Myoko Powder Progression Week – Sample Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome

• Arrival at Myoko-Kogen Station - you’ll be picked up and brought to the lodge.
• Lodge check-In – settle into your room, explore the property, grab a drink, and meet your hosts.
• Welcome dinner – chef-prepared seasonal Japanese meal served in-house.
• Orientation, safety briefing, and gear check.

Day 2 – Warm-Up + Snow Assessment

• Morning:
  • Light warm-up laps at Akakura Kanko or Suginohara
  • Focus: stance, balance, powder technique basics
  • Personal coaching on and just off the groomers
• Afternoon:
  • Intro to mellow off-piste terrain
  • Group split into two for skill-level matching
• Evening:
  • Dinner at a local izakaya (transport provided)
  • Optional onsen visit

Day 3 – Sidecountry & Progression

• Morning to Afternoon:
  • Lift-accessed sidecountry lines at Ikenotaira or Seki Onsen
  • Focus: tree spacing, powder turns, safe group movement Intro to avalanche awareness (basic concepts, terrain choices)
• Evening:
  • Chef-prepared dinner at the lodge
  • Wine or sake
  • Fireside recap and terrain planning for next day

Day 4 – Skill Building & Deep Powder

• Morning:
  • Head to the zone with the best fresh snow (flexible based on weather)
  • Focus: advanced powder riding, edge control, linking turns
• Afternoon:
  • Optional short bootpack (10–15 min) to a hidden zone
  • Guide feedback and video analysis (if conditions allow)
• Evening:
  • Dinner at a favorite local spot (guests vote)
  • Fireside recap and terrain planning for next day over wine or hot chocolate

Day 5 – Confidence Run & Terrain Choice Day

• Morning to Afternoon:
  • You help pick the terrain
  • Push comfort zones or dial in favorite zones from earlier in the week
  • Goal: independence and confidence off-piste
• Evening:
  • Final in-house dinner celebration
  • Recap, photo sharing, and good wine

Day 6 – Optional Extra Ride / Cultural Morning

• Option 1: Early groomer and sidecountry laps before departure
• Option 2: Take it slow — visit the onsen, shop for local goods, and pack up
• Departure by mid-day

Notes

• Flexibility is key. Weather and snow dictate the pace. The plan adapts daily to keep things fun and safe.
• Guides will split groups by ability and vibe — no one gets left behind or held back.
• Instruction is ongoing. Whether you’re on-piste or out the gate, coaching continues throughout the week.

Lodging & Meals at Blanco Escape

Your week is based out of Blanco Escape Lodge, a cozy, stylish alpine retreat tucked into the quiet neighborhood of Taguchi in the heart of Myoko Kogen. This is one of Japan’s oldest and snowiest ski towns, where the mountains still feel local and the powder days are as deep as they come.

The lodge is warm, welcoming, and built for riders. With central heating throughout, oversized drying rooms, a spacious kitchen and dining space, and a fireplace lounge for après-ski hangs, it’s the kind of place where you feel at home the moment you walk in the door. Only one group is hosted at a time, so the space is entirely yours during the week. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or as part of a private group, you’ll have plenty of room to stretch out, stash your gear, and relax after big days in the mountains.

The guest rooms are a mix of Western-style beds and cozy tatami spaces, with thoughtful design touches, blackout curtains, and mountain views. Bathrooms are shared. While not a luxury ryokan, the vibe is intentional, earthy, and warm, somewhere between a boutique hotel and a modern mountain lodge.

And the food? It’s a highlight. Each day starts with a hearty western style breakfast. Think fresh fruit, yogurt, granola and a couple of beautiful orange eggs on the side, accompanied with fresh juice and single origin coffee. Your hosts mix local flavors with Western staples to keep it interesting and filling.

Three nights during the week, you'll have a private chef for multi-course Japanese dinners featuring seasonal ingredients such as local vegetables, wild mushrooms, Niigata wagyu, and ocean-fresh seafood from the Japan Sea. The other nights, your hosts will take you out to a few of their favorite local restaurants which are spots you’d never find on your own. Whether it’s handmade soba, yakitori, or a hidden izakaya with two seats and no English menu, they’ve got you covered.

And yes, there’s a 7-11 just a few minutes down the road if you need late-night snacks or a cheeky beer after the onsen.

As for hot springs, Myoko is surrounded by them. We’ll make sure you soak in at least a few throughout the week. Expect piping-hot mineral water, centuries-old bathhouses, and mountain views that will make you forget about your phone.

