Required skill level for the Tohoku and Hokkaido Storm Chasers

Our trips are targeted toward high intermediates and advanced riders

Our multi-day trips are geared toward strong intermediate and advanced powder riders. Experts are welcome but may find themselves waiting occasionally. Intermediates on powder will find themselves challenged most of the time. If our guides feel that a riders' ability level isn't up to par, they reserve the right to direct guests to resort-riding.

Beginners and lower intermediates are advised not to join any of our guided trips. We have unguided trips which accept anyone of any skill level--check out the Indy Trips for that option here. 

What does it mean to be a strong intermediate or advanced powder skier/rider?

Riders joining our guided trips must be able to confidently descend the mountain in all conditions. Mountains in Japan specialize in tree skiing and that is where we spend most of our time. Some of the trees would be described as "tight", so its necessary that guests are able to descend through tight trees in powdery conditions.

If you're not sure if your skill level is up to what is described here, that's OK but you need to understand that if the guide determines that your skill level isn't suited to the terrain/conditions, they reserve the right to direct you to separate from the guided group and ski on your own for part or all of the ski day.

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.

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.