Ride Shiga

Overall Rating

Ride Shiga

Ride Shiga4.8/528
Ride Shiga4.8 out of 5 based on 28 reviews
Hokkaido Explorer Tour

Ride Shiga

Overall Rating

Ride Shiga4.8/528
Ride Shiga4.8 out of 5 based on 28 reviews

Ride Shiga Japan

Ride Shiga is a guiding company based in Shiga Kogen. They are a team of veteran guides and instructors who love and are passionate about winter sports. Ride Shiga offers group and private ski and snowboard lessons, powder tours, and backcountry guiding. The lessons and tours are mostly at Shiga Kogen but can also include other Nagano ski areas.

Backcountry Tour with Adam from Ride Shiga

Alex
22/03/2024
  • Recommend
  • Would Reuse
  • Rider Type
    Snowboarder
  • Rider Level
    Advanced
  • Rider Age
    18-35
  • Admin Rating
    3

Backcountry Tour with Adam from Ride Shiga

Alex
22/03/2024
Great tour from Adam of the backcountry in Shiga Kogen. We went on a really warm day after several warm days, so the snow quality wasn't great, but Adam still found us a good spot to do some avalanche safety training and we got some awesome views!

First time trying touring out and we had a blast, we will definitely be back (I will bring a splitboard this time!). 10/10 would recommend!
See our video here

Powder hunter

10/03/2024

Michel

Powder Puppy
Powder Puppy

Michel

Powder Puppy
Powder Puppy
  • Would Revisit
  • Would Recommend
  • Age
    36-50
  • Ability
    Expert
  • Rider Type
    Telemarker
  • Month:
    February
  • Admin Rating
    2

Powder hunter

10/03/2024
Rafal from Shiga Guides is the man to explore the Shigakogen ski area. He has a vast knowlede about the area an pushes hard to find untracked terrain. We enjoyed his company and are thankful for his back country skiing tips.
See our video here

Absolutely Fantastic

Vicki Lawrence
23/02/2024
  • Recommend
  • Would Reuse
  • Rider Type
    Skier
  • Rider Level
    Beginner
  • Rider Age
    51-70
  • Admin Rating
    3

Absolutely Fantastic

Vicki Lawrence
23/02/2024
I was an absolute beginner! At the ripe old age of 51 I was very apprehensive on my first day of lessons. My instructor, Will put my mind at ease immediately. Over 4 days he taught me so much and I felt safe the whole time. I also had a lesson with Riccardo. I look forward to returning to lessons with both of these instructors next year! Claire was also brilliant sorting out all the logistics!
See our video here

Ride Shiga Backcountry Tours - fabulous!

22/02/2024

Damian Abrahams

Powder Puppy
Powder Puppy

Damian Abrahams

Powder Puppy
Powder Puppy
  • Would Revisit
  • Would Recommend
  • Age
    51-70
  • Ability
    Expert
  • Rider Type
    Alpine Skier
  • Month:
    February
  • Admin Rating
    3

Ride Shiga Backcountry Tours - fabulous!

22/02/2024
We had a fabulous experience with Ride Shiga. Adam has built a great team - all friendly, knowledgeable, helpful and capable. Martin our guide was just great, working extra over through our 4 days together to meet all our wants, needs and whims - many in anticipation. He was great company all the while. His knowledge of the resort is terrific and he took us to many hidden stashes we would never have found for ourselves. Adam, Claire and Victor were terrific in the background making all the logistics work seamlessly. Highly recommended.
See our video here

Backcountry tour in Shiga Kogen

Anna Bobina
19/02/2024
  • Would Revisit
  • Would Recommend
  • Age
    18-35
  • Ability
    Advanced
  • Rider Type
    Alpine Skier
  • Month:
    February
  • Admin Rating
    3

Backcountry tour in Shiga Kogen

Anna Bobina
19/02/2024
Me and my family took a backcountry tour from the Ride Shiga company. And even though the conditions were not so good and there was no fresh snow and no powder, we enjoyed the tour because our guide Martin found the most comfortable and fun places for us to ski and also made us an avalanche training. Martin is a professional in his job. And I really recommend him as a guide and the whole company Ride Shiga for getting yourself an unforgettable experience and finding the best snow that is possible.
See our video here

