PLAY

WITH US

Enjoy nature at its best and set your most rewarding lines

Let us know where you are planning to go and we will come to you!

What is the right product for you?
Private guiding and touring

If you are an intermediate or above skier or snowboarder and are new to a resort or you want to find the best and secret powder stashes, you might want to have a look at our guiding and touring services below.

  • With resort guiding, we show you the best the resort has to offer for your ability level.
  • With side and backcountry guiding, we take you further away from the groomed runs to enjoy Japan’s amazing powder in its full swing.
  • Are you fit and adventurous and at least a high intermediate skier or snowboarder and ready to earn your turns? Grab your snowshoes, tour skis or split board and get away from the crowds and the ski lifts.

During our guiding and touring products, we are happy to throw you tips to improve your riding in different conditions to make your turns feel effortless and amazing.  We work on your line choices, to make it safer and more fun, on as well as off-piste. Along with this, we will educate you on safe on and off-piste riding and proper use of backcountry equipment.

The prices below apply for guiding in Madarao Kogen, all Myoko resorts, Lotte Arai, Nozawa Onsen, Shiga Kogen, and all resorts within similar proximity. Contact us for prices in areas at a further distance, e.g. Hakuba, Yuzawa, or elsewhere in Japan.

TOURS
SEE MORE
CONTACT US
SEE MORE
PACKAGES
SEE MORE
FAQ
SEE MORE
REVIEWS
SEE MORE
GALLERY
SEE MORE

TOURS

PLAY WITH US
Participant #1

EXPERIENCE WITH US AND CHECK OUT OUR PACKAGES

FAQ

When does the side- and backcountry guiding season start?

Usually our side and backcountry season products start from mid January. Before that date, we are happy to offer our resort guiding product where we will stay in bounds however we can’t guarantee that the side- and/or backcountry areas have been filled up enough in order for it to be accessed in a safe way. Having said that, Madarao opened up some really nice in bounds powder areas which are often accessible at an earlier stage so you might have selected the right place to do some early season powder riding.

What kind of equipment do I need for side- and backcountry guiding?

For side/backcountry or full touring you’ll need appropriate gear. This typically includes:

  • Avalanche safety gear (transceiver/beacon, probe, shovel) plus knowledge of how to use them.
  • In case you will go touring you will need touring skis, a split-board or snowshoes for ascents.

If you don’t have all the gear, ask us about equipment hire or guide-provided options.

What level of skier or snowboarder do I need to be to join side or backcountry guiding?

All our guiding products are private which means we can fully cater to your needs and ability. The guide will analyse your skills and select the best terrain where you can have fun and enjoy the snow at your level. We do recommend that you are at least a level 5 skier or snowboarder (see the FAQ on our lesson page for more info regarding our levels) in order to join a side- and backcountry tour.  Don’t worry, if you haven’t skied any deep powder yet, our guides will be able to progress you towards the skills you need.

What is your cancellation policy?

See below our cancellation policy:
– If cancelled up to 2 weeks in advance 100% of the fee will be refunded.
– If cancelled between 2 weeks and 1 week in advance, 80% of the fee will be refunded.
– If cancelled between 1 week and 48 hours in advance, 70% of the fee will be refunded.
– If cancelled between 48 and 24 hours in advance 50% of the fee will be refunded.
– If cancelled within 24 hours of the lesson start time there is no refund possible anymore

How will the guide contact me?

We mostly use WhatsApp for communication with our customers. If you don’t have WhatsApp we will try to adjust to your channel.

Do I need to bring my own lunch?

For resort guiding, we can stop for lunch at an on-mountain restaurant (sometimes cash only). For touring or side-/backcountry guiding, please bring your own packed lunch. If we pick you up from your accommodation, we can stop at a convenience store for snacks. onigiri are ideal for days like this!

 

 

How physically demanding is a touring day?

Touring involves more physical effort than resort skiing: uphill hiking or skinning, uneven terrain, potential deep snow. For example, a typical backcountry tour might involve 2-4 hours of ascent, 500-1000 vertical metres of skiing/riding. We will set a pace suited to your group, but basic cardio fitness and comfort off-piste really helps.

How many people can be in a group?

For resort guiding the maximum participants per guide is 6 people. For side/backcountry or touring we maintain a 1:3 guide to guest ration so with a group of 4-6 people we require an additional tail guide. This ensures safety and quality of experience.

What should I bring/wear during a touring or back and sidecountry day?

