Starting from
Location
Japan
Type
Exploration Trips
Minimum Ride Level
Inclusions
Exclusions
Addons
*To fully enjoy yourself on this trip, we recommend a minimum level 3 riding level
Appi & Iwate Exploration
Exploration is where we go further off the map. Where our Hosted trips stick to the best-known runs, here we take confident riders beyond the groomers and deep into Iwate’s local-only resorts, the ones that never make a typical itinerary. Past Appi Kogen’s five advanced-only tree-run zones, we venture into spots like Hachimantai Shimokura — where the locals barely chase the powder and fresh tracks last all day — and Shizukuishi, a former Alpine World Championship venue with one of the longest runs in Japan. Little to no lift lines, untracked snow, and a side of Japan most riders never see. And it’s as much about who you ride with as where. Everyone here rides strong, so the week is all about people who’ll challenge you and keep pace — no holding back, no riding solo. If finding others at your level has always been the hard part back home, this trip is built to fix exactly that. And if you’re after a week that pushes you to ride at your best, this is the experience for you.
Social Aspect
04
Regular chances to connect with fellow travellers in shared spaces
Group Size
1
HOST
:
8
GUESTS
Split up into your skill levels with a host to show you around the mountains suitable for your level
Accommodation Type
Ski-In / Ski-Out Hotel
Comfortable rooms with direct access to slopes and full hotel amenities
Inclusions
2 way private transfers to Iwatenumakunai Station
6 nights twin share in ski-in ski-out hotel
5 Day lift pass (Appi Kogen + Iwate region ski resorts)
5 Days of Riding
5 x Half Day Mountain Orientation with TRS Hosts
Daily buffet breakfast & dinner
Free Daily Onsen
Daily private mountain shuttle
Add Ons
Equipment rental
Ski/ Snowboard equipment and apparel rental
Exclusions
Flights & train tickets
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Availability
Week 2 (10 Jan – 16 Jan ’27)
6 Slots Left
Week 3 (17 Jan – 23 Jan ’27)
SOLD OUT
View All Slots
Highlights
GO DEEPER INTO IWATE
For riders who are always wondering what’s around the next corner, this is your chance to explore beyond our usual lineup. Alongside Appi Kogen and Hachimantai, we’ll venture further into Iwate in search of hidden gems and local favourites.
Check-in & Chill out
Meet the group at Iwatenumakunai Station and hop on our private shuttle directly to Crowne Plaza in Appi Kogen, our home base for the week. After check-in, get to know the team and your group for the week, and settle in for a big week of riding ahead!
Private Shuttle Pick up
Iwatenumakunai Station
Arrive & Check in
Crowne Plaza Appi Kogen
Equipment set up and rental fitting
Appi Kogen Ski Resort
Dinner
Crowne Plaza Appi Kogen
Welcome briefing by the hosts
Crowne Plaza Appi Kogen
Ride deeper into Iwate with us
In the Exploration Series, you will be with a group of intermediate to advanced snowboarders and skiers venturing beyond the resort’s marked piste terrain – exploring lift-accessed off piste, powder stashes, tree runs and side country only locals know off.
While our home base is at Appi Kogen, we’re pushing deeper and further out into the Iwate area for this experience – with the optimum snow conditions and terrain being the focus of the week. Each night, our hosts will check weather forecasts to determine the best locations to head to each morning, in order to show you the best of Appi and the Iwate region.
Each week has 5 half day hosted sessions in the morning, and free and easy afternoons, where you get to choose – to continue riding with those game to do more, or to take it easy and get a break.
IMPORTANT: Take note that no lessons are provided for in this experience and you’ll need to be comfortable off piste, powder and trees. If you are not at the skill level required for the terrain, your hosts have the discretion to recommend for you to sit out of the a portion of the itinerary for your safety.
Morning Mountain Orientation
Breakfast is included. Ride out with your hosts in small groups by skill level. Your hosts will guide you to the best lines for your ability, show you how to get around the slopes safely —and help you level up through the week.
Afternoon Free & Easy
Grab lunch, continue riding with new friends, go back to our favorite runs or start apres-ski early – it’s up to you!
Evening
Unwind at the hotel’s onsen, eat, drink and hang out with the group. Dinner at the resort is provided.
Check Out
Just like that, it’s Saturday again and you’ll be off to your next adventure, on or off the board – but this is not goodbye, it’s see you again! If you’re heading to another location and would like to arrange for Ta-Q-Bin/ Black Cat to do a pick up for your bags, we’ll bring you to the nearest outpost on Friday evening before 6PM.
Departure
Crowne Plaza Appi Kogen
Arrival
Iwatenumakunai Station
5 days of riding, with 5 half hosted days
Our itinerary is weather-dependent and will be tailored to the group’s overall skill level and safety.
Day 2 (Mon): Half day mountain Orientation
Appi Kogen
Day 3 (Tue): Half day mountain Orientation
Ski resort in Iwate region
Day 4 (Wed): Half day mountain Orientation
Ski resort in Iwate region
Day 5 (Thu): Half day mountain Orientation
Appi Kogen
Day 6 (Fri): Half day mountain Orientation
Ski resort in Iwate region
Information
Arrival & Departure
departure
Take the TRS private shuttle to Iwatenumakunai Station
Pick up
Crowne Plaza Appi Kogen
1 hr
Drop off
Iwatenumakunai Station
Accommodation
Crowne Plaza Appi Kogen – Ski in Ski out hotel
Your base at Appi is a ski-in ski-out hotel right in the heart of the resort — roll out of bed and onto the snow within minutes. Daily buffet breakfast and dinner are included, and on the nights you fancy a change, it’s a short walk or shuttle to Appi village for dinner out and a few cold beers at the local brewpub. The rooms are some of the most spacious you’ll find at a Japanese ski resort, with an indoor onsen and sauna, pool, gym and karaoke on site, plus a free shuttle to the largest open-air hot spring in the Tohoku region for a soak under the open sky.