Amazing week

Francesc
15/02/2024
  • Would Revisit
  • Would Recommend
  • Age
    18-35
  • Ability
    Expert
  • Rider Type
    Snowboarder
  • Month:
    January
  • Admin Rating
    3

Amazing week

Francesc
15/02/2024
We just came back from a week riding with Ride Shiga at Shiga Kogen. I strongly recommend this company for Backcountry tours at shiga. Rafal is capable to find good powder even some days after the last snowfall. Shiga Kogen is a gem but the terrain is not easy to read, so I really encourage getting a guide to really enjoy your time there.
See our video here

Excellent professional guiding in SHIGA Kogen

Robert Allcock
13/02/2024
  • Would Revisit
  • Would Recommend
  • Age
    36-50
  • Ability
    Advanced
  • Rider Type
    Snowboarder
  • Month:
    January
  • Admin Rating
    2

Excellent professional guiding in SHIGA Kogen

Robert Allcock
13/02/2024
Ride Shiga is a very professional organisation. Great communications. Rafal was a very knowledgeable, very friendly guide with the right skills and expertise. Good value. Thank you!
Would highly recommend.
See our video here

Roll of the dice

Gerry
12/02/2024
  • Would Revisit
  • Would Recommend
  • Age
    36-50
  • Ability
    Advanced
  • Rider Type
    Snowboarder
  • Month:
    January
  • Admin Rating
    3

Roll of the dice

Gerry
12/02/2024
We booked in advance, but unfortunately for us a few days of warm temps, conditions made our tour a bit of a battle.
The guide to his credit did his best to show us a few areas around the Shiga Kogen resorts.
We quickly realised our tour would be a recon tour rather than a powder tour, even with Shiga’s elevation, through melt-freeze, heavy-wet and some dry snow. But that is winter sports for you, especially during an El Niño season.
Conditions out of tours control should be considered before proceeding, with the option of postponing or possibly a discount would be my recommendation.
See our video here

Best Powder of my Life

Scott
27/01/2024
  • Recommend
  • Would Reuse
  • Rider Type
    Snowboarder
  • Rider Level
    Advanced
  • Rider Age
    36-50
  • Admin Rating
    2

Best Powder of my Life

Scott
27/01/2024
Our powder tour with Adam was by far the best resort boarding experience of our lives. Shiga Kogen delivered a huge dump of snow which made the whole mountain amazing to ride but having a guide kept us getting the freshest lines all day. We were also shown some secret areas that we were able to enjoy our following days.

Highly recommended!
See our video here

Great ride

Coen
22/01/2024
  • Recommend
  • Would Reuse
  • Rider Type
    Skier
  • Rider Level
    Advanced
  • Rider Age
    36-50
  • Admin Rating
    2

Great ride

Coen
22/01/2024
Had a great ride with Rafal. I am moving into powder riding and he gave great instructions to improve my riding within the 3 hours I had. First time in the trees, and he enabled me to be comfortable to ride there and we had an amazing ride in free terrain after a small hike. Next time in shigakogen I will book several sessions with Ride Shiga
See our video here

Ride Shiga, @Adam, Shiga Kogen

Dave Shennan
13/01/2024
  • Recommend
  • Would Reuse
  • Rider Type
    Skier
  • Rider Level
    Advanced
  • Rider Age
    51-70
  • Admin Rating
    2

Ride Shiga, @Adam, Shiga Kogen

Dave Shennan
13/01/2024
Shout out to Adam at Ride Shiga, in Shiga Kogen Japan. Super friendly with our kids, scoped some nice japow 💥 in the trees, and also took my son for his first snowboard lesson got him turning nicely! Thanks Adam, hope to see you again, cheers Dave S, NZ
See our video here

so much fun and learn so much

fadily
15/04/2023
  • Recommend
  • Would Reuse
  • Rider Type
    Snowboarder
  • Rider Level
    Intermediate
  • Rider Age
    18-35
  • Admin Rating
    2

so much fun and learn so much

fadily
15/04/2023
Adam is amazing. Been riding for 2-3 season and had to pretty much re-learn from scratch to get rid of bad habits. The lessons were also fun and Adam is very knowledgeable with the mountain which makes him a very good tour guide to show you all the good runs if you're there for the first time. Was fun and will do it again if im there.
See our video here