In the backcountry you can expect changing conditions and effort uphill so we always recommend to bring/wear layered clothing, (e.g. one or more breathable base layers, an insulating mid layer and a waterproof outer layer), (inner) gloves, face mask, helmet, goggles with lenses for different conditions, water/snacks.

For touring you want to add to the above list: sunglasses, hat, lunch, sunscreen. If you have space in your bag consider to bring a dry base layer, an extra set of gloves and/or face mask.

Will photos / video be taken?

Yes, if you like we can take photos or video of our day together and share them after the day.

What is the difference between resort guiding and side- and backcountry guiding?
In resort guiding indeed includes staying mostly on the slopes, within the resort boundaries. There is no avalanche equipment required. In most Japanese resorts the glades, so the areas in between the slopes, are considered to be out of bounce. This is different to what you might be used to in other countries. These areas are not controlled by the ski resort so in those areas we will ride with safety gear. Therefore, if you like to ski off piste and deep snow (if conditions allow), the side- and backcountry guiding would be the best product.
Do you provide rental equipment in the lodge?

We have a selected rental fleet of touring skis from Faction. In addition, we offer Jones powder boards and snowshoes for rent. Ask us about sizes and prices! If we don’t have your size available, Chill Madarao rents powder skis, snowboards, and telescopic poles (no touring skis). They also rent avi backpacks.

In which resorts to you provide guiding?

The areas where we guide the most are Madarao Kogen, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen and the Myoko area. However we also love to take you to one of the smaller, lesser known areas in the Nagano and Niigata region.

How will be decided where we will go for the day of guiding?

The guide will contact you prior to the booking. Most importantly, we will always listen to your needs and experience. Based on this and the weather and snow conditions of that day, the guide will recommend you a few options. Together you will decide the best option for the day, a meeting point and potentially a pick up location.

Is transportation included?

Yes! Depending on your needs, the guide can either meet you at the agreed meeting point or pick you up from your accommodation.

Does side- and backcountry guiding includes hiking?

Japan and the resorts in our area have so much snow that often on a powder day we can already have amazing runs in the side country terrain accessible via the slopes. Sometimes it will be an easy ski in and ski out, other times there might be a short boot pack involed. We will always check in advance if everybody feels up to a short hike or prefers to stay in lift access side country terrain.

Is avalanche training included with touring and side/backcountry guiding?

We don’t provide offiicial avalanche courses but if you don’t have any background knowledge we will always provide basic instructions on safe route choice, avalanche awareness and equipment usage (beacon/probe/shovel).

What happens if weather or snow conditions aren’t favourable?

Our guides monitor weather, snowpack, avalanche risk daily. If conditions are not safe for the planned terrain we will adjust to more appropriate terrain (still fun!) or change location. Safety is our priority. We recommend that you remain flexible with your plans and trust the guide’s judgement.

Do I need a lift pass for guided tours?

Sometimes. For resort guiding you may need a normal lift pass. Depending on where we go for touring and side/backcountry guiding either a full day lift passes is required or single rides to access terrain. Lift ticket costs are not included in the guiding fee.

When does the side- and backcountry guiding season start?

Usually our side and backcountry season products start from mid January. Before that date, we are happy to offer our resort guiding product where we will stay in bounds however we can’t guarantee that the side- and/or backcountry areas have been filled up enough in order for it to be accessed in a safe way. Having said that, Madarao opened up some really nice in bounds powder areas which are often accessible at an earlier stage so you might have selected the right place to do some early season powder riding.

What is the difference between resort guiding and side- and backcountry guiding?
In resort guiding indeed includes staying mostly on the slopes, within the resort boundaries. There is no avalanche equipment required. In most Japanese resorts the glades, so the areas in between the slopes, are considered to be out of bounce. This is different to what you might be used to in other countries. These areas are not controlled by the ski resort so in those areas we will ride with safety gear. Therefore, if you like to ski off piste and deep snow (if conditions allow), the side- and backcountry guiding would be the best product.
What kind of equipment do I need for side- and backcountry guiding?

For side/backcountry or full touring you’ll need appropriate gear. This typically includes:

  • Avalanche safety gear (transceiver/beacon, probe, shovel) plus knowledge of how to use them.
  • In case you will go touring you will need touring skis, a split-board or snowshoes for ascents.

If you don’t have all the gear, ask us about equipment hire or guide-provided options.

Do you provide rental equipment in the lodge?

