FAQs

‍Standard Release of Liability

On this trip, you will be mountain biking in unmaintained wilderness mountain bike trails and bike parks. Please understand that while your guide is an excellent risk manager, not all risks can be controlled. All participants will have to read, agree, and electronically sign a Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, and Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement before their trip. By signing this waiver, you agree to accept and assume these potential risks as well as waive certain legal rights, including the right to sue for negligence, breach of contract or breach of the Occupiers liability act or claim compensation following an accident.

 
We strongly recommend that all trip participants purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes:

• Guided Mtn biking
  
  
• Emergency rescue (including helicopter evacuation)
  
  
• Medical coverage in case of injury
  
  

Please note that many standard travel insurance policies do not cover activities of this nature. Be sure to confirm that your policy includes all necessary coverage before your trip.

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Most international travellers arrive via Tokyo’s Narita or Haneda airports. While Haneda is slightly closer, both are roughly 4 to 5 hours from Hakuba. Flights from North America typically land around 4 p.m., which makes an overnight stay in Tokyo a fun and practical way to begin your journey.

To make travel easier, we recommend using a luggage delivery service to send your bike and large bags ahead to Hakuba. This frees you up to explore Tokyo and travel light as you continue your journey.

The fastest and most efficient way to reach Hakuba is by Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Nagano. Japan’s rail system is fast (up to 270 km/h), comfortable, and highly reliable. From Nagano Station, a scenic local bus winds through the foothills of the Japanese Alps. You’ll pass green rice paddies, forested hills,  traditional villages, and dense forests, with the Himekawa River often in view. It’s a refreshing shift from city to mountain.

You'll pass green rice fields, traditional villages, and dense forests, with the Himekawa River often in view. 

Alternatively, you can opt for a direct highway bus or arrange a private airport transfer through your guide.

On Day 1, your guide will meet you at the Hakuba Bus Station and accompany you to your accommodation. Before your trip, you’ll receive a detailed arrival guide and have the chance to coordinate travel logistics directly with your guide.

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Don’t want the hassle of bringing your own bike? We've got you covered with a selection of high-performance, full-suspension enduro and e-mountain bikes available for rent. Mix and match depending on your plans for the day—whether you're charging down big enduro style descents, getting playful in the bike park, or opting for a more relaxed ride with an e-bike to save energy for the descents. 

Rental packages typically come with helmets and basic protective gear, so you can hit the trails fully equipped. High-performance full suspension mountain bike rental is available at around US$300 for 7 days 

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For technical MTB gear, you’ll need:

• Your mountain bike (can be rented)
• Helmet (can be rented)
• Your bike-specific brake pads or a fresh set installed 
• Tire repair kit, inner tubes, and a small pump
• Chain-specific “quick link”
• Additional derailleur hanger — if you often damage this easily
• Spare parts (if your bike contains unique parts)

Here’s what you’ll want for other personal gear and items:

• Daypack large enough to fit all the items you may need during a day (around a 20L capacity)
• MTB shoes
• Bike gloves
• Sunglasses
• Cycling sunglasses
• Knee and elbow pads — optional
• Biking shorts and pants
• Short- and long-sleeved biking tops
• Water bottle or hydration bladder

Bring comfortable clothes appropriate for the season (layers are best). October temperatures around Hakuba are mild with cool evenings and mornings. Keep in mind that it is unlikely to rain, although bring wet weather riding clothing. 

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This trip is designed for mountain bikers who want more than just great trails—they’re looking to immerse themselves in Japan’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty. We also highlight authentic culinary experiences at distinctive local restaurants, along with visits to natural hot springs (onsen)—a perfect way to relax and recharge in the cool mountain evenings. 

Each day’s itinerary is flexible, tailored to the group’s ability, interests, and energy levels. Evenings are yours to enjoy—whether that means soaking in an onsen, sampling local cuisine, or simply relaxing at your accommodation. It’s your adventure—we provide the options and guide the experience.

The trails we ride range mostly from blue to black difficulty, often with multiple line choices. Black-rated sections may include steep, loose terrain and short, technical descents, such as rollable rock features that don’t require lifting the front wheel. Importantly, there are no mandatory features—challenging sections can be easily walked.

Some of the routes follow historic forestry trails, originally carved by horses hauling timber. These offer fast, flowy descents with huge natural berms, and occasional steep pitches that add excitement without being overwhelming.

