Gozan Explorer Packages
If you are a die-hard powder hound looking to get your fix of Japow this winter, then the Gozan Explorer could be ideal as it visits various Niigata and Nagano ski resorts that are renowned for being blessed with big snowfalls by Puki Yuki, the Japanese snow goddess. The Gozan is the five mountain system of Zen, and in this patch of powder paradise, you’ll find your own zen.
The Gozan Explorer is based out of your host's lodge, Gozan Lodge, located at the base of
Suginohara which is one of Myoko Kogen's ski areas and a magnet for snow. You'll ride at Myoko Suginohara, yet this is a multi-resort tour so each day you may visit a different ski area with your guide(s) to get the best possible conditions and to provide you with a great assortment of terrain by experiencing different locations.
Daily destinations on offer include
Myoko Kogen's 4 ski areas,
Shiga Kogen's 19 ski areas,
Madarao/
Tangram,
Nozawa Onsen,
Charmant Huichi,
Arai,
Kijimadaira & other gems.
The Gozan Explorer is primarily aimed at
private groups of 4 - 6 in the group.
There is however an
option for solo travellers, couples & smaller groups to join a mixed group tour (one date only for a maximum group of 5) as shown on the rates, dates & availability dropdown.
In each case a
minimum of 3 guests is required for a tour to operate.
Ability & Equipment Required
It is expected that you will be a
strong intermediate to advanced level of skier or snowboarder and be able to ski/ride tight trees in deep powder on sometimes steep terrain.
As this tour takes in the steep and deep sidecountry of many of the ski areas, it is mandatory that you carry an avalanche safety kit to include (as a minimum) a backpack, avalanche beacon, shovel & probe.
You will need to supply your own backpack, however there is an option to rent the beacon, shovel & probe from Gozan Lodge.
If you have a private group who is competent in ski touring/splitboarding, utilising touring gear would be an option if the whole group brings their gear & knows how to use it.
Your Guide(s)
Your lead guide has over 10 years of experience and is bi-lingual in English and Japanese. He has CAA Ops 1, Wilderness First Responder & Search and Rescue certifications.
If the group is larger than 4, the group will also have a tail guide.
Lodging
You will stay at the lovely, recently renovated Gozan Lodge located at Suginohara (Myoko Kogen).
The sample package price is based on twin-share/double occupancy, however there are other options for room sharing so please enquire for your specific needs.
See more about the lodge here>>
Food & Nightlife
Suginohara isn't renowned for its nightlife yet the lodge has its own restaurant and bar, so you will be able to make your own fun there. You also have daily access to an onsen, so this may become part of your daily apres ski routine.
The sample package includes 4 evening meals and 2 excursion meals with your guide (pay as you go for those 2 meals). If you want to experience the Myoko nightlife in Akakura, you can get a taxi from the lodge. Your hosts can book your ride into town and the restaurant or bar can book a return taxi. The cost of a taxi is about 1,500 yen each way.
Getting There
You will most likely fly internationally into Narita or Haneda airport in Tokyo. From there you have 3 options:
- Jump on a scheduled bus service to the Myoko bus terminal at Akakura.
- Get on a shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagano station, change to a local bus service at the station to Myoko Akakura bus terminal.
- Get on a shinkansen to Nagano and then change to a local train to Myoko Train station.
In each case, your hosts from Gozan Lodge will pick you up from either the bus terminal at Akakura or from Myoko train station.
Gozan Lodge staff can provide you with more details on getting there when you book your trip.
