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
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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. |
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! |
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