Compared to terrain in places like Squamish or the Pacific Northwest, Japanese trails typically have fewer embedded rocks and roots, creating smoother lines and more consistent traction across most zones.

Each riding area offers enough variety to suit both intermediate and advanced riders. With two guides on hand, we can split the group when needed, allowing everyone to ride at their own pace on trails that suit their ability.

We also visit bike parks featuring a full range of trails—green to double black diamond—with well-maintained flow lines, jump tracks, and technical descents. These parks are thoughtfully built and don’t suffer from overuse, making for a quality riding experience.

Risk management is a top priority. You’ll be led by experienced, certified mountain bike guides who are focused on keeping the experience safe, fun, and rewarding. We also integrate skill development throughout the ride, offering tips, discussing features, and helping you ride with greater confidence on technical terrain.

Group Sizes & Booking Options
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Each trip date is open to both solo travellers and group bookings. Some participants reserve multiple spots for their crew of friends, while others join as a pair, or even solo. Whether you come alone or with a group, you're welcome.

I love guiding groups of long-time friends reuniting for their annual adventure, but it's equally rewarding to see solo riders and smaller groups come together and form new friendships along the way.

Group sizes typically range from 5 to 10 participants, accompanied by 1 or 2 guides.
- The maximum client-to-guide ratio is 5:1.
- A minimum of 5 participants is required for the tour to run.
- Please note: pricing is fixed and does not decrease with group size.

Private tours for larger groups can be arranged, contact us in advance to discuss custom options.

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Age Requirements

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Riders aged 18 and over are welcome to book directly.
Riders under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and are considered on a case-by-case basis.

If your group includes riders under 18, please contact us prior to booking to make necessary arrangements.

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Ski Touring Gear

• Powder-specific touring skis (with a waist size of +105mm) or split board 
• Pre-cut adhesive climbing skins 
• Tech bindings - because they are lightweight and ergonomic (No frame bindings)
• Touring specific boots, with proper walk mode, not a crossover or slack country boot with a poor walk mode
•  Adjustable poles with powder baskets

Avalanche Safety Equipment

• Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon
• Lightweight snow shovel (no plastic blades)
• Avalanche probe (2.7 - 3m)

For personal items, we recommend:

• Daypack (around a 30-40L backpack)
• Helmet - helmet carry system
• Ski goggles (two pairs recommended)
• Gloves x 2 - a thick warm pair for descending and a lighter pair for skinning
• Warm hat, toque, beanie
• Powder/sun hat - good for skinning when it’s Japowing & for the sun.
• Winter storm shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex recommended)
• Ski pants (Gore-Tex recommended)
• Down jacket
• Synthetic or wool base layers, underwear and socks
• A couple of buffs - lots of cold snow in the face in Japan
• Repairs & spares kit (for own model of A/T bindings) Japan has little repair options for most bindings
• Headlamp, it's good to bring a headlamp in your pack in case we have an issue, for example, a broken binding later in the day.
• Insulated water bottle or regular water bottle (No Camelback or other hydration systems they will freeze)
• Thermos for a warm beverage 
• Small personal first aid kit - I carry a larger guide first aid kit
• Sunscreen

Other items specific to Japan 

• Pack warm touring clothes - Hakuba and Myoko experience cold temperatures in January and February, often ranging from -9°C to -15°C (16°F to 5°F). 
• Winter boots - it can be very snowy in town on the regular, also bring a pair of dinner boots, I bring Bloodstones that can handle a little snow but that are also comfortable in a restaurant. 

It’s easy to overpack, most people end up wearing half or less, of the street clothes they bring. Remember, this is primarily a guided ski trip, which means your days will revolve around touring, soaking in an onsen, and heading out for dinner, and that’s about it! Packing light is also recommended for getting around on Japan’s public transit system. 

Depending on your booking date, your trip will begin in either Hakuba or Mt. Myoko.

Most international travellers arrive via Narita International Airport or Haneda International Airport in Tokyo. While Haneda is slightly closer, both airports are approximately 4–5 hours from Hakuba and Mt. Myoko.

The recommended way to reach either destination is by train. Take a high-speed Shinkansen to Nagano, then transfer to a local train to Myoko or a bus to Hakuba. Japan’s rail system is fast, comfortable, and highly reliable, making it the best travel option.

