Tohoku Powder Sessions
NB for February 2025 there is some availability for private multi-day guiding for groups of 4 people (ie you can't join a group). This is bespoke and inclusive of lodging and transport. Please make contact regarding availability and for a quote.
Join The Adventure Project in the far north of Honshu, the main island of Japan, for 12 days exploring some of the hidden
gems of Japanese ski areas in the Tohoku region.
The tour will be based in three areas. First up is Hirosaki which is a small city in Aomori Prefecture known for the 17th century Hirosaki Castle and
shrines, restored Samurai houses and apple orchards. From the hotel, there are various restaurants within walking distance. The second base is at the hotel at the base of
Hachimantai Panorama Ski Resort and the third at
Shizikuishi Ski Resort.
The tour will cover three prefectures and potential for a good variety of little ski areas:
Aomori Prefecture (Aomori Springs, Owani Onsen);
Iwate Prefecture (Shizukuishi, Geto Kogen, Amihari Onsen, Okunakayama, Appi, Shimokura); and
Akita Prefecture (Tazawako).
Each small group (max 4 people) will have their own van and guide and will explore as many of the
under the radar resorts and backcountry as possible. At night, the guide will take you out to one of the many
amazing restaurants in the area.
If you thought Hokkaido was relatively unknown, then Tohoku is even more so.
Suitability
The Tohoku Powder Session tour is suitable for skiers and snowboarders, strong intermediate to expert level. Guests must already be comfortable skiing or
riding in powder and can link fluid turns in black and double black diamond terrain (if heading
off-piste).
Advanced groups will predominantly be riding in the trees or open, gladed terrain. You will
spend relatively little time on groomed runs. Whilst the terrain is generally not that steep, some of the
trees can be tight at times. The snow is deep and light though!
Intermediate groups will spend more time riding inbounds in the resort looking for powder at the side
of the trails or on the edge of the trees. Once confidence and ability has been established in easier
terrain, then intermediate groups can then start to venture off-piste.
Equipment
If you are riding in potential avalanche terrain, all guests must have full avalanche safety gear (beacon,
shovel and probe). You will be put through the avalanche safety training program at the start of the trip.
It is recommended for advanced skiers/riders to have uphill capability (fat skis and touring
bindings/skins or splitboards or powder board/snowshoes/poles) in case the conditions dictate the need to hike.
Intermediate
groups will only need touring gear if they would like to do some introductory ski touring.
If you have any questions or want to double check availability, you can
make a booking request.