What a breath of fresh air to hang out with Waka and Nobi for a few days. We’d been in Hokkaido, where many parts were rather busy and internationalised, and if it wasn’t for the snow, we might have wondered whether we were in Japan or not. This tour provided local ski-jo experiences, nice Japanese food, some backcountry ski touring, and lovely local guides.

Gassan Ski is a very boutique outfit that’s still in its infancy so processes are not fully cemented as yet, so the experiences can be quite flexible and Waka is so incredibly enthusiastic to ensure that you have a great time.

Rather than taking a cat shuttle, on our first day we went backcountry ski touring on Yudonosan. The approach was mellow and long before we got to some pitchier sections in the trees, and then up to the vast alpine area. It was a spectacular fine day which is rare in winter, and we could appreciate the vastness of the three mountains and the many backcountry options, and it was easy to see why people would worship these mountains. The snow was nice in the morning but by the afternoon it had gone a little sour. We got a few nice lines in which probably weren’t as pitchy as we’d like, although conservatism is somewhat common with Japanese guides and we probably should have made more suggestions to see what was feasible. It was a holiday weekend and considering the nice weather, there were lots of locals out ski touring and snowshoeing so the ski-out was very tracked.

The next day we visited two little ski-jos where we could mingle with the locals. Yudonosan was teeming considering the holiday weekend, but there were fresh lines in the off-piste areas. It’s a mostly mellow ski area and you can see our Yudonosan overview for more information and our review.

We stopped at a cute Japanese restaurant for lunch and then onto Asahi Shizenkan which was really quiet and we had the lovely tree skiing to ourselves. You can see our Shizenkan overview and review. Afterwards we visited a unique onsen.

The next day we went to another local ski area in Miyagi, Sumikawa where we had a play and took a snowcat shuttle and skinned up to the top of Mt Zao to see the rime covered shrine which was pretty cool.

Staying at Pole Pole was also a very personalised boutique experience and the interactions with the staff were so warm and friendly. See our Pole Pole review.

Just to reiterate, this was a nice tour to get away from the hordes and off the beaten path of international ski destinations, to experience the lesser known real Japan.
See our video here

Would you like a local experience, where you hear japanese in the lift and not english, then Yamagata is a great destination. Enjoy fantastic snow, experience snow-monsters, onsen and local food. Live at the Pole Pole farm either either as a sole traveller or in a cosy house. The service was top, breakfast got served in the house and the guides english was superb. We experienced different spots with various difficulty levels which was enjoyable. I would go again and recommend.
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Wakatsuki (Waka) Yu is the best guide ever! If you're ever in Zao Onsen or in the Yamagata area, Zao Guided Day Tours is a must. You will find powder paradise. We were blessed with a bluebird powder day to snowboard among the snow monsters. Although he said it wasn't a good season for snow, we found some freshies. And, there was good coverage. Waka used his phone and a go-pro to video my rides, which were well filmed. We went through some trees and found some Ja-pow. Waka carried a tea and a hot snack drink, oshiruko or zenzai. He set up his skis in the powder for a mid-morning break among the trees. It was the most amazing guided experience I've ever had, and I've gone heli-boarding with a guide in Whistler and Teluride, had a guide through back country Jackson Hole, and also Asahidake (no trails). Waka stands out as best of them all!

Being a very fast telemark skier, Waka could get through flats easily and would always give me a push or pull (as a snowboarder).

We found some nice trees and the steepest slope, Yokokura Wall 38 degrees, at the end of the day.
After riding, we found a local fish shop that also cooked and served the freshest seafood for lunch! It stood in the shadow of the Kaminoyama Castle and a lovely bakery with mochi. We visited both.

Waka had some Japanese glove tips that the guides use, and we went looking for the special 850 yen riding gloves. Then we visited a local farmer's market and a beautiful onsen on the way back to Zao.

This was a magical day with the knowledge, skill, expertise, kindness and generosity of Wakatsuki Yu of the Zao Guided Day Tours! I recommend them highly!!! Five stars *****!!! Domo arigato!!!!
See our video here