18+ ADULT ALL-INCLUSIVE WINTER GATHERING - JAPAN
Gunma Prefecture, in the Kantō region of Honshu and Nagano Prefecture, in the Chūbu region of Honshu.
Friday, February 12 – Sunday, February 21, 2027
Host: Blaise Rosenthal (5.0), and special guests
About: Gatherings are organized independently by snowboarders trusted by HCSC. #HCSCxBLAISEBOOTCAMP
Japan Gathering 2027
Ride Japan, The Right Way
Our Japan Gathering is all about chasing good snow, exploring new terrain, and experiencing the legendary shred culture of Japan. This trip is built for intermediate to advanced riders ready to get after it in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture, in the Kantō region of Honshu and Nagano Prefecture, in the Chūbu region of Honshu.
Come ride some of Japan’s most epic terrain, hunt for fresh pow, and soak up the culture. It’s more than just a snowboarding trip - it’s a chance to get deep into Japanese snow culture, meet good people, and stack up the kind of memories you’ll be talking about for years.
Dates
Friday, February 12 – Sunday, February 21, 2027
Note: You'll leave the U.S. on Friday, February 12, and touch down at Narita Airport (NRT) on Saturday, February 13. Arrive Narita Airport by 2:00 p.m. local time.
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 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 Blaise Rosenthal and local legend Yuji Hara.
Pricing
$5,300 USD: pp/twin shared accommodation (two people per room).
Want a room all to yourself? Single occupancy is available.
$5,840 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 at info@blaisebootcamp.com before you register to get the discount code.
Ikon Pass Discount
Have a current Ikon Pass? You’ll receive a $150 discount on your registration, Contact us at info@blaisebootcamp.com before you register to get the discount code.
Note: Ikon Session Pass holders do not receive this discount.
Deposit - Secure your Spot Today!
Reserve your spot with a 50% deposit at registration, and pay the remaining balance 60 days before the trip kicks off.
What’s the Experience Like?
Ride. Connect. Explore. Repeat.
Japan Gathering 2027 is about way more than getting turns in. It’s about experiencing Japan through snowboarding, sharing the experience, and becoming part of a crew that’s here for the same thing -- good snow, good people, and good times.
We’re creating an immersive week in the mountains where you can ride, connect, explore, and chill with a community of like-minded snowboarders. Whether you’re looking to discover new terrain or simply experience what makes Japanese snow culture so special, there’s a place for you in the crew.
On the Mountain & The Crew
We keep it rider-focused and fun. You’ll get to ride with some seriously talented riders and local legends, including Blaise Rosenthal, Yuji Hara, and Toshi Seyama. But some of the best of times happen naturally -- riding with other people, watching different lines, and sharing experiences. The goal isn’t to chase perfection. It’s to ride better, ride smarter, and have a hell of a good time doing it.
And then there’s Japan itself. Deep snow, incredible terrain, mountain villages, onsens, incredible food, and a culture that makes every day off the hill an adventure. We’ll stay in slopeside hotels, keeping everyone close to the action and creating that easy, tight-knit mountain vibe. Ride fresh powder with local snowboarders and experience Japan beyond the resort. Because the best trips aren’t just about the places you go -- they’re about the people you meet and ride with.
Après & Beyond
When the lifts stop, the good times don’t. We’ll have après sessions, Shred Talks, hangouts, and plenty of opportunities to kick back, swap stories, talk about the day’s best runs, and celebrate the shared obsession that brought us all to Japan in the first place.
This is a chance to connect with the community -- while coming home a better rider with a whole new crew of friends.
Are You Ready? Ability Level
If you’re comfortable riding intermediate to advanced terrain, you’re ready. You don’t need to send huge cliffs, ride switch, spin off everything in sight - this trip isn’t about proving anything, it’s about riding good snow, exploring the mountains, improving your skills, and having an epic time with the crew.
Come with an open mind, a sense of adventure, and a love for snowboarding. We’ll take care of the rest.
