base for skiers and snow boarders.

Drying Room

Keep your gear safe and toasty warm in the storage area and drying room. In addition to storage and drying, you can also wax and maintain your ski and snowboard gear. The drying room is next to the entrance so that you can access it easily on the way out the door.


Lodge Abiya

...western-style rooms...

.....a nice communal area

Rates, Inclusions & Add-Ons

2025 Rates

289,200 yen per person

Notes

  • prices shown are per person in Japanese yen
  • sample prices are based on 2 guests staying in a twin room with a shared bathroom. Please enquire for a quote for different rooms types.
  • All travellers stay in a private room
  • Tours are available for solo travellers, small groups and larger groups up to a maximum of 6 people max per tour
  • Tour requires min 4 people to operate
Inclusions
  • 6 nights lodging at Lodge Aibiya
  • Daily self-prepared continental breakfast
  • Daily private shuttle to the ski area of choice for the day in a private van
  • Daily guiding from qualified backcountry guide plus tail guide
  • Use of avalanche safety gear (backpack, beacon, probe & shovel)
  • 5 days of lift passes
  • Go-pro shooting service during ski tour
  • Farewell dinner
  • Ski hot wax service
Add-ons
  • Extra nights of accommodation
  • Ski & snowboard rental
Not Included

Powder Geek Terms & Conditions


Please take the time to read and understand the terms and conditions of booking set out below prior to booking a tour or travel service with Powder geek Japan

Introduction

All bookings are made with AIBIYA LLC. (JCN 6100003005245) acting as management and operating the accommodation and tour operator for the services and products to be supplied by principals. What we supply to you is the arranging and co-ordinating of your travel, accommodation, entertainment, activities, including guiding, and ancillary services and the making of bookings, and issuing tickets and vouchers to be redeemed by suppliers. Accordingly, all tickets, vouchers, coupons and other service orders are issued subject not only to the general terms and conditions applying to our transactions but also upon those terms and conditions upon which the transportation, accommodation, activities, entertainment, or other services or products are supplied (which constitutes the entire agreement between you and us). It is the customer’s responsibility to make themselves aware of those other terms and conditions. All bookings are subject to availability. Verbal quotes are regarded as an estimate and prices are only confirmed with a written quote. All written quotes are subject to change at any time.

ACCEPTANCE OF RISK

You acknowledge that the nature of the trip may be adventurous and participation involves a degree of personal risk. You may be visiting places where the political, cultural and geographical attributes present dangers and physical challenges greater than those present in our daily lives.

Snowboarding, skiing or any adventure activity can involve certain hazards, including sudden weather changes and avalanches. All clients need to realise there is no absolute guarantee of safety. Powder Geek Japan(AIBIYA LLC.) and its contractors maintain the right not to run an activity if the circumstances make the activity too dangerous. Powder Geek Japan and its contractor’s will take all practical steps to minimise risk. However, Powder Geek Japan and its contractors accepts no liability for death, injuries or illness incurred during your trip. Nor do we accept responsibility for any service provided by any other tourist operators.

You acknowledge that you are choosing to travel at a time where you may be exposed to the COVID-19 virus. We will take all reasonable steps to ensure your safety and may require you to follow additional safety protocols on your trip.

We use information from government foreign departments and reports from our own contacts in assessing whether the itinerary should operate. However, it is also your own responsibility to acquaint yourself with all relevant travel information, including applicable health risks and the nature of your itinerary. You acknowledge that your decision to travel is made in light of consideration of this information and you accept that you are aware of the personal risks attendant upon such travel. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we accept no liability in relation to these additional risks. Price and Surcharge.

All rates shown are per person, unless otherwise specified and our tour prices are subject to variable and seasonal pricing, both of which are standard practice within the travel industry. This means our tour prices may vary at any time in accordance with demand, market conditions and availability.

Powder Geek Japan may take out foreign exchange contracts to protect the client and Powder Geek Japan from excessive adverse movements in exchange rates. Therefore, the foreign exchange rate applied to client payments may differ from the current market rate and it is likely that different passengers on the same trip have been charged different prices. Your best option if you like the price you see is to book at that time. Any reduced pricing or discounts that may become available after you have paid your deposit will not apply. If you wish to cancel your booking to take advantage of a cheaper price, full cancellation conditions apply as set out above.

