Backcountry

Tenjin Backcountry Tour

January and February is powder season at Tenjin and brings massive snow falls to some of the steepest terrain Japan has to offer
Given favorable conditions, a one day tour aims to introduce as much of the mountain as possible
By using lifts with short boot packs, we can clock up 650-700m of vertical every 35 minutes while riding steep chutes, big bowls and mellow tree runs
It all sounds fun however with the exciting terrain and big snow comes risk and a Tenjin BC tour is suited to strong skiers and boarders with a good level of fitness and ideally, significant backcountry experience
For multiday tour clients, moving up into the alpine terrain of Tanigawadake is an option depending on conditions, fitness levels and terrain preferences
Tours are ¥20,000 per person, group size 3-6, add ¥2000 for tour participants if you need to rent a beacon, probe and shovel.

Lead Guide and Tenjin Lodge Owner, Kieren

Growing up a surfer in Australia, I picked up snowboarding when I arrived in Japan back in 2002. I spent years riding all over Honshu and Hokkaido before discovering Tenjin. After taking stock of the volume and quality of snow, the gnarly terrain and the light crowds, I haven’t looked back. I’ve been primarily riding the Tenjin backcountry every Winter since 2008 without incident, have completed and passed the 7 day Avalanche Safety Level 1 course and a 40 hour Wilderness first aid course and spent a few seasons as a canyoning guide during the Summers. Safety is the primary concern on any tour but I’m just stoked to be out there and cognizant of how short Winters are. I’m happy to skip lunch and rip as many lines as possible or I’m happy to hike half the day to do one mellow line before hiking back to the lodge. Winter 2018-19 has arrived, it’s time to get out there!

Kagura Backcountry Tour (March)

Kagura is a sweet destination for those new to backcountry riding or those looking to safely squeeze more fresh turns into a season
Tours usually consist of a morning exploring the many side piste opportunities followed by a one hour hike to the peak and some mellow ridgetop freeriding
This tour is suitable to intermediate level riders, looking to give their boundaries a modest push
Tours are ¥15,000 per person plus ¥3000 if you need to rent BC gear. Our guides are busy on Tenjin Jan and Feb but we can recommend guides during these times

Hakkai, Nozawa, Hotaka BC Tours

Three amazing BC destinations we visit from time to time
Group size of four minimum on these road trips
Suitable for intermediate level riders
Tours are ¥15,000 per person per day, add ¥3000 to rent a backcountry pack.

Tenjin Guides Rescue and Mountain Assistance Service

Timely emergency responses and trained staff are less than one kilometer from Mt Tanigawa’s trail heads
Mountain ready guides who know the terrain, snow pack and weather
¥100,000 call out fee plus ¥25,000/p per hour