WHAT'S WAITING FOR YOU
This is not just a ski trip
It’s a curated experience shaped for adventure, culture, and relaxation.
Join a small group in Nozawa Onsen, a traditional Japanese village known for deep powder, natural hot springs, and authentic Japanese vibes.
Ski through frozen forests, explore at your own pace or with expert guidance, and recover each afternoon with yoga and a soak in the village hot springs.
We handle every detail, from lift passes to gear, from breakfast to local dinner reservations, so you can fully relax into the rhythm of your week. Whether you’re travelling solo or with a friend, everything is shaped for you.
Ski. Stretch. Soak. Savour. Sleep. Repeat.
RETREAT OVERVIEW
COACHING & GUIDING
Experience guiding through the resort, intensive coaching, and insightful video analysis to elevate your skiing prowess.
DAILY YOGA
From jet lag recovery on arrival to sunset yoga sessions after the slopes, rejuvenate daily.
DAILY ONSEN
Experience the traditional Japanese hot springs daily, rejuvenating your body and soul in these communal baths.
CULTURAL IMMERSION
Dive into a vibrant mix of activities, curated just for you, based on your energy and interests.
CULINARY DELIGHTS
Indulge in exquisite culinary experiences, from the freshest sushi to local delicacies.
ONE RETREAT, SHAPED YOUR WAY
YOUR BASE RETREAT
€1,990
✔ 6-Night Accommodation
✔ Daily Breakfast
✔ 5-Day Lift Pass
✔ 5-Day Gear Rental
✔ Access to Local Onsens
✔ Curated Dinner Reservations
✔ Welcome Info Pack
✔ 24/7 Host Support
SHAPE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Add-Ons
🎿 Daily Coaching/Guiding:
From €590
Sessions for all levels: Work on your skills or chase fresh lines. Minimum 2 participants.
Solo rate available if no match is found.
🧘 Daily Yoga:
€149
Balance your body and recover deeply with daily afternoon yoga designed to stretch, reset, and recharge after skiing.
🚐 Airport Shuttle:
From €90
An easy, direct bus ride from Narita or Haneda to Nozawa. We’ll handle the booking so you can skip the train transfers and arrive in comfort.
🐵 Snow Monkey Tour:
From €60
Visit Japan’s famous hot spring monkeys in their natural setting. A fun, low-key rest day activity with cultural flavour.
🛏️ Single Room Upgrade:
€990
Enjoy extra space and privacy after big days on the mountain. A quiet room, all to yourself.
NOT INCLUDED
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International flights to and from Japan
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Lunch, dinner*, drinks, and snacks
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Travel insurance (mandatory)
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Avalanche safety gear (required for off-piste guiding)
*We reserve tables each night at some of the best local restaurants in Nozawa. You're always invited to join — just pay for what you order.
RETREAT ITINERARY
DAY 1
ARRIVAL TO PARADISE
Arrive in beautiful Nozawa Onsen and settle into your cozy accommodation by 2 PM.
Meet your host and fellow retreat-goers over a welcome chat, local tips, and gear setup.
Ease into the rhythm with a soak in the local onsens and a grounding yoga session at Shizen Yoga Studio.
In the evening, we kick things off with a group dinner at a handpicked local spot.
DAY 2 TO 6*
POWDER, PRESENCE & FLOW
Start each day with a nourishing breakfast and pre-ski meet-up.
In the morning, you can explore the slopes freely or join our optional ski coaching and powder guiding sessions, designed to build confidence or chase fresh lines.
Each afternoon offers a well-earned soak in a traditional onsen and a recovery yoga session.
Evenings bring the group together again. We’ve reserved the best dinner spots in town. You're always invited to join, but it's totally your call.
DAY 7
SLOW MORNING & GOODBYES
Wrap up the week with one last yoga session, a final onsen visit, and a big, relaxed breakfast with the crew.
We'll share a debrief and say goodbye or “see you on the next one.”
Check-out is by 11 AM, but the memories linger long after you leave Nozawa.
*The itinerary of your retreat is a guideline and changes may occur.
