Gunma/Yuzawa Escape - New for 2027
On the Gunma Yuzawa Escape Tour, you’ll discover some of the most epic terrain Japan has to offer. The
Gunma and
Yuzawa regions are truly underrated and have lots of ski areas that you've probably never heard of. It's a must do before they get too discovered.
This trip is designed for advanced to expert skiers and snowboarders who are comfortable in steep off piste terrain. This is a powder chasing tour where first chairs are always the goal and decent fitness is required. The guides always search for the highest reward for the least effort, however short to medium hikes often access untouched lines especially if it hasn’t snowed for a few days.
Not only is Yuzawa’s terrain some of the best, it also receives extremely high snowfall and has high elevation mountains that keep consistently great snow quality. Close by in the Gunma Prefecture, the snow becomes a little dryer aka GunPowder.
Highlights
- Visit a range of gem ski areas that are not well known amongst international skiers and snowboarders
- Stay at the comfortable fully catered private lodge in the town of Minakami, which is as central as you can get to all the mountains on offer.
- Small groups with a big focus on safety. Tail guides are there to make sure no one gets separated and allows for the safest riding through complex terrain.
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Flexible daily plans to match weather and snow conditions.
- Daily breakfasts and dinners included.
- All transport between ski areas and the hotel is taken care of.
Terrain & Guiding
The Gunma/Yuzawa Escape Tour focuses on finding unforgettable lines. After over a decade of guiding almost everywhere in Honshu Japan, lead guides and founders of Escape, Yann and Jordan have settled on their favourite zone. For two weeks only they are ready to show you the best of what Japan has to offer.
The terrain is often steep and open and requires avalanche safety gear. Basic avalanche training will be provided at the start of the tour.
There are big name ski areas such as
Tenjindaira (Mt T) and
Kagura that deserve to be ridden, however there are many more great resorts that fly under the radar.
Guiding is in the mornings whilst afternoons are flexible and unguided most days. There is full day guiding when riding Tenjindaira to ensure the safety of the group.
If you want to double check availability or have any other questions,
please get in touch.
Ski Areas
The Yuzawa/Gunma region offers a great mix of ski areas, all within easy reach of the lodge:
- Tenjindaira: Tenjindaira (Mt T) delivers steep, deep, no-nonsense powder riding, with lift-accessed terrain that feels closer to true backcountry than a resort.
- Kagura: This place is in the guide's back pocket for the dry days with a short hike accessing north facing terrain at 2,000m. The snow quality is almost assured in peak season.
- Hodaigi: Steep north facing trees make it another option for the sunny days.
- And another 6 quality resorts including the guides' all time favourites which we'll keep on the down low.
Group
This is a mixed group trip that welcomes solo travellers, couples, and friend groups.
Group sizes are kept small to ensure a personalised experience, with guides tailoring each day to suit the group’s ability and goals.
The group size is capped at a max of 10 people with 2 lead and 2 tail guides.
Who is the Gunma Yuzawa Escape Suited to?
This trip is ideal for advanced to expert skiers and snowboarders who are looking to ride fast and hard while respecting the mountain’s dangers.
It’s also well suited to powder hounds that love to explore new zones. With even the ‘secret’ zones of Tohoku seeing a surge in popularity, Gunma/Yuzawa is truly flying under the radar… for now.
If you have any questions about your ability level,
please get in contact.
Equipment
A powder-friendly setup is recommended to make the most of the conditions. Skis with 90-110 mm underfoot or a snowboard suited to deeper snow will enhance your experience.
Helmets are required, and you should bring appropriate clothing for cold conditions, typically ranging from -5°C to -20°C.
There is almost always a day spent touring at Kagura. Bring your own touring gear or hire snowshoes/touring gear at the base of Kagura ski resort on the day.
An avalanche safety kit (beacon, shovel, probe) is required and can be rented if you don't have your own.