Great Shiga Guides

06/04/2023

Ryan

Powder Puppy
Powder Puppy

Ryan

Powder Puppy
Powder Puppy
  • Would Revisit
  • Would Recommend
  • Age
    36-50
  • Ability
    Advanced
  • Rider Type
    Snowboarder
  • Month:
    March
  • Admin Rating
    3

Great Shiga Guides

06/04/2023
I had the pleasure of a couple of days riding with Rafal across a couple of locations in the Shiga Kogan area.
Altho there had not been any new snow for a few days Raf still found the goods.
Also had a cool day around a nearby Volcano which was over the back of the highest lifted point in Japan.
His service was excellent picking you up and dropping you off at your hotel door.
I really hope to get back there during some fresh snow days and get Raf to show me more of his secret spots.
I highly recommend spending a day or two with the Ride Shiga guys.
See our video here

Shiga Kogen Backcountry Tour.

Nathan
20/03/2023
  • Would Revisit
  • Would Recommend
  • Age
    18-35
  • Ability
    Intermediate
  • Rider Type
    Alpine Skier
  • Month:
    March
  • Admin Rating
    2

Shiga Kogen Backcountry Tour.

Nathan
20/03/2023
Rafal and Naru were both excellent guides. Patient as saints as this was my and my friends first real backcountry trip. Both are incredible skiers and although it was quite challenging for myself I felt safe for the whole trip.
See our video here

Great guide who knows the area

16/03/2023

Ryan

Powder Puppy
Powder Puppy

Ryan

Powder Puppy
Powder Puppy
  • Recommend
  • Would Reuse
  • Rider Type
    Snowboarder
  • Rider Level
    Advanced
  • Rider Age
    36-50
  • Admin Rating
    3

Great guide who knows the area

16/03/2023
I had 2 days guiding with Rafal at beginning of March 2023
RAF was able to get me into some great snow among the side country of one of the Shiga areas as well as some awesome back country off the back of Japans highest lift point with great views and a really easy skin back out
Would definitely recommend hooking up with these guys which I will be doing on future trips to Shiga Kogan
See our video here

Great Week with Ride Shiga

Mark Young
17/02/2023
  • Would Revisit
  • Would Recommend
  • Age
    51-70
  • Ability
    Advanced
  • Rider Type
    Alpine Skier
  • Month:
    January
  • Admin Rating
    5

Great Week with Ride Shiga

Mark Young
17/02/2023
JAPOW
Booked 5 days and experienced some of the best JAPOW so far this season !
Rafal was a great guide, he knew the mountains well and where to find the best powder (we are sworn to secrecy over certain locations).
Had a 'white-out' day mid-week but Rafal & Adam drove around to find working lifts so we managed to keep skiing all day - very impressed with their dedication.
Very glad we chose Shiga Kogen as not so much of a bun-fight to hit fresh lines, the the extra height meant that snow kept better conditions.
Ride Shiga definitely went out of their way to make our week as memorable as possible and we would seriously recommend these guys as the best organised and knowledgeable guides in Shiga Kogen.
See our video here

Good choice for who are visiting Shiga Kogen

Joe
13/02/2023
  • Recommend
  • Would Reuse
  • Rider Type
    Skier
  • Rider Level
    Beginner
  • Rider Age
    18-35
  • Admin Rating
    3

