The best way by far to take in the stunning scenery is to actually get out in it. Because of the harsh winter environment and lack of marked trails, a guide is essential for anyone not trained in winter mountaineering and thoroughly acquainted with the winter terrain of Zao. M’s Guide is a winter mountain guide service based at Sumikawa Snow Park. They are able to tailor any outdoor excursion to guests’ interests and ability for very reasonable prices, with gear rental also available. They offer snowshoeing excursions including a nature walk course, a snow monster and frozen waterfall course, and individually tailored custom courses designed specifically to suit the client's request. Adventure enthusiasts (both skiers and snowboarders) can opt for dedicated backcountry trips tailored to their skill level. M’s Guide will even combine the best of both into combination excursions, something I took advantage of over winter vacation.

My tour with M’s Guide was hands-down the most epic experience I’ve had all year. Accompanied by our guide Kato-san and a fellow backcountry novice, K-san, we embarked on an adventure to take in the winter sights at the peak of Mount Zao and then ski/snowboard down from the summit. I was familiar with powder boarding off-piste at resorts, but had never done any real backcountry before, so I was a little nervous. I expressed my worry to Kato-san. He said not to worry— he would be sure to take us down a route safe for beginners.

Our trip began with a snowcat ride to prime snowshoeing territory above Sumikawa Snow Park. From there, we hiked to Togatta Peak on Mount Zao through a landscape of pure white. I used snowshoes, while K-san and Kato-san strapped climbing skins to their skis and splitboard, respectively.

Our first destination was Togatta Shrine at the summit. The severe cold and wind on the summit cause snow and ice to crystallize around the shrine at outlandish angles, transforming it into a phantasmagoric spectacle like nothing K-san or I had ever seen. We stood motionless, in awe. As the skies cleared briefly we also caught a fleeting glimpse of the Okama Crater, filled to the brim with snow.

After a quick lunch in the summit shelter, we began our backcountry descent. Words cannot express the exhilaration of boarding down from a mountain peak through pristine wilderness. The powder was so silky and deep it was difficult to judge speed, the ride so smooth it fooled me into thinking I was traveling slowly.

The upper edge of the treeline here is populated by snow monsters, striking to look at and easy to avoid, well, striking. The dense forest below was an entirely different story—too dangerous for beginners. To avoid it, we took the highway! The Zao Echo Line is closed in winter . . .  to vehicular traffic. Boarding down the highway was as relaxing as any green run and an undeniably novel experience.