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Backcountry Camp Yamagomori

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Price p/p Sample price is based on 4 guests in the group with twin share room with shared bathroom at Aibiya for 2026/27 season
USD 992

GUIDED BACKCOUNTRY SKI/RIDE CAMP
5 Nights | 3 Days Backcountry Instruction

Location: Japan | Tour Focus: Guided | Terrain Focus: Backcountry, Sidecountry
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Price p/p Sample price is based on 4 guests in the group with twin share room with shared bathroom at Aibiya for 2026/27 season
USD 992
Backcountry camp designed to progress your knowledge, skills & confidence to take your first steps into the backcountry. Japanese lead guide (JMGA) & locally operated outfit based in Yudanaka Onsen. Small groups of 1-4 people. Based in the onsen town of Yudanaka.
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Step Into The Backcountry Camp ”Yamagomori” ~山籠り~

New for 2026/27 Season

Inspired by the Japanese spirit of “Yamagomori” which equates to training in seclusion on a mountain, you can immerse yourself in the mountains whilst learning essential backcountry skills.

Based from the town of Yudanaka Onsen in the Nagano Prefecture, this backcountry camp is designed for high-intermediate to advanced skiers and riders looking to step into the world of backcountry skiing and riding. If you’ve been dreaming about getting away from the ski resorts, earning your turns, chasing untouched lines, and exploring deeper terrain but never knew how to begin, this is where your backcountry journey starts.

This is not simply a camp for chasing powder snow. The focus is on building mountain skills, improving your riding technique in a variety of snow conditions and terrain, while learning essential touring skills, avalanche awareness, route finding, and the knowledge needed to move safely and confidently in in the backcountry.

Highlights

  • JMGA (Japan Mountain Guide Association) licensed local guide will lead you to the best terrain available each day depending on weather and snow conditions.
  • Locally operated by Yoshi who was born and raised in Shiga Kogen and has been exploring these mountains since childhood.
  • Small group for personalised instruction
  • Reserve a 4-day weather window and choose the best 3 days, allowing flexibility to adjust the itinerary according to weather and snow conditions.
  • You will learn essential ski touring or splitboarding techniques, as well as avalanche awareness and deep snow safety skills.
  • Stay in the town of Yudanaka Onsen which has various onsen for a relaxing soak, and restaurants to explore in the evenings.
  • Stay at Aibiya which is a historic building that has been transformed into a lodge that’s ideal for skiers and snowboarders.
If you would like to check availability or have any other questions, please get in contact.

Group

Groups are a maximum of 4 people in order to ensure personalised instruction and increased opportunities to develop your skills as well as a safer experience while travelling in the mountains.

The minimum number of participants required is one person, although the price will be higher than that listed which is based on having 4 people in a group.

For 1 to 3 participants one guide is allocated, whilst 2 guides are allocated for 4 to 6 participants.

Ability Level

This backcountry camp is designed for advanced and expert skiers and riders who have experience with powder skiing and tree runs in ski resorts and sidecountry terrain but have never stepped into the world of backcountry ski touring or splitboarding. Participants should have prior powder skiing or riding experience and be able to ride confidently in trees.

A very good level of fitness and endurance is required to be able to earn your turns and enjoy full days of skiing/riding, touring, and uphill hiking in the mountains.

If you are unsure whether this camp is suitable for you, please feel free to contact us to discuss further.

Equipment

Touring equipment is required for this camp which includes a splitboard or skis with an alpine touring set-up, climbing skins, and adjustable poles. Ski boots with “walk mode” that unlock the cuff and allow a greater range of motion when uphilling are required.

It is recommended that you purchase your own equipment to bring as becoming familiar with your own equipment is an important part of the learning process, and ski touring bindings in particular can vary a lot in the way they function.

Otherwise some equipment is available to rent such as touring skis (limited quantities and sizes available), snowshoes (if you do not have a splitboard), and adjustable poles.

An avalanche backpack with a beacon, shovel and probe is also required. These can be rented if you do not have your own.

Please get in touch for more information on equipment including pricing of rentals.