We reserve the right to impose surcharges up to 21 days before departure due to unfavourable changes in exchange rates, increases in local operator costs, taxes, or if government action should require us to do so. In such instances we will be responsible for any amount up to 2% of the trip price and you will be responsible for the balance. If any surcharge results in an increase of more than 10% of the trip price you may cancel the booking within 3 days of notification of the surcharge and obtain a full refund.

Please note that a surcharge may be applied to a purchase made by credit card.

Please note we may receive fees, commissions, gifts or financial incentives from third parties under this contract.

Reservation deposit

In addition to agreeing to the Terms below, the Client will be required to submit non refundable ¥50,000 deposit to Powder Geek Japan. A deposit of ¥50,000 is payable within 3 days of confirmation of booking.

Once the Client has paid the deposit, Powder geek japan will provide confirmation of Client’s reservation. The remaining balance for the trip will be due Sixty (60) days before the trip departure date.

By agreeing to these terms, Powder geek japan will charge your final balance to the credit card you provide. If the outstanding balance is not paid by this time, Powder geek japan reserves the right to charge a $100 late fee or cancel the Client’s reservation. If a reservation is made less than Sixty (60) days prior to trip departure date, the full balance of the trip is due at that time.

Cancellation by client

Any cancellation by the Client must be made in writing via email. The date on which Powder geek japan receives the Client’s written cancellation will determine the charges applicable. The schedule of Cancellation charges is as follows:

  • 61+ days prior to trip: Our Risk Free Booking.
  • 31-60 days prior to departure: 50% refund
  • 30 or fewer days prior to departure: 100% Cancellation Fee

*After paying your deposit, you can cancel within 10 days for any reason and get a full refund.

Cancellation by Powder Geek Japan.

Powder geek japan reserves the right to cancel a trip if it doesn’t have a minimum of four guests reserved by 30 days before the trip’s departure date. If a trip is cancelled due to insufficient numbers of guests, a 100% refund will be provided to Client. • Powder geek japan cannot be held responsible for departures that are canceled or changed due to circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to natural disasters, political instability, disease, pandemics, border closures, travel bans, quarantines, terrorist activities, or strikes. Therefore we strongly urge you to purchase cancellation/ interruption insurance. Purchasing a Cancel For Any Reason insurance will provide additional benefits and reimbursement during pandemics and more. • If we do need to cancel due to circumstances beyond our control, we give you a spot on same departure of the other date, or a full credit to use towards the following season.

SNOW CONDITIONS

It should be understood Powder geek Japan cannot under any circumstances be held responsible for snow conditions. No holiday or tour can be cancelled, altered or amended by you on the basis of weather conditions.

Services Not Covered

Additional activities may be offered by Powder geek Japan during a trip. Client, however, will be responsible for all extra expenses incurred as a result of Client’s participation in the activity. Only those activities described in the trip description are included in the total cost of the trip. Client will be responsible for charges All tours include continental breakfast. Details are indicated on our website. When meals and drinks are not included, client will be responsible for the expenses.

AUTHORITY ON TOUR

Our trips are run by a AIBIYA LLC . The decision of the Tour guide such as Yoshiki Nishizawa or Yutaro Yumoto are final on all matters likely to affect the safety or wellbeing of any traveller or staff member participating in the trip. If you fail to comply with a decision made by a group leader or interfere with the well-being or mobility of the group, the group leader may direct you to leave the trip immediately, with no right of refund. We may also elect not to carry you on any future trips booked. You must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited.

Changes to Itinerary

Client acknowledges that the nature of this type of travel requires considerable flexibility and changes to the itinerary may occur. Therefore, the agreed upon itinerary does not serve as a contractual obligation on the part of Powder geek Japan . Client understands that the route, schedules, itinerary, amenities and mode of transportation may be changed without prior notice due to local circumstances or events, which may include sickness or mechanical break down, flight cancellation, strikes, events occurring due to political disputes, entry or border difficulties, weather, climate, snow conditions and other unforeseeable circumstances. In the unlikely event the group is unable to travel as described on the itinerary due to weather or road closures, additional accommodations may be required. Expenses for additional accommodations will be charged to the Client.

