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News
New website coming
We've been quiet the last two seasons—for obvious reasons! But now, with Japan opening up again, we're excited to get going again, and will have our new website up shortly with lots of information for the coming season. We're looking forward to getting out in the Myoko backcountry with you! In the meantime, please contact us at info@dancingsnow.com if you have any questions, requests, etc.Looking forward to seeing you soon in Myoko!Software Update for Tracker 2 Transceivers:
Free at Dancing Snow!
Backcountry Access (BCA) has announced a software update for the world-renowned Tracker 2 transceiver, one of the most popular and reliable units available. The update improves transceiver performance in low-power mode, a special feature of the unit. This is not a recall or a mandatory upgrade, but an upgrade to ensure the best possible functioning of your unit. Upgrades will be available free of charge through Dancing Snow, a BCA authorized dealer.
If a user leaves a Tracker 2 in the powered-on state for more than 12 hours with no input, it automatically switches to the low-power mode to conserve battery life. It then emits an audible beep every two minutes. Along with saving power, this also lets people know if a unit has inadvertently been left on while in storage.
Most people will probably never use this mode, turning their beacon on in the morning or at the trailhead for a transceiver check, then shutting down the unit at the end of the day. However, when entering the low-power mode, the transmit pulse can vary slightly from international standards. So, while there have been no accidents or problems associated with this fact, and only one other transceiver has had any problem in picking up signals from the Tracker 2, every owner should update the software in their Tracker 2.
For more details, these links will give you the official release from BCA on the update, and an FAQ sheet as well.
To update your transceiver, just contact us at sales@dancingsnow.com, or call at 090-1433-1247. You can send your Tracker 2 transceiver cash-on-delivery by your favorite delivery service; we’ll update the software and return the transceiver to you free of charge.
BOA repairs at Dancing Snow
See us if you need a new wire!
The BOA closure system found on snowboard boots, our Tubbs snowshoes, boots, golf shoes, running shoes and a whole lot more is a tough, clever way to get tightly into your footwear.
The wires can break (apparently the twist unit can get bashed to death by some of you mad tree bouncers)—although it doesn't happen that often. If it does, just come by Dancing Snow. We've been trained, we have the parts (which are free), and we can get you back in pristine form and ready to head back out on the hill. The labor will be affordable, too—just buy a beer and relax while we rethread the wires! (or a coffee, or a new BCA avalanche transceiver. We aren't fussy). Let us know if we can help!
The BOA closure system found on snowboard boots, our Tubbs snowshoes, boots, golf shoes, running shoes and a whole lot more is a tough, clever way to get tightly into your footwear.
The wires can break (apparently the twist unit can get bashed to death by some of you mad tree bouncers)—although it doesn't happen that often. If it does, just come by Dancing Snow. We've been trained, we have the parts (which are free), and we can get you back in pristine form and ready to head back out on the hill. The labor will be affordable, too—just buy a beer and relax while we rethread the wires! (or a coffee, or a new BCA avalanche transceiver. We aren't fussy). Let us know if we can help!
Shop
Lots of fun stuff for the snow
Dancing Snow is here to guide you up into the mountains, but we're also ready with a variety of things you'll need to be safe and have fun when you're traveling in the hills:
· Topographic maps of the area, with English key (above; so you know which hill is which!)
· BCA snow safety gear: beacons, shovels, probes, airbags
· K2 skis, poles, boots
· Tubbs snowshoes
· Fits ski and hiking socks
· Ultra-light Blue Ice ski-use harnesses
· Myoko-original items from Maruni Jeans
Dancing Snow is here to guide you up into the mountains, but we're also ready with a variety of things you'll need to be safe and have fun when you're traveling in the hills:
· Topographic maps of the area, with English key (above; so you know which hill is which!)· BCA snow safety gear: beacons, shovels, probes, airbags
· K2 skis, poles, boots
· Tubbs snowshoes
· Fits ski and hiking socks
· Ultra-light Blue Ice ski-use harnesses
· Myoko-original items from Maruni Jeans
Get your new skis!
Ready for some new skis just right for the Myoko snows? You can get those shiny new boards right here at Dancing Snow!
We can get you set up with all the skis from K2 and Line, put on the bindings of your choice, get them waxed and ready and hold them here for you until you come to visit! We can also ship around Japan as well.
And, if you like, we can also store your skis right here in Myoko for you over the summer. We’ll put on a thick summer wax to protect the edges and bases, store them, then have them ready for the coming season. Just contact us at info@dancingsnow.com if you'd like more information, or want to place an order.
We also carry the full line of BCA snow safety equipment, K2 and BCA poles, helmets, skins, Tubbs snowshoes, and some fun Myoko-original clothing and goods in our center.
Ready for some new skis just right for the Myoko snows? You can get those shiny new boards right here at Dancing Snow!
We can get you set up with all the skis from K2 and Line, put on the bindings of your choice, get them waxed and ready and hold them here for you until you come to visit! We can also ship around Japan as well.
And, if you like, we can also store your skis right here in Myoko for you over the summer. We’ll put on a thick summer wax to protect the edges and bases, store them, then have them ready for the coming season. Just contact us at info@dancingsnow.com if you'd like more information, or want to place an order.
