Myoko Kogen, Japan SnowShoe Options

Snowshoe Trekking Tours

Have you ever wanted to try snowshoeing through forests and snowfields in the stillness of winter? You can experience an entirely new facet of nature in wintertime through snowshoe trekking. Snowshoeing opens up ordinarily inaccessible snowy inclines and forests covered deep in snow for fun hikes.

Unlike skiing's fast-paced downhill descent, snowshoeing lets one appreciate nature more. Snowshoers often encounter squirrels and rabbits, come across animal tracks, and may even find dormouse burrows. In the winter forest, trees take on a new, unfamiliar beauty. And when you reach the mountain's central slopes, the snow-covered world spreads out as far as you can see.

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The Myoko snowshoeing program provides everything from a basic course to genuine snowshoe trekking with a mountain guide. Prices start at 3,150 yen for a two hour program. Give the Myoko snowshoeing program a try!

Email the Myoko Tourism Office for more information, or check out the information here.

SnowshoE and Hotel Plan

The owner of Pension Mont Cervin, Shikine-san, is also director of the Myoko Kogen Visitor Center as well as a certified mountain and trekking guide. He is always happy to take his guests on snowshoe trekking and back country ski tours. The pension has a special plan which includes a guided snowshoe trekking excursion and use of the Akakura onsen facilities. Go to this page for booking details.

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Private Snowshoe Tours

Private snowshoe tours can also be booked online via Yodel Ski School in Akakura Onsen.

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Japan National Snowshoe Competition

The Japan National Mountain Snowshoeing Race in Myoko (第全日本山岳スノ－シュ－イング･レ－ス - 新潟県妙高市) is run every February in Myoko Kogen. The race is one of the longest and most challenging snowshoe races in Japan. The 15KM course takes competitors on cross-country ski and mountain trails which is said to be the equivalent of a marathon. A 5KM course also available.

Official photo courtesy of Masato Tanaka

Official details, results and photos of the 2009 event can be found here. Entries and details for the 2010 competition will be available in due course at the same site. Some English articles on the 2009 race can be found here and here.

Are you thinking of entering the 2010 Japan National Mountain Snowshoeing Race in Myoko? Book your Myoko hotels here!