What to Expect
Nine days. Eight nights. And a whole lot of Japan. We’ll be based in comfortable slopeside ski resort hotels, with mostly twin-share accommodations so you’re never far from the lift, the action, or the crew.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
9 days, 8 nights: Enjoy 7 nights in cozy, slopeside ski-in/ski-out resort hotels in Palcall and Shiga Kogen, with easy access to the Higashi-Tateyama and Hoppo-Bunadaira ski areas. Wrap up the adventure with one night in Tokyo before heading home.
Shared Accommodation: Enjoy your stay with a roomie (2 people per room), but if you want a solo room, single occupancy is available. Hotel onsens are included.
Transportation: We’ve got you covered with transfers to/from the airport and the resort.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner to fuel the days and wind down after riding.
Lift Tickets: Lift tickets provided for at least five days of riding with the chance to experience everything from the Sunrise Gondola at Palcall Tsumagoi to riding Shiga Kogen Mountain Resort, with 18 interconnected ski areas linked by an extensive lift system. From perfectly groomed cruisers to deep powder stashes and stunning Japanese winter scenery.
Cultural Experience: Experience the rich culture of Japan through food, traditions, and community activities woven into the experience.
Welcome swag pack.
As a session recap, receive a shared file of videos and photos from the trip.
Hosts & VIP Special Guests:
Help with your total gear set up.
Double check your stance.
Pointers on waxing & sharpening.
Riding pointers & tips.
Guiding & Shred Talks.
Keep it fun and crew-motivated, on & off the snow.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Flights: You’ll need to book your own way to and from! Alternative early arrival to Narita or staying after is not included. Contact us for hotel recommendations if you’d like to arrive early or stay after.
Comprehensive Travel Insurance: A must-have for peace of mind (and it’s required!).
All Lunches: Expect to pay about USD $10 - $15 per meal.
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 hotels, evening activities, après, and arcade fun aren’t included.
Snowboard Gear: Bring your own board and gear.
Luggage Transfer Service: Luggage transport services to/from airport is on included.
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 arrive 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.
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’re happy to explore options with you and kindly ask that you discuss them with us before registering.
SNOW CONDITIONS
Expect some of the world’s greatest 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
DAY 1 — FEB 13 | Tokyo → Palcall
Welcome to Japan
Meet the crew at Narita Airport
Travel by train toward Palcall Tsumagoi Ski Resort
Shuttle from the train station to the resort
Check in and settle into the hotel
Welcome dinner
Gear check and trip orientation
Meet the crew and get ready to shred
DAY 2 — FEB 14 | Ride Day
Sunrise Gondola
Early start for the Sunrise Gondola
Daily breakfast
Ride Japan’s longest gondola
Session the mountain with local snowboarders
Explore Palcall’s terrain and park
Après and downtime
Dinner, rider introductions & welcome swag
Evening activities at the hotel
First full day on snow. Let’s get after it.
DAY 3 — FEB 15 | Ride + Culture
Palcall → Kusatsu → Onsen
Daily breakfast
Another full day riding Palcall
Head into Kusatsu
Visit a local temple
Relax and recharge in a traditional Japanese onsen (not included)
Dinner and evening festivities
DAY 4 — FEB 16 | Culture + Shiga Kogen
Next Stop: Shiga Kogen
Daily breakfast
Check-out of hotel
Spend part of the day immersed in Japanese culture through food, traditions, and local community experiences, then make our way to Shiga Kogen.
We’ll check into a ski-in/ski-out hotel with direct access to the Higashi-Tateyama and Hoppo-
Bunadaira ski areas. The hotel is located right next to the Higashitateyama Gondola, making it easy to get straight onto the mountain each day.
Dinner and evening festivities
Pow day? We may squeeze in a few morning laps at Palcall before heading out.
