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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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