Your Technical Goals

  • Develop smoother riding technique, better control, and improved line choice in a variety of snow conditions and complex terrain through your first backcountry skiing experience.
  • Learn the fundamental basics of avalanche safety, with a focus on terrain assessment, safe travel techniques, and companion rescue protocols.
  • Build essential touring skills including transitions, how to apply and remove climbing skins, efficient uphill travel, kick turns, and pacing during hike up.
  • After learning the fundamentals, the remaining two days will be spent on real backcountry day tours, where participants will continue to improve and apply their knowledge and skills through practical mountain experience. 
  • Experience the beauty and excitement of backcountry skiing, and develop the motivation and curiosity to continue exploring the mountains beyond the camp.

Powder Geek

Powder Geek Japan is a small Japanese ski touring company based in the Yudanaka Onsen town at the foot of Shiga Kogen. Founder Yoshi was born and raised in Shiga Kogen and has been exploring these mountains on skis since childhood. Together with local skiers who know every corner of the region, Powder Geek chases deep powder through untouched terrain, hidden tree runs, and secret areas that are known to the locals.

Accommodation

AIBIYA is a traditional-modern mixed bed and breakfast located in the heart of Yudanaka Onsen.

Originally built over 90 years ago, the building has served many different purposes throughout its history. It used to operate as a traditional Japanese inn and Aibiya has transformed this historic building into the perfect base for skiers and snowboarders exploring the mountains around Shiga Kogen, whilst preserving the traces of time, history, and culture.

Designed with the needs of skiers and riders in mind, AIBIYA offers a wide range of room types, from single rooms to en-suite rooms, along with a dedicated drying room for snow gear.

A spacious shared kitchen and dining area are also available for long-term guests, those who prefer not to eat out every day, or for guests with special dietary needs.

Located in the centre of the town of Yudanaka, AIBIYA provides easy access to restaurants, shops, convenience store, and the train station.

See the lodging tab for more information and you can see more photos and reviews of Aibiya here.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival Day

  • Arrive in Yudanaka at Aibiya by 4pm - information will be provided on getting to Aibiya
  • 5pm Orientation and briefing at Aibiya
  • Wander around town and choose a restaurant for dinner 

Day 2 

  • Start your day with locally-sourced continental breakfast at AIBIYA
  • Morning - learn and practice
    • How to apply climbing skins
    • Basic skins up techniques
    • Kick turns
    • Beacon operation (avalanche transceiver search practice)
    • How to use a shovel
    • Probe practice
  • Lunch
  • Afternoon - short tour in the mountains to put the morning skills into practice - approximately 1-2 runs depending on participants' fitness and conditions
  • Evening - you may wish to explore one of the local onsen and then head out to a restaurant to dinner

Days 3-5:

  • Breakfast
  • For 2 of these days you'll head out for a full day of backcountry touring. The destination will be dependent on weather and snow conditions.
  • You'll build on the skills learned on Day 1 whilst travelling in more varied terrain and deeper into the mountains. 
  • Approximately 2 to 4 runs depending on fitness, pace and conditions
  • Option of an onsen for apres ski then head out for dinner

Rest Day

You can reserve a 4-day weather window and choose the best 3 days for mountain conditions, which allows flexibility to adjust the itinerary according to weather and snow conditions. The extra day can be used as a rest day to check out a local onsen, local cultural activities, visit the snow monkeys, or visit nearby Obuse. Or you can use it as a self-training day or you can go skiing/riding at the nearby Shiga Kogen Ski Resort.

Departure Day

  • After breakfast, head off to your next destination or the airport or extend your stay and enjoy more powder days

Lodge Aibya

Location

Lodge Aibiya is located in the Yudanaka township and the perfect place to relax after a day on the slopes. Yoshi and Seongmi provide a high level of Japanese service backed up with western insights gained by working overseas. English speaking with a wealth of knowledge of the Nagano area, Yoshi and Seongmi will look after all your needs.

Rooms

The lodge has an option of quad/family share single western bed rooms for group bookings and twin share rooms with shared bathroom. They have a twin room with double bed which is ideal for couples or for those that want to upgrade to the single supplement, and there is the option to upgrade to the deluxe rooms with private bathrooms which can sleep up to four people.

