When we arrive at the school at the top of the slope, we head to the reception, fill out the entry forms, and listen to the explanation as provided by the accompanying guide.

You can rent backcountry equipment (backpacks, snowshoes, beacons, and retractable poles), as well as skis, snowboards, and snow wear. Since you can rent anything you need here, it is convenient for people who don’t have any gear of their own. Once we are ready, we follow our guide out to the snowcat.

We store our skis, snowboards, and snowshoes in the basket attached to the side of the snowcat, and off we go!

It is an easy ride physically, as the snowcat takes us up the mountain. It takes about 40 to 50 minutes to arrive at the 9th station of Mt. Katta. When we get off, we follow the guide’s instructions and get ready for departure.

The Snowshoe Juhyogen Course. This Snowshoe “Juhyogen” walking tour begins at a different location from the “Juhyo Kansho” (frost-covered tree viewing) tour. On this tour, you will walk through the icy fields in snowshoes, while also taking in the view of the surrounding frost-covered trees. Following your guide, you travel a new path over fresh, new snow.

On this tour, you can choose your course according to the conditions of the day, as well as your level of experience.

There are several courses to choose from: the Entry Course (5,300 yen/approx. 2 hrs), begins from the slope where you first got off, or you can try the Step-Up Course (7,300 yen/approx 3 hrs), where you can hike back up on your own after coming down.

There is also the Original Course (9,300 yen/3hrs), which is chosen for you by a veteran tour guide according to the conditions of that day.

As you can see there are a variety of courses available, so feel free to consult with the guide at the time of application to find one best suited to you.

Because Miyagi Zao is located inland, you can enjoy the low-moisture powdered snow unique to this area. You will have fun and feel the excitement as you watch the snow kicked up right before your eyes as you ride down the slope.

Just one ride down is enough to become addicted, so if you want to continue longer, I highly recommend the Step-Up Course, where you can hike back up again and again.

Soaring above the icy trees!

Our path along the Back Country Tour. It feels great to create a fresh path in a snowy field. Looking back, I feel even more impressed just knowing I created that path.

This tour takes you down the slopes of Sumikawa Snow Park, and finishes back at the school. After enjoying the fresh, powdery snow of Sumikawa Snow Park, you will find that this tour is definitely one you will want to experience again.

Recommended accommodations

▼Early-bird lift tickets are recommended for winter skiing in Japan▼