Alternatively, you may choose to take a highway bus or arrange a private airport transfer through your guide.

On Day 1, your guide or a representative will meet you at the Hakuba Bus Station or the Myoko Train Station and accompany you to your accommodation. Before your trip, you’ll receive a detailed arrival guide and have the opportunity to discuss travel logistics directly with your guide.

Ski Touring Gear

We generally do not recommend renting ski touring equipment such as touring skis, bindings, or boots. Rental options are very limited, and the gear available is often outdated.

Split board Rentals

Snowboarders, on the other hand, are in luck, split board rentals are widely available throughout the area. These boards are specifically designed for powder, with wide noses, tapered tails, and bindings set back for optimal float. Most riders are pleasantly surprised by their performance in deep snow.‍

Avalanche Safety Gear

You can also rent full avalanche safety kits from a number of local shops. These typically include:

• Avalanche airbag backpack
  
• Transceiver
  
• Shovel
  
• Probe
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I'm happy to recommend trusted rental shops in Hakuba where you can find this equipment. Once you’ve chosen a store, you’ll need to make your booking directly through their online system.

Standard ACMG Release of Liability

On this trip you will be skiing in avalanche terrain that is uncontrolled backcountry mountains. Please understand that while your guide is an excellent risk manager, not all risks can be controlled. All participants will have to read, agree, and electronically sign a Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, and Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement before their trip. By signing this waiver, you agree to accept and assume these potential risks as well as waive certain legal rights, including the right to sue for negligence, breach of contract or breach of the Occupiers liability act or claim compensation following an accident.

A version of this Waiver can be found here: ACMG Waiver (2024-06-24) (Category 1,2,3)

It’s no secret that Japan is on the radar of international skiers and snowboarders for its abundant powder. The vast majority of visitors, however, remain within ski area boundaries. Those who venture outside the resort often lack the backcountry skills necessary to use the terrain effectively or safely. I’ve had to dig a random backcountry user out of an avalanche due to poor decision making. 

Japan's mountain terrain is highly complex and often intimidating, featuring steep to extremely steep slopes that frequently terminate in deep gullies. Even for experienced backcountry users, making the most of the terrain during a short holiday can be challenging.

I rarely see Japanese skiers in the backcountry, although a growing expat community is becoming more familiar with the terrain. Fortunately for us, many of them are working during the busy winter season.

All of this works to our advantage. I’m often able to ski the right terrain at the right time without other users and many will simply follow existing tracks.

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Safety is the top priority on all of my guided trips. I always select the terrain to match both the current avalanche hazard and the skiing or riding ability of the group. As an ACMG-certified guide, my primary role is that of a risk manager. This means not only assessing avalanche danger but also identifying and mitigating any other potential hazards that could lead to injury.

Each trip begins with a refresher on avalanche companion rescue, a hands-on practice session, and an orientation that highlights the unique risks of Japan’s backcountry ski environment. Every day, I choose the most suitable skiing option based on current weather, snowpack, and avalanche conditions.

Throughout the trip, I’m always happy to discuss avalanche conditions, explain how I assess and choose terrain, or talk through any other aspects of my risk management approach.

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ACMG Guides & Information sharing

Japan currently lacks a reliable public avalanche forecasting system. While all ACMG guides are trained to operate independently of such forecasts, having more data points across a region significantly enhances the quality of our decision-making.

To address this, all ACMG guides operating in Hakuba and Mt. Myoko are connected through the Canadian Avalanche Association’s InfoEx system. Originally developed in Canada, this information-sharing and professional meeting platform has become the global standard in avalanche safety.

Through InfoEx, we share daily observations on snowpack, weather, and avalanche activity, along with twice-daily hazard forecasts. Additionally, we exchange non-avalanche-related observations that may benefit the group via a dedicated email network.

In short, we operate within a professional community of mountain guides in Japan, collaborating closely and relying on one another to ensure we have the best possible information to support decisions related to your safety and enjoyment in the mountains.

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‍Rescue evacuations of seriously injured or immobile individuals have been successfully carried out in both Hakuba and areas near Mt. Myoko. With the growing popularity of backcountry skiing in Japan, local rescue teams are gaining valuable experience. These teams are well-equipped, but their operations are more dependent on favorable weather conditions compared to rescue teams in Canada. They typically use large helicopters with cable winch systems, which require better weather windows than what is often needed for similar operations in the mountains of western Canada.

