18+ ADULT ALL-INCLUSIVE WINTER GATHERING - JAPAN
Northern Nagano & Niigata REGIONS
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6 - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2026
HOST: BLAISE ROSENTHAL (5.0), AND SPECIAL GUESTS
About: Gatherings are organized independently by snowboarders trusted by HCSC. #HCSCxBLAISEBOOTCAMP
Blaise Boot Camp™ International
Japan Gathering 2026
Ready to Ride, Chill, and Live the Japan Dream?
Our Japan Gathering presents the ultimate shred experience for intermediate to advanced riders on a journey through the mountains of Japan. Location – Northern Nagano and Niigata regions.
Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dive into the heart of Japanese shred culture. Join us for a snowboarding adventure like no other—one that blends the adventure of the ride with the beauty of Japan and memories that will last forever. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
PACKAGES:
Packages include nine days and eight nights (mostly twin shared accommodations) in comfy slopeside ski resort hotels, breakfast and dinner, lift tickets to various resorts, and a cultural experience day chilling with snow monkeys in their natural habitat. And let’s not forget—a night in Tokyo is waiting for you at the end of this epic journey! Ride and hangout with Blaise Rosenthal, Oliver Dixon, and local legend Yuji Hara.
PRICING:
$5,150 USD: pp/twin shared accommodation (two people per room, except for solo digs in Tokyo).
Want a room all to yourself? Single occupancy is available for an extra charge!
$5,690 USD: pp/single twin (one person per room).
RETURNING BLAISE BOOT CAMP™ CAMPER DISCOUNT
Have you joined us for a Blaise Boot Camp™ before? As a thank you, returning campers receive $150 off their registration. Contact us to get your exclusive registration code.
SECURE YOUR SPOT TODAY!
Reserve your spot with just a 50% deposit at registration, and pay the remaining balance 60 days before the trip kicks off.
lock down your sPOT WITH A DEPOSIT today!
What’s the Experience Like? Our Mission
Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure in the Land of the Rising Sun? Join us for our Japan Gathering 2026, where snowboarding is more than just a sport—it's a lifestyle. We're offering an immersive experience, a chance to ride, bond, and chill with a crew of like-minded shredders.
On the slopes, we focus on session-based learning, with guidance from the best: Blaise Rosenthal, local legend Yuji Hara, and guests. But it’s not just the pros you’ll learn from—you’ll be sharing tips and stoke with fellow riders too. It’s all about pushing yourself, refining your skills, and soaking up the unique beauty of Japan.
You’ll stay cozy in slopeside hotels, creating a tight-knit vibe with your snowboarding family. Ride fresh powder (fingers crossed) with local snowboarders and experience the best of Japan’s rich culture and traditions along the way.
And it’s not just about shredding. Après sessions are planned to enhance your experience and celebrate our shared passion for riding. It’s a journey to becoming a better snowboarder while connecting deeply with the magic of Japan and its unique snowboarding culture.
Are You Ready? Ability Level
You should feel comfortable riding intermediate and advanced runs. No need to go huge, ride switch, or have ever jibbed something - this trip is all about enjoying the ride. Let’s explore, connect, and create memories you’ll be talking about forever!
What to Expect
Your adventure package includes nine days and eight nights (mostly twin shared accommodations) in comfy slopeside ski resort hotels. You’ll be treated to breakfast and dinner, lift tickets to various resorts, and a cultural experience day chilling with the locals. And let’s not forget—a night in Tokyo is waiting for you at the end of this epic journey! Ride and hangout with snowboard legends.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
9 days, 8 nights: Enjoy 7 nights at cozy slopeside ski resort hotels and one night in Tokyo.
Transportation: We’ve got you covered with transfers to/from the airport and the resort.
Meals: Fuel up with delicious breakfast and dinner every day!
Shared Accommodation: Enjoy your stay with a roomie (2 people per room), but if you want solo vibes, single occupancy is available. Hotel onsens are included.
Epic Snowboarding: Get ready for 5 days of guiding and coaching.
Lift Tickets: Hit the slopes with lift tickets for 5 days and experience the breathtaking sunrise gondola experience and world-class snowboard park at Palcall Tsumagoi.
Tokyo Stay: A night in Tokyo is included—single room accommodations unless you’re sharing with a significant other.
Amenities: Shampoo, soap, and towels are included, so you can travel light!
Cultural Experience: Experience the rich culture of Japan through food, traditions, and community activities woven into the Blaise Boot Camp™ experience.
Welcome swag pack.
Receive a group session recap video along with a shared file of camper photos.
Professional filmer/photographer. We capture all the action! Individual photo and video packages are available for an additional cost.
