Myoko Backcountry

The Myoko Kogen area has a huge variety of options for backcountry touring. Maeyama, Mitaharayama, Akakurayama, and Kurohime-san are all accessible via a combination of resort lifts and hiking. Experienced, English speaking local guides like Bill Ross bill@myokobackcountry.com are on hand to take you safely to the best powder stashes and back, and equipment hire is also available (beacons, snowshoes etc.). Some resorts also offer backcountry options, including Madarao Kogen and Seki Onsen which both have some amazing terrain on offer and guides who work for the resorts.

Backcountry touring opens up whole new worlds to those willing to invest the time and energy. Traveling under your own steam brings a new level of satisfaction to riding deep, untracked powder. And there is plenty of that to be found as reward for a good climb!

There are tours suited to all levels of experience, from people who are just getting in to skiing or boarding in the backcountry to those who are looking for a more extreme adventure. There is even the option of snowshoe touring for those who are keen to see some more of the beautiful Japanese mountain scenery without the adrenaline of sliding back down.

All of the areas listed above are accessible as day tours utilising the resort lifts to gain altitude quickly before venturing out into the beautiful mountain landscape for between one and three hours of hiking. A normal tour day will involve a fairly early start, with a lunch break following the hike where you can take in stunning views of the Myoko area while refueling on traditional Japanese portable lunch options like Onigiri (rice ball). Then comes the gold at the end of the rainbow – untracked powder lines galore as you descend back into the resorts!