ACCOMMODATION
Your home away from home
Your retreat includes 6 nights in one of our carefully chosen partner accommodations. Both offer traditional Japanese charm, cosy spaces, and walking-distance access to onsens and the slopes.
Your lodging depends on your retreat week. All rooms include bedding, towels, Wi-Fi, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Single-room options are available at an extra cost, subject to availability.
SEIZAN SKI LODGE
Available February 1 - 7
Just a two-minute walk from the main gondola, Seizan offers a warm and simple stay in classic Japanese lodge style. Rooms feature tatami floors and comfy futons, with shared bathrooms. An in-house onsen adds a relaxing touch after long days on the mountain.
A simple continental breakfast is served daily.
The village centre is a five-minute walk away, making it easy to explore after a day on the slopes.
VIEW HOTEL SHIMATAYA
Available February 14 - 20 & 21 - 27
A peaceful hotel with spacious Japanese-style rooms and beautiful views of the mountains and valley. Shimataya offers a calm, relaxing atmosphere just a short walk from the lifts and the centre of town.
Rooms feature tatami flooring, futon beds, a private toilet, and access to a shared traditional bath.
An in-house onsen is available for a restorative soak after a day on the mountain.
The slopes are a 10-minute walk away, with the village just five minutes down the road.
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What kind of terrain will we ski?A mix of lift-accessed and touring-only routes. Long open bowls, forests, big descents and wild terrain. Expect powder, crust, wind-affected snow and everything in between. Lift access is included when used as part of a tour.
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Do I need insurance?Yes. Travel insurance with mountain rescue and off-piste skiing coverage is mandatory.
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Can you book my flights?No, we don’t handle flights. But we’re happy to help you choose the best airport and timing based on our shuttle schedule.
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What about snowboarders?Splitboarders are very welcome. The terrain is ideal for both skiers and boarders.
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What kind of meals are included?You’ll enjoy hearty breakfasts and family-style dinners each day at the guesthouse, prepared with fresh local ingredients and warm Svan hospitality. We’re happy to accommodate dietary restrictions, just let us know in advance.
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What if I'm new to touring?This retreat is designed for those with some ski touring or splitboarding experience and comfort in variable terrain. If you're new to backcountry, don’t worry we’re exploring options for an intro-focused retreat and would love to hear from you. Reach out, and we’ll help you figure out.
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What should I pack?A full packing list is sent after booking, including layers, ski gear, safety gear, and evening wear.
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Is there avalanche safety training included?Each morning begins with a briefing and risk assessment. Your guide will offer coaching on best practices and safe travel in avalanche terrain. However, this is not a formal avalanche course.
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What riding level is required?This retreat is for confident skiers and snowboarders with off-piste experience. You should be able to handle variable snow conditions and maintain control in untracked terrain.
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Can I book this retreat solo?Absolutely! Solo travellers are welcome and will enjoy the communal aspects of the retreat. It’s a great way to meet like-minded riders.
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What is the group size?To ensure a personalized experience, group sizes are limited to 5-12 participants and 4-6 per guide. This allows for tailored guidance and a cohesive group dynamic.
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Do I need a visa to visit Georgia?Most visitors do not need a visa to enter Georgia. Citizens from the EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and many other countries can stay visa-free for up to one year. However, we recommend checking your country’s specific entry requirements before booking.
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Do you offer private retreats or custom weeks?Yes. Get in touch to arrange a private trip tailored to your group’s level, timing, or goals.
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How fit do I need to be?Good fitness is essential. Expect 800–1300m of climbing per day at altitude, carrying your own pack and gear. In case you are not touring regularly, you should be doing at least four to five weekly workouts, including strength training, cardio endurance, and mobility sessions, to confidently handle full days of ski touring with 1,000m ascents. Training beforehand will make the experience much more enjoyable.
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What avalanche safety gear do I need?You must bring or rent: avalanche transceiver (beacon), probe, and shovel. These are mandatory. Rentals can be arranged through us.
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Can I rent ski touring gear?Yes. We can arrange full ski or splitboard touring setups including skins, poles, boots, and avalanche safety gear.