Hosts:
Help with your total gear set up.
Double check your stance.
Pointers on waxing & sharpening.
Riding pointers & tips.
Keep it fun and crew motivated, on & off the snow.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Flights: You’ll need to book your own way to adventure! Alternative early arrival to Narita is not included. Contact us for hotel recommendations if you’d like to arrive early.
Comprehensive Travel Insurance: A must-have for peace of mind (and it’s required!).
All Lunches: Expect to shell out about USD $10 - $15 per meal—fuel up your midday munchies!
Drinks and Snacks: Alcohol, bar tabs, and snacks are on you.
Extra Activities, Experiences, or Après: Things like sake tasting, bar covers, onsens not in the hotels, evening activities, après, and arcade fun aren’t included.
Snowboard Gear: Bring your own board and gear.
Luggage Transfer to Narita Airport: This one's on you.
Transportation Outside Schedule: If you’d like to arrange ground transportation outside of our planned schedule, those costs will be up to you. That said, we’re always happy to help make sure your travels are safe and smooth.
Late Arrival Transport to Palcall: If you roll in late, make sure you’ve got transport sorted. We can help, just ask.
Medical Care: We will support you as much as you need but you will need to take care of this bill.
Please note: Blaise Boot Camp™ Japan is an exclusive experience designed specifically for registered campers. Family members, spouses, and children are not included in camp activities or accommodations, and additional travelers cannot be accommodated unless they are registered. This way, every camper can fully enjoy and benefit from the experience.
SNOW CONDITIONS
Expect some of the world’s finest powder snow! February in Japan typically brings light, dry, and fluffy snow—perfect for snowboarding—along with crisp winter temperatures and stunning mountain scenery. But, of course, we will ride whatever is thrown at us.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OVERVIEW
February 6–15, 2026
Feb 6 | Travel Day: Depart from your home country and prepare for arrival at Narita Airport. Plan to arrive by 2:00 p.m. local time for a smooth start.
Feb 7 | Arrival in Tokyo & Head to Palcall: Meet the group at Narita, travel to Palcall Tsumagoi Ski Resort, check in, enjoy a welcome dinner and gear check.
Feb 8 | Sunrise Gondola & Palcall Terrain Park: Kick off the slopes with Japan’s longest gondola, ride with local snowboarders, and enjoy après and dinner activities at the hotel.
Feb 9 | Shred Day: Ride, enjoy lunch on the mountain, relax in a traditional onsen, and evening activities at the hotel.
Feb 10 | Cultural Experience & Head to Madarao: Immerse yourself in Japanese culture through food, traditions, and community activities, then check into hotel in Madarao.
Feb 11–13 | Shred Days: Daily breakfast, ride the best snow, enjoy lunch on the mountain, après relaxation, and evening hotel activities.
Feb 14 | Tokyo Bound & Farewell: Take the Shinkansen to Tokyo, check into hotel, and celebrate with a farewell dinner and karaoke night.
Feb 15 | Departure Day: Breakfast, check out, and travel to Narita Airport via Keisei Skyliner for your journey home.
Note: Schedule is tentative and subject to change based on conditions and logistics.
Note on Weather + Flexibility:
We ride with the rhythm of the snow! The order and timing of activities may switch around to make sure you get the best experience possible. Once you're in Japan, we may need to shake things up based on weather/snowfall, local happenings, or other fun factors. But don’t worry - we’ll keep you in the loop with any changes as the tour unfolds!
YOUR HOSTS
BLAISE ROSENTHAL
With a timeless style and an unmatched love for snowboarding, Blaise Rosenthal sets the pace at every one of our events. And though he’s been shredding since ‘89, and had a storied professional career, there’s not a jaded bone in this guy’s body. He’ll be the first one on the hill, the last one off it, and he’s always stoked to ride. no matter what the conditions or terrain, he’ll be riding hard all day long, doing everything he can to keep you as stoked as he is. In fact, the concept behind these camps came from seeing how Blaise interacts with a diverse group of riders. A subtle nudge here, a suggestion there, Blaise is constantly looking for opportunities to gently push every member of the crew to be their best and expand their sense of their own potential. Whether you want to get better at snowboarding, or just have a great time doing it, you couldn’t ask for a better guide.