Rates & Inclusions

Rates 2026

Prices are per person, in Japanese Yen (¥)

• Standard Room - twin-share (western beds or tatami), shared bathroom Price: ¥495,000 Upgrade: ¥75,000 – Private room upgrade (1 available)
• Western Triple - triple share, shared bathroom Price: ¥425,000
• Private Group Booking - Full lodge buyout (up to 8 guests, 2 guides) Price: From ¥3,800,000 Includes: Private chef dinners & itinerary customization
• Solo travelers are welcome and will be paired in twin or triple rooms Upgrade Option: ¥75,000 – Optional private room upgrade

About Rates:

• base/invoice currency is Japanese Yen
• if you want to check availability or have any other questions please get in touch

Inclusions

• 6 nights lodging at Blanco Escape boutique lodge
• 5 days of guided riding with certified instructors/guides (2 guides for groups of 8)
• Lift tickets (5 days)
• Daily breakfast and 3 chef-prepared dinners at the lodge/ 3 dinners at an epic local spot. Natural wine and craft brewed beer included for adults
• Daily transport to/from ski areas
• Onsen visits and local cultural experiences throughout the week
• Arrival pickup from Myoko-Kogen Station
• Concierge support for equipment rentals & anything else you need

Add-ons

• Private room upgrade

Not Included

• Travel to Myoko Kogen
• Travel insurance
• Medical or evacuation costs
• Personal expenses (lunch, alcohol, souvenirs, additional snacks)
• Tipping (not required, but appreciated for exceptional service)

Blanco Escape Terms & Conditions

CUSTOMER INFORMATION FORM

To confirm your tour, you must submit a completed customer information form. Submitting a form does not guarantee your reservation until Blanco Escape verify accommodation and service availability. If Blanco Escape cannot accommodate your request, they will offer an alternative (which may come with a price adjustment). 

BOOKING & PAYMENT

Once your accommodation and tour details are confirmed, we will issue a deposit invoice equal to 20% of the total tour price. This deposit is non-refundable but may be held as a credit toward a future tour.

Final balance is due 60 days prior to the start of your tour.

Payment options include:

• Wise Transfer
• Wire transfer via Flywire (bank or credit card)
• Cash (in Japanese yen) upon arrival for the final balance (with advance notice)

Please note: Clients are responsible for all transaction fees. International transfers to Japan often incur a ¥3,000 landing fee, which will be passed on to the client if charged. 

CANCELLATIONS

• Cancellations must be submitted in writing.
• The 20% deposit is non-refundable but can be applied as credit for a future season.
• Cancellations made 2–4 months before tour start: 50% refund of balance (excluding deposit).
• Cancellations made less than 2 months prior to tour: no refunds.
• No refunds will be given for unused services or early departures. Snow conditions are not grounds for cancellation or refund.

AMENDMENTS

One amendment to your booking is allowed free of charge. Additional amendments will incur a ¥3,000 fee each, plus any third-party fees. A transfer to a different tour is treated as a cancellation and subject to cancellation policies. 

BOOKING CONDITIONS

A booking is confirmed once the deposit is received and a Confirmation Invoice is issued. Final payment is due 60 days prior to tour start. We reserve the right to cancel any tour due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, you may:

• Transfer to another tour (with price adjustment, if needed), or
• Receive a full refund (excluding any incidental expenses you’ve incurred)

Date change requests must be made at least 60 days in advance. Fees apply:

• 2–3 months before tour: ¥20,000 per person
• More than 3 months before tour: ¥10,000 per person

RISKS & SAFETY

Alpine sports carry inherent risks. All participants must sign a release of liability acknowledging these risks. Our guides manage hazards, but skiing/riding in and out of bounds always includes the potential for injury. Participants must:

• Be mentally and physically fit
• Honestly communicate skill level and health status
• Adhere to guide instructions at all times

Blacno Escape strongly recommend travel insurance that includes medical and emergency evacuation coverage. Blanco Escape Tours does not provide insurance. Participants without coverage accept full liability for medical/emergency costs and waive the right to refunds or compensation.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

Blanco Escape Tours acts as an agent for service providers (lodging, transportation, lift access, etc.) and cannot be held responsible for issues beyond our control including, but not limited to: weather, force majeure, health outbreaks, industrial disputes, or government restrictions.

We are not liable for delays, cancellations, or loss caused by suppliers or force majeure events. We reserve the right to make changes to itineraries or services where deemed necessary.