Powder Geek Japan

Overall Rating

Powder Geek

Powder Geek5.0/52
Powder Geek5.0 out of 5 based on 2 reviews

Powder Geek Japan

Overall Rating

Powder Geek5.0/52
Powder Geek5.0 out of 5 based on 2 reviews

Powder Geek Japan

Powder Geek offers powder tours that head to Shiga Kogen where local guides show you their favourite powder stashes. The lead guide Yutaro has a backcountry guiding license as a member of the JMGA (Japan Mountain Guide Association) and IFMGA.

The Powder Geek tours are based in the little town of Yudanaka, which sits at the base of Shiga Kogen. Yudanaka is a rural hot spring town located in the northern part of Nagano that has been loved by many people since it was discovered by a monk 1350 years ago. Yudanaka is adjacent to the little village of Shibu Onsen, with its cute cobblestone streets and laneways. Yudanaka is also known as snow monkey town, due to its proximity to the famous snow monkeys.

Powder Geek Terms & Conditions


Please take the time to read and understand the terms and conditions of booking set out below prior to booking a tour or travel service with Powder geek Japan

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.

Services Not Covered

Additional activities may be offered by Powder geek Japan during a trip. Client, however, will be responsible for all extra expenses incurred as a result of Client’s participation in the activity. Only those activities described in the trip description are included in the total cost of the trip. Client will be responsible for charges All tours include continental breakfast. Details are indicated on our website. When meals and drinks are not included, client will be responsible for the expenses.

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 wellbeing 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.

PASSPORTS AND VISAS

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 OR 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.

MODEL RELEASE

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 Japan. 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 to arrange appropriate rentals.

I understand that Powder geek Japan may rent or outfit me with equipment required for backcountry travel or other tour use. I agree to treat the equipment as if it were my own, and if damaged or destroyed, I am responsible for the cost of the equipment, to be paid immediately and that may include international shipping costs and additional taxes.

Ticks all the boxes

Mark Thomas
13/03/2023
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Age
    51-70
  • Ability
    Expert
  • Rider Type
    Skier
  • Country
    Australia
  • Month:
    January
  • Admin Rating
    3

Ticks all the boxes

Mark Thomas
13/03/2023
I was looking for help getting into backcountry, experienced guides, great snow, local knowledge and a great place to stay. Yoshi and Yataro are fantastic guides, very safe, helpful, fun, good at judging what you're capable of skiing and these guys really know the best places to ski. The lodge is perfect, spacious and very welcoming.
See our video here

Best ski tour ever!

24/02/2023

Gary Young

Powder Puppy
Powder Puppy

Gary Young

Powder Puppy
Powder Puppy
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Age
    51-70
  • Ability
    Advanced
  • Rider Type
    Skier
  • Country
    Australia
  • Month:
    January
  • Admin Rating
    5

Best ski tour ever!

24/02/2023
I have taken many off piste ski tours in the past and went on the first Touge Goe tour in Shiga Kogen on the 29th January with Yoshi and Yutaro as my guides and I would have to rank it as one of the best is experiences I have ever had.

Prior to commencing the tour Yoshi was in constant contact with me and the other participants to find out our level of ability and what our particular interests were so he could tailor the tour to maximise our enjoyment.

I stayed at the beautiful Aibiya Lodge in Yudanaka where Yoshi and his partner Seongmi made me feel very welcome and comfortable. Each day Yoshi and Yutari would choose the best area to ski and they found great (waist deep) untracked powder in the trees for us even though there were many other off-piste groups in the area. They also introduced me to skinning when we went backcountry outside the Teratoya and Yoketeyama resorts areas later in the week.

I would have no hesitation in recommending the Touge Goe tour to anyone looking for an advanced to expert off piste ski experience in the largest ski area in Japan.
See our video here
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TOUGE GOE Backcountry & Sidecountry Tour DETAILS
Price p/p sample price is based on 2 guests staying in a twin room with a shared bathroom for 2025 group tour
USD 1,967

GUIDED POWDER TOUR
6 Nights | 5 Days Guided - Shigakogen + Other Ski Areas

Location: Japan | Tour Focus: Guided | Terrain Focus: Off-Piste, On-Piste, Backcountry, Sidecountry
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Price p/p sample price is based on 2 guests staying in a twin room with a shared bathroom for 2025 group tour
USD 1,967
This powder adventure is based in the onsen town of Yudanaka near Shiga Kogen. The Japanese lead guide is a qualified backcountry guide & accompanied by another local guide who were born and raised in Shigakogen so they can show you the best secret local powder stashes. More
View inclusions & Add-ons
Click here for rates, dates & availability
Fixed Date(s)
Days
Price
Availability
Fixed Date(s): Feb 16 - Feb 22, 2025
Days: 7
Price: USD 1,967
Availability: Available
Future rates & dates are currently not yet available for this operator. Click here to enquire.
DETAILS
Powder Progression Tour URAYAMA DETAILS
Price p/p This is the price per person for two guests (couple or friends) staying in a twin or double room using the shared bathroom. For solo travellers, a private twin or double room (sole use) is from Y310,200.
Base/invoice currency is in Japanese Yen
Displayed price may vary slightly due to exchange rate fluctuations.
USD 1,967

GUIDED BACKCOUNTRY TOUR
6 Nights | 5 Days Guided - Shigakogen

Location: Japan | Tour Focus: Guided-Progression | Terrain Focus: Off-Piste, On-Piste, Backcountry, Sidecountry
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Advanced
Price p/p This is the price per person for two guests (couple or friends) staying in a twin or double room using the shared bathroom. For solo travellers, a private twin or double room (sole use) is from Y310,200.
Base/invoice currency is in Japanese Yen
Displayed price may vary slightly due to exchange rate fluctuations.
USD 1,967
This is a powder adventure where you can also improve your powder skiing / riding skills, backcoutry skills and basic avalanche safety . Tour for maximum 6 people led by two local guides who were born and raised in this area, and can show you the best Shigakogen secret local powder stashes. More
View inclusions & Add-ons
Click here for rates, dates & availability
Fixed Date(s)
Days
Price
Availability
Fixed Date(s): Jan 09 - Jan 15, 2025
Days: 7
Price: USD 1,967
Availability: Sold Out
Future rates & dates are currently not yet available for this operator. Click here to enquire.
DETAILS
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