@blaiserosenthal
KELLIE WRIGHT WHITLOCK
As our Executive Director Kellie puts to use decades of experience working with @highcascade as a Coach and Adult Camp manager. Her dedication to perfection is applied to every Blaise Boot Camp™ event resulting in seamless schedules that ensure all of our guests have a great time, both collectively and with consideration of each rider’s individual needs. In addition to running Blaise Boot Camp™, Kellie has been involved in numerous nonprofit campaigns, with the project closest to her heart being the Rocker Memorial Skatepark in Truckee. As a founding member, Kellie played a crucial role in securing approval for this state-of-the-art 25,000 square foot skatepark by the Recreation and Park District. Kellie is also currently an active board member of the Boise Skateboard Association, tirelessly advocating for the construction of skateparks in Boise and nearby towns. Kellie's dedication to her skate and snow shred communities is driven by her love for the outdoors and her belief in the positive impact that shared outdoor spaces and experiences can have on our individual lives and our collective story.
@MUYKELLIENTE
YUJI
Growing up in Nagano, Japan, Hara Yuji is a professional snowboarder known for his precision, creativity, and fearless approach to the mountain. Currently the Ski Patrol Manager at Palcall Ski Resort and a past coach at High Cascade Snowboard Camp, Yuji has honed his skills on the slopes of Japan’s renowned winter playgrounds, mastering everything from powder-filled backcountry runs to technical park features. With years of experience competing and coaching, he brings both expertise and passion to every ride, inspiring all snowboarders and visitors alike. Yuji’s deep connection to the mountains of Nagano fuels his passion to push boundaries, explore new lines, and share the thrill of snowboarding with the world.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
*Click to expand
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We recommend gearing up with some quality waterproof gear to stay cozy and dry! Pack up, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Japan! Packing considerations:
· Freshly waxed snowboard, boots, and bindings. Powder boards are highly recommended for maximum fun!
Spare parts for your bindings (just in case!)
· A solid waterproof jacket and pants
· Lightweight insulated layers
First layers (merino is highly recommended!)
· Waterproof gloves
· Balaclava and beanie
· A helmet (although not required)
· Goggles (don’t forget both low light and sunny-day lenses)
Hand warmers (available at most convenience stores)
Non-slip, waterproof shoes
Slippers (most places in Japan are shoe-free, so you'll want these!)
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Comprehensive travel insurance is required for the trip.
Your policy must cover personal accident, death, medical expenses, snowsports, and emergency repatriation. Additional coverage for cancellation, personal liability, and lost luggage is strongly recommended.
Provide your policy number and the insurance company’s 24-hour emergency contact number prior to departure.
Insurance Options to Consider (not thoroughly reviewed)
World Nomads (affordable)
*Your insurance broker may also offer travel insurance options.
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Q: Do I Need Travel Insurance?
A: Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is required for all guests joining the tour. Once your registration is confirmed, we highly recommend securing your travel insurance.
Q: May I Bring A Partner or Spouse Who Doesn’t Ski or Ride?
A: Blaise Boot Camp™, is an exclusive experience designed specifically for registered campers. Family members, spouses, and children are not included in camp activities or accommodations, and additional travelers cannot be accommodated unless they are registered. This way, every camper can fully enjoy and benefit from the experience. We kindly ask that you discuss this with us prior to registering.
Q: What If I Have Dietary Restrictions?
A: If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate them
Q: What is a “Host”? I Thought HCSC Had “Coaches”?
A: Our Gatherings feature Hosts who are accomplished snowboarders with extensive knowledge and will get the whole crew pumped to ride! While these Hosts may also be able to help you with your riding technique, Gatherings like this do not serve to replace formal instruction. If you seek that formal instruction and want a world-famous HCSC coach, then come ride with us this summer at Mt. Hood!
Q: Want to Arrive Early or Stay Longer?
A: If you’d like to arrive a bit early or hang around after the trip, it’s totally up to you - we’re more than happy to provide some help! We can point you toward the best local spots, fun things to do, and maybe even introduce you to a friendly face or two along the way.
Q: Are lift tickets included?
A: Yes, all lift tickets are included for this trip. Please note that none of the resorts that we visit on this trip are on the Ikon or Epic Pass.
Q: May I request a private room?
A: Yes. If available, you may request a private room at an additional rate.
Q: What Happens After I Register?
A: At least two weeks before the trip, we’ll send an email with all of the details, including a detailed itinerary and other trip information to ensure a smooth and well-organized experience.
Q: What if I can only fly into Haneda Airport?
A: The group will be flying into Narita Airport. Please plan to arrive at Narita Airport by 2:00 p.m. local time on arrival day, Saturday, February 7, or make alternative arrangements to travel to Palcall Ski Resort.
Q: What if my flight is delayed?
A: If your flight gets delayed, give one of us a call! You’ll need to hop on a train to Palcall or arrange other transportation.
Q: Do I need a power adapter?
A: Some outlets may vary, so bring an adapter just in case.
Q: What if I have questions?
A: Contact us at info@blaisebootcamp.com.
