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 consistently receiving the largest snowfalls in Japan. 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 Gozan Lodge, located at the base of
Suginohara which is one of Myoko Kogen's ski areas and a magnet for snow. Whilst you'll ride at Myoko Suginohara, this is a multi-resort tour, allowing you to visit different ski areas each day with your guide(s) to experience the best possible conditions and a great assortment of terrain.
Daily destinations include
Myoko Kogen's 4 ski areas,
Shiga Kogen's 19 ski areas,
Madarao/
Tangram,
Nozawa Onsen,
Charmant Huichi,
Arai,
Kijimadaira & other hidden gems.
The Gozan Explorer Tour is limited to a maximum of 4 participants per group. This ensures that each client can enjoy fresh tracks and guarantees a safe and enjoyable experience. In the event of larger groups, arrangements can be made to split and join with another trusted local guide.
Ability & Equipment Required
It is expected that you will be a
strong intermediate to advanced level of skier or snowboarder and be capable of navigating through tight trees in deep powder on occasionally steep terrain.
Since this tour takes in the steep and deep sidecountry of many of the ski areas, it is mandatory to 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, Ben, has over 10 years of experience in the area and is bilingual in English and Japanese. He holds certifications in CAA Ops 1, Wilderness First Responder, and Search and Rescue. He is frequently accompanied by his tailguide and co-owner, Ruka, who is proficient in first aid, avalanche safety, and ski recovery.
Lodging
You will stay at the lovely, recently renovated Gozan Lodge located at Suginohara (Myoko Kogen).
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 2,000 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.
More details can be provided on getting there when you book your trip.