Twin rooms. Ski-in ski-out access, daily buffet breakfast and dinner included, indoor onsen and sauna (plus shuttle to the Tohoku region’s largest open-air bath), bar, karaoke, gym, indoor pool, and on-site ski rental and gear storage.
Single slot in Twin Share Room
Early Bird: $2890 (U.P: $3090)
Up to 2 pax per room
Single slot in Twin Share Room
Early Bird: $2890 (U.P: $3090)
Up to 2 pax per room
You’ve asked for more ways to explore the mountains and this season, we’re making it happen. With a 7d6n itinerary starting this season, this means you can travel *between* our destinations and take in the sights of Japan without worrying about rushing on your holiday! From camps that open up progression across more levels – think carving, tree riding, even backcountry – to exploration experiences and expeditions designed to take you deeper into the mountains – you can experience it all, or as much as possible.
More ways to ride, more ways to progress – if this sounds like your kind of season, you’ll want in early.
Early Bird Sale begins 1 July, 4pm.
First Dibs go live on 30 June!
Appi Kogen
Voted “Best Ski Resort in Japan” multiple years running, Appi Kogen is one of the country’s most complete ski resorts. Expect long, wide-open groomers that are perfect for carving, alongside some of the best lift-accessed tree riding in the region. With over 40km of trails spread across two mountains, there’s plenty of terrain to keep you exploring all week long.
Hachimantai Resort (Shimokura & Panorama)
Right on our doorstep, Hachimantai is made up of two neighbouring ski areas — Panorama and Shimokura. Panorama offers mellow cruisers and incredible views of Mt Iwate, while Shimokura is known for its steeper terrain, natural tree-lined runs and powder-filled gullies. It’s the perfect local mountain to warm up the legs before diving deeper into the region.
Shizukuishi Ski Resort
One of Iwate’s hidden gems! Shizukuishi is known for its wide pistes, uncrowded slopes and breathtaking views of Mt Iwate towering above the resort. On clear days, you’ll find some of the best carving terrain in the region, while fresh snow transforms the upper mountain into a powder playground.
Geto Kogen
Often regarded as one of Japan’s snowiest ski resorts, Geto Kogen is a favourite among powder hunters for good reason. Deep snowfall, extensive tree riding and a laid-back local atmosphere make this one of the most sought-after powder destinations in Tohoku. If conditions line up, this could easily become the highlight of your week.
Okunakayama Kogen
A classic local resort that flies under the radar of most international visitors. Wide-open slopes, minimal lift lines and a relaxed atmosphere make Okunakayama a refreshing change from Japan’s larger destinations. On a powder day, you’ll often find fresh turns waiting long after the lifts start spinning.
01
Find your crew
Come solo or bring your crew—our hosted trips and camps are all about good vibes, shared rides, and late-night hangs.
02
From piste to powder & tree runs
Our hosts will guide you through all terrain types based on your skill level. Whether you prefer to take it chill or have an appetite for adventure, you’ll be in good hands.
03
Ride our lines
We read the weather, track the snow, and scope out the best lines—so you don’t have to. Ride with us and unlock secret stashes and local favourites most never find.
04
Level up and push your boundaries
From steeper runs to side hits and beginner park laps, our hosts will progressively challenge you throughout the week.
05
Find your crew
Come solo or bring your crew—our hosted trips and camps are all about good vibes, shared rides, and late-night hangs.
01
From piste to powder & tree runs
Our hosts will guide you through all terrain types based on your skill level. Whether you prefer to take it chill or have an appetite for adventure, you’ll be in good hands.
02
Ride our lines
We read the weather, track the snow, and scope out the best lines—so you don’t have to. Ride with us and unlock secret stashes and local favourites most never find.
03
Level up and push your boundaries
From steeper runs to side hits and beginner park laps, our hosts will progressively challenge you throughout the week.
04
Find your crew
Come solo or bring your crew—our hosted trips and camps are all about good vibes, shared rides, and late-night hangs.
05
From piste to powder & tree runs
Our hosts will guide you through all terrain types based on your skill level. Whether you prefer to take it chill or have an appetite for adventure, you’ll be in good hands.
01
Ride our lines
We read the weather, track the snow, and scope out the best lines—so you don’t have to. Ride with us and unlock secret stashes and local favourites most never find.
02
Level up and push your boundaries
From steeper runs to side hits and beginner park laps, our hosts will progressively challenge you throughout the week.
03
Find your crew
Come solo or bring your crew—our hosted trips and camps are all about good vibes, shared rides, and late-night hangs.
04
From piste to powder & tree runs
Our hosts will guide you through all terrain types based on your skill level. Whether you prefer to take it chill or have an appetite for adventure, you’ll be in good hands.
05
Ride our lines
We read the weather, track the snow, and scope out the best lines—so you don’t have to. Ride with us and unlock secret stashes and local favourites most never find.
01
Level up and push your boundaries
From steeper runs to side hits and beginner park laps, our hosts will progressively challenge you throughout the week.
