Ski + Snowboard Trip to Nozawa Onsen

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Ski + Snowboard Trip to Nozawa Onsen

Deposit: Hold Your Spot
$250.00

Nozawa Onsen, Japan  ·  Jan 29 – Feb 6, 2027  ·  $4950

You've been waiting for a trip like this

This is what a ski trip to Japan is supposed to feel like.

Five days of legendary Japow, daily onsen soaks, mountaintop ramen, and a small group of lovely human beings who are going to matter to you long after you're home.

Created with you in mind

This trip is crafted for women, trans, and gender-expansive skiers and snowboarders who are ready to go all-in on the powder, the culture, and nine days of doing something different than [insert the thing that you do every day that annoys you the most].

This trip is best suited for folks who:

  • Ski or ride at an intermediate to expert level
  • Feel comfortable in variable conditions and deep powder
  • Have thought about Japan and kept waiting for the right moment
  • Want logistics handled so you can be fully present
  • Want a small, real group, not a touristy tour package
  • Need a trip that respects your autonomy (introverts, you're seen)

Stronger powder skiers and riders will have a professional guide for lift-accessed backcountry terrain.

Newer powder skiers, riders, or people who want to take it a bit easier will be paired with a different guide who knows where the in-bounds stashes are, and they're equally unreal.

The group size stays at eight so no one gets lost in the fray.

What's included
  • Five full days of skiing and snowboarding at Nozawa Onsen and Madarao Kogen
  • Professional mountain guide for a minimum of 3 days
  • Lift tickets to both resorts
  • All in-country transportation, even to and from the airport
  • All accommodation, double occupancy
  • All breakfasts and group dinners featuring authentic Japanese cuisine
  • Full Tokyo exploration day with curated recommendations
  • Pre-trip Zooms so you arrive already feeling like part of the group

Not included: Lunches, alcohol, international airfare, gear, travel insurance (required), and guide tips.

Our japan trip is...

"trip of a lifetime" "magical" "a total dream" "pure joy" "unparalleled"

8 spots. Intentionally Small.

IF JAPAN IS CALLING...

Japan has some of the best snow on the planet, which you already know. What's harder to explain is what it feels like to ski it with a group of people who believe in traveling thoughtfully and connecting deeply. That part you need to experience, and it's what we're known for.

We handle all of the heavy lifting. All you have to do is show up and ski.

Your Vibe To you, a ski trip is more than just skiing. It's the culture, the people, and the land. You travel to actually experience a place, not just photograph it. And you've been putting a trp off to Japan long enough. Whether it's the friend who keeps canceling, the partner who doesn't ski, or the schedule that never clears, you're done waiting.
Your identity You want a space where you're genuinely embraced. You've been in outdoor spaces that claimed to welcome you and fell short. You know the difference between a rainbow flag and an actual safe space. You don't have to explain yourself or perform a version of yourself that makes other people comfortable. You do you.
Your pace You're social, but you love your independence. You want a mountain family for the week, not a mandatory group itinerary for every waking hour. You don't want to be stuck next to "that guy" on the chairlift or at aprés. Introverts: we see you (we are you). This is your trip, and the group just makes it better.
Your Vibe To you, a ski trip is more than just skiing. It's the culture, the people, and the land. You travel to actually experience a place, not just photograph it. And you've been putting a trp off to Japan long enough. Whether it's the friend who keeps canceling, the partner who doesn't ski, or the schedule that never clears, you're done waiting.
Your identity You want a space where you're genuinely embraced. You've been in outdoor spaces that claimed to welcome you and fell short. You know the difference between a rainbow flag and an actual safe space. You don't have to explain yourself or perform a version of yourself that makes other people comfortable. You do you.
Your pace You're social, but you love your independence. You want a mountain family for the week, not a mandatory group itinerary for every waking hour. You don't want to be stuck next to "that guy" on the chairlift or at aprés. Introverts: we see you (we are you). This is your trip, and the group just makes it better.

Nine days, designed well.

Day 1, Jan 29

Arrive in Tokyo. Rest up. You've earned it already.

Day 2, Jan 30

Tokyo exploration. Morning breakfast together, explore the city the way you want (we'll send recommendations), and group dinner at Jen's favorite conveyor belt sushi spot.

Day 3, Jan 31

Shinkansen to Nozawa.Board the bullet train through the Japanese Alps. Watch the landscape change. Arrive in Nozawa Onsen and settle in. Village dinner as a group.

Days 4 - 8, Feb 1 - 5

Five full days on the mountain. Professional guide for backcountry and in-bounds sessions across Nozawa Onsen and Madarao Kogen. Group breakfasts and dinners. Evenings in the onsen. Optional extras: sake tasting, yoga, massage, bouldering, and cultural tours. And yes, as much solo time as you need. This is your trip. Choose your own adventure, babe.

