Black Diamond Tours has now expanded its ski & snowboard guided tours to include Honshu.
Check out our latest offerings!
The Hidden Range:
Project X
Route
Yamagata → Tsuruoka → [REDACTED] → Yamagata
Mission Price
¥660,000 / person (inc. 10% tax)
Includes Guide Team, Transport, Lodging & Snowmobiles.
* 25% OFF (¥495,000) before Dec 15, 2025
Group Size
Strictly Max 6
>> CAPACITY CRITICAL
The First Mover Advantage: Ski History Before It's Written.
Black Diamond Tours prides itself on creating new and unique backcountry tours that push beyond the boundaries of the known.
As the classic powder hubs of Japan see increasing traffic, the demand for true solitude and untracked lines has never been higher. This itinerary is our response: a precision-crafted expedition focused on backcountry touring, enhanced by mechanized assistance, and designed specifically to access some of the deepest, most remote and untapped terrain in Honshu. We guarantee that you will see very few people in the backcountry zones we ski.
This a Pioneer's Trip.
Years from now, when this zone is famous, you'll be able to say: "I skied that back in 2026."
Mission Requirements: Whatever It Takes
We will try to ski where the snow is the best, but guests must be ready and willing to put in the work. This is an opportunity that cannot be missed.
- Expert Level Only: You must be comfortable in remote backcountry.
- Mixed Access: We use everything available: lifts, snowmobiles, and human power.
- Be Ready to Work: You must be willing to ski tour, get towed behind a snowmobile, or hike to reach the goods.
- Mandatory Gear: Full touring setup + beacon, shovel, probe.
Operational Plan
Note: This is a sample itinerary. We choose locations on a daily basis for what we determine to be the best option for that day, taking safety, ski quality, and weather into consideration. Objectives are decided daily by the Lead Guide.
Pickup at Yamagata Airport (GAJ) or Station. Immediate transfer to Zao Onsen for an afternoon ski session among the "Snow Monsters." Safety briefing and gear check.
Base: Yamagata City
We explore the Yamagata area. Options include local Cat Skiing operations or deep backcountry touring in the Zao range.
Base: Yamagata City
We load up and head west toward the Sea of Japan. We ski en-route at a heavy-snow resort before arriving at our coastal base.
Base: Western Base
This area is legendary for snow depth. We explore the lower approaches and beech forests using local lifts or cats.
Base: Western Base
We drive north and go off the map. We enter our "Secret Zone" on the northern flank of a massive coastal volcano. Transfer to our remote base camp.
Base: [CLASSIFIED] Lodge
Project X Deep Backcountry.
Base: [CLASSIFIED] Lodge
One final session in the Secret Zone or skiing Onikoube on the way back south. Return to Yamagata City for a celebratory dinner to close the loop.
Base: Yamagata City
Final breakfast and checkout. Drop off at Yamagata Station.
Base Camp Logistics
Inclusions
- ✓ 7 Days Professional Guiding
- ✓ Private 4WD Van
- ✓ 7 Nights Accommodation (Twin Share)
- ✓ Welcome/Farewell Group Dinners
- ✓ All Lift Tickets & Snowmobile Fees
Exclusions
- ✕ Flights & Shinkansen Tickets
- ✕ Touring Equipment (Rentals Available at additional price)
- ✕ Meals (except welcome/farewell)
- ✕ Alcohol & Travel Insurance
Mission Window Closing
BDT Honshu Triple Threat:
The Shinetsu Powder Highway
Route
Nagano → Lotte Arai → Iiyama → Shiga → Nagano
All-Inclusive Price
¥682,500 / person (inc. 10% tax)
Price based on Twin Occupancy in 3-4 star hotels/ryokans (Lotte Arai is 4-5 star).
* ¥580,125 with early bird discount
Group Size
Min 5 - Max 10 Guests
The Concept
This is the Triple Threat. We circle through the heart of the Japan Alps, positioning ourselves in three strategic "powder hubs": the luxury freeride base of Lotte Arai, the central city of Iiyama (gateway to 5+ resorts), and the high-altitude giant, Shiga Kogen.
This trip is about variety and volume. Our guide makes the call each morning based on snow depth, wind, and visibility, choosing from over 15 potential ski areas along our route to ensure we are riding the best snow available.
Mandatory Gear Requirement
We hunt for the best snow, not just the open lifts. While we aim to ski powder off the lifts, all participants must bring touring equipment (skins for skiers, splitboards/snowshoes for boarders).
- Expect Variability: There may be days where we are exclusively at the resort, days with a mix of lift-access and short hikes, and days that require full touring to reach the goods.
- Adaptability is Key: Having touring gear ensures we are never grounded by wind-hold or tracked-out resorts.
Sample Day-by-Day Itinerary
Actual route adjusted daily based on conditions.
Arrive at Nagano Station, gateway to the 1998 Winter Olympics. We stay our first night at a premium hotel near the historic Zenko-ji Temple.
No skiing today. Evening Meet & Greet with a group dinner at a local Izakaya.
We depart Nagano City and hunt for snow on the drive north. We'll likely target Madarao for its famous tree runs or Tangram for secret stashes.
Check-in: Lotte Arai Resort (Luxury Stay)
Wake up at the base of the mountain. We target the massive, avalanche-controlled "Big Bowl" and "Mamushi" zones. If it's windy, we use the van to hit nearby Seki Onsen.
Après: Relax in the high-end onsen facilities at the hotel.
We leave the Myoko region and transfer to Iiyama City. Depending on the storm, we ski Nozawa Onsen (Steep Skyline course) or Togari Onsen.
Check-in: Iiyama City (Central Hub)
We hunt for "ghost resorts" like Kijimadaira (home to the 45-degree Pioneer Course). In the evening, we can visit the famous Kamakura (snow huts) or a local sake brewery.
We drive up to the Joshin-etsu Kogen National Park. Shiga Kogen is Japan's largest interconnected ski area. We explore the platinum birch forests of Okushiga and Yakebitaiyama.
Check-in: Shiga Kogen (High-Altitude Hotel)
Full day skiing Shiga Kogen, potentially hitting Yokoteyama (2307m). After the lifts close, we descend back to Nagano City.
Celebration: Massive farewell dinner in the city. Overnight in Nagano.
Relaxed breakfast at the hotel. A short walk or taxi to Nagano Station. Guests depart via Shinkansen back to Tokyo.
Accommodation Breakdown
Inclusions
- ✓ 6 Days Professional Guiding
- ✓ Private 4WD Van Transport (Full Loop)
- ✓ 7 Nights Accommodation (Twin Share)
- ✓ Welcome/Farewell Group Dinners
- ✓ All Lift Tickets & Onsen Taxes
Exclusions
- ✕ Flights & Shinkansen Tickets
- ✕ Touring Equipment (Rentals Available at additional price)
- ✕ Meals (except welcome/farewell)
- ✕ Alcohol & Travel Insurance
