This March, we’re launching a limited-run Japan Pop-Up Session to capitalize on an exceptional snow year and one of the deepest snowpacks Japan has seen in recent seasons. This is a fast-moving, high-value opportunity designed for riders who want maximum on-snow time, world-class terrain, and expert guidance—without the excess fluff.
Our journey begins in Shiga Kogen, the largest and highest connected network of ski areas in Japan. With expansive alpine zones, endless tree riding, and consistently cold snow, Shiga offers the kind of terrain that rewards flow, awareness, and smart line choices. We’ll be staying slopeside for four nights, putting us right where the action is when storms roll through.
From there, we head to Myoko Suginohara, home to the largest vertical drop in Nagano and a uniquely playful layout that blends long fall-line runs with a fun, progressive terrain park. We’ll spend two nights here, shifting gears toward speed, style, and creative riding while still taking advantage of Myoko’s legendary snowfall.
The trip wraps with one night in Tokyo—a chance to decompress, explore, and reset before heading off to the next adventure.
This session is intentionally budget-friendly, especially for Ikon Pass holders, as both Shiga Kogen and Myoko Suginohara are on the Ikon Pass. All logistics are dialed: private transfers throughout, daily breakfast and dinners included, and a tight 3 riders to 1 guide ratio to ensure quality coaching and decision-making on snow.
Guiding the experience are:
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JTB — Founder of Progression Sessions
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Erick Espinoza — AASI Level 3 & Big Mountain Trainer (Jackson Hole)
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Boyuan Sun — AASI Level 3, native Chinese speaker
This pop-up is about being in the right place at the right time—deep snow, prime terrain, and a focused crew that knows how to move through it.
Registration closes February 24 or when the last spot is taken.
Spots are limited, and this one will fill fast.
This premier session has a minimum participation of 6 persons to operate, if minimum participation is not met by February 24th you will receive a full refund, or you can elect to convert your reservation to a private or semi private session
- Transportation From the Start, We meet you at the airport. (HND by 4pm)
- Lodging, 7 nights of lodging, in a combination of 4 star Hotel and Lodge Style accommodations. Rooms are shared.
(If you’re traveling with a friend you can request to share a room at no additional charge, limited availability for a private room for a fee) - Guidance, 5 full days of professional guiding in a small groups (maximum 1 coach per 3 riders)
- Lift Tickets at all locations (IKON PASS will not require tickets)
- All Breakfast, Breakfast will be offered at our accommodation daily.
- All Dinners, Group dinners will be hosted daily.
- Video review and goal setting
- Scheduled Off hill activities, and night riding opportunities
- Branded gift Something you’ll want to keep and use for years to come
- International Flight
- Lunch on the mountain
- Adult Beverages, although some adult beverages may be supplied.
- Medical care, we’ll do our best to get you whatever help you need but you’ll be on your own to settle the bill.
- Snowboard gear, you’ll need to bring your own setup, there are stores and rental shops but snowboard gear is exceptionally expensive in Japan so we highly recommend you bring your own.
- Travel Insurance, a policy that covers you in case of an injury snowboarding or skiing is mandatory. We highly suggest a “World Nomads Explorer Policy”.
- Transportation outside of scheduled itinerary, If you require any ground transportation outside of the scheduled itinerary, any costs incurred will be your responsibility; however, we can aid in securing transportation and we will do everything in our power to ensure your safe travel
Please note: This itinerary is a sample of our best laid plans, weather and the needs of the group may alter this itinerary.
Day 1 — Sunday | Arrival + Transfer
We’ll meet you at the airport by 4:00pm, bags in hand, and begin our private transfer into the mountains. The drive to our slopeside hotel in Shiga Ichinose takes approximately five hours, so we’ll enjoy dinner along the way. This is your first chance to settle in, connect with your new shred crew, talk goals for the week, or simply close your eyes and recharge as the city fades into mountain roads. Tomorrow, the real fun begins.
Day 2–4 — Monday–Wednesday | Shiga Kogen
Riding at Shiga Kogen is unlike riding a single resort. It’s a network of 18 interconnected ski areas linked by more than 45 lifts, forming the largest lift system in Japan. Each zone has its own character — wide-open carving lanes, quiet tree runs, playful natural features, and hidden powder stashes that reward awareness and exploration.
Over three full days, we’ll move with intention. Each day will carry its own theme, shaped by your personal goals and the conditions we’re given. Some days may lean toward carving and technical refinement, others toward freeride exploration and terrain reading. As always, we’ll adapt in real time to make the most of every storm cycle, refill, or bluebird window.
Evenings are optional but encouraged — video review, movement conversations, maybe night laps to find your snow ghost, or simply soaking in the mountain culture and resting up for the next day.
Day 5–6 — Thursday–Friday | Myoko Suginohara
Next we transition to Myoko Suginohara, known locally as “Sugi.” This mountain offers one of the longest runs in Japan and the largest vertical drop in Nagano, along with accessible tree riding and a long, flowing terrain park.
Here, the rhythm shifts slightly. We’ll chase long fall-line laps, refine speed management, and lean into creativity. If the snow stacks up, we’ll hunt for soft lines. If visibility tightens, we’ll work the trees. If energy is high, we’ll take advantage of the park for airtime, style, and freestyle progression. As always, the plan evolves with the mountain.
Evenings at Sugi focus on community, reflection, and the simple appreciation of being exactly where we are.
Day 7 — Saturday | Tokyo Reset
On Saturday we travel back to Tokyo. Our bus departs at noon, giving you the option to sneak in a few more morning laps or sleep in and reset before the journey.
During the five-hour ride, we’ll stop at a local market for fresh food before descending into Shinjuku. That evening, we celebrate properly — a closing dinner worthy of the week and an optional night adventure for those who still have energy left to burn.
Day 8 — Sunday | Sayonara
After breakfast, we say our goodbyes — at least for now. A shuttle near our hotel will take you to your departing airport and terminal. The week may end, but the turns, the friendships, and the progression will linger long after you’ve landed home.