Escape Snow Tours is made up of an experienced team of guides that have been taking people through Japanese powder since 2013. Our ultimate goal is to keep our guides year on year, because nothing beats an experienced guide. You can rest assured that you will be taken to the best mountains to find the best snow. It may take just a couple of weeks to know the runs, but it takes seasons to know the nicest lines, features, and secret stashes. Our tours are all about getting off the beaten track and finding fresh powder. Japan has been steadily increasing in popularity, and some know it for long lift lines and racing fellow powder hounds for first tracks. It is an entirely different experience with Escape. You will be unlucky to wait a minute in line and it is not uncommon to have fresh lines from first lift to last lift every single day. Read here about other powder hounds experiences.

Our Central Escape Tour is based in the Aizu region, with easy access to a variety of ski areas. Each day, your guide selects the best resort based on conditions, ensuring you get the most out of the snow. Terrain ranges from wide groomed runs to open tree skiing and powder-filled zones, suitable for all levels. Nearby ski resorts include Nekoma, Inawashiro, Minowa, and Grandeco—each offering something different, from scenic lake views to high-elevation powder and quiet, off-the-radar terrain. You may think these mountains are too far south to get good snow, however due to their distance from the ocean and high altitude, the mountains we travel receives excellent quality snow in high quantities.

Disclaimer: Very occasionally we are forced to book alternative accommodation of equal quality We provide premium accommodation with delicious food so that you can refuel and rejuvenate for the following day. Set in the heart of Japan’s stunning Bandai-Asahi National Park, Urabandai Lake Resort is a comfortable lakeside hotel surrounded by mountains and scenic lakes. Guests enjoy spacious rooms, beautiful lake views, and traditional Japanese onsen (hot spring) baths—perfect for relaxing after a day on the mountain. The resort offers a mix of Japanese and Western dining, along with convenient access to nearby ski resorts and outdoor activities.

The Aizu Escape Tour focuses on exploration and confidence-building skiing and snowboarding across a range of terrain. Your guides will take you to the terrain that best suits your level whether it be groomed runs, steep open trees or something in between. There is terrain to suit all levels. The guides will help you find the best snow each day while offering tips to improve your technique and confidence in powder and variable conditions. Afternoons are flexible and unguided. Keep riding with friends or family, explore the resort at your own pace, or relax back at the hotel and enjoy the onsen.

Touring Skis/Boards/Snowshoes are great to have but not necessary. If you bring touring gear you will likely be able to join an afternoon adventure to untouched powder. Previous experience is required. These are generally 30min-2hour hikes that access great powder lines. Dependant on weather and ability.

You are able to hire premium powder skis for $250 for the trip. We do not offer powder board rental yet. Avalanche gear (beacon, shovel, probe, backpack) can be rented for $150.

Unfortunately our transport has limited room so we only accept advanced riders who will be guided.

An initial deposit is required within 24 hours of your booking. Deposit: AUD$1000pp deposit to secure your spot. This is transferrable to another tour in the same season or the following season up to October 31st. July 31st: Deposit equal to 50% of the total tour price. October 31st: The full amount must be paid and is non-refundable from this date. Payment Options: - Bank Transfer - No Fee - Debit/Credit Card - 1.9% Fee

CANCELLATION POLICY: Within 48 hours of payment Full refund. Up to October 31st: $1000 deposit is forfeit or transferable to another tour in the same season or following season for a AUD$100 transfer fee. After October 31st: Unfortunately as by this time we will have organised and paid for all the accommodation, instructors etc which don't offer refunds this close to the tour so we are unable to provide a refund. If you do find yourself in this situation we are happy to transfer your spot to someone else so you can at least live vicariously through them! --- Escape Eco Adventures withholds the right to cancel your booking if amounts are not paid on time and may include cancellation fees.