First Tracks Unlimited
This trip is called “First Tracks Unlimited” for a reason as the goal of the trip is to score as many fresh lines as possible across multiple ski resorts. With your guide’s direction you will be chasing the best snow conditions and skiing/riding the lift-accessed zones at ski areas in Nagano and Niigata.
Choose from a 7 day trip for a sample of resorts, or a 14 day trip if you’re a greedy powder hound with a big appetite for powder.
You’ll stay in a Japanese ryokan to get the full Japanese experience in the cute town of Yudanaka Onsen or the adjacent village of Shibu Onsen, with its traditional Japanese architecture and many onsen opportunities. The “standard" tour price includes a stay in a premium ryokan with indoor and outdoor onsen baths, or there is also more budget oriented option for accommodation (see the Rates & Inclusions tab for pricing).
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Highlights
- The focus of the trip is lift-accessed powder chasing which may include some short hikes.
- The guides have local knowledge and flexibility to choose a resort each day based on conditions.
- First Tracks Japan is a local Japan registered company.
- With a maximum of 12 guests total, it’s a boutique experience and the guides can be nimble and keep things flexible.
- Stay in the culturally interesting town of Yudanaka adjacent to Shibu Onsen, both with ryokan, onsens, cute dining experiences and the snow monkeys nearby.
- Stay in a ryokan with onsen for a great Japanese experience. You'll have dinner at your ryokan on some nights to sample some great Japanese cuisine.
- Opportunities for non-skiing activities such as the snow monkeys, large temple in Nagano, Matsumoto Castle and other Nagano attractions.
Groups
First Tracks Unlimited is a mixed group trip with scheduled departures, so solos, duos and small groups are welcome to join.
The maximum group size is 12 guests in total, with a maximum ratio of 6 guests per guide. The minimum number required for a scheduled departure to run is 2 guests.
Terrain
The primary focus of the trip is lift-accessed powder skiing and riding in off-piste terrain, sidecountry routes, and short hikes to get to the goods.
In terms of definitions, off-piste is considered terrain off the trails within the resort boundaries, whilst sidecountry or slackcountry is lift-accessed backcountry. 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:
If there is a group with touring equipment and the conditions are right, there is also the possibility of some backcountry touring.
Ability Level
The tour is ideal for skiers and riders with a minimum ability level of strong intermediate to advanced in off-piste conditions, so you’d need to very comfortable in powder and riding in amongst trees. Snowboarders should be able to hold a traverse well to navigate the entries and exits to terrain, so as not to hold up the pace of the group.
Previous backcountry experience is not essential.
Equipment
Avalanche safety equipment is mandatory for the trip. This includes an avalanche transceiver (beacon), probe, and shovel. If you don’t have your own, avalanche safety equipment rentals are available.
Ski touring or splitboarding equipment is not required for this trip, but if you have the gear it never hurts to bring it as an opportunity may arise to use it.
Cultural Activities
Cultural activities are included in both the 7-day and 14-day programs. Depending on weather, snow conditions, and group preferences, these may include visits to the Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji Temple, Matsumoto including the castle, local onsen towns, and other attractions in the region. During the 7-day tour, there may be a shorter ski day to allow time for these experiences.
Meals
The welcome dinner is included and takes place at a local restaurant. If staying in the "standard" premium accommodation, dinner is included 3 nights and will provide a great opportunity to sample lots of quality Japanese fare.
For other evenings, guests are free to explore local restaurants and enjoy the town. Depending on the day, group preferences, and logistics, guides may join the group for dinner and provide recommendations on where to eat.