Terrain, ability and group
You should be in good shape and confident in deep powder, trees, varied terrain and comfortable descending ungroomed advanced runs without hesitation. Snowboarders should be able to maintain speed on flats and hold a solid traverse line. Ideally, guests will have some ski touring or splitboarding experience, but if not, as a gauge of your physical ability, you should be fit enough to hike 10 km (6 miles) with a 10 kg (22 lb) pack. We’ll use ski lifts to gain elevation, then ski tour and splitboard to explore the backcountry with daily touring of 500–1,000 meters (1,600–3,300 feet) spread over multiple short climbs.
Explore up to 6 different ski areas loaded with dry Tohoku powder, including skiing amongst the “snow monster” trees of Mount Hakkoda.
- Sport
- Ski + Snowboard
- Max group size
- 6 guests
- Guiding
- Two professional ski guides on every departure, led by a certified IFMGA or ACMG international guide, supported by a Japanese-speaking assistant ski guide and trip host
Package
Included
Expert Support Two professional ski guides on every departure, led by a certified IFMGA or ACMG international guide, supported by a Japanese-speaking assistant ski guide and trip host.
Expert local knowledge, allowing us to adapt daily to snow conditions and maximize your time on the best terrain available.
Seamless Travel Private ground transportation throughout the trip.
Coordinated arrival and departure support to ensure a smooth travel experience from start to finish.
Skiing Lift tickets for all ski days.
Lift-assisted backcountry access combined with backcountry touring for efficient powder hunting.
Avalanche safety review and ongoing terrain guidance throughout the trip.
Accommodations Traditional Japanese inns focused on comfort, location, and overall trip flow.
Access to traditional Japanese onsen (hot springs) for daily recovery after skiing.
Dining & Local Experience Daily breakfast to start each ski day.
Dinners hosted by your guides, featuring traditional, locally sourced Japanese cuisine.
Opportunities to experience regional specialties, including local beer and sake included each evening at dinner.
Thoughtful Extras Small group size (maximum of 6 guests) for a more personalized experience and greater flexibility in the mountains.
Guidance and support navigating both the cultural and logistical aspects of traveling in Japan.
Not Included
- Arrival to Aomori and departure from Morioka (see FAQs tab for info)
- Travel insurance
- Lunch
- Guide gratuities at your own discretion
Accommodation, travel and itinerary
Accommodation
Aomori Prefecture: An authentic Japanese onsen experience, nestled Southwest of the city of Aomori. Ryokan features mineral-rich hot springs, perfect for rejuvenation.
Mount Iwate: This well-appointed hotel around Mount Iwate blends modern comfort with traditional Japanese touches, offering cozy rooms, onsen baths with scenic views, and gourmet locally sourced cuisine.
Getting There
Arriving to Aomori: Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo to Shin-Aomori Station. There are also direct domestic flight from Tokyo's Haneda airport to Aomori but this airport can close due to weather. The train is more reliable.
Departing: Bullet train from Morioka Station to Tokyo or to your departing Tokyo airport. In the morning, we’ll drop the group at Morioka Station by 9:45am.
Itinerary
- Day 1Arrive to Aomori + Welcome dinner with the group
- Day 2-4Backcountry exploring out of Hakkoda and Aomori Springs
- Day 5Travel to south to our next base. The beautiful Mount Iwate.
- Day 6-8Powder chasing and lift assisted touring around Mount Iwate and the Hachimantai region
- Day 9Departure Day
Dates and prices
| Dates | Season | Duration | From | Availability | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 4 – Jan 12, 2027Calendar row "4-12 | Tohoku Backcountry Tour | $5995 | Trip Full". | 2026/27 | 9 days | 5,995 USD$5995 per person, based on double occupancy; limited single rooms available for a $1495 upgrade | Sold Out | Book on company website |
| Jan 13 – Jan 21, 2027Calendar row "13-21 | Tohoku Backcountry Tour | $5995 | Trip Full". | 2026/27 | 9 days | 5,995 USD$5995 per person, based on double occupancy; limited single rooms available for a $1495 upgrade | Sold Out | Book on company website |
Prices, taxes and fees, required extras, inclusions, availability, and booking terms can change. Confirm the current price and trip details on the company website; source last reviewed September 2, 2026.
Good To Know
Is this "sidecountry"? What does backcountry touring with lift access actually mean? No, this is true backcountry touring, and the difference matters. On our trips, the lift does one thing: it saves you the long, low-elevation approach and drops you up high so the real touring can start sooner. From there you'll skin, climb, and earn your descents under your own power—expect 500–1,000m (1,500′–3,000′) of climbing on a typical day. Ski touring or splitboard gear and the fitness to match are required.
Do I need to bring my own avalanche safety equipment and touring skis/splitboard? Yes. Guests are required to bring their own gear, including avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe with suitable backpack).
When is the best time to come for the best conditions? January and February offer the most consistent snowfall and deepest powder conditions across Aomori and Tohoku.
How much spending money should I bring? We recommend budgeting approximately ¥3,000–¥5,000 per day for lunches, snacks, and après-ski.
Pricing Details at a Glance: (in USD) $5995 per person, based on double occupancy. Privacy Please: Limited single rooms available for a $1495 upgrade. Payment: A 25% deposit is required to secure your reservation.