Day 9, Feb 6

Return to Tokyo and depart, or keep the party going. The itinerary ends here, but nothing says you have to.
Nozawa Onsen, Nagano, Japan

Where you're going

Tucked into the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, about two hours from Tokyo by bullet train, Nozawa Onsen is one of Japan's oldest and most beloved ski villages. Its hot springs were discovered in the 8th century, and the narrow cobblestone streets have been welcoming travelers ever since. Skiing was introduced here in the 1920s, and the village hosted the biathlon events of the 1998 Winter Olympics. It has the bones of a place that lives and breathes skiing, but hasn't lost its way (like those mega resorts with long lines that make you wonder, "Is this really what skiing is all about?").

Why it's special

What makes Nozawa Onsen different from other Japanese powder destinations is the village itself. You stay in it, walk through it, eat in it, immerse yourself in it. Steam rises from the 13 free public onsens maintained by neighborhood associations, each dedicated to a different Buddhist deity, and the streets are lined with yakitori spots, soba shops, and cafés that remind you why you fell in love with slow travel in the first place. This isn't a manufactured "village." It's a place people call home that happens to have exceptional skiing.

About the snow...

The snowfall here is relentless in early February: cold, dry powder fed by storms rolling in off the Sea of Japan. On a clear day from the top of the mountain, you can see the Northern Alps. Below, oyaki dumplings are sold warm from roadside stalls and the onsen water runs so hot the locals cook eggs in the springs at 90°C. It is, to put it plainly, a remarkable place to spend a week.

WE'VE GOT THE RECEIPTS

"This trip was pure joy. Powder shots to the face followed by hot ramen and onsen with a lovely and encouraging group of women. This was my first all-women's ski trip and will not be the last!"

"It's rare to ski collectively with other women and gender-expansive people and I am so glad I came. Good vibes and challenging yet super fun terrain!"

"Traveling to Japan with Jen was the trip of a lifetime with the best company! Each day was magical — starting with a lovely Japanese breakfast, skiing unreal blower pow all day, mountaintop ramen for lunch, and ending with a soak in an onsen. I feel like I've found my people."

Frequently asked questions

I'll be coming solo. Will that be weird?

Not all all, and most people do. The pre-trip Zoom calls mean you'll know everyone before you arrive. The group is small enough (8 max) that you're never lost in the crowd, but it's big enough that you'll find your people within it.

Is this trip actually welcoming to trans and nonbinary travelers?

Yes. And we mean operationally, not just in spirit. Pronoun sharing is normalized, we've arranged a private onsen, and we have a zero-tolerance harassment/abuse policy that we'll back up. Email us with specific questions before you book.

Am I a strong enough skier or snowboarder?

This trip is designed for intermediate to expert skiers and riders. We will split into two groups based on preference and ability to navigate backcountry terrain.

The terrain at Nozawa Onsen and Madarao ranges from beginner to expert, so if you don't quite have your powder legs under you, there's a little something for everyone.

How many people are going and how can I get to know them?

A maximum of eight people will be on this trip. We will all have a chance to get to know each other before the trip through optional monthly Zoom calls.

Can I pay in installments?

Yes, we offer multiple payment plans. Pay the $250 deposit today and we will bill you the remainder. You can choose up to four payments and the trip must be paid in full by December 31st, 2026.

What's not included in the $4950 price?

International flights, lunch, alcohol, souvenirs, and tips for the guides.

What is included?

Our trip includes all in-country transportation (even to/from the airport), accommodation, breakfast, dinner, lift tickets, professional guides, city guides/recommendations, and good vibes.

Will we have professional guides?

Yes, we will have two: one for those of you who will be skiing in bounds and want a fast track to the best spots on the mountain (intermediate/advanced), and another for the group who will be exploring lift-accessed backcountry terrain (advanced/expert).

Little-known fact: Jen has more than 20 years of guiding trips around the world. She cut her teeth at the California Conservation Corps, worked in wilderness therapy, reported to the bigwigs at UC Berkeley for a 40-day wilderness program she directed, and was a part-owner of a rafting company before she started Coalition Snow and Far Out. She takes risk management, your safety, and your experience very seriously.

Do I need to bring my own skis or snowboard?

We highly recommend you bring your own gear, although rentals are available at the mountain.

Do I need avalanche safety gear?

You must have a beacon, shovel, and probe if you plan on joining the group that will be accessing backcountry terrain. We suggest you bring your own, although you can rent them for an additional cost directly from the shops in Nozawa Onsen.

What’s the accommodation like?

We will stay in a centrally located hotel in Tokyo the first two nights. The rooms are small in Tokyo, so prepare yourself for that!

In Nozawa Onsen, we'll stay at The View in traditional Japanese rooms with tatami mats.

You can walk to the resort, all of the best restaurants and après spots, and any one of the 13 public onsen.

What’s the food like?

Breakfast will be a mix of Japanese and Western. You are responsible for your own lunches. We will share our best stories from the day over dinner together.

Please note that it is very difficult to eat a fully vegetarian diet in Japan due to the nature of most sauces and broths.

We will work with you to the best of our abilities to accommodate your dietary restrictions.

What's your cancellation policy?

You can receive a full refund, less the deposit, up to six months before the departure of the trip. There is no refund provided for cancellations within six months of the departure date.

What if "that guy" ends up being on the trip?

We are committed to creating a safe space for all participants and have a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, intimidation, and/or verbal/physical abuse. They will be asked to leave the trip and will not receive a refund.