Good choice for who are visiting Shiga Kogen

Joe
13/02/2023
It is a wonderful ski-school. Rafal and Adam are very responsive and helpful. All my questions and enquiries are handled and replied timely. They also provided many suggestions/recommendations to us before and after our lesson.
Rafal took care of each of us closely, especially it was the first time skiing for my wife. My wife enjoyed her first time ski with guidance by Rafal. She can basically ski after our private class. It is amazing. And she asked my to bring her skiing again next year. I will give a big credit to Rafal.
See our video here

Awesome days with awesome guides

Felix
11/02/2023
  • Would Revisit
  • Would Recommend
  • Age
    18-35
  • Ability
    Expert
  • Rider Type
    Alpine Skier
  • Month:
    February
  • Admin Rating
    2

Awesome days with awesome guides

Felix
11/02/2023
Went with ride shiga for two days. Rafal is a super skilled and friendly guide who knows all the best powder spots. Would definitely book again when I come to Japan the next time!
See our video here

Powder in Nagano

Eduardo (the shadow)
05/02/2023
  • Would Revisit
  • Would Recommend
  • Age
    36-50
  • Ability
    Advanced
  • Rider Type
    Alpine Skier
  • Month:
    January
  • Admin Rating
    3

Powder in Nagano

Eduardo (the shadow)
05/02/2023
Some friends went to Shiga Kogen and we hire a guide company to look for powder snow. He showed us amazing places where each one made their own tracks. There were from forests to slopes with more or less steep. All with great security and with a very familiar treatment.
See our video here

Best ski day in Japan

Pawel
05/02/2023
  • Would Revisit
  • Would Recommend
  • Age
    36-50
  • Ability
    Expert
  • Rider Type
    Alpine Skier
  • Month:
    February
  • Admin Rating
    2

Best ski day in Japan

Pawel
05/02/2023
I have had amazing skiing experience with Rafal - an excellent guide.
After pick-up in front of hotel, he has arranged my ski gear rental and provided with avalanche prep training.
He knows every corner and every tree in Shiga Kogen that made me feel 100% safe and comfy.
We tried the best off-piste parts of Shiga Kogen and that was an amazing day.
See our video here

Cool

Emilio
29/01/2023
  • Would Revisit
  • Would Recommend
  • Age
    51-70
  • Ability
    Advanced
  • Rider Type
    Alpine Skier
  • Month:
    January
  • Admin Rating
    2

Cool

Emilio
29/01/2023
Rafal made us feel at home.
Transfers to the ski lifts, perfect knowledge of the off-piste, and descents adjusted to the level of the group.
Detailed explanations about snow, skiing, weather and aspects of life in Nagano.
Guide and companion at the same time.
See our video here

Perfect!

Enrique Sebastian Pastor
28/01/2023
  • Would Revisit
  • Would Recommend
  • Age
    51-70
  • Ability
    Advanced
  • Rider Type
    Alpine Skier
  • Month:
    January
  • Admin Rating
    2

Perfect!

Enrique Sebastian Pastor
28/01/2023
Pick up from hotel with their own car, transport to the best ski conditions around near resorts, great professional about technique in sloops and powder, always find good food in the resorts, passion for the snow, transport to a public onsen to recover the legs after a long day skiing, helping to rent the ski gear for powder …. What else can you ask to your powder guides?

100% sure we will be back to shiga kogen and meet our friend Rafal again.

Thank you Rafal and Adam!!!
See our video here

Two great days with Rafal and Adam

Chris Collier
21/01/2023
  • Recommend
  • Would Reuse
  • Rider Type
    Skier
  • Rider Level
    Beginner
  • Rider Age
    51-70
  • Admin Rating
    2

Two great days with Rafal and Adam

Chris Collier
21/01/2023
Superb, friendly atmosphere, excellent instruction and infinite patience and encouragement from Rafal. I would highly recommend Ride Shiga. We were all novice level skiers but we all improved our skills. Tha level of service was excellent too. We were picked up from our hotel in Shibu Onsen and taken to the slopes that best suited our abilities, so not too busy or crowded.
I have been involved in training, coaching and instructing for over 30 years so I can safely say that you will get excellent coaching with Ride Shiga. Thank you Rafal and Adam.
See our video here

Great Ski Lesson

Yuanming
11/01/2023
  • Recommend
  • Would Reuse
  • Rider Type
    Skier
  • Rider Level
    Beginner
  • Rider Age
    18-35
  • Admin Rating
    3

Great Ski Lesson

Yuanming
11/01/2023
Thanks for Rafal for giving a wonderful private 4-hr lesson. We had a great fun as ski beginners. He is nice and kind in teaching, we picked up the basic going straight, stop, and control the speed of skiing. We also learned the turning. Although the weather on that day is kind of stormy and snowy, we really had fun on the Shiga Kogen.
See our video here

Excellent lesson!

