Japan Ski Tours
  • Trips
    • Hokkaido Storm Chaser 7-Day
    • Hokkaido Indy Trip 10-Day
    • Tohoku Storm Chaser 8-Day
    • Tohoku Indy Trip 10 Day
    • Tohoku Indy Trip 8 Day
    • Tohoku Private Packages
    • Tohoku Guiding (Ani Backcountry)
  • Anaba Lodge
  • Cat Skiing
    • Hachimantai CAT Skiing
    • Shizukuishi CAT Skiing
  • Rentals
    • Tohoku Ski Rentals
    • Hokkaido Ski Rentals
  • Ski Japan
    • Ski Tohoku Region
    • Ski Hokkaido
    • Ski Nagano/Niigata
    • When and where to ski Japow
    • Japow Weather Patterns >
      • Japan Powder and La Nina
      • Japan Powder and El Nino
  • About
    • Japan Ski Tours
    • The Guides
    • In the Press
    • Reviews
    • Skier ability level
  • Contact Us


Required skill level for the Tohoku and Hokkaido Storm Chasers

The required skill level of the Tohoku and Hokkaido Storm Chasers are geared toward Advanced riders+ with experience riding tight trees in deep powder confidently. The typical guest on these guided trips has at least 5 seasons riding big mountains in North America and Europe.
​
By contrast, our unguided Hokkaido Indy Trips and Tohoku Indy trips accept anyone of any skill level and are a great fit for beginner or intermediate riders!


Storm Chaser Trips

The Storm Chasers are multi-day trips geared toward Advanced+ powder riders. Unless booked as a private trip, the Storm Chasers are comprised of people with a mixed ski ability. Experts are welcome but will find themselves waiting occasionally.

Intermediates on powder will find themselves over-challenged most of the time and are advised to avoid this trip as they will end up slowing down the pace of the Advanced+ riders in the group. If our guides feel that a riders' ability level isn't well matched with the conditions and terrain, they reserve the right to direct guests to resort-riding--this is for this safety of everyone on the trip.



Picture
What does it mean to be an Advanced rider+ on powder?

Specifically for snowboarders: critical skills are the ability to hold a strong edge allowing for good high traverses without losing too much elevation and the ability to read terrain effectively - you have to be just a bit smarter than the average skier to avoid the deep pow and flat spots. Also many runs will end with winding, bumpy trails through the forest that you will need to be able to navigate.

Specifically for skiers: the biggest challenge typically comes with skiing through deep snow and through trees. Much of the best skiable terrain occurs below treeline so its important that you are able to consistently turn where the terrain dictates. Managing this in deep snow is of particular importance. A great tool to help improve your ability is a good set of fat skis and we highly recommend upgrading with a rental ski for your trip with us if conditions are deep and you aren't skiing a fat ski.


What if you're not sure?

Generally, if you're not sure you can keep up with the group, you probably can't. In this case we recommend booking a private trip or joining one of our unguided trips. Check out the Hokkaido Indy Trip or Tohoku Indy Trip--these trips won't put you under any pressure to ski at a certain level so you can enjoy without feeling stressed!

Trip
Touring gear required?
Touring experience required?
Hokkaido Storm Chaser
No
No
Tohoku Storm Chaser
Yes (rentals available during checkout)
Yes--at least 10 days on ski touring equipment is required before showing up!


A few things to keep in mind


Japan Ski Tours reserves the right to direct guests to on-piste terrain if your guide determines that a guests skill level is insufficient to safely navigate off piste terrain and natural hazards on any group trip. JST guides will not provide on-piste guiding (on groomers and in-bounds runs) for the weaker skier/rider but rather focus on skiing more challenging off-piste terrain with those who are capable. Refunds will not be offered in the event of this occurrence. 

  • Your guide is not a ski instructor and will not be providing instruction on how to improve form, etc aside from perhaps a few anecdotal tips here and there. 
  • Neither of our Storm Chaser trips include a "mountain host". The JST guides are there to provide guiding on lift-accessed, off-piste terrain, not to guide on groomers. 
  • If you're planning on going into the side country (which is  the same as backcountry terrain, just accessed by a lift), you'll need to know how to use an Avalanche Safety Set before you show up, since it takes about 2 days to get fully acquainted with it. While your guide isn't an avalanche instructor, he'll be glad to provide refreshers and pointers on how to use the devices. 

In general, we expect guests to be fairly proficient in off piste terrain - you don't necessarily have to have the best form or style but need to be capable of making your way down safely before you come on any of our trips.

Get the inside track on the Japow-universe

* indicates required
Home - Trips - Cat Skiing - Ski Japan - About - Employment - Contact Us 
Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy - Specified Commercial Transaction Act Compliance - Japow Reality Check
Picture
Japan Ski Tours is an ANTA certified and licensed Japanese travel agency, registered in Tokyo, Japan
Travel Agency License No. 2-6983
Japan Ski Tours, Japan Guides Group Copyright 2019 - ​株式会社 ​
  • Trips
    • Hokkaido Storm Chaser 7-Day
    • Hokkaido Indy Trip 10-Day
    • Tohoku Storm Chaser 8-Day
    • Tohoku Indy Trip 10 Day
    • Tohoku Indy Trip 8 Day
    • Tohoku Private Packages
    • Tohoku Guiding (Ani Backcountry)
  • Anaba Lodge
  • Cat Skiing
    • Hachimantai CAT Skiing
    • Shizukuishi CAT Skiing
  • Rentals
    • Tohoku Ski Rentals
    • Hokkaido Ski Rentals
  • Ski Japan
    • Ski Tohoku Region
    • Ski Hokkaido
    • Ski Nagano/Niigata
    • When and where to ski Japow
    • Japow Weather Patterns >
      • Japan Powder and La Nina
      • Japan Powder and El Nino
  • About
    • Japan Ski Tours
    • The Guides
    • In the Press
    • Reviews
    • Skier ability level
  • Contact Us