Ski Japan!
Powder, onsens and small-town Japan.
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.
Founding Member Rate $2,550 · Standard Rate $2,700
Feb 21–28, 2027 · 12 spots
Guided backcountry
Two privately guided backcountry days per skier, in groups of up to six. 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.
+$350per 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. We'll need a few volunteer drivers; we'll coordinate this before the trip.
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
Twelve spots. Small crew. Founding Members go first and pay less.
For the wider Seekrs community
Non-refundable, plus any applicable room upgrade
Pricing is based on double occupancy in a shared-bathroom room. Ensuite upgrade +US$350 per person; single room +US$450; limited availability.
Not a Founding Member yet? Become one to book first at the Founding Member Rate.
- Step 1
Join the waitlist
Free, and takes a minute.
- Step 2
Get your invitation
Founding Members are invited first. Remaining spots are offered to the wider waitlist in sign-up order.
- Step 3
Pay a $500 deposit
Your spot is confirmed once your invitation is accepted and the deposit is paid. Non-refundable, plus any room upgrade.
- Step 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.
12 Seekrs. 6 ski days.
All the pow.
- 2 private guided backcountry days.
- 4 flexible days chasing the snow.
- A traditional guesthouse that's ours for the week.
- Onsens, snow monkeys and small-town Japan.
- And twelve people doing Japan properly.
