Ski JaPOW!
A ski week based in Yudanaka, a historic onsen town in Nagano. Two days of private guided backcountry touring per skier, four flexible days chasing the best snow across the region, and a traditional guesthouse that's ours for the week.
$500 deposit · Only 12 spots
Guided backcountry
Four private guide days, groups of up to six, so every skier gets two touring days. The schedule stays flexible: each evening we look at snow, weather, avalanche conditions and group energy, then set the next day's plan.
The touring
Mostly around Shiga Kogen and the surrounding national park. Lifts for access, then skins on into powder, trees and variable natural snow, with one to two hours of skinning at a time. A typical day is two big descents; stronger groups may get more.
We're after good snow and interesting terrain away from the crowds, not maximum vertical. Groups may be split by touring experience and fitness.
Who it's for
Advanced skiers who have toured before. You're comfortable in powder, trees and variable ungroomed snow, you know your touring and avalanche gear, and you can skin for long stretches. This is not an intro-to-touring trip.
Built for skiers. Snowboarders are discouraged because of tight trees, traverses and flat exits.
Follow the snow
Rental cars all week mean we go where the snow is best and split into smaller crews when it makes sense. Lift tickets aren't included.
Ikon holders can use their pass at Shiga Kogen and Madarao.
Shiga Kogen
Ikon + Ikon BaseA huge linked area of 18 ski areas, including Yakebitaiyama and Okushiga Kogen. Resort powder, trees, and access to side and backcountry terrain.
Madarao
Ikon + Ikon BaseTree skiing everywhere and loads of ungroomed terrain. The call after fresh snow, when we want resort powder without breaking trail.
Nozawa Onsen
Day ticketsBigger resort, long runs, good powder, and another traditional onsen village. A strong early-morning powder option.
Off the skis
Onsens
Yudanaka and neighbouring Shibu are traditional hot-spring towns full of public and private baths. Make it the daily après, or try a different bath every day.
Snow monkeys
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is right by Yudanaka. Fit a half-day visit into a flexible day without giving up a full ski day.
Most evenings are open. Small local restaurants, with the crew splitting up by what people want to eat and do.
Home base
We've booked all of Aibiya Guesthouse for Seekrs, Sunday Feb 21 to Sunday Feb 28.
Breakfast every morning.
Twin or Large Double, shared bathroom
Shared with one other Seekr.
Tell us twin or double when you book.
Twin or Large Double, ensuite bathroom
Shared with one other Seekr, with a private bathroom.
+$350 per personSingle room, shared bathroom
Your own room.
No private ensuites available.
Rooms and upgrades are first come, first served by deposit date.
Upgrades are paid with your deposit.
Getting there
Fly into Tokyo, either Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND), then it's all trains to Yudanaka.
Detailed train times and recommendations will follow closer to the trip.
Be at Aibiya by 5:00 PM on Sunday. The pre-trip briefing that evening is mandatory: snow and weather, the backcountry plan, group assignments, safety gear check, and Monday's plan. Book flights and any earlier travel around it.
Cars & driving
Getting Around
Rental cars for the full week, plus fuel, tolls and parking. We carpool between Aibiya, the mountains, restaurants and everything else. Happy to drive? Let Britt know.
Two rules for drivers
- Get an International Driving Permit before you land. You can't sort it out in Japan.
- Japan's drink-driving laws are very strict. Driving tonight means no drinks. We'll line up designated drivers.
Bring your kit
No touring rentals locally. Bring a complete setup you already know how to use; the guided days aren't for learning new gear.
- Touring skis
- Touring boots
- Skins
- Poles
- Avalanche beacon
- Shovel
- Probe
- Backpack
Avalanche airbag optional.
What's in
Included
- 7 nights at Aibiya Guesthouse, exclusive to Seekrs
- Daily breakfast
- 2 private guided backcountry days per person
- Rental cars, fuel, tolls and parking
- Three group dinners, including a traditional kaiseki dinner to wind down the trip on Friday, Feb 26
- Seekrs planning and coordination
Not included
- International flights
- Domestic transportation to and from the guesthouse
- Lift tickets and ski passes
- Touring, avalanche and other ski gear
- Travel, rescue and evacuation insurance
- Lunches and other dinners
- Alcohol and other drinks
- Snow Monkey Park and onsen admission (public or private)
- Personal expenses
Insurance: recommended. Because of the backcountry days, check your policy covers off-piste skiing and ski touring, search and rescue, evacuation, medical treatment, and trip interruption or cancellation.
Claim your spot
Only 12 spots. Seekrs with an active membership get the first invitations to book.
Membership not active? Become a Founding Member to book first at the Seekrs Active Membership Rate.
- 1
Join the waitlist
Free, and takes a minute.
- 2
Get your invitation
Seekrs with an active membership are invited first, then the waitlist in sign-up order.
- 3
Pay a $500 deposit
Secures your spot.
Non-refundable, plus any applicable room upgrade. - 4
Pay the remaining balance
Due within 45 days of deposit.
Travelling solo? Book a shared room and we'll pair you with another Seekr in a twin.
If we can't find you a roommate, you won't pay the single supplement.
All the pow.
Seven nights in a private guesthouse in a Japanese onsen town. Two days of guided backcountry touring each. Four days chasing powder across Shiga Kogen, Madarao, Nozawa and wherever the snow points us. Onsens, snow monkeys, small-town Japan, and far less resort bubble.