Facilities

There is a well equipped kitchen & dining space for those who would like to cook themselves (supermarket shuttle available once every 2 days) or you can enjoy the many traditional Japanese restaurants only a short walk away. The lounge room at Aibiya has books, board games and is available 24 hours a day. 

There are separate male & female shared shower facilities.

A free continental breakfast is provided each day with breads, cereal, fruits, yoghurt, coffee, tea and fruit juices.

Free WI-FI is available throughout the lodge. A gift shop with crafts made locally and beverages, local Shiga Kogen beer, and snacks are available for sale.  

The lodge is only a 6 minute walk from the train station and local convenience stores are nearby.

History

The building has served several purposes over the past 70 years since it was first built. Before Yoshi (tail guide) and his wife took over, it served as a traditional Japanese inn. The historical building has retained many of its charms and Japanese decor, whilst also being a perfect base for skiers and snow boarders.

Drying Room

Keep your gear safe and toasty warm in the storage area and drying room. In addition to storage and drying, you can also wax and maintain your ski and snowboard gear. The drying room is next to the entrance so that you can access it easily on the way out the door.


Lodge Abiya

...western-style rooms...

.....a nice communal area

Rates, Inclusions & Add-Ons

2026/27 Rates

From 155,000 yen to 225,000 yen per person

Notes

  • Prices shown are per person in Japanese yen
  • The from price per person is based on a group of 4 participants, staying twin share in a room that utilises shared bathrooms. Please get in touch for a quote for different rooms types and group sizes.
Inclusions
  • 5 nights lodging at Lodge Aibiya (sample price based on twin share room with shared bathrooms)
  • Continental breakfast each morning
  • 3 days of guiding with backcountry instruction
  • Transport to the meeting point available upon request (or you can self-drive to/from the daily meeting point)
  • GoPro filming service during the camp
Add-ons
  • Avalanche pack (4000 yen per day)
  • Snowshoes (if you do not have a splitboard)
  • Adjustable poles
  • Backcountry touring skis (limited quantities and sizes available)
Not Included

Powder Geek Terms & Conditions

Introduction

All bookings are made with AIBIYA LLC. (JCN 6100003005245) acting as management and operating the accommodation and tour operator for the services and products to be supplied by principals. What we supply to you is the arranging and co-ordinating of your travel, accommodation, entertainment, activities, including guiding, and ancillary services and the making of bookings, and issuing tickets and vouchers to be redeemed by suppliers. Accordingly, all tickets, vouchers, coupons and other service orders are issued subject not only to the general terms and conditions applying to our transactions but also upon those terms and conditions upon which the transportation, accommodation, activities, entertainment, or other services or products are supplied (which constitutes the entire agreement between you and us).

It is the customer’s responsibility to make themselves aware of those other terms and conditions.

All bookings are subject to availability. Verbal quotes are regarded as an estimate and prices are only confirmed with a written quote. All written quotes are subject to change at any time.

Acceptance of Risk

You acknowledge that the nature of the trip may be adventurous and participation involves a degree of personal risk. You may be visiting places where the political, cultural and geographical attributes present dangers and physical challenges greater than those present in our daily lives.

Snowboarding, skiing or any adventure activity can involve certain hazards, including sudden weather changes and avalanches. All clients need to realise there is no absolute guarantee of safety. Powder Geek Japan(AIBIYA LLC.) and its contractors maintain the right not to run an activity if the circumstances make the activity too dangerous. Powder Geek Japan and its contractor’s will take all practical steps to minimise risk. However, Powder Geek Japan and its contractors accepts no liability for death, injuries or illness incurred during your trip. Nor do we accept responsibility for any service provided by any other tourist operators.

You acknowledge that you are choosing to travel at a time where you may be exposed to the COVID-19 virus. We will take all reasonable steps to ensure your safety and may require you to follow additional safety protocols on your trip. We use information from government foreign departments and reports from our own contacts in assessing whether the itinerary should operate. However, it is also your own responsibility to acquaint yourself with all relevant travel information, including applicable health risks and the nature of your itinerary. You acknowledge that your decision to travel is made in light of consideration of this information and you accept that you are aware of the personal risks attendant upon such travel. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we accept no liability in relation to these additional risks.

Price and Surcharge

All rates shown are per person, unless otherwise specified and our tour prices are subject to variable and seasonal pricing, both of which are standard practice within the travel industry. This means our tour prices may vary at any time in accordance with demand, market conditions and availability.

Powder Geek Japan may take out foreign exchange contracts to protect the client and Powder Geek Japan from excessive adverse movements in exchange rates. Therefore, the foreign exchange rate applied to client payments may differ from the current market rate and it is likely that different passengers on the same trip have been charged different prices. Your best option if you like the price you see is to book at that time. Any reduced pricing or discounts that may become available after you have paid your deposit will not apply. If you wish to cancel your booking to take advantage of a cheaper price, full cancellation conditions apply as set out above.

We reserve the right to impose surcharges up to 21 days before departure due to unfavourable changes in exchange rates, increases in local operator costs, taxes, or if government action should require us to do so. In such instances we will be responsible for any amount up to 2% of the trip price and you will be responsible for the balance. If any surcharge results in an increase of more than 10% of the trip price you may cancel the booking within 3 days of notification of the surcharge and obtain a full refund. Please note that a surcharge may be applied to a purchase made by credit card.

Please note we may receive fees, commissions, gifts or financial incentives from third parties under this contract.

Reservation Deposit

In addition to agreeing to the Terms below, the Client will be required to submit non refundable ¥50,000 deposit to Powder Geek Japan. A deposit of ¥50,000 is payable within 3 days of confirmation of booking.

Once the Client has paid the deposit, Powder Geek japan will provide confirmation of Client’s reservation. The remaining balance for the trip will be due Sixty (60) days before the trip departure date.

By agreeing to these terms, Powder Geek japan will charge your final balance to the credit card you provide. If the outstanding balance is not paid by this time, Powder Geek japan reserves the right to charge a $100 late fee or cancel the Client’s reservation. If a reservation is made less than Sixty (60) days prior to trip departure date, the full balance of the trip is due at that time.

Cancellation by Client

Any cancellation by the Client must be made in writing via email. The date on which Powder Geek japan receives the Client’s written cancellation will determine the charges applicable. The schedule of Cancellation charges is as follows:
  • 61+ days prior to trip: Our Risk Free Booking.
  • 31-60 days prior to departure: 50% refund
  • 30 or fewer days prior to departure: 100% Cancellation Fee
*After paying your deposit, you can cancel within 10 days for any reason and get a full refund.

Cancellation by Powder Geek Japan

Powder Geek japan reserves the right to cancel a trip if it doesn’t have a minimum of four guests reserved by 30 days before the trip’s departure date. If a trip is cancelled due to insufficient numbers of guests, a 100% refund will be provided to Client.

Powder Geek japan cannot be held responsible for departures that are canceled or changed due to circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to natural disasters, political instability, disease, pandemics, border closures, travel bans, quarantines, terrorist activities, or strikes. Therefore we strongly urge you to purchase cancellation/ interruption insurance. Purchasing a Cancel For Any Reason insurance will provide additional benefits and reimbursement during pandemics and more.

If we do need to cancel due to circumstances beyond our control, we give you a spot on same departure of the other date, or a full credit to use towards the following season.

Snow Conditions

It should be understood Powder Geek Japan cannot under any circumstances be held responsible for snow conditions. No holiday or tour can be cancelled, altered or amended by you on the basis of weather conditions.

Authority On Tour

Our trips are run by a AIBIYA LLC . The decision of the Tour guide such as Yoshiki Nishizawa or Yutaro Yumoto are final on all matters likely to affect the safety or well-being of any traveller or staff member participating in the trip. If you fail to comply with a decision made by a group leader or interfere with the well-being or mobility of the group, the group leader may direct you to leave the trip immediately, with no right of refund. We may also elect not to carry you on any future trips booked. You must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited.

Changes to Itinerary

Client acknowledges that the nature of this type of travel requires considerable flexibility and changes to the itinerary may occur. Therefore, the agreed upon itinerary does not serve as a contractual obligation on the part of Powder Geek Japan . Client understands that the route, schedules, itinerary, amenities and mode of transportation may be changed without prior notice due to local circumstances or events, which may include sickness or mechanical break down, flight cancellation, strikes, events occurring due to political disputes, entry or border difficulties, weather, climate, snow conditions and other unforeseeable circumstances. In the unlikely event the group is unable to travel as described on the itinerary due to weather or road closures, additional accommodations may be required. Expenses for additional accommodations will be charged to the Client.

While Powder Geek japan will make its best effort to provide its services as advertised, changes in the itinerary may be made where deemed appropriate, advisable or necessary due to unexpected circumstances. If Powder Geek Japan makes a change in the trip, the client will be informed prior to departure when possible. If the change is made due to unexpected circumstances no compensation is payable.

Health, Fitness and Ability

Given the nature of the trips, Powder Geek Japan requires that Client acknowledge that he or she is in good health and physical shape at a required level appropriate for this form of adventure activity. Client represents that he or she is capable of participating in all activities without endangering himself or herself or any other of the Clients or guides of Powder Geek Japan. Client agrees to provide pertinent medical and health details in our pre-trip questionnaire. If the client fails to provide pertinent details or does not meet the required physical, health or ability levels, then the trip guide may not allow the Client to participate in select guided activities. The trip guide may dismiss the Client from the trip, and Client will have no right to any refund.

Minimum Age: For our trips the minimum age is 18 at the time of travel. All travelers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian, or in lieu of a legal guardian, by an escort over the age of 18, appointed by their legal guardian. The legal guardian or their designee will be responsible for the traveller under the age of 18’s day to day care. If a legal guardian elects to designate an escort in their lieu, they will be required to complete and sign a relevant document, to delegate their authority

Claims and Complaints

If Client has a complaint against Powder Geek Japan , Client must first inform the trip guide of the complaint while on the trip so that the trip guide has a chance to rectify the situation. Any further claim or complaint against the Powder Geek Japan must be received within thirty (30) days of the end of the trip.

Passport & Visa

It is your responsibility to obtain information and to have in your possession all the required documentation and identification required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. This includes a valid passport and all travel documents required by the relevant governmental authorities including all visas, permits and certificates (including but not limited to vaccination or medical certificates) and insurance policies. Your passport must be valid 6 months after the last date of travel with is as set out on your itinerary. You accept full responsibility for obtaining all such documents, visas and permits prior to the start of the trips, and you are solely responsible for the full amount of costs incurred as a result of missing or defective documentation. You agree that you are responsible for the full amount of any loss or expense incurred by us that is a direct result of your failure to secure or be in possession of proper travel documentation.

Photographs and Videos

Photographs or videos appearing on the web site should be used solely as an indication of facilities and attractions. Actual facilities and attractions may vary according to itinerary. Maps shown on the web pages may not reflect the actual tour routing should the itinerary change.

All Participants agree to usage of photos and videos taken while on trips with Powder Geek Japan, for the sole promotion of future Powder Geek Japan business. If you do not wish to have your likeness used, we require written confirmation, prior to departure on your trip.

Insurance

In addition to the suggested trip cancellation/ interruption insurance, it is mandatory for all Clients to provide evidence of insurance for ski travel that covers personal accident, medical expenses, and air ambulance (emergency evacuation). If you are joining our Off-Piste or Backcountry trips, you need to make sure your insurance covers off-piste and backcountry skiing and snowboarding in the countries you will be visiting. For trips involving mechanized access in the backcountry (snowcats, snowmobiles, helicopters, etc.) be sure your policy covers these activities. Evidence of this insurance needs to be provided to Powder Geek Japan. In the event evidence of insurance is not provided, Powder Geek Japan reserves the right to cancel the Client’s reservation.

Also we highly recommend adding on insurance that covers trip delay, trip cancellation, lost/damaged baggage, and all other expenses which might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, illness, delay or inconvenience.

Equipment

Client agrees to arrive with required equipment as listed on trip packing list and that required equipment is in good working order and ready to use upon arrival. If Client does not have this equipment, Client agrees to contact Powder Geek Japan(AIBIYA LLC.) to arrange appropriate rentals