Itinerary

Day 1 – Feb 1st (Arrive on the start date of your trip)

• Take bullet train (Tohoku Shinkansen) from Tokyo Station to Shin-Aomori Station at agreed time to meet with group and van.
• AM sightseeing in Aomori.
• Drive to Hirosaki (45 minutes) and check in to Hirosaki Art Hotel for 3 nights.
• Hotel orientation, early dinner and then avalanche safety talk (indoors).

Day 2 – Feb 2nd

• AM avalanche safety training (on-snow) and guiding in the afternoon at Aomori Springs Resort.
• Dinner in Hirosaki.
• Stay at Hirosaki Art Hotel.

Day 3 – Feb 3rd

• Explore Aomori Springs Resort.
• Dinner in Hirosaki.
• Stay at Hirosaki Art Hotel.

Day 4 – Feb 4th

• Checkout of Hirosaki Art Hotel.
• Transfer to Hachimantai (1 hr 45 mins away) for 3 nights.
• Ski Owani Onsen on the way.
• Stay at Hachimantai Mountain Hotel.
• Dinner at the hotel or in Hachimantai.

Day 5 – Feb 5th

• Explore Appi Kogen ski area (22 mins away).
• Stay at Hachimantai Mountain Hotel.
• Dinner at the hotel or in Hachimantai.

Day 6 – Feb 6th

• Explore Okunakayama ski area (50 mins away).
• Stay at Hachimantai Mountain Hotel.
• Dinner at the hotel or in Hachimantai.

Day 7 – Feb 7th

• Ski Hachimantai Shimokura ski area (5 mins away).
• Transfer to Shizukuishi Prince Hotel (51 mins away).
• Dinner at the hotel.

Day 8 – Feb 8th

• Explore Shizukuishi ski area.
• Dinner in Shizukuishi or Morioka.
• Stay at Shizukuishi Prince Hotel.

Day 9 – Feb 9th

• Explore Amihari Onsen ski area (20 mins away).
• Dinner at local restaurant on way back to hotel.
• Stay at Shizukuishi Prince Hotel.

Day 10 – Feb 10th

• Explore Tazawako ski area (53 mins away).
• Dinner in Tazawako at a local restaurant on the way back to Shizukuishi.
• Stay at Shizukuishi Prince Hotel.

Day 11 – Feb 11th

• Ski Shizukuishi.
• Dinner in Shizukuishi or Morioka.
• Stay at Shizukuishi Prince Hotel.

Day 12 – Feb 12th

• Drop off in the morning at Morioka train station.
• Take Tohoku Shinkansen back to Tokyo Station.
• Transfer to Narita or Haneda airports for departure back to home country.

Logistics

Visas

Most guests should be able to receive a 90-day tourist visa on arrival, for free. It is your responsibility to check the current regulations for your passport and make sure you have enough validity left on your passport for travel.

Flights

Fly to Tokyo, either to Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT) International Airports and then transfer to Tokyo Station. Narita is the easiest to travel out of via the train as there is a direct, rapid train (NEX – Narita Express, 1 hour) from Narita to Tokyo Station. Some guests might want to spend a couple of extra nights in Tokyo for sightseeing (not included). We recommend staying close to Tokyo Station and using the subway to get around the city if you stay there. Be aware that taxis are very expensive in Tokyo.

Tohoku Shinkansen

If you are traveling from Tokyo to Aomori, you will need to take the bullet train (Shinkansen) from Tokyo Station to Shin-Aomori station. This will be on the Tohoku line and you can purchase tickets via JR East (Japan Rail East). You can purchase tickets online and make seat reservations, ahead of time at https://www.eki-net.com/en/jreast-train-reservation/Top/Index. You will need to purchase a ticket and then make a seat reservation.

We recommend arriving in Tokyo early on the 31st of January and then taking the train up to Aomori on the same day, with an overnight stay (not included) in Aomori. Then you can have a day of skiing on the way to Hirosaki on the 1st of February.