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Where should I fly into and how do I get to Mestia?Kutaisi International Airport is our main meeting point. Shuttles are arranged from there. If you're flying into Tbilisi or Batumi, let us know and we can help coordinate options. We provide shuttle transfers from Kutaisi to Mestia as part of the retreat. The scenic drive takes around 5 hours through the Georgian countryside.
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Day 3: Exploration of Etseri ValleyTransfer to the serene Etseri Valley. The ascent to Decili Mountain (2,560m) offers approximately 1,000m of elevation gain, rewarding you with expansive views and untouched descents. The day's journey immerses you in the raw beauty of Svaneti, with each turn carving a memory into the snow. Return to Mestia for a well-earned meal and rest.
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Day 4: Guli Pass AdventureSet out early towards Bagvdanari village. The climb to Guli Pass (2,926m) involves around 1,300m of ascent, leading you to a vantage point with panoramic views of Mount Ushba (4,710m). The descent is as exhilarating as the climb, offering pristine lines and a sense of accomplishment.
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Day 7: Farewell and DepartureEnjoy a leisurely morning, savouring your final breakfast in Mestia. As you depart, the memories of untouched powder, cultural immersion, and shared experiences accompany you, leaving a lasting imprint of Svaneti's magic.
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Day 5: Ushguli's Hidden PassesBegin the day with an early transfer to Ushguli, one of Europe's highest inhabited medieval villages, nestled at 2,200 meters. Today's objective is the ascent to Karetta Pass, reaching approximately 3,200 meters. The climb offers around 1,000 meters of elevation gain, traversing untouched snowfields and offering panoramic views of Mount Shkhara, Georgia's highest peak at 5,193 meters. The descent provides an exhilarating ride through pristine terrain, culminating back in Ushguli.
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Day 2: Warm-Up and Group SyncBegin the retreat with an easy start, sharing a mighty Georgian breakfast. Today is about aligning as a group, discussing the days ahead, and ensuring everyone is comfortable with their gear. A short tour near Tetnuldi (500m) offers a gentle introduction to the terrain, allowing you to acclimate and find your rhythm. Evening brings a deeper dive into the week's plan, with guides sharing insights and answering questions.
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Day 1: Arrival and Welcome in MestiaArrive in Kutaisi and enjoy the scenic winding roads into the heart of Svaneti. A five hour journey takes you all the way to Mestia, a town where ancient towers stand sentinel against the backdrop of snow-covered peaks. Over a hearty dinner and local wine, meet your fellow adventurers and guides, setting the tone for the week ahead.
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Day 6: Hatsvali's FinaleAfter a week of exploration, Day 6 offers a more relaxed yet equally rewarding experience. A short transfer brings you to Hatsvali Ski Resort. The resort's lift system provides easy access to the Zuruldi Ridge at 2,347 meters, setting the stage for a day of lift-assisted touring. The terrain here is characterized by rolling hills and open glades, offering a delightful contrast to the more demanding tours of previous days. Return to Mestia in the afternoon for a celebratory dinner, toasting to new friendships and unforgettable experiences.
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DAY 2. First Day on the SlopesGather for a hearty breakfast followed by a pre-ski discussion. Resort tour and skill assessment with Gonçalo. Free Time on the Slopes to enjoy skiing at your leisure. Participate in a restorative Rest & Release Yoga session with Rowie. Evening free time to explore Nozawa’s vibrant food scene, nightlife, and onsens. Optional: Massage Services available.
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DAY 3. Skill RefinementGather for a hearty breakfast followed by a pre-ski discussion Second Coaching session to refine your skills and push your limits. Free Time on the Slopes to enjoy skiing at your leisure. Participate in a restorative Rest & Release Yoga session with Rowie. Ski technique lesson with video analysis, personal feedback and Q&A. Evening free time to explore Nozawa’s vibrant food scene, nightlife, and onsens. Optional: Massage Services available.
