The NOK Kids Backcountry Tour 2026 is back for its fourth consecutive season, offering free backcountry ski and snowboard experiences for children and their parents at mountain venues across Japan. Organized by Nagai Co., Ltd. and sponsored by NOK Corporation, the program aims to connect young people with nature and deepen their understanding of environmental issues through firsthand mountain experiences.
New for 2026: Freeride Academy for Junior Athletes
A major addition this season is the newly established Freeride Academy, targeting junior competitive athletes. Finnish snowboarding legend Antti Autti — winner of the halfpipe gold medal at the 2005 Winter X Games and two-time world champion that same year — has been brought on as coach. Participants will receive direct instruction in world-class technique and mindset.
Born in Finland in 1985, Autti became the first non-American to win the snowboard superpipe gold medal at the Winter X Games in 2005. That same year he won both the halfpipe and big air events at the World Championships, and went on to finish 5th at the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics. Today he works as a professional freerider and filmmaker, leading extreme Arctic snowboarding projects and maintaining wide influence across international snow sports scenes. He has a deep connection to Japan and is regarded as a legend within the domestic and global snowboard scene.
Learning in the Mountains
Under the guidance of experienced mountain guides, participants and their parents share time skiing through untouched natural terrain, experiencing the grandeur of Japan's snow-covered mountains. Beyond the skiing itself, guides lead educational sessions explaining the mechanics of mountain snowfall, frost crystals, and the ecosystems of snowy peaks.
An off-season Environmental Classroom is also planned in Tokyo, where children can learn about climate and environmental issues through snow and ice-themed activities — including workshops using scrap wood from snowboard manufacturing.
2026 Tour Schedule
| Tour Name | Date | Venue | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freeride Academy | Feb 27 (Fri) | Arai Mountain Resort (Niigata) | 30 junior athletes |
| Kids Backcountry (Beginner) | Mar 1 (Sun) | Maiko Snow Resort (Niigata) | 20 parent-child pairs |
| Kids Backcountry (Beginner) | Mar 7 (Sat) | Muikamachi Hakkaisan Ski Area (Niigata) | 20 parent-child pairs |
| Kids Extreme (Snow Camping) | Mar 14 (Sat) – 15 (Sun) | Muika Snow Resort (Niigata) | 10 parent-child pairs |
| Kids Backcountry (Beginner) | Mar 21 (Sat) – 22 (Sun) | Hakkoda International Ski Area (Aomori) | 20 parent-child pairs |
| Kids Backcountry (Beginner) | Mar 28 (Sat) – 29 (Sun) | Hakkoda International Ski Area (Aomori) | 20 parent-child pairs |
| Kids Backcountry (Beginner) | Apr 4 (Sat) | Kagura Ski Area (Niigata) | 20 parent-child pairs |
| Kids Backcountry (Advanced) | Apr 18 (Sat) – 19 (Sun) | Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Murodo Area (Toyama) | 10 parent-child pairs |
| Kids Backcountry (Advanced) | May 3 (Sun) | Oze / Mt. Shibutsu (Gunma) | 20 parent-child pairs |
| Kids Backcountry (Advanced) | May 16 (Sat) | Mt. Norikura (Nagano) | 20 parent-child pairs |
Schedules are subject to change due to weather and mountain conditions.
Participation Details
- Eligible participants: Elementary and middle school students accompanied by a parent or guardian
- The Feb 27 Freeride Academy session is open to junior athletes only
- Cost: Free of charge
- Transportation to the venue, accommodation, equipment rental, and lift tickets are the responsibility of each participant
- Registration: Apply at kidsbackcountry.com
- Enrollment closes when capacity is reached for each session
What Is Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding?
Backcountry skiing and snowboarding involves skiing on natural, ungroomed mountain terrain rather than resort-maintained slopes. Tours are led by professional mountain guides who prioritize safety and respect for the natural environment. The activity is closely linked to the freeride style — carving free-form lines through natural terrain — and has grown increasingly popular among skiers and snowboarders across Japan in recent years.
Scenes from NOK Kids Backcountry Tour 2025
