Private Backcountry Guiding - Nagano & Niigata
Explore further afield in Nagano and Niigata with backcountry guiding for your private group. Guiding with First Tracks Japan can be for a single day, or if you have a hefty appetite for chasing powder, then multiple days are the go. Or if you want just a small taste of exploration beyond the ski resort boundaries, half day tours are also possible. Each day or half day is planned based on current conditions, weather, and your group’s ability level and objectives to give you the best possible experience.
The price per person rate above is based on one full day of guiding if you have 6 people in your group. See the Rates & Inclusions tab for details on the pricing.
For peak season (January to February) it is strongly recommended that you make a guiding booking well in advance.
Please get in contact to check availability or if you have any other questions.
Private Groups
The guiding is for your private group of 1 to 6 participants so as to ensure good group cohesion with similar abilities and objectives. It is not mixed group guiding, so solos and duos cannot join others.
Terrain
The guiding can be lift-accessed backcountry, lift-assisted backcountry or full backcountry.
Lift-accessed backcountry is also known as sidecountry or slackcountry. It involves using the lifts to access zones outside the ski resort boundaries. No touring equipment is required, although short hikes or traverses are often required for the ingress and/or egress to get to the best snow. Options for guiding in Nagano and Niigata Prefectures includes the ski resorts of:
Backcountry touring involves hiking or skinning to access remote terrain beyond lift-accessed areas.
Lift-assisted backcountry uses the lifts for initial ascent and then you use touring gear (ski touring set up or splitboard) to get further away from the ski resort to access remote terrain which is likely to be more untracked. Or you can go “full backcountry” and not use any lifts if you want the full mountain experience and to move into fully untouched areas.
Tour Duration
A full day of guiding is approximately 5 to 6 hours plus a lunch break. You can choose from just one day of guiding or multiple days.
Half day guiding is also possible with a duration of approximately 3 hours.
Ability Level & Experience
The guiding is ideal for skiers and riders with a minimum ability level of strong intermediate to advanced in off-piste conditions. Even though it will be just your private group, you’ll get the most out of the guiding if all members of your group are strong resort riders that can confidently ski/ride powder.
For backcountry tours with touring, a good fitness level is required so that your group can enjoy the day.
Previous backcountry experience is not required.
The minimum recommended age for private backcountry and slackcountry tours is 12 years old. Guests under 18 require parental or guardian consent.
Get in touch if you have any questions.
Equipment
Avalanche safety equipment is mandatory for all guiding outside the resort boundaries. This includes an avalanche transceiver (beacon), probe, and shovel. If you don’t have your own, avalanche safety equipment rentals are available.
If you plan on ski touring or splitboarding, you’ll need to BYO equipment.