Tanigawadake Joch by Hoshino Resorts, a destination where visitors can enjoy more than just climbing at the 1,500-meter elevation saddle of Mount Tanigawa (one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains), will launch a "Snow Mountain Climbing School" starting January 11, 2026. This original program allows snow mountain climbing beginners to learn essential techniques and knowledge in a safe and enjoyable way.
Background
In recent years, the number of young climbers attempting snow mountain climbing has increased alongside the mountain climbing boom, but so has the number of mountain accidents involving these novice climbers. Mount Tanigawa, one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains, offers excellent access from the Tokyo metropolitan area and is a popular destination for both summer and winter mountain climbing, with its spectacular snow-covered scenery. Particularly from March onward, when clear weather becomes more frequent, the mountain attracts many snow mountain climbers, including beginners. However, there have been numerous cases where staff have had to caution people attempting to enter the mountain without adequate equipment or knowledge. Additionally, when starting snow mountain climbing, many people learn techniques through self-study or from acquaintances, leaving them feeling uncertain about their skills. With a desire to "provide snow mountain climbing beginners with opportunities to enjoy climbing more safely," this program was developed in collaboration with the Minakami Mountain Guide Association, which possesses deep knowledge of Mount Tanigawa. The program aims to promote snow mountain safety awareness, reduce mountain accidents, and communicate the appeal of snow mountain climbing by teaching proper knowledge and techniques.
Feature 1: Original Method Lessons Developed by the Minakami Mountain Guide Association
The Snow Mountain Climbing School program was developed by the Minakami Mountain Guide Association, which operates in Minakami Town. This program, taught by association guides who know Mount Tanigawa intimately, covers risk management for snow mountain climbing techniques while also introducing the magnificence of winter on Mount Tanigawa. During lessons, participants can casually ask mountain climbing professionals questions about snow mountain climbing techniques, even if they have already started snow mountain climbing. Because the program is created by the Minakami Mountain Guide Association, which knows Mount Tanigawa inside and out, participants should also pay attention to learning about Mount Tanigawa's unique appeal.
Feature 2: Diverse Lessons Tailored to Participant Levels and Needs
The program offers lessons tailored to participants' levels and needs. The "Classroom Session" covers equipment such as clothing and gear for snow mountains. Participants can receive practical advice while viewing actual equipment used by professional guides. The "Practical Training" is designed with a focus on walking techniques to move safely on snow mountains without falling, providing a solid foundation for snow mountain debuts. This season features new special monthly lessons with diverse programs, including lessons focused on risk management in snowy mountains and cooking lessons for enjoying meals in winter conditions.
Beginner Level
A combination of practical training and classroom sessions.
Guides teach actual snow mountain techniques, including how to wear crampons and basic crampon walking techniques to prevent falls. Additionally, guides with deep snow mountain expertise showcase and explain mountaineering clothing and equipment.
Intermediate Level
Implements beginner-level content on steep slopes. This course promotes more independent experience.
- Plan your walking route
- Smoothly equip crampons
- Practice multiple snow-walking techniques on steep slopes
- How to hold and use ice axes
- Handling irregular environments (fall arrest, breaking trail)
Special Sessions
- Avalanche Search and Rescue Basics - AvSAR Fundamentals 1-Day Course
- Surprisingly Unknown "Tarp" Utilization Workshop - Essential Bivouac Techniques for Emergencies
- What to Eat in Snow Mountains? - Snow Mountain Meal Workshop Including Mountain Guide's Secret Recipes
Feature 3: Lesson Cards to Track Your Snow Mountain Climbing Skill Progress
Lesson cards for the Snow Mountain Climbing School were newly developed in collaboration with the Minakami Mountain Guide Association. These cards allow participants to visualize the progress of their mountaineering skills and support further improvement. Lesson instructors can also write advice for participants on the lesson cards, allowing participants to review improvement points even after the lesson.
Feature 4: Snow Mountain Climbing Equipment Rental Limited to Program Participants
Snow mountain climbing requires much equipment, such as crampons and ice axes. Acquiring all equipment can be a barrier for those starting snow mountain climbing. To make participation more accessible, 12-point crampon rentals are available for program participants. These crampons are essential for snow walking. "CAMP," handled by Caravan Co., Ltd., is a long-established manufacturer originating from northern Italy and is beloved by many snow mountain climbers.
12-Point Crampon Rental
Fee: 2,000 yen (per session)
Note: Limited to Snow Mountain Climbing School participants
Snow Mountain Climbing School Details
Dates:
- Beginner & Intermediate: January 11, 24, February 7, 21, March 21, 28, 2026
- Special Sessions: January 12, February 22, March 22, 2026
Time:
- Morning session: 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM
- Afternoon session: 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM (approximately 2.5 hours)
- Special sessions: Varies by lesson (full day expected)
Fees:
- Beginner level: 7,700 yen (tax included)
- Intermediate level: 8,800 yen (tax included)
- Special sessions: 12,000 yen (tax included)
*Separate ropeway round-trip tickets required
Capacity: Maximum 7 participants per lesson (minimum 4 participants)
Location: View Terrace Tenjin (classroom), Tenjindaira to Tenjin-toge area (practical training)
Reservations: Available on the official website (https://tanigawadake-joch.com/) until 5:00 PM three days before
About Tanigawadake Joch by Hoshino Resorts
"Joch" means "saddle" in German. Located at the saddle in the middle of Mount Tanigawa, one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains, Tanigawadake Joch proposes the appeal of mountains beyond just climbing, with its "360-degree Sky Park" concept.
Just two hours from the Tokyo metropolitan area, take the ropeway and lift to reach a different world at 1,500 meters elevation. Spectacular seasonal views, famous mountain cuisine, and activities to casually enjoy nature await, along with encounters that enhance your mountain experience.
Location: Yubuki National Forest, Yubiso, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma 379-1728
Phone: 0278-72-3575
Access: Approximately 25 minutes by car from JR Joetsu Shinkansen Jomo-Kogen Station
Website: https://tanigawadake-joch.com/
