- Dates & Location
- 15/02/2026 - 27/02/2026 in Japan
- Camp Cost
- ¥495,000
- Ability Levels
- Advanced, Expert
- Availability
- 6 space(s) currently available on this camp.
- Waitlist
- 0 space(s) available on the waitlist (if someone cancels or we can create another group).
Overview
Two weeks of guided sidecountry and backcountry riding, with a two-day avalanche course included (ASC1)!
This camp is focused on backcountry adventures. Whether you are a first time backcountry explorer or have some experience already, this is the ideal way to learn or improve your skills safely, under the guidance of our experienced coaches/guides.
This camp begins with some in-bounds freeriding to build skills, tactics and learn about terrain, before progressing in to the local Madarao, easy-access backcountry. Within the first week, we run a two-day avalanche safety certification called the ASC1 (yes, you get an actual certificate).
The second week of the camp is focused on adventures further afield, exploring the Nozawa backbowls, as well as the alpine terrain in Myoko and Arai. Some of the riding will be easy to access from chairlifts, and some will require short hikes with snow shoes or a splitboard.
Daily transport on days away from Madarao is provided, as are transfers from the local train station in Iiyama. The start and end dates specified above are the departure and arrival days (i.e. not on snow).
Like all our Japan camps, our base for these two weeks is the CAMP3 Clubhouse Madarao. We all stay together, in our very own lodge, coaches included!
Skills & Focuses
- Create a solid foundation of backcountry knowledge
- Understand weather forecasting and backcountry travel preparation
- Learn about avalanche safety, rescue and risk mitigation
- Explore backcountry travel techniques
- Learn how to use a splitboard properly
- Build confidence riding with speed in deep snow
- Develop tactics and techniques for riding trees and backcountry lines
- Read terrain and plan adventures for yourself
- Hit natural backcountry features like pillow lines, drops and windlips
- Receive an Avalanche Certification (ASC1)
Please read our FAQs for further understanding of how the ratio of coaching and guiding is applied on camps.
Ability Levels
This camp is aimed at advanced and expert level riders. You MUST be confident riding deep powder already. This camp is limited to one group, but can cater to both advanced and experts alike. Read about our five-stage ability level here.
Inclusions
- Coaching & Guiding
- 8 days of backcountry-focused coaching and guiding over 2 weeks, at 5hrs per day.
- Avalanche Certification
- The Avalanche Safety Certificate Level One (ASC1) is part of this course, but can be excluded for those who have an avalanche certification already.
- Equipment
- Avalanche packs, with beacon probe and shovel are included in the cost. Snow shoes are also available for hiking days at no additional cost.
- Lift Passes
- 8 days of passes at the resorts we visit along the way (lift passes on days off are additional).
- Accommodation
- 12 nights of accommodation, with daily breakfast, at our very own Japan CAMP3 Clubhouse Madarao.
- Food
- Daily breakfast (with a wider variety of choice than previous years) and 6 evening meals (buffet-style) spread out over the camp.
- Transport
- Daily travel to each resort and transfers to and from Iiyama Station.
- Off-snow Additions
- Transport down to the local onsen 2-3 evenings per week, with time to eat dinner at the restaurant. Video analysis sessions to breakdown and analyse your riding in more detail. Evening beers and banter with the crew!
Not included: flights, train travel to Iiyama, insurance (must cover off-piste and park riding), plus your snowboard equipment and any splitboard rental (if required).
Accommodation & Transport
Accommodation is on a twin-share basis (with ensuite bathrooms), at the vibing CAMP3 Clubhouse Madarao (just 100m from the chairlifts of Madarao Mountain Resort), with daily breakfast and a welcome dinner on the first night. Check out CAMP3 Clubhouse Madarao here.
A limited number of single occupancy rooms are available at an additional cost of ¥5000 per night (¥60,000 for the duration of this camp). If you wish to reserve a single occupancy room, please indicate this in the comments box in the booking form below.
Transfers available from Iiyama Shinkansen Station (bullet train direct from Tokyo) are available on the camp start and end dates. Dates shown are accommodation arrival and departure days.
Daily transport to and from the various resorts is also included. We have two 4WD Delica vans that will get us through the thickest of snow storms.
Bookings
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