While Powder geek japan will make its best effort to provide its services as advertised, changes in the itinerary may be made where deemed appropriate, advisable or necessary due to unexpected circumstances. If Powder geek Japan makes a change in the trip, the client will be informed prior to departure when possible. If the change is made due to unexpected circumstances no compensation is payable.

Health, Fitness and Ability

Given the nature of the trips, Powder geek Japan requires that Client acknowledge that he or she is in good health and physical shape at a required level appropriate for this form of adventure activity. Client represents that he or she is capable of participating in all activities without endangering himself or herself or any other of the Clients or guides of Powder geek Japan. Client agrees to provide pertinent medical and health details in our pre-trip questionnaire. If the client fails to provide pertinent details or does not meet the required physical, health or ability levels, then the trip guide may not allow the Client to participate in select guided activities. The trip guide may dismiss the Client from the trip, and Client will have no right to any refund.

Minimum Age: For our trips the minimum age is 18 at the time of travel. All travelers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian, or in lieu of a legal guardian, by an escort over the age of 18, appointed by their legal guardian. The legal guardian or their designee will be responsible for the traveller under the age of 18’s day to day care. If a legal guardian elects to designate an escort in their lieu, they will be required to complete and sign a relevant document, to delegate their authority.

Claims and Complaints

If Client has a complaint against Powder geek Japan , Client must first inform the trip guide of the complaint while on the trip so that the trip guide has a chance to rectify the situation. Any further claim or complaint against the Powder geek Japan must be received within thirty (30) days of the end of the trip.

PASSPORTS AND VISAS

It is your responsibility to obtain information and to have in your possession all the required documentation and identification required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. This includes a valid passport and all travel documents required by the relevant governmental authorities including all visas, permits and certificates (including but not limited to vaccination or medical certificates) and insurance policies. Your passport must be valid 6 months after the last date of travel with is as set out on your itinerary. You accept full responsibility for obtaining all such documents, visas and permits prior to the start of the trips, and you are solely responsible for the full amount of costs incurred as a result of missing or defective documentation. You agree that you are responsible for the full amount of any loss or expense incurred by us that is a direct result of your failure to secure or be in possession of proper travel documentation.

PHOTOGRAPHS OR VIDEOS

Photographs or videos appearing on the web site should be used solely as an indication of facilities and attractions. Actual facilities and attractions may vary according to itinerary. Maps shown on the web pages may not reflect the actual tour routing should the itinerary change.

MODEL RELEASE

All Participants agree to usage of photos and videos taken while on trips with Powder geek Japan, for the sole promotion of future Powder geek Japan business. If you do not wish to have your likeness used, we require written confirmation, prior to departure on your trip.

Insurance

In addition to the suggested trip cancellation/ interruption insurance, it is mandatory for all Clients to provide evidence of insurance for ski travel that covers personal accident, medical expenses, and air ambulance (emergency evacuation). If you are joining our Off- Piste or Backcountry trips, you need to make sure your insurance covers off-piste and backcountry skiing and snowboarding in Japan. For trips involving mechanized access in the backcountry (snowcats, snowmobiles, helicopters, etc.) be sure your policy covers these activities. Evidence of this insurance needs to be provided to Powder Geek Japan. In the event evidence of insurance is not provided, Powder Geek Japan reserves the right to cancel the Client’s reservation.

Also We highly recommend adding on insurance that covers trip delay, trip cancellation, lost/damaged baggage, and all other expenses which might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, illness, delay or inconvenience.

Equipment

Client agrees to arrive with required equipment as listed on trip packing list and that required equipment is in good working order and ready to use upon arrival. If Client does not have this equipment, Client agrees to contact Powder geek Japan to arrange appropriate rentals.

I understand that Powder geek Japan may rent or outfit me with equipment required for backcountry travel or other tour use. I agree to treat the equipment as if it were my own, and if damaged or destroyed, I am responsible for the cost of the equipment, to be paid immediately and that may include international shipping costs and additional taxes.