Come and experience the thrill of riding one of Japan’s top backcountry areas. Mt. Norikura [Highest Peak: Kengamine - 3026m] has good snow condition all season long because of it’s geographical features and it gets fresh snow even in May. Hike up from the top of the Norikura Kogen Onsen Ski Resort [2000m] and challenge one of the peaks, ride in trees, and experience a natural half-pipe. Our guide will take you to best runs according to the weather and your riding level.
For beginners, we offer 2 Day Course with short avalanche study and beacon training. For experienced riders who have joined our beginner tour before, we offer a One Day Course that you can challenge steeper and deeper avid terrain. For those who would say, ”Winter mountains?? Ummm….”, we suggest you join Spring Backcountry Course which start in May. Start at Kuraigahara [ 2350m ], a 45 minute bus ride from NORTHSTAR’s lodge. Most of the spring hikes are shorter than the winter hikes. You can ride down to the ski resort until the middle of May. The spring season would be best for beginner backcountry riding. We also offer 2-day tours that stay the night at the Kuraigahara Lodge. Please contact us for more details.
2 Day Course for Beginners
Cost
¥18,000
*Price Includes; 1 night lodging with 2 meals, lunch for day 2, guide fee, backcountry insurance, avalanche study fee, beacon training fee.
Schedule
Day 1
12:30 Registration
1:00 Beacon Training
2:00 Riding Check at the ski resort
4:00 Avalanche Study
6:00 Dinner
Day 2
7:00 Breakfast
8:00 Move to the ski resort
9:00 Hike up from the top of ski resort
Hike & Ride
2:30 Back to ski resort
3:30 Fairwell
Restriction
Intermediate and above: You do not have to be an expert rider but you need to be able to ride any kind of terrain. Our guide will choose terrains according to the level of the riders who join the tours.
One Day Course for Experienced Riders
Cost
¥9,000
*Price Includes guide fee and backcountry insurance.
**Price with lodging. Price without lodging is 10% increase.
Schedule
7:00 Breakfast for those staying at Northstar
7:30 Meet and register at Northstar
8:00 Moving to the ski resort
9:00 Hike up from the top of ski resort
Hike & Ride
2:30 Back to ski resort
3:30 Fairwell
Restriction
For those who have joined our beginner courses.
Spring Backcountry Course
Cost
¥8,500
*Price Includes guide fee and backcountry insurance.
**Price with lodging. Price without lodging is 10% increase.
Schedule for a One Day Tour
7:00 Breakfast for those staying at NORTHSTAR
7:30 Meet and register at Northstar
8:00 Walk to the bus stop [ 2-3 minutes from the lodge ]
9:00 Start the hike up from Kuraigahara 2300 meters
Hike & Ride
2:30 Return to Kuraigahara [or ride down to the ski resort]
2:58 Bus ride back to Norikura Kogen
3:30 One Day Tour is finished
Restriction
Intermediate and above. You do not have to be an expert rider but you need to be able to ride any kind of terrain. Our guide will choose terrains according to the level of the riders who join the tours.
Common Topics for All Courses
Open to
Snowboarders, Telemark and Alpine Skiers.
Dates
Starting from mid January, mainly every Saturday and Sunday until the 1st week of June. *Reservation must be made one week prior.
Age restriction: 18 Years and older
Group Size
3 to 9 people
Equipment
Snowboard/skis, boots, ski/snowboard jacket and pants, back pack, avalanche beacon, probe, shovel, adjustable ski poles (for snowboarders), ski seals/snow shoes, water bottle, bento [ lunch bag, only for day tours], snacks, extra goggles, extra gloves, extra insulation jacket, lift/bus fare
Available Rental Equipment
Snowboard Set: ¥3,500/day (Avalanche Beacon, Probe, Shovel, Snowshoes, Ski Poles)
Avalanche Set: ¥2,000/day (Avalanche Beacon, Probe, Shovel)
Backpack: ¥1,000/day
Avalanche Beacon: ¥1,000/day
Probe: ¥500/day
Snowshoes: ¥1,000/day
Shovel: ¥500/day
Hiking Poles: ¥500/day
*Price with lodging. Price without lodging is 10% increase. Rental equipment is limited in numbers. Rentals will be provided in the order of reservation.
Disclaimer
Guides will make the final decision about what line to climb and ride. Please understand that we will have your safety as a primary focus of this backcountry experience. We will take into consideration the riding ability of our guests, the weather, and the condition of the terrain to make this evaluation.
About your guide
Daniel Junker: who will be your primary guide, is the founder and director of NORTHSTAR. He was born and raised in Japan and started skiing on Norikura and the Northern Japan Alps at a young age and has lived in Norikura since 1991.
- Guiding: 8 years
- Rescue: Wilderness First Responder
- Avalanche: Canadian Avalanche Association Level One
- Skiing and Snowboard Experience: Former SAJ instructor
Application
Please make reservation from our Reservation Page with course, date, etc that you want to join.