We have a selected rental fleet of touring skis from Faction. In addition, we offer Jones powder boards and snowshoes for rent. Ask us about sizes and prices! If we don’t have your size available, Chill Madarao rents powder skis, snowboards, and telescopic poles (no touring skis). They also rent avi backpacks.

What level of skier or snowboarder do I need to be to join side or backcountry guiding?

All our guiding products are private which means we can fully cater to your needs and ability. The guide will analyse your skills and select the best terrain where you can have fun and enjoy the snow at your level. We do recommend that you are at least a level 5 skier or snowboarder (see the FAQ on our lesson page for more info regarding our levels) in order to join a side- and backcountry tour.  Don’t worry, if you haven’t skied any deep powder yet, our guides will be able to progress you towards the skills you need.

In which resorts to you provide guiding?

The areas where we guide the most are Madarao Kogen, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen and the Myoko area. However we also love to take you to one of the smaller, lesser known areas in the Nagano and Niigata region.

What is your cancellation policy?

See below our cancellation policy:
– If cancelled up to 2 weeks in advance 100% of the fee will be refunded.
– If cancelled between 2 weeks and 1 week in advance, 80% of the fee will be refunded.
– If cancelled between 1 week and 48 hours in advance, 70% of the fee will be refunded.
– If cancelled between 48 and 24 hours in advance 50% of the fee will be refunded.
– If cancelled within 24 hours of the lesson start time there is no refund possible anymore

How will be decided where we will go for the day of guiding?

The guide will contact you prior to the booking. Most importantly, we will always listen to your needs and experience. Based on this and the weather and snow conditions of that day, the guide will recommend you a few options. Together you will decide the best option for the day, a meeting point and potentially a pick up location.

How will the guide contact me?

We mostly use WhatsApp for communication with our customers. If you don’t have WhatsApp we will try to adjust to your channel.

Is transportation included?

Yes! Depending on your needs, the guide can either meet you at the agreed meeting point or pick you up from your accommodation.

Do I need to bring my own lunch?

For resort guiding, we can stop for lunch at an on-mountain restaurant (sometimes cash only). For touring or side-/backcountry guiding, please bring your own packed lunch. If we pick you up from your accommodation, we can stop at a convenience store for snacks. onigiri are ideal for days like this!

 

 

Does side- and backcountry guiding includes hiking?

Japan and the resorts in our area have so much snow that often on a powder day we can already have amazing runs in the side country terrain accessible via the slopes. Sometimes it will be an easy ski in and ski out, other times there might be a short boot pack involed. We will always check in advance if everybody feels up to a short hike or prefers to stay in lift access side country terrain.

How physically demanding is a touring day?

Touring involves more physical effort than resort skiing: uphill hiking or skinning, uneven terrain, potential deep snow. For example, a typical backcountry tour might involve 2-4 hours of ascent, 500-1000 vertical metres of skiing/riding. We will set a pace suited to your group, but basic cardio fitness and comfort off-piste really helps.

Is avalanche training included with touring and side/backcountry guiding?

We don’t provide offiicial avalanche courses but if you don’t have any background knowledge we will always provide basic instructions on safe route choice, avalanche awareness and equipment usage (beacon/probe/shovel).

How many people can be in a group?

For resort guiding the maximum participants per guide is 6 people. For side/backcountry or touring we maintain a 1:3 guide to guest ration so with a group of 4-6 people we require an additional tail guide. This ensures safety and quality of experience.

What happens if weather or snow conditions aren’t favourable?

Our guides monitor weather, snowpack, avalanche risk daily. If conditions are not safe for the planned terrain we will adjust to more appropriate terrain (still fun!) or change location. Safety is our priority. We recommend that you remain flexible with your plans and trust the guide’s judgement.

What should I bring/wear during a touring or back and sidecountry day?

In the backcountry you can expect changing conditions and effort uphill so we always recommend to bring/wear layered clothing, (e.g. one or more breathable base layers, an insulating mid layer and a waterproof outer layer), (inner) gloves, face mask, helmet, goggles with lenses for different conditions, water/snacks.

For touring you want to add to the above list: sunglasses, hat, lunch, sunscreen. If you have space in your bag consider to bring a dry base layer, an extra set of gloves and/or face mask.

Do I need a lift pass for guided tours?

Sometimes. For resort guiding you may need a normal lift pass. Depending on where we go for touring and side/backcountry guiding either a full day lift passes is required or single rides to access terrain. Lift ticket costs are not included in the guiding fee.

Will photos / video be taken?

Yes, if you like we can take photos or video of our day together and share them after the day.

REVIEWS

BOOK