Gehan
30/12/2022
  • Recommend
  • Would Reuse
  • Rider Type
    Skier
  • Rider Level
    Beginner
  • Rider Age
    51-70
  • Admin Rating
    1

Excellent lesson!

Gehan
30/12/2022
Thanks to Rafal from the Ride Shiga team for an excellent family lesson! We had a wonderful afternoon and learned a lot.
See our video here

Great ski instructor

Isaac
30/12/2022
  • Recommend
  • Would Reuse
  • Rider Type
    Skier
  • Rider Level
    Beginner
  • Rider Age
    12-17
  • Admin Rating
    1

Great ski instructor

Isaac
30/12/2022
I had Rafal as my ski instructor and he was so helpful and patient with me despite it being my first time skiing. I would definitely choose him again as my ski instructor.
See our video here

Perfect ski instructor

Amy Roberts
30/12/2022
  • Recommend
  • Would Reuse
  • Rider Type
    N/A
  • Rider Level
    N/A
  • Rider Age
    N/A
  • Admin Rating
    2

Perfect ski instructor

Amy Roberts
30/12/2022
Rafal was a fantastic ski instructor. He was patient, knowledgeable, devoted and spoke excellent English. We were a family of 5, all beginners, and we learned a lot from him.
I would not hesitate to hire him! He even offered transport from our hotel for a very reasonable price!
See our video here

Ski lesson with ride-shiga at Shiga Kogen resort

Cally
17/12/2022
  • Recommend
  • Would Reuse
  • Rider Type
    Skier
  • Rider Level
    Beginner
  • Rider Age
    12-17
  • Admin Rating
    5

Ski lesson with ride-shiga at Shiga Kogen resort

Cally
17/12/2022
The kids first ski experience with their ski instructor - Rafal
We had a fantastic ski experience with Rafal from ride-shiga.com today! Signed up for the kids first ski lesson and they really enjoyed themselves today! The ski instructor - Rafal is super patient, gave clear instructions and communicated very well with all the four kids (aged 10, 17 and 20). My twin girls (aged 10) initially wanted to give up (obviously not accustomed to the cold climate and new sport) but ultimately continued to spur on with the coaching and encouragement from Rafal. They ultimate gained confidence and managed to take the ski lift and ski down the slope without much falling! Obviously with the guidance from Rafal.

The entire process is a breeze - from enquiring about the ski lessons, to confirmation of dates, fees and place to meet etc. Very prompt response from Rafal. Thanks for the enjoyable and memorable experience for my family! Will definitely recommend to our friends !
See our video here
select
Shiga Lessons & Resort Tours DETAILS
Price p/p *based on per person in a group for a 2 hour lesson for 24/25 season.
base/invoice currency is Japanese Yen
Displayed rates might vary to actual due to exchange rate fluctuations.
USD 102

SHIGA KOGEN RESORT TOURS & LESSONS
From 2 to 6 hours

Location: Japan | Tour Focus: Guided | Terrain Focus: Off-Piste, On-Piste
Ability: Beginner to Strong Intermediate
Price p/p *based on per person in a group for a 2 hour lesson for 24/25 season.
base/invoice currency is Japanese Yen
Displayed rates might vary to actual due to exchange rate fluctuations.
USD 102
Learn to ski or snowboard on the beginner slopes of Shiga Kogen or improve your ability whilst exploring the massive 18 ski areas of Shiga Kogen. Options are available for people to travel from other nearby ski areas such as Nozawa Onsen. More
View inclusions & Add-ons
Click here for rates, dates & availability
Future rates & dates are currently not yet available for this operator. Click here to enquire.
Custom Booking Period
Min Days
Price
Availability
Custom Booking Period: Dec 01 - Apr 30, 2025
Min Days: From 1
Price: Enquire
Availability: Enquire
DETAILS
Shiga Backcountry Tours DETAILS
Price p/p *based on per person in a private group of 3 for a full day tour for 2025.
base/invoice currency is Japanese Yen
Displayed rates might vary to actual due to exchange rate fluctuations.
USD 190

