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Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to the questions we get asked most about our tours. Please take a look before getting in touch.
01 Access and transportation information
Q. Do you offer a pick-up/drop-off service?
As a general rule, we do not provide transportation services. Please make your own way to the tour meeting point.
Pick-up and drop-off is available only for guests staying at our official partner accommodations, YUKISATO Lodge and Lotte Arai Resort. If you're staying at either one and would like a ride, please contact us using the form below.
Q. How do I get to the tour from Nagano, Nozawa Onsen, or Myoko/Akakura?
[If coming from Nagano/Nozawa Onsen area]
Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train) to Joetsumyoko Station, or a local train (Echigo Tokimeki Railway) to Arai Station. From either station, take a taxi or drive a rental car to the meeting point (about 20–30 minutes).
*For bus and train connections from your hotel in Nozawa Onsen or elsewhere to the nearest station, please check with your accommodation.
*Only a few taxis wait at Joetsumyoko Station and Arai Station, so we recommend booking one in advance.
[If you are coming from the Myoko/Akakura area]
Please drive or take a taxi directly to the meeting point (about 30 minutes).
*If you are using a taxi, we recommend booking one in advance.
*Travel time may vary depending on weather and road conditions.
02 Tour details and booking information
Q. Can I join if I've never ridden a snowmobile before?
Yes, beginners are welcome. We'll start with a safety briefing and practice session on flat ground, and once you're comfortable, we'll head out onto a course through the forest and snowfields, led by a guide.
Our guides will set the pace to match your skill and experience, so you can relax and enjoy the ride.
Q. Can I bring my own snowmobile or ride on my own?
Personal snowmobiles aren't allowed, and all riding is with a guide.
You'll ride a Canadian-made BRP Ski-Doo (600cc) on our dedicated course, led by a professional guide.
Q. Is it possible to rent a snowmobile and ride without a guide?
We don't offer snowmobile rentals. All rides are guided tours.
Q. If two of us share a snowmobile (tandem), can we switch drivers during the tour?
You cannot switch drivers during the tour. Only the person who completed the briefing and practice ride before departure can drive.
03 Participation requirements and weather information
Q. Are there any age restrictions for driving or being a passenger?
Drivers must be 16 or older. To drive a tandem snowmobile with a child passenger, the driver must be 18 or older.
Children aged 6–15 can join as a passenger, riding behind an adult driver, and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian on the tour.
Participants under 18 need a parent or guardian to sign the waiver.
Q. What happens in case of bad weather? Is there a recommended time to visit?
As long as there's enough snow on the ground and it's safe to ride, tours run rain or snow. A tour in the snow is also magical and highly recommended.
Snow is usually most reliable from mid-January to mid-February.
However, we will cancel the tour if conditions are unsafe, for example when a storm warning or thunderstorm advisory is in effect.
*Snow conditions vary depending on the year and weather.
04 What to Wear
Q. What kind of shoes and clothing should I wear?
Dress the way you would for skiing or snowboarding, in warm, waterproof clothing.
We rent jackets and pants (outerwear), but we don't rent the layers you wear underneath. Please come dressed in warm layers:
- Base layer: a moisture-wicking top and bottoms made of synthetic fabric or merino wool
- Mid layer: an insulating layer, such as a fleece or a light down jacket
*Avoid cotton shirts and jeans. Once they get wet from sweat or snow, they stay wet and make you cold.
✓ Recommended shoes
- Completely waterproof
- Thick, non-slip sole
× Unsuitable shoes
Your feet will get wet and cold!
- Not waterproof
- Flat and slippery soles
Recommended boots
- Fully waterproof: Keeps melting snow from soaking through, so your feet stay dry.
- Tall boots: To keep snow out, we recommend boots that come up to just below the knee.
- Rental: If your own shoes are not completely waterproof, we strongly recommend using our rental boots.
Keep snow out of your boots
- Snow gaiters: We recommend wearing snow gaiters (covers that wrap around your lower leg) to seal the gap between your boots and pants.
- Stay warm and comfortable: By preventing snow from getting into your shoes, you can enjoy your tour in warmth and comfort.
Still have questions?
Send us a message using the form below.