Name: Japow Steep & Deep Camp 17/01/27
Start: 2027-01-17
End: 2027-01-29
Location: Japan

Dates: 17/01/2027 - 29/01/2027
Location: Japan
Camp Cost: ¥495,000
Ability Levels: Advanced, Expert | Read More
Availability: 10 space(s) currently available on this camp.
Waitlist: 6 space(s) available on the waitlist.

Overview

Two weeks of high-end freeride guiding and coaching for advanced and expert snowboarders looking to experience the best of Japan!

This camp takes you to the best powder spots during the snowiest two weeks of the season (statistically) and helps you get the very best out of your riding each day. We start out at our local base in Madarao Mountain Resort, then head off to the best freeride terrain throughout Nagano and Niigata. This includes the infamous Nozawa back bowls, the playful trees and pillows of Myoko, the steeps and drops in Lotte Arai, and some more secret spots in between. Daily transport to all resorts is provided, as are transfers from the local train station in Iiyama. The start and end dates specified above are the ARRIVAL and DEPARTURE DATES (i.e. not on snow).

Whilst this camp is focused on epic freeride terrain, the coaches will sprinkle in some all-mountain freestyle and some carving on any non-powder days (although there's not many of those)!

View sample itinerary

Skills & Focuses

Some of the core skills focused on during this camp include (but are not limited to):

Build confidence riding with speed in deep snow
Develop turn types effective for riding powder
Fine-tune your edge-pressure-steer sequence
Develop tactics and techniques for riding steeps, trees and gullies
Read terrain and improve line choice
Manage pressure and speed in freeriding
Explore secret stashes with coaches who know the resorts inside and out
Hit natural features like pillow lines, drops and wind-lips
Find the best snow in the region each day
Learn how to use a transceiver and be safe in the backcountry

This camp has a nice balance of both coaching and guiding, with a little more focus on the coaching side of things.

Please read our FAQs for further understanding of how the ratio of coaching and guiding is applied on camps.

Inclusions

Coaching & Guiding: 8 days of freeride-focused coaching and guiding over 2 weeks, at 5hrs per day.
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 at our very own Japan CAMP3 Clubhouse Madarao (single room supplement available).
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 in our 4WD vans 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 movies, board games, beers and banter with the crew!

Not included: flights, train travel to Iiyama, your snowboard equipment (avalanche gear is essential but can be rented), insurance (must cover off-piste and we recommend backcountry rescue) - see CAMP3's recommended insurance company here.

Ability Levels

This camp is aimed at advanced and expert level riders. We typically have 2 or 3 groups running on this camp, so we can easily cater to both advanced and expert riders without slowing anyone down. Read about our five-stage ability level here.

Accommodation & Transport

Accommodation is based on twin-share rooms with ensuite bathrooms at the vibing CAMP3 Clubhouse Madarao, located just 100m from the chairlifts of Madarao Mountain Resort (almost slope side!). Guests enjoy daily breakfast, with lots of healthy choices, a welcome dinner on the first evening, plus additional communal dinner nights throughout the camp experience. Check out CAMP3 Clubhouse Madarao here.

A limited number of single occupancy rooms are available at an additional cost of ¥‎5,000 per night. 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.