Tohoku Escape
On the Tohoku Escape Tour you can escape the busy big name ski resorts of Nagano, Niigata and Hokkaido, and get taken to the powder stashes of smaller ski areas in Northern Tohoku. In the prefectures of
Aomori and
Iwate, it’s more rural and the pace of life is unhurried. Skiing or snowboarding is similar, and you won’t need to jostle in lift lines to get to the fresh powder.
Highlights
- 2 bases in Aomori Prefecture & Iwate Prefecture to access a variety of ski areas
- Mostly lift-accessed powder guiding in the mornings, with the likelihood of short bootpacks at times to get to the goods
- Flexible afternoons with respect to skiing/riding
- Stay in nice hotels that have indoor and outdoor onsen (hot spring baths) for après ski relaxation
- Breakfast and dinner are included at the hotels, and include a variety of fare
- Your guide will look after all the transport logistics of getting between the ski areas and the hotels
Terrain & Guiding
The tour includes professional guiding from Escape Japan until lunchtime, with the terrain focus being off-piste skiing and riding in amongst the trees at small ski areas, along with the lift-accessed backcountry (sidecountry). Often with a very short bootpack stomped in by the guide, you can get just a little further afield to untouched lines that feed back into the lifts, and if the group is up for it, the bootpacks can be a little longer.
In the afternoon there’s no official guiding, which gives you some flexibility. You can split off into smaller groups to keep riding your favourite spots at your own pace. Or when the weather and conditions are prime, there may be the opportunity to head out backcountry touring with one of the guides to access great powder lines. Previous touring experience, the right gear, and decent fitness are required.
If you want to double check availability or have any other questions, please
get in touch.
Ski Areas
From the hotel base at Aomori Spring, a day at
Aomori Spring may be on the cards, or
Hakkoda is also an option if the weather is good or there is another gem over the back of Aomori Spring if a big storm is in effect.
From the hotel in Iwate, there are a few ski areas that within easy access including
Appi, with its snowcat shuttles to easily get to some good backcountry lines. Depending on conditions, there are also a few options slightly further afield including a ski field in the Akita Prefecture.
Group
This tour is a mixed group trip that solos, duos or small groups are welcome to join. Each trip has a maximum of 10 guests per trip with 2 guides. Two groups will be formed to match up ability and terrain objectives.
Who is the Tohoku Escape Suited to?
This trip is for powder hungry skiers and snowboarders who want to get off the beaten track. The minimum ability level is advanced off-piste, with experience in riding deep snow in the trees. A good level of fitness is also required.
If you have any questions about your ability level, please
get in contact.
If you’re looking for a big party scene, this probably isn’t the trip for you. You’ll be staying in rural areas where the focus will be on Japanese culture and skiing powder.
Equipment
You'll want to have a powder board or skis with a minimum of 100 underfoot. For snowboards, you’ll generally want a softer flex than for on-piste conditions and a more directional board. A ski touring or splitboard set up is recommended, but not essential, for afternoon adventures to untouched powder lines.
You will need an avalanche safety kit (backpack, beacon, shovel, probe) and these can be rented if required. You’ll also need a helmet and clothing layers suitable for -5 to -30 degrees C temps.