DAYS 5–7 — FEB 17–19 | RIDE DAYS
Shiga Kogen
Three days to explore, ride, and chase the best conditions
Daily breakfast
Full days on the mountain
Explore the legendary Shiga Kogen terrain
Ride with the crew and local snowboarders
Après & relaxation
Dinner at the hotel
Evening hotel activities
Ride. Refuel. Chill. Repeat.
DAY 8 — FEB 20 | Shiga Kogen → Tokyo
Tokyo Bound + Farewell
Breakfast and check out
Travel to Tokyo via Shinkansen
Check into our Tokyo hotel
Explore the city or kick back
Farewell dinner
End the trip with some karaoke
One last night with the crew. Make it count.
DAY 9 — FEB 21 | Departure Day ✈
Until Next Time, Japan
Breakfast at the hotel
Check out
Make your way to Narita Airport
Travel independently via Keisei Skyliner
Head home with a board bag full of memories
Thanks for riding with us. See you on the next one. 🤙
Please note: This itinerary is tentative and may change based on snow conditions, weather,
transportation, resort operations, and other logistics. We’ll always prioritize the best riding and overall
experience.
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 MidLife Crisis Adventure Co™, 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, mountain bike, surf, 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
MEET YUJI HARA
Born in Japan and deeply connected to its mountains, Yuji Hara is a professional snowboarder known for his creative riding, precision, and fearless approach to the mountain. His style blends freestyle, freeriding, and Japanese surf-skate culture, bringing creativity to every line he rides.
A longtime snowboarder, mountain enthusiast, and true local, Yuji knows Japan from the inside out, and he’s just as comfortable chasing deep snow as he is sharing the best spots for food, culture, and après. Yuji is currently the Ski Patrol Manager at Palcall Tsumagoi Resort and previously coached and was a digger at High Cascade Snowboard Camp in Oregon. He has ridden as a core team rider for Death Label and Bound Snowboards, and has spent years exploring Japan's legendary powder, backcountry, and technical terrain.
For the Japan Gathering, Yuji brings an insider's knowledge of Nagano and Japan's snow culture, along with a contagious passion for riding, exploring, and finding the next great line.
Creative lines. Deep powder. Good times. That's Yuji.
MEET TOSHI SEYAMA
If there’s one person you want leading the way through Japan’s legendary mountains, it’s Toshi. Based in Takasaki, Gunma, Toshi spends his time between the mountains of Tenjindaira and Kawaba, two of Gunma’s standout snow destinations. His deep connection to the Japanese snowboarding community gives our group a unique window into the people, places, and culture that make riding in Japan so special.
Toshi works with Patagonia Japan and has been supported by United Shapes, RIDE Snowboards, Dragon, and a collection of independent Japanese makers. He brings a genuine passion for snowboarding and a strong appreciation for the independent brands and creative culture that continue to shape Japan’s riding scene.
For our Japan Gathering, Toshi brings something you simply can't buy with a lift ticket: decades of experience, local connections, and an instinct for finding great snow. He's here to help us explore beyond the obvious, experience Japanese mountain culture, and -- most importantly -- have a hell of a lot of fun riding.
Follow Toshi's line. The good stuff is usually just around the corner.
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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Cash and Credit Card: Don’t forget your Japanese yen! If you’re flying in on arrival day,please avoid exchanging yen at the airport. Be sure to grab it before the trip kicks off. Just aheads up—there are no ATM machines at Palcall. So, load up on that cash and get ready for an amazing adventure!
QR Code Screenshot: Snap a screenshot of your QR code for immigration and customs, and make sure to state that you're visiting Japan for tourism.
Delayed Flight?: 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.
Pack Light: Space is at a premium in Japan, so be considerate and pack smart!
Travel Insurance: Provide us with your travel insurance policy number and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number before the trip. Contact your insurance broker for details.
Download Helpful Apps: Get Google Translate, Google Lens, or Papago to make communication a breeze!
International Phone Plan: Don’t forget to sign up for an international phone plan with your cell provider to stay connected. Or download WhatsApp.
No Drugs: Remember, no drugs, let’s keep it clean and friendly! Japan has very strict laws.