We also carry the full line of BCA snow safety equipment, K2 and BCA poles, helmets, skins, Tubbs snowshoes, and some fun Myoko-original clothing and goods in our center.
Head for the hills!
Everything from light trekking to climbs to some of Japan's finest peaks
On an autumn hike to Mt. Hiuchi
The area around Myoko may be most famous today for its heavy snowfall, but it’s been a favorite mountain escape for many years. At the center of it all is, of course, Mt. Myoko, one of the 100 Famous Mountains of Japan, the source for the hot springs in town — and a great peak to climb!
But it’s not the only member of that list; in the immediate area are Mt. Hiuchi, Mt. Amakazari and Mt. Takatsuma, all in the 100-Famous-Peak list. Also interesting are Mt. Kanna, Mt. Kurohime, Mt. Togakushi, Yake-yama, Gongen-dake and many more smaller or lesser-known peaks; all have their own unique characteristics and appeal, and we visit them all.
If you don’t feel like going all the way to the peaks, we also can guide you on the countless interesting paths further down, some with great views of the mountains, some exploring deep in the woods and valleys of the area.
Exploring the Myoko area
Hikes in the area
Overnight
Get out for Myoko's fall colors
The weather is getting cool (so it's nice out on the trails!). And with each cold snap, the mountains begin to glow in the reds and yellows of autumns. Time to head out with Dancing Snow for our schedule of hikes and treks in some of the best areas all around our area.
Take a look; if you're interested, want more information or want to make a reservation, just email us at tours@dancingsnow.com.
September 30-October 1: Overnight tour to Mt. Hiuchi
The big views you'll get up high at the base of Mt. Hiuchi makes this one of the finest places for fall colors. This is also one of the best climbs in the area, with the chance to see flowers, birds (including raicho, the rock ptarmigan whose northern limit is Mt. Hiuchi) and animals and mountains with almost no visible human touch. Departure from Dancing Snow headquarters around 8am; stay that night at Koya Ike Hutte. Minimum two people; ¥35,000/person, ¥30,000/person if four or more.
October 7-8: Overnight tour to Mt. Hiuchi
Same as the first tour, and possibly the alternative if we see rain coming on September 30-31.
October 15: Mt. Madarao day trip
A hike with beautiful views of Lake Nojiri, the Mt. Myoko peaks, Mt. Kurohime and beyond. Starting at the trailhead around 10am, the climb for a hot lunch on the peak. If rain looks likely, October 14 will be the date. Minimum three people; ¥10,000/person.
October 21: Togakushi Trekking Tour
A one-day tour in this beautiful, historic place (also known as a "power spot"... So you'll have plenty energy for this fun, light hike). The course takes us from Hokosha, a shrine set out in the woods below the magnificent peaks, up to Okusha, the top-most shrine set right into the mountains. On the way, the tours stops at two more of the five shrines of Togakushi—Hinomikosha and Chusha— and passes by Kotori ga Ike (small bird pond) and Kagami Ike (Mirror Pond) on the way to Okushya. We'll enjoy a hot lunch and the great views of Mt. Togakushi at Kagami Ike. If it looks too rainy, we'll go on the 22nd. Minimum of two people, ¥13,000/person.
Risks
Please read and understand the following before taking part in a tour:
1. Depending on weather, snow, rain, wind, surf and other conditions, tour destinations may be changed, or the tour cancelled. In extreme conditions, return from the tour may be delayed.
2. Backcountry skiing, snowboarding, hiking, kayaking, canoeing and other activities involve the risk of injury or death. Because of this, we require all guests to sign a waiver before taking part in our activities (a pdf version can be found here). At the same time, our guides have training in wilderness first aid, weather forecasting, avalanche forecasting and rescue, and are dedicated to providing the most enjoyable, safe, well-planned experience possible.
3. Every Dancing Snow client is automatically included in our group insurance policy at no additional charge (please contact us if you would like more details on coverage). We also strongly suggest that all those taking part in backcountry tours have their own active insurance policy which covers outdoor activities. Note on personal information
We do ask for personal information including telephone numbers, emergency contacts, chronic medical conditions (so we can be respond quickly in an emergency), etc., as part of registration for lessons and tours. To protect your privacy, we will not use this information for anything other than this purpose, nor will we release any personal information to any third parties.
2. Backcountry skiing, snowboarding, hiking, kayaking, canoeing and other activities involve the risk of injury or death. Because of this, we require all guests to sign a waiver before taking part in our activities (a pdf version can be found here). At the same time, our guides have training in wilderness first aid, weather forecasting, avalanche forecasting and rescue, and are dedicated to providing the most enjoyable, safe, well-planned experience possible.
3. Every Dancing Snow client is automatically included in our group insurance policy at no additional charge (please contact us if you would like more details on coverage). We also strongly suggest that all those taking part in backcountry tours have their own active insurance policy which covers outdoor activities. Note on personal information
We do ask for personal information including telephone numbers, emergency contacts, chronic medical conditions (so we can be respond quickly in an emergency), etc., as part of registration for lessons and tours. To protect your privacy, we will not use this information for anything other than this purpose, nor will we release any personal information to any third parties.
Five-Day Forecast
View detailed snow forecast for
Akakura-Shin-Akakura at:
snow-forecast.com
Wind, waves and more
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