Once a rescue is initiated, the teams are efficient and highly effective in carrying out extractions.

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‍Travel Insurance Recommendation

We strongly recommend that all trip participants purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes:

• Guided backcountry skiing
  
• Emergency rescue (including helicopter evacuation)
  
• Medical coverage in case of injury

Please note that many standard travel insurance policies do not cover these types of activities. Be sure to confirm that your policy includes all necessary coverage before your trip.

Group Size

This trip is based on a client-to-guide ratio of 6:1.
Pricing is per person and does not decrease as the group size increases.

Larger or private groups can be accommodated for backcountry skiing in Mt. Myoko and Hakuba. If you're interested, please contact me in advance. Early notice is essential so I can arrange for an additional certified guide who is familiar with the terrain in these areas.

Minimum Age Requirement

Participants must typically be 18 years or older to join this trip.
In some cases, we may consider allowing participants under 18, provided they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Each trip date is open to both individual and group bookings. Some groups reserve all six spots for their own crew of friends, while others book as a pair or even solo. Whether you're joining alone or as part of a group, you're welcome.

I enjoy guiding groups of long-time friends reuniting for their annual ski trip, but it’s equally rewarding to watch smaller groups or solo travelers come together and form new friendships throughout the adventure.

If you have a group of four people, you're welcome to reserve those spots and I’ll hold the remaining two temporarily if you think you may find others to join.

I take care to match participants based on:

• Backcountry experience
  
• Ski or snowboard ability
  
• Fitness level
  

This ensures the group moves well together and everyone gets the most out of their trip.

This is always a tough question. Like any ski trip, there’s an element of uncertainty when it comes to conditions—it’s often a matter of timing and a bit of luck as to which dates deliver the deepest snow or best weather. That said, I’ve scheduled trip dates to align with the most consistent conditions in both Hakuba and Mt Myoko, factoring in snowpack depth, snowfall trends, and stable cold temperatures.

Think of Japan’s winter season as a continuum:

Early January

• Coldest part of the season
• Lightest, driest powder (perfect for deep tree skiing)
• Frequent storms, fewer bluebird days
• Shallower snowpack — alpine terrain less accessible
• Focus on tree lines and storm riding

Mid-late February

• Deepest snowpack — more terrain "filled in"
• More bluebird days
• Still plenty of fresh snow
• Ideal for alpine lines and longer descents
• Greater access to steep terrain and big objectives

Of course, these are just patterns not rules. I’ve skied 100 cm of ultra-light powder in early February and tackled big alpine lines in January. Conditions can vary, but both ends of the spectrum offer something special.

One more note: Japan’s alpine terrain is often overlooked when planning a trip, but it’s incredibly underrated. Some of my most memorable descents have been down steep couloirs and faces in the alpine—it’s terrain that rivals anywhere for those who are ready for it.

This trip is designed for advanced to expert skiers and snowboarders with backcountry experience. You should be confident riding blue to black diamond terrain in deep, untracked powder and be relatively efficient and practiced on the skin track. 

Japan's powder can be incredibly deep, sometimes accompanied by a little or a lot of sluff, loose moving snow that flows downhill as you ride. While I can provide you with techniques and tricks to manage sluff, frequent falls while skiing or struggling on the skin track can be physically exhausting and may impact your safety and enjoyment.

While you won’t need to make avalanche safety decisions, your expert guide will handle route selection and hazard management, you should be comfortable spending 6–7 hours a day on skis or a split board. The guide will set a steady, conversational uphill pace and establish efficient skin tracks using terrain features.

There’s plenty of room for learning and progression, and I’m passionate about helping you build confidence, push your boundaries, and grow your skills in a safe and supportive way. After years of working in this environment, I’ve gained a wealth of practical experience. I love sharing what I’ve learned, everything from efficient trail braking, track setting, and riding deep snow, to managing sluff and handling technical terrain features with ease and confidence.

Secure your spot with a 50% deposit. The remaining 50% of the trip price must be paid 3 months before your trip start date. If you are booking within this 3 month period the total amount is due.  

Payments 

You can make payments in your local currency via a bank-to-bank transfer. I use WISE, a secure international currency transfer system to receive payments in multiple currencies, including USD, CAD, EUR, AUD, NZD, and many others. This makes the process simple and convenient and keeps both our fees to a minimum. You will receive instructions and bank account details to make your deposit. 