Choose the option for “Customers not using a pass” and purchase the ticket from there. If you are traveling with skis/luggage, choose a seat at the back of the carriage as there is better storage there. You will need to pick up your tickets at the station and make sure you have the QR code from your online ticket purchase to pick up your tickets more easily (the QR code will need to be read at a JR Rail East ticket machine and then 2 tickets per reservation will be printed). We no longer recommend purchasing the JR Rail East (Tohoku) Pass as you now must use it for 5 consecutive days. It’s cheaper to buy a one-way ticket to Aomori and then another one on the way back from Morioka.

If you want to avoid traveling with skis/heavy baggage (which is recommended) on the Shinkansen, then we recommend having your bags shipped to the Aomori via courier service. We recommend the Black Cat/Yamato service (https://www.global-yamato.com/en/hands-free-travel/) and you can ship bags on arrival at your airport in Tokyo. Timing will be very tight though and your bags will more likely arrive on time if you arrive in Tokyo a day early and stay in Aomori overnight before the day of the trip. Please check with the courier service about the timing of the baggage’s arrival. If it is too late, then you will have to travel to Aomori with your bags.

Hotels

Art Hotel Hirosaki City

The first 3 nights will be at the Hirosaki Art Hotel Color. This is a convenient drive from our starting point in Aomori and is still convenient (and a less expensive option) for skiing at the Aomori Springs ski area (about 38 minutes’ drive).

Hirosaki is a small city in Aomori Prefecture and is known for the 17th century Hirosaki Castle and shrines, restored Samurai houses and apple orchards. There are a lot of restaurants within walking distance of the hotel and makes for a nice contrast to the other mountain hotels you will be staying at later in the trip.

The Art Hotel Hirosaki City has 134 rooms, two restaurants, a bar and a tea lounge. The rooms are well- sized at 22m2 and have ensuite bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. Buffet breakfast is included.

Hachimantai Mountain Hotel

The next 3 nights will be at the Hachimantai Mountain Hotel. The hotel is located at the Hachimantai Panorama ski area and has a beautiful onsen and sauna, a restaurant, shop, library and large open lobby area. The rooms are large (30m2) and feature an ensuite bathroom and free Wi-Fi. You will be staying in the upgraded Mountain rooms. Buffet breakfast is included.

Shizukuishi Prince Hotel

For the last 5 nights of the trip, you will be staying at the Shizukuishi Prince Hotel. The hotel is based at the Shizukuishi ski area (ski in, ski out access) where the group will likely have a couple of days skiing at the resort.

The Shizukuishi Prince Hotel is a large hotel with a beautiful onsen (Takakura Onsen, is an outdoor onsen and features Koi fish swimming outside the pool!), two dining rooms and lockers downstairs for storing ski equipment. The rooms are 22m2 in size and feature free Wi-Fi and ensuite bathrooms. Buffet breakfast is included.

2024 Rates, Inclusions & Add-Ons

Rates

Session	Twin or Double Share Room	Single Room
Fixed date group tour	$4,485	$4,805

Notes:

• prices displayed are per person
• invoice/base rate is in USD
• pricing is based on 4 people in the group. If there are less than 4 people in the group and we can still run the session, then expect price to be higher. Pricing is not finalized until ALL members of the group have paid their final balances. The deposit must be received before the early bird deadline, to qualify for the discount.
• deposit of $1000 USD per person per trip which is non-refundable
• rates include all taxes
• if you have any questions you can make a booking request

Inclusions

• An experienced & qualified guide / host for the duration of the tour
• 11 nights twin share accommodation including buffet breakfast
• Private ground transport
• Daily resort guiding (1 guide to max 4 guests) with up to 10 guided days
• Comprehensive avalanche safety training
• Pickup at the Shin-Aomori Station and drop off at the Morioka Station (at the scheduled time
• Opportunity to explore local restaurants & cultural sites after skiing/riding
• Feedback on technique for skiers and boarders who want it

