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1-day Backcountry ski tour in Shirakawa-go (Gifu), Japan

1-day Backcountry ski tour in Shirakawa-go (Gifu), Japan
1-day Backcountry ski tour in Shirakawa-go (Gifu), Japan
1-day Backcountry ski tour in Shirakawa-go (Gifu), Japan
1-day Backcountry ski tour in Shirakawa-go (Gifu), Japan

Local JMGA-certified guide Ryuta will lead you on a delightful 1-day of backcountry skiing in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, providing a stunning backdrop and gorgeous scenery, all in the Japanese region of Shirakawa, Gifu.

Private

+1 Day

Jan, Feb

Intermediate

Intermediate


Highlights

* Ski and snowboard around a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site!

* Improve and learn more backcountry skiing techniques

* Indulge in the local traditions and history of the area

* Enjoy the steep slopes and deep snow in the alpine area and beech forest!

Description

Join me on this 1-day expedition of backcountry skiing through Japan's fresh powder and uncrowded secret trails while enjoying local culture and traditional Japanese scenery here in Shirakawa-go.

Shirakawa Village is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known as a place in Japan with the highest amount of snowfall. There is a wide variety of ski runs and trails, as well as many amazing idyllic and quiet spots.

We meet at 8am in Takayama, before we head off to Shirakawa. We will decide on a location to ski somewhere between Shirakawa and Hirayu, depending on the conditions, as this takes up most of the morning and middle part of the day, finishing at 3pm.

As mentioned, the scenery around Shirakawa is absolutely breath taking, as the picture-perfect mountains lead down to beautiful lakes and valleys, all in absolutely pristine condition. As this is backcountry skiing, there are very few people in the areas we will go, making for a more peaceful ski!

Hopefully after this day you will be inspired to come back and discover more of this alluring part of the world.

Visit Japan and you will not regret discovering this beautiful place – book now to experience!

I also offer a backcountry ski tour in Tateyama, Toyama, here!

Alternatively, I offer Myoko backcountry splitboard guiding, here!

Price includes

- Guiding fee


Itinerary

Day 1: Meet and ski

– Meet up at Shirakawago Bus Terminal or nearby accommodation

– Ski until afternoon

 

Details

More info

Skill Level: Advanced, required to be able to ski on advanced slope.

Fitness Level: Need to be fit enough for 3-4 hike-ups per day. Cumulative Hike-up altitude per day is 800-1,000 m

Previous Experience: Backcountry skiing experience

The following items are available for rent by prior arrangement (price for rental in brackets).

-Beacon (JPY 2,000), probe (JPY 1,000), shovel (JPY 1,000), backpack (JPY 1,000), snowshoes (JPY 2,000), poles (JPY 1,000). All 6 items (JPY 6,000)

Meeting point

Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal or nearby accommodations

About the guide

Guide profile image

Ryuta

4.5

(4)

Mountain Guide

I live in Gifu prefecture in Japan, which is famous for Shrakawago UNESCO World Heritage Site and also becoming famous as the backcountry skiing / snowboarding arena known for its DEEP snow and STEEP terrains.

I am a JMGA certified mountain guide, also certified in Wilderness First Aid. Following my competition years in snowboarding, I became a guide because I liked backcountry snowboarding and wanted to propose safe and fun trips to clients, where I can share my experiences and joys that I felt in the mountains. I spend the winter exploring new backcountry terrains and spend rest of the year climbing mountains. I have accomplished a snowboard descent from the summit of Denali in 2013.
My motto is to guide “safely and fun”, and therefore I aspire to guide small groups. I value the time I spend with each of my guests and this way I can spend more time communicating with clients and for clients to get to know each other better.

I believe that mountain climbing experience should not just be about standing on the summit but also enjoying the nature on the mountain as a whole, learning about the history, and getting a taste of the culture. Shirakawago, in Gifu, is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you can also enjoy onsen and local cuisine.

Whether it be walking in the mountains, touching the snow, rock, grass or water, or hiking, canyoning, rock climbing, or backcountry skiing, I believe that experiences in the outdoors will enrich your life. Japan is a country of 4 distinct seasons, blessed with rich and beautiful nature. Let’s have fun together in this nature, using all your 5 senses, moving your bodies and feel the rhythm of the nature and of the Earth. I would love to share my outdoor experiences with you and I endeavour to guide in a way to connect people to people, and people to nature in the natural rhythm of the nature.

Languages

Japanese | English

Certificates

JMGA

Request more information

What people are saying about Ryuta

4

I think Ryuta is a great guide. The tour was quite nice. I loved the lines we did. It would've been 5 stars if his English was better but his assistant guide was of great help especially in communication. Otherwise, I felt quite safe with him and his abilities

5

Without a doubt, Ryuta-san exceeded all of my expectations. His level of professionalism, planning, client care and willingness to go the extra mile are on par with the best in the business. He is also the first dedicated splitboard guide I've toured with, so this was an added plus!

4

Everything was just great, him and his partner were fully dedicated to our group and tried their best to make the most out of our day. The lines were great and they were super safety-conscious. I wish his English was a bit better, so that we'd get to interact more and learn more about the mountain, some local stories etc... Cheers!

Eric

5

Great mountain, awesome guide, good times. Only for dedicated backcountry enthusiasts though.


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