Snowfield Walk in Zao Bodaira – Experience Your First Snow Adventure in the Great Outdoors of DEEP ZAO! Dogs Welcome

[January – March] This is a relaxing 2-hour snow walking tour across the white snowfields of Zao Bodaira Plateau. Wearing snowshoe, you will stroll through gentle snowy forests without using ski lifts. The course is safe and easy for everyone, from children as young as 3 years old and first-time snow walkers to guests joining with their dogs. No prior experience is required. While Yamagata Zao is well known for skiing, snowboarding, and Ice Monster viewing, this tour takes place in DEEP ZAO – Zao Bodaira Plateau, a quieter and lesser-known winter area away from the busy Zao Onsen zone. Joining this YAMAGATA EXPERIENCE tour is the start of your adventure into Yamagata’s hidden winter nature. Step into the DEEP ZAO forest and discover a silent winter world. Soft powder snow, snow-covered trees, and beautiful scenery create a magical atmosphere. In just two hours, you can fully enjoy the extraordinary winter landscape of Yamagata with your loved ones or your dog. [This tour is recommended for] ・Guests who want a special snow experience ・First-time snow walkers and beginners ・Families with small children ・Guests who wish to enjoy nature with their dogs Experienced local guides accompany the tour. They will teach safe walking on snow, share knowledge of nature, and introduce the charm of Yamagata. The route can be adjusted flexibly depending on weather, snow conditions, and participants’ energy levels. During the tour, guides will take photos of your experience and scenery. Photo data will be provided free of charge on the same day. The tour starts at the Liza World Ski Resort Rest House. After fitting snowshoe, you will begin a gentle walk toward the forests of Zao Bodaira. This is a short and enjoyable winter trip without using ski lifts. All equipment rental is included in the tour price ・Snowshoe (not actual shoes, but a special piece of gear worn over your winter boots to walk on deep snow) ・Trekking poles (Montbell Fall Line Poles) ・Insulated seat cushion for breaks Guests with medical conditions or concerns about physical fitness should consult us in advance. Our guides speak English, and English speakers are welcome. Private tours for couples or small groups are available upon request. A private tour allows a flexible pace, a more personal experience, and exclusive guide service. Participants are covered by accident insurance during the tour. [Access] By car: Driving is the most convenient option. Parking fee is 1,000 yen on weekends and holidays, free on weekdays. By public transport: A free White Echo shuttle bus is available from Kaminoyama-Onsen Station. After the tour, you may wait in the ski resort rest house until the return bus. By taxi: From Yamagata City: 50–60 minutes. Small taxi (1–4 persons) round trip 27,500 yen. From Zao Onsen: 30–40 minutes. Small taxi (1–4 persons) round trip 15,000 yen. Jumbo taxi (up to 9 persons) round trip 21,840 yen.

• Days of Week

  Sun,Mon,Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri,Sat

• Duration

  2 hours

• Adult/Child (ages 3+)

  JPY 8,000

• Add-ons

  • Option: Dog participation (per dog)

    [Description]

    Dogs are welcome to join the tour with you.

    [Price]

    Per-BookingJPY 2,000

• What's Included

  • Guide Fee
  • Rental of essential gear (snowshoe, poles)
  • Insurance Fee
  • Consumption tax

• What's Not Included

  • Parking fee (1,000 yen on weekends and holidays, free on weekdays)

• Requirements

  • Please come prepared with basic cold-weather clothing and suitable footwear for walking on snow.
  • Age requirement: 3 years and older

• What to Bring

  • --- Things you definitely need to prepare ---
  • Winter clothing (warm and waterproof jacket and pants, such as ski wear. Please prepare sufficiently warm clothing for sub-zero temperatures.)
  • Warm, waterproof high-cut snow boots. Winter rubber boots are acceptable with thick or double-layered socks.
  • Knit cap (covers the ears)
  • Gloves (warm ones, such as ones for skiing. *Cotton gloves and woolen gloves are not good because they get wet and allow wind to pass through)
  • --- The following are things that are good to have ---
  • Gator spats (things that are attached to the ankles to prevent snow from getting into the shoes)
  • Heat pad
  • Sunglasses

• Cancellation Policies

  0%

  8 days before to 17:00

  10%

  4 days before to 17:00

  30%

  1 day before to 17:00

  After 17:00, 1 day before

  100%

  Participation Date