For technical backcountry ski touring gear, you will need to bring:

• Powder-specific touring skis (with a waist size of 100mm or so) or splitboard 
• Precut adhesive climbing skins 
• Tech bindings - because they are lightweight and ergonomic (No frame bindings)
• Touring specific boots, with proper walk mode, not a crossover or slack country boot with a poor walk mode
•  Adjustable poles with powder baskets

Avalanche safety equipment

• Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon
• Lightweight snow shovel (no plastic blades)
• Avalanche probe (2.7 - 3m)

Glacier / Crevase rescue equipment 

If you have this equipment please bring, if not I will supply you with equipment. 

• Light weight ski touring harness or climbing harness
• Crevase rescue equipment

For personal items, we recommend bringing:

• Daypack (around a 30-40L backpack)
• Helmet - helmet carry system
• Ski goggles 
• Gloves x 2 - a thick warm pair for descending and a lighter pair for skinning
• Warm hat, toque, beanie
• Powder/sun hat - ventilated cap that still keeps your head cool.
• Winter storm shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex recommended)
• Ski pants (Gore-Tex recommended)
• Down jacket
• Synthetic or wool base layers, underwear and socks
• A buffs incase it’s cold or windy
• Repairs & spares kit (for own model of A/T bindins) 
• Headlamp, it's good to bring a headlamp in your pack in case we have an issue, for example, a broken binding later in the day.
• Insulated water bottle or regular water bottle (It’s possible to get away with Camelback or other hydration systems this time of year)
• Thermos for a warm beverage 
• Small personal first aid kit - I carry a larger guide first aid kit
• Sunscreen

Other items specific to Revelstoke

• Winter boots - it can be very snowy or very spring like in town. A pair of dinner boots, I bring Bloodstones that can handle a little snow but that are also comfortable in a restaurant. 

It’s easy to overpack, most people end up wearing half (or less!) of the street clothes they bring. Remember, this is primarily a guided ski trip, which means your days will revolve around touring, relaxing, and heading out for dinner—and that’s about it! 

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​Ski Touring & Split Board Gear
Ski touring equipment such as touring skis, split boards, bindings, and boots are available in Revelstoke. Although it’s recommend to have your own ski touring or snow boarding boots, fitted to your particular feet. Rental equipment is medium quality and it tends to rent out quickly.

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Avalanche Safety Gear
You can also rent full avalanche safety kits from a number of local shops. These typically include:

• Avalanche airbag backpack - not recommended due to the extra weight of the pack.
  
• Transceiver
  
• Shovel
  
• Probe

I'm happy to recommend trusted rental shops in Revelstoke where you can find this equipment. Once you’ve chosen a store, you’ll need to make your booking directly through their online system.

‍Standard ACMG Release of Liability

On this trip you will be skiing in avalanche terrain that is uncontrolled backcountry mountains. Please understand that while your guide is an excellent risk manager, not all risks can be controlled. All participants will have to read, agree, and electronically sign a Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, and Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement before their trip. By signing this waiver, you agree to accept and assume these potential risks as well as waive certain legal rights, including the right to sue for negligence, breach of contract or breach of the Occupiers liability act or claim compensation following an accident.

A version of this Waiver can be found here: ACMG Waiver (2024-06-24) (Category 1,2,3)

Safety is the top priority on all of my guided trips. I always select the terrain to match both the current avalanche hazard and the skiing or riding ability of the group. As an ACMG-certified guide, my primary role is that of a risk manager. This means not only assessing avalanche danger but also identifying and mitigating any other potential hazards that could lead to injury.

Each trip begins with a refresher on avalanche companion rescue, a hands-on practice session, and an orientation that highlights the unique risks of the Rogers Pass backcountry ski environment. Every day, I choose the most suitable skiing option based on current weather, snowpack, and avalanche conditions.

Throughout the trip, I’m always happy to discuss avalanche conditions, explain how I assess and choose terrain, or talk through any other aspects of my risk management approach.

ACMG Guides & Information sharing

The Selkirk mountains could be one of the most data rich areas in Canada. The avalanche control team that protect the Trans-Canada highway and the National Parks visitor safety specialists make detailed observations of the snowpack, avalanche activity and weather on a daily basis, Glacier national park is also surrounded by several large Heli Ski operations, as well as Heli access backcountry lodges.   

