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The avalanche training portion of this course is an avalanche awareness course with specific focus on partner rescue skills and not a certification course. It is designed for people who have previous avalanche training and want to refresh their rescue skills before the season starts and give others the chance to learn and practice rescue skills before heading into the backcountry with more experienced people.
There will also be an opportunity to try out backcountry skiing and snowboarding with a beginner friendly climb up in the backcountry of Kagura ski area with a great descent.
Avalanche Awareness Content (1.5 hours online study and lecture, 3.5 hours field practice)
Saturday- Saturday we will head to the course area at Tenjin-Daira in Minakami and do a short hike in to the area where we will do our practice. Things should proceed smoothly assuming everyone has done their self study homework. We'll start the rescue training by focusing on individual skills, beacon search, probing, and shoveling skills. After practicing all these we will then move into scenario based training and practice performing all stages of a rescue from signal acquisition to shoveling out a 'victim'.
After lunch we'll have the rest of the day for skiing in the area and then head to our lodge for the night.
Sunday- We'll get in line early for the ropeway at Kagura and head straight up to the summit area for an entry level back country ski and snowboard trip. The climbing is not long or steep but for those with less experience on climbing skins we'll do some instruction and practice on kick turns and efficient movement. Those without climbing skins can carry skis and snowboards and use snowshoes to make the ascent. The descent from the top is amazing with great powder skiing opportunities. This is for those who have some experience skiing on moderate level ungroomed ski courses.
If time allows and there is interest a second climb might be possible, or we can spend the rest of the day skiing in Kagura.
Equipment Notes
Everyone is required to have an avalanche beacon and a snow shovel. Shovels are a reasonable price, and can be purchased from any outdoor shop, and should be standard kit for anyone climbing winter mountains, even on day trips. We will provide a few probes for everyone to share, and rentals of other gear are available. Beacon rentals are available for 3,200 yen each shovels are available for 1,000 yen each.
There will also be an opportunity to try out backcountry skiing and snowboarding with a beginner friendly climb up in the backcountry of Kagura ski area with a great descent.
Avalanche Awareness Content (1.5 hours online study and lecture, 3.5 hours field practice)
- General information about avalanche hazard, how to avoid it, and proper equipment for traveling in avalanche terrain.
- Avalanche terrain and terrain traps
- Basic route selection
- Current snowpack conditions and weather effects
- Companion recovery including probing, shoveling, beacon use
Saturday- Saturday we will head to the course area at Tenjin-Daira in Minakami and do a short hike in to the area where we will do our practice. Things should proceed smoothly assuming everyone has done their self study homework. We'll start the rescue training by focusing on individual skills, beacon search, probing, and shoveling skills. After practicing all these we will then move into scenario based training and practice performing all stages of a rescue from signal acquisition to shoveling out a 'victim'.
After lunch we'll have the rest of the day for skiing in the area and then head to our lodge for the night.
Sunday- We'll get in line early for the ropeway at Kagura and head straight up to the summit area for an entry level back country ski and snowboard trip. The climbing is not long or steep but for those with less experience on climbing skins we'll do some instruction and practice on kick turns and efficient movement. Those without climbing skins can carry skis and snowboards and use snowshoes to make the ascent. The descent from the top is amazing with great powder skiing opportunities. This is for those who have some experience skiing on moderate level ungroomed ski courses.
If time allows and there is interest a second climb might be possible, or we can spend the rest of the day skiing in Kagura.
Equipment Notes
Everyone is required to have an avalanche beacon and a snow shovel. Shovels are a reasonable price, and can be purchased from any outdoor shop, and should be standard kit for anyone climbing winter mountains, even on day trips. We will provide a few probes for everyone to share, and rentals of other gear are available. Beacon rentals are available for 3,200 yen each shovels are available for 1,000 yen each.
Included in the Trip Fee
-Round trip transportation from Tokyo -An experienced and certified instructor -Winter skills training and practice -One night lodging in Yuzawa area -Snowshoes rental if needed -Tenjin Daira and Kagura Lift Tickets -Sunday Backcountry ski / snowboard instruction Participation Fee: 25,500 yen |
・Meeting Location:
-Ikebukuro Station 6:15 a.m. (Saturday) Click here for Pickup Location Details and Map ・Required Equipment:
Shoes Ski and snowboard equipment - Waterproof 3 season boots for those without back country climbing equipment. (Snowshoes provided for BC ascent and avalanche practice) Clothing Waterproof shell jacket and pants, base layer, fleece layers, wool socks and liner socks, gaiters, liner and outer gloves, warm hat Other Items Ski goggles, sunglasses, lunch and snacks, backpack, ・Maximum Participants: 9
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