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Nagano

JAPOW RETREAT – SKIING, YOGA & TRADITION IN JAPAN


Backcountry Skiing

Category

7 Days

Duration

Intermediate

Experience

Medium

Fitness

From 1 to 6

Participants


What you'll do

Japow Retreat in Nozawa Onsen is a week where world-class powder skiing blends with the rhythm of a traditional mountain village. Over seven days, we freeride and tour with certified guides through Nozawa, Madarao, and Myoko, chasing untouched lines and sparkling forests, while off the mountain we soak in the village’s historic hot springs, stretch out with yoga, and share authentic Japanese meals in cosy izakayas. Nozawa lives and breathes its heritage, and everything here is walkable, from the lifts to the baths to the restaurants. This trip is about skiing some of the best snow on the planet and about immersing ourselves in the unique culture, recovery, and community that make Japow unforgettable.



Itinerary

Important stuff

From the highest peaks to the hidden trails, we've got your back

100% Guaranteed Departures

Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.

Flexible Changes

Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.

Comprehensive Insurance & Assistance

Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

  • 100% Guaranteed Departures: Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.
  • Flexible Changes: Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.
  • Comprehensive Insurance & Assistance: Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.
see more on How it works

What's included

Accident insurance
Medical and luggage insurance
Travel cancellation insurance
Transport from airport
Transport to airport
All breakfast
Trip briefing
Expert, local, English speaking guides
6 nights accommodation in a traditional Japanese hotel (twin rooms with tatami flooring, futon beds, private toilet, shared Japanese bath)
5 days of guided freeride & ski touring with certified local backcountry guides
5-day lift pass (Nozawa Onsen + additional resorts when required, conditions dependent)
3 yoga sessions (recovery-focused, 60 min each)
Local transport to neighboring resorts for powder missions
Access to Nozawa’s natural hot spring onsens (13 traditional baths around the village)
Flight
Visa (if applicable)
Lunches
Dinners
Everything not mentioned in the “What’s included”
Tips
Ski and avalanche equipment
Expenditure of personal nature
Optional activities not mentioned

Accommodations

1 / 3

View Hotel Shimataya


Located at the top of Nozawa village, Shimataya offers the best of both worlds: peaceful views over the valley and easy access to the lifts via the Yu-Road. Rooms are traditional Japanese style with tatami floors and futon bedding, and a private toilet, creating a simple yet authentic atmosphere. After skiing, guests can soak in the hotel’s onsen overlooking Mount Kenashi, or enjoy the relaxed bar. With its warm hospitality and location just a short stroll from the heart of the village, Shimataya is the perfect base to experience Nozawa’s powder and culture.

Guides

Pete Ozich

Pete Ozich

Pete is an IFMGA-certified mountain and ski guide with years of backcountry experience across Japan, New Zealand, and Europe. He brings a calm, confident presence to every tour and loves helping riders enjoy the snow safely. With Pete, you’ll discover epic terrain and also pick up tips and tricks from a true professional who’s passionate about sharing his knowledge.

Toshi Shiokawa

Toshi Shiokawa

Toshi is a JMGA-certified backcountry guide and a Nozawa Onsen local through and through. With an intimate understanding of the terrain, snowpack, and ever-changing conditions in the Nagano region, he knows exactly where to find the best stashes. Guiding with Toshi means experiencing the mountains through the eyes of someone who’s grown up here, with local insight that makes every run even more special.

Gonçalo Cunha

Gonçalo Cunha

Gonçalo is the founder of Shaper Retreats and a certified ski instructor who has spent the last seven years teaching and guiding across Andorra, New Zealand, Japan, Switzerland, and Argentina. Originally trained in business and finance, he swapped the corporate path for a life in the mountains, driven by a passion for skiing, culture, and connection. Nowadays, Gonçalo focuses on curating experiences that go far beyond a typical ski holiday: blending powder adventures, cultural immersion, and wellness practices like yoga and onsens. His goal is simple: to help people progress on the mountain, connect as a community, and leave feeling recharged and inspired.

Gonçalo Cunha


Meeting point

36.9247069138.445588
Nagano

8858 Toyosato, Nozawaonsen-mura, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano, Japan, Nagano, Japan


Frequently asked questions


Departures

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