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DAY 6. Final Coaching and FarewellGather for a hearty breakfast followed by a pre-ski discussion Last Coaching session to put your new skills to the test. Free Time on the Slopes to enjoy skiing at your leisure. Participate in a restorative Rest & Release Yoga session with Rowie. Celebrate the week with a group farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
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DAY 5. Adventure and ExplorationGather for a hearty breakfast followed by a pre-ski discussion. Adventure Options: Choose to explore a neighboring ski resort or embark on a snow monkey tour. Participate in a restorative Rest & Release Yoga session with Rowie. Evening free time to explore Nozawa’s vibrant food scene, nightlife, and onsens. Optional: Massage Services available.
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DAY 1. Arrival to ParadiseArrive at Nozawa, check in by 2 pm and be greeted by your host. Welcome chat to review the itinerary, gather local tips, and take care of ski hire. Relax in the local hot springs (onsen) or book an optional massage. Intro Yoga with Rowie at Shizen Yoga studio. Group Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. Free time to explore more local onsens or sake/craft beer bars.
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DAY 7. DepartureEnjoy a last hearty group breakfast, followed by a retreat debrief and farewell. Unwind one last time in one of the local onsens.. Check out at 11 pm. Depart Nozawa.
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DAY 4. Applying New SkillsGather for a hearty breakfast followed by a pre-ski discussion. Third Coaching session to apply tips from the video analysis as you explore your skiing. Free Time on the Slopes to enjoy skiing at your leisure. Afternoon Options: Choose between enjoying the onsens, booking an optional massage, or engaging in a cultural activity. Enjoy a group dinner at a local izakaya.
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Do I need avalanche safety gear?Only if you’re joining off-piste or powder guiding sessions. For regular resort skiing, it's not required. Rental is available from ¥6000/day. Let us know in advance and we’ll have it ready for you.
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How do I transport my own ski gear to Nozawa?We recommend using a luggage forwarding service in Japan to transport your gear directly from any airport to the resort.
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What can I expect from the coaching and guiding sessions?Each morning for 5 days, you'll join a small group of 2 to 5 skiers or snowboarders for a session tailored to your level. Whether you're new to the sport or hunting for powder lines, the focus is on building confidence, refining technique, and exploring the mountain with purpose. We use video analysis to give you clear, actionable feedback, helping you progress faster and ride with more flow.
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Do I need a visa to visit Japan?Good news! Citizens from most European countries, the United States, Australia, and Argentina do not need a visa for short stays in Japan. Nationals from these regions can stay in Japan for up to 90 days visa-free and are assigned Temporary Visitor status.
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Can you arrange additional travel plans in Japan?We highly suggest travelling Japan before or after the retreat. While we do not handle bookings beyond the retreat, we are happy to advise you on a Japan itinerary according to your interests.
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Will I have a room to myself?Single occupancy rooms are available upon request. A single supplement fee applies.
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How do I get to Nozawa Onsen?Fly to Haneda or Narita Airport in Tokyo. From there, Bullet Train is the fastest and most exciting way to get to Nozawa Onsen. The bullet train is followed by a shuttle to Nozawa Onsen. We will guide you through the entire process.
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What ski level do I need to be?Our retreats cater to all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced skier, our coaching sessions are tailored to your experience. Complete beginners should select the “Zero to Hero” supplement at checkout.
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What to expect once I have booked the retreat?You will receive a welcome pack with a detailed retreat description, transport details, a Japan survival guide and a personal form to fill.
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Can I book the retreat alone?Absolutely! Solo travelers are welcome and will enjoy the communal aspects of the retreat.
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Can I extend my stay?Yes, you can extend your stay. Contact us to discuss additional accommodation options and activities.
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What if my travel partner and I have different ski levels?We offer coaching for varying skill levels, ensuring everyone has the best progression and a great time.
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What should I pack?Warm clothing, ski gear, yoga attire, casual wear for evenings, travel documents, toiletries, and personal items. A comprehensive packing list will be provided in the welcome pack upon booking.
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Can kids attend Shaper retreats?Our retreats are primarily designed for adults, but we can offer family-friendly options. Please contact us for more details.
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Can I bring my own ski gear?Yes, you can bring your own ski gear. We provide secure storage for your equipment at the resort.
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Can you book my flights?We do not offer flight booking services. This flexibility allows you to choose your preferred airline and departure location.
Curious About This Retreat?
We’ll help you decide if this retreat is the right fit and how to make it happen.