PRIVATE SHIGA KOGEN BACKCOUNTRY GUIDING
Single & Multi-Day Tours

Location: Japan | Tour Focus: Guided | Terrain Focus: Off-Piste, On-Piste, Backcountry, Sidecountry
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
Price p/p *based on per person in a private group of 3 for a full day tour for 2025.
base/invoice currency is Japanese Yen
Displayed rates might vary to actual due to exchange rate fluctuations.
USD 190
Venture into the backcountry of Shiga Kogen with guides with your private group. Have the mountain to yourselves. Go for easy hikes, learn avalanche safety skills, or go ski touring to explore further afield. More
View inclusions & Add-ons
Click here for rates, dates & availability
Future rates & dates are currently not yet available for this operator. Click here to enquire.
Custom Booking Period
Min Days
Price
Availability
Custom Booking Period: Jan 01 - Apr 30, 2025
Min Days: From 1
Price: Enquire
Availability: Enquire
DETAILS
Shiga Guided Powder Tours DETAILS
Price p/p *based on per person in a private group of 5 for a 5 hour tour for 2024/25 season.
base/invoice currency is Japanese Yen
Displayed rates might vary to actual due to exchange rate fluctuations.
USD 84

SHIGA KOGEN & SURROUNDING RESORTS
Single & Multi-Day Guiding

Location: Japan | Tour Focus: Guided | Terrain Focus: Off-Piste, On-Piste, Backcountry, Sidecountry
Ability: Intermediate to Expert
Price p/p *based on per person in a private group of 5 for a 5 hour tour for 2024/25 season.
base/invoice currency is Japanese Yen
Displayed rates might vary to actual due to exchange rate fluctuations.
USD 84
Explore the off-piste and sidecountry at the massive ski area of Shiga Kogen or another nearby ski area. Guiding is for private groups or group tours are available some days. More
View inclusions & Add-ons
Click here for rates, dates & availability
Future rates & dates are currently not yet available for this operator. Click here to enquire.
Custom Booking Period
Min Days
Price
Availability
Custom Booking Period: Jan 01 - Apr 30, 2025
Min Days: From 1
Price: Enquire
Availability: Enquire
DETAILS
Myoko Lessons & Resort Tours DETAILS
Price p/p *based on per person in a private group of 2 people for a 3 hour lesson for 24/25 season.
base/invoice currency is Japanese Yen
Displayed rates might vary to actual due to exchange rate fluctuations.
USD 122

MYOKO LESSONS & RESORT TOURS
From 1 to 6 hours

Location: Japan | Tour Focus: Guided | Terrain Focus: Off-Piste, On-Piste
Ability: Beginner to Strong Intermediate
Price p/p *based on per person in a private group of 2 people for a 3 hour lesson for 24/25 season.
base/invoice currency is Japanese Yen
Displayed rates might vary to actual due to exchange rate fluctuations.
USD 122
Learn to ski or snowboard on the beginner slopes of the Myoko ski areas. Or intermediates can get a resort tour from an instructor to reveal all the best spots & provide a few tips along the way. Transport to different Myoko ski areas can be provided. More
View inclusions & Add-ons
Click here for rates, dates & availability
Future rates & dates are currently not yet available for this operator. Click here to enquire.
Custom Booking Period
Min Days
Price
Availability
Custom Booking Period: Dec 01 - Apr 30, 2025
Min Days: From 1
Price: Enquire
Availability: Filling
DETAILS
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