All these observations are shared within the guiding industry for better decision making for everyone, and for the purposes of writing the Public Avalanche Bulletin. Originally developed in Canada, this information-sharing and professional meeting platform has become the global standard in avalanche safety.

In short, I operate within a professional community of mountain colleges, collaborating closely and relying on one another to ensure we have the best possible information to support decisions related to your safety and enjoyment in the mountains.

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Rescue evacuations 

Rescue evacuation of a none mobile patient is handled by Parks Canada Visitor Safety specialists, who are full time ACMG ski or mountain guides who are practiced in responding to this type of incident.

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Travel Insurance Recommendation
We strongly recommend that all trip participants purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes:

• Guided backcountry skiing
  
• Emergency rescue (including helicopter evacuation)
  
• Medical coverage in case of injury
  

Please note that many standard travel insurance policies do not cover these types of activities. Be sure to confirm that your policy includes all necessary coverage before your trip.

‍

Larger Groups 

Larger private groups can be accommodated for ski touring in Rogers Pass. If you're interested, please contact me in advance. Early notice is essential so I can arrange for an additional certified guide who is familiar with the terrain.

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Minimum Age Requirement

Participants must typically be 18 years or older to join this trip.
In some cases, we may consider allowing participants under 18, provided they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Trip pricing varies depending on group size.

Depending on the trip date, the tour is open to either a group of 4 or 6 guests, with one guide—resulting in a guide-to-client ratio of either 1:4 or 1:6

Guide-to-client ratio varies by trip date:

• 1:4 ratio (for groups of 4)
• 1:6 ratio (for groups of 6)
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The 1:6 guide-to-client ratio option is significantly more affordable, as trip expenses are shared among six guests.Please note that accommodations are modest for a group of six: the unit includes two bedrooms, with the third sleeping space being the lounge area, which has a pull-out sofa bed and an additional couch.

This trip is designed to make guided backcountry skiing more accessible for those who may not have a large budget but are still looking for a high-quality, professional experience.

For transportation, I use:

• A rented a 5-seater FI50 for the 1:4 group
  
  
• A rented 7-seater SUV for the 1:6 group
  
  

Both trips are open to solo skiers, pairs, or private group bookings. I created the 1:4 option knowing it's often easier to round up three friends instead of five. Some groups choose to reserve all six spots for their own crew, while others join individually or as a pair. Everyone is welcome.

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I love guiding groups of long-time friends reuniting for an annual ski trip, but it’s equally rewarding to see solo skiers and smaller groups bond over the shared experience and build new friendships along the way.

To make sure each trip runs smoothly and is enjoyable for all, I take care to match participants based on:

• Ski touring experience
  
  
• Ski or snowboard ability and preference
  
  
• Fitness level
  
  

This helps ensure the group moves efficiently and everyone gets the most out of their time in the mountains.

‍

This trip is for intermediate to advanced backcountry ski tourers. More than anything, it’s for individuals with strong fitness who want to make the most of their time in the Rogers Pass terrain, putting in big days in the alpine to access spectacular tours and rewarding descents.

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You’ll need the skiing skills to enjoy long powder descents, but the terrain itself is generally not complex or highly technical. We typically travel through wide-open alpine terrain, with the potential for short or tight features or trees and possible a “luge” type trail at the end. There are often options to choose steeper or more technical or playful ski lines, for those with strong skiing skills. And If you have the legs there’s no shortage of bigger objectives.. At a minimum you should be confident skiing blue to black diamond terrain in untracked boot top height or so interior quality powder.

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My guiding Style

I will set a steady, conversational uphill pace, establishing efficient skin tracks using the terrain to our advantage. This isn’t a race up the mountain. Each day is thoughtfully paced to achieve the objective, with plenty of breaks for food, water, and transitions.

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If we encounter more technical sections, I’ll walk you through them step by step, including harness use and glacier travel etiquette. If boot packing is needed, it’s usually short, steep sections in soft snow, and I can provide a roped belay or short roping as needed.

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There’s lots of room for learning and progression on this trip. I’m passionate about helping you build confidence, push your boundaries, and develop your skills in a safe and supportive environment.

With years of experience working in this terrain, I love sharing what I’ve learned, whether it’s efficient trail breaking, smart track setting, refining your soft snow skiing technique, or handling more technical terrain features with control and confidence.