Add-ons Not Included

• Flights - search for cheapest flights here
• Travel insurance (compulsory) - buy travel insurance online here
• Lunches, dinners, snacks, beverages
• Ski gear and avo safety gear rentals
• Lift passes as it's not pre-decided where to ski each day (budget US$35/day)
• Gratuities
• Train tickets

The Adventure Project Terms & Conditions

1. Booking

• (a) The Adventure Project (TAP henceforth) will provide you with written confirmation by email of your application upon the receipt of the following signed and completed documents:
  • Release and Indemnity form;
  • COVID/Infectious Disease Warning and Waiver (if required).
• (b) By sending in the deposit, you agree to ALL of the following stipulations outlined in the Terms and Conditions below.
• (c) Your acceptance as a guest is subject to your skiing/boarding capabilities, medical condition and fitness being to the standard deemed necessary by The Adventure Project.

2. Suitability
By sending in your deposit, the Client (the Guest) agrees to the following:

• They are at least the minimum standard listed for each trip (intermediate, advanced or expert).
• That they are in sound physical fitness and capable of operating (skiing, riding or hiking) at potential high altitudes (depending on the destination). You will sign a disclaimer saying that you have the physical fitness to undertake these activities and do not suffer from altitude sickness.
• If your medical or physical fitness changes before or during the trip, then you must notify us immediately in writing.
• That they can get up by themselves after a fall. The Adventure Project is not responsible for helping guests get up after a fall.
• You should have powder-centric skis or snowboards that will give you extra flotation in deep snow, if skiing or riding off-piste.
• You must be familiar with the use and operation of all of your gear, prior to the commencement of your trip. Ski and snowboard boots should already be broken in and not the cause of any blisters or other discomfort.
• You must carry your own (basic) first aid kit and spare parts for your skis or snowboards.
• If you cannot keep up with the majority of the group, then for your own safety, you might be asked to stay out of the off-piste areas (if the majority of the group wants and is capable of, skiing or riding in that terrain/snow). That could also mean riding by yourself in the resort if you cannot keep up with the majority of the group.
• The Adventure Project does not guarantee complete compatibility of all group members. Whilst we try our best to put the right level of people together in our groups but we cannot guarantee the compatibility of all group members. The Adventure Project is not responsible for any mismatches in group ability therefore.
• If a Client is not compatible with a group, then they can hire a separate local guide or instructor, but they will be responsible for those additional costs. No refund or reimbursement of any costs already paid, will be offered.
• There is only 1 guide per group in Chile and Japan. If a guide gets sick or injured (circumstances beyond our control) and cannot continue the trip, then no refund will be offered for any time spent without a guide or if the trip has to be cancelled or altered in any form. You must have travel insurance to cover yourself for any losses.
• You will be asked to sign a liability release form that indemnifies The Adventure Project from the obvious risks of riding in avalanche terrain. People have been killed in avalanches within ski areas and in side country/backcountry areas outside of the ski area. Avalanches can and do happen both within the ski areas and outside the ski area boundaries. We cannot guarantee your safety at any time when skiing or riding within the ski area or outside the ski area. No slope can ever be deemed 100% safe and free from avalanche risk.

3. Travel Insurance

• Travel insurance is mandatory for all Clients. You must purchase your travel insurance as soon as you have paid your deposit.
• Clients must have travel insurance that covers them for TRIP CANCELLATION (sometimes called "Cancel for Any Reason" Insurance).
• Clients might need to be tested for COVID prior to departure for their destination. If you receive a positive result and cannot travel to the destination, then you would not be entitled to any refund. You must have travel insurance to cover you for any loss.
• Clients might need to be tested for COVID prior to departure to their home country. If this is the case, you should have insurance that covers you for any additional costs if you are delayed return back to your home country if you receive a positive test result.
• Clients must have comprehensive travel insurance with a high level of cover for (but not limited to): off-piste skiing (if necessary); all medical costs; emergency evacuation; search and rescue costs (the guest is responsible for any additional search and rescue costs); trip delay or cancellation; loss or delay of baggage; stolen or missing equipment.

4. Media Release

• (a) The Client agrees: 
  • That they give TAP permission to use all media obtained during the trip that might feature the Client.
  • This media could include (but is not limited to): photographs of the Client; video's of the Client; written accounts featuring the Client; for use in TAP marketing.
  • This media could be used on (but not limited to): the TAP website; TAP Instagram posts; TAP Facebook posts; TAP blog (both website blog and non-website blogs) and other social media posts.
• (b) The Client has the right to refuse inclusion in any marketing media as listed above, but IF they request to be excluded from said media, then it must be in writing, at least 2 weeks prior to commencement of the trip.

5. Payment Terms

• (a) Deposit– The deposit for all trips is $1,000 USD for all trips, unless otherwise agreed upon. The deposit is strictly non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another trip without the express written consent of The Adventure Project.
• (b) Payment– Deposits and final balances can be paid by cash, personal check, bank check, money order, bank transfer, international wire, Venmo or Zelle. More detailed payment instructions will be sent out prior to sending in the deposit. When paying by check or money order, please make any payments to “The Adventure Project LLC.”
• (c) Credit cards– currently we cannot accept payment by credit card.
• (d) Due date– each trip has a final payment due date. Please consult your information sheet or the TAP website for details.
• (e) Prices– all prices quoted are in $USD and is based on the number of people in the group. Price can vary if the minimum number of participants (4) has not been reached.

6. Pricing

• (a) Changes to pricing: TAP reserves the right to make changes to pricing prior to departure for your trip, at any time. Prices are not guaranteed therefore until final payment of all monies owed has been made by all group members. If more people are added to the group after the final balance payment due date, then no refund will be issued for any differences in subsequent final price.
• (b) Reasons for pricing change: TAP reserves the right to change pricing at any time (but are not limited to) due to fluctuations in local currency, increased local or government costs and other unforeseen reasons. Prices can also change due to fluctuations in group participants. Any changes to the cost will be given to you in writing and you will have 2 weeks to make any additional payments.
• (c) Exclusions from pricing: each trip has its own separate inclusions and exclusions. They are listed on the website and in the program information sheet for each trip. It is your responsibility to read and understand the individual exclusions that you are required to pay at your own expense.

7. Cancellation Policy

• (a) Cancellation by the Client:
  • You may cancel your trip at any time prior to the earliest departure of the guide(s) by providing written notice to TAP.
  • If you cancel your trip at any stage the deposit is non-refundable.
  • If you cancel your trip more than 120 days prior to the earliest departure of the guide(s), then you will be entitled to a full refund minus the deposit.
  • Should you cancel your trip 90 days or less before departure, you will be entitled to a refund of all moneys paid (less the deposit) SUBJECT TO TAP FINDING A REPLACEMENT GUEST. In the event a replacement guest is NOT found, the ENTIRE price paid by you will be forfeited. Guests MUST have travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, to protect themselves from any loss.
  • Should you cancel your trip less than 60 days before the earliest departure of the guide(s) the entire price paid by you will be forfeited. Guests MUST have travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, to protect themselves from any loss.
• (b) Cancellations by The Adventure Project:
  • TAP reserves the right to cancel your trip either prior to the earliest departure of the guide(s) or during the trip for reasons including (but not limited to)
  • (i) Prior to earliest departure of the guide(s):
    • A change in your medical condition or fitness.
    • Your failure to disclose details of your medical condition or fitness prior to departure.
    • In the event that insufficient guests are booked on a particular trip.
    • In the case of termination PRIOR to the earliest departure of the guide(s), TAP shall refund the price (MINUS the deposit) within fourteen (14) days of written notification from TAP of the cancellation. Guests MUST have travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, to protect themselves from any loss.
  • (ii) During the trip:
    • Should you fail to comply with the directions of TAP staff or their agents;
    • Should TAP determine that you should not participate any further.
    • In the event of termination during the trip the entire price paid by you will be forfeited. Guests MUST have travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, to protect themselves from any loss.