Japan-Zen of Pow

The Myoko Backcountry consists of a number of lift accessible peaks, mainly from Myoko Suginohara ski resort or (where Gozan Lodge is located) or Myoko Akakura ski resort but there is a few backcountry areas above Ikenotaira ski resort and Seki Onsen ski resort. The Myoko backcountry is easy to access from the top lift of Myoko Suginohara which is the highest lifted point in Myoko at 1855m. There are two main peaks you can ski from the top of Myoko Suginohara resort: Mitahara and Akakura-yama. For the adventurous, Mt. Myoko’s West Face and Kurosawa-dake accessible by full (long) day tour and overnight tours to Hiuchi-san, Yakeyama and Kana-san are possible via hut access. The rarely visited, trailhead accessible zones in Myoko-Togakushi renzan national park also hold a wealth of untracked powder. 

Day 1 Arrive and transfer to Gozan Lodge in Myoko-Bullet Train from Narita to Nagano-Transfer with BCAG/CPG from here
Day 2 Ride the lifts to access the well known backcountry and shake off jet lag.
Day 3-7 Explore the terrain around the Myoko ski areas and tour the famous ridges, craters and glades then head back to Tokyo and home.

The Zones:

• Suginohara backcountry,
• Akakura Backcountry,
• Ikenotaira Backcountry,
• Seki Onsen Backcountry,
• Nozawa Backcountry,
• Shiga Kogen Backcountry,
• Madarao Backcountry,
• Kurohime Backcountry and 
• Myoko Trailhead Backcountry options. 

Ski/Touring Gear(Myoko is touring optional/avalanche safety equipment mandatory)

• Adjustable Ski poles with powder (big) baskets*
• Skis or Splitboard. Skis should be 110 or bigger equipped with alpine touring bindings like Shifts if possible. We prefer split decision snowboards w/ skins.
• Alpine touring, telemark, or snowboard boots
• Skins
• Avalanche Beacon This needs to be Triple Antenna.
• Shovel Small collapsible style
• Avalanche Probe 265cm or longer
• Helmet for riding and climbing adjustable to fit over hats *optional

Upper Body

• Lightweight base layer T-shirt or long sleeve polypropylene shirt
• Soft Shell
• 1 -2 Sports bra synthetic(Women)
• 1 Medium weight Down/synthetic jacket with hood
• 1 Hard shell jacket with hood Waterproof and breathable. roomy enough to fit over multiple layers.
• 1 pair liner gloves Thin wool or polypropylene
• 1 pair warm gloves Synthetic
• Shell gloves or mitts-it can be really cold!!!
• Warm hat Wool or synthetic
• Balaclava or Buff
• Shade hat or baseball cap

Lower Body

• 2 pair heavy wool/synthetic socks Check boot fit with liner and wool socks on
• 2 pair synthetic underwear Polypropylene or Capilene
• 1 pair lightweight long underwear Polypropylene or Capilene
• Soft shell pants with Schoeller fabrics
• Shell pants Waterproof/breathable with full side zips, Gore-Tex or equivalent is best

Town Gear

• Comfortable clothes for travelling and eating out
• Duffel and ski bag

Backpack

• Internal frame pack 2000-2500 cubic inch capacity, avoid unnecessary options that add weight

Miscellaneous Equipment

• Sunglasses 100% UV protection
• Personal first aid kit Basics: moleskin/blister kit, Band-Aids, first-aid tape, ibuprofen, personal medications, etc.
• Lip balm At least SPF 20,
• Sunscreen At least SPF 40
• Headlamp compact LED
• 2 1-liter water bottles
• Multi-tool.
• Toiletry kit
• Bandana
• Hand wipes
• 1 small stainless steel thermos (Optional)
• Camera

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WILL MY GUIDE (OR GUIDES) BE?
You will receive an introductory email with your guide. We are small company who enjoy working together in the mountains as well as highly skilled professionals who hold current Wilderness First Responder certification and are proficient in technical rescue and evacuation skills. Our guides are dedicated to the world of alpinism, many having first ascents and hold professional certifications with AIARE & AMGA. The AMGA is part of the IFMGA, which is the international body of certified mountain guides.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP MY GUIDES?
Tipping is considered standard practice in the guiding industry. Tipping amounts vary – so $15-20 per day per person/per guide is average that works well for the guides without a serious blow to your wallet. Often 10% of the course cost is a good rule-of-thumb. If you feel that the program was exceptional or substandard the tip can reflect that.

CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT FROM BCAG?
There are rentals in Japan which we can use if you do not get your skis when you arrive.

HOW MUCH CAN I TAKE?
No limit just have to lug it around so follow the equipment list and it will be plenty.

HOW HEAVY WILL MY PACK BE?
You will carry 10-15 pounds, which will include everything on the equipment list.

WHEN DO I NEED TO PAY THE BALANCE OF MY TRIP?
$500 Deposit at the time of the reservation, the balance due 90 days prior to departure.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY TRIP?
This is where travel insurance will save you stress of refund. If you should decide to cancel your trip, BCAG must be notified in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date we receive written notice. You will be assessed a cancellation fee according to the following schedule:
90 to 22 days from trip departure – 50% of trip cost
30 days or less – 100% of trip cost

WHAT HAPPENS IF I WANT TO CHANGE THE DATES OF MY TRIP?
Schedule changes are subject to a $50 fee per person up to 2 weeks out and $100 less than 14 days from the start of the trip and may not be possible. If conditions or circumstances preclude running a scheduled program we reserve the right to make the decision as to whether the program will be canceled, rescheduled, or an alternative provided.

WHAT HAPPENS IF BC ADVENTURE GUIDES HAS TO CANCEL MY TRIP?
In the rare circumstance where we need to cancel a program you can reschedule without a fee or receive a refund on your deposit. If circumstances arise that force us to cancel a program that is already in progress we reserve the right to decide whether a refund or credit, at a prorated rate, will be issued. We are not responsible for cancellation fees or costs arising from your changed or cancelled flights, lodging, or other arrangements. We strongly recommend obtaining trip cancellation insurance from your travel agent.

DO I NEED TO PURCHASE TRIP INSURANCE?
BCAG highly encourages the purchasing of trip cancellation and travel insurance on domestic trips and requires it on International trips. Europeans and Canadians use it because travel insurance provides coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, travel delays, loss of baggage and travel documents, baggage delays, medical expenses and emergency assistance.
Several options include Travelex or Travel Guard International at (1-877-248-8992) & www.travelguard.com for protecting your investment, however there are many companies to choose from and you may wish to do some individual research regarding which policy is right for you.

WHAT IF I HAVE TATTOOS?

If you’re planning on visiting an onsen, be sure to look up the policies on tattoos, as it’s very common for people with tattoos to not be allowed in a public onsen. Some will allow tattoos if they are covered with special bandages that you can find in pharmacies in Japan, or if the resort offers them, but it’s important to respect the rules. You may end up needing to reserve a private onsen if you have large tattoos that can’t be covered.

WHEN SHOULD I PLAN TO LEAVE A RETURN HOME?

Please plan your travel itinerary giving yourself a buffer (a day on each end) to accommodate delays due to stormy weather. These could include your incoming flight not arriving on time or a weather delay. In the winter it snows here. A lot.

AIR TRANSPORT OPTIONS

Myoko-All Flights should arrive and depart in Tokyo.

Hokkaido-All Flights should arrive and depart in Sapporo at Chitose International Airport.

WHERE TO STAY
We take care of the hotels on the trip so check your flight to make sure it matches up with the nights of the itinerary so if you need a hotel it is near the airport.
/p>