The Japow Dream

Our journey into the mountains begins in Nagano, where we meet up before heading to Hakuba. Once settled into our base for the first half of the trip, the focus shifts to the terrain. The evening is dedicated to a safety briefing with our guides; we’ll get updates about the current snowpack and plan our first trip based on the latest weather systems and powder forecasts.

Our "Japow" dream officially begins in the Hakuba Valley. These days are entirely dedicated to hunting down the deepest, lightest and best snow. With total flexibility, our guides select our daily destination based on the conditions - whether we’re charging through the famous birch forests of Cortina or tackling the steeper, more technical alpine lines above Happo One and Tsugaike. To get the most out of every day, we can use a "smart-access" approach: combining lift-assisted freeriding to maximize our vertical drop with short skinning sessions to reach completely untouched stashes. The goal is simple - to enjoy the Japanese Alps to the fullest. A perfect day in the mountains ends with the ultimate local ritual: a soak in a steaming onsen, followed by a feast of ramen, sushi, and gyoza as we prep for the next morning’s drop

After four intense ski days, your legs will likely welcome a change of pace. Day 5 is a strategic pivot dedicated to recovery, relocation, and deeper cultural immersion. We leave Hakuba behind and set our sights on Myoko, transitioning to a new base that unlocks a wider variety of backcountry terrain and fresh lines. The journey between these two legendary regions is an experience in itself. Our first stop is the iconic Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, where we’ll observe the famous Japanese macaques bathing in natural volcanic springs. From there, we continue to the historic village of Nozawa Onsen, a place renowned for its vibrant ski culture and traditional Sotoyu public bathhouses. This visit offers a rare glimpse into authentic onsen culture and a chance to enjoy a traditional local lunch in one of Japan's most atmospheric mountain towns. This mid-trip break is designed to let you recharge, process the adventure so far, and prime your body for the final three days of high-intensity freeriding in the Japanese Alps.

Refreshed from our cultural interlude, we relocate to the Myoko Kogen region - an area legendary for recording some of the highest snowfall totals in all of Japan. Days 7 and 8 are dedicated to what Myoko does best: bottomless tree skiing. We’ll navigate the various resorts within the region, such as Suginohara or Akakura Kanko, utilizing the lift systems as a springboard to skin deep into the endless backcountry. With the staggering volume of snow this area receives, our focus remains on finding the deepest, most untouched lines far away from the crowds. Every day here is an opportunity to push further into the terrain, and if the spirit is willing, the afternoon can be capped off with a soak in Myoko’s local hot springs for total recovery. This is the ultimate reset before our final push, ensuring you are fully restored and ready for the legendary Japow that defines this region.

Today marks our final session in the Japanese Alps. We’ll make the most of the morning, heading exactly where the conditions are peaking to claim those last, magical powder turns. To wrap up an incredible week, we’ll gather for one last farewell dinner - a chance to toast to the memories made, the deep turns shared, and the new friendships formed in the heart of the mountains

After a final Japanese breakfast, it’s time to head home. Of course, for many, the pull of the mountains is too strong - if you’ve extended your stay to squeeze in a few more days of legendary skiing, we can’t say we blame you! Whether you’re heading to the airport or continuing your exploration of Japan, we thank you for joining us on this journey. We’re heading home with heavy legs and incredible memories, and we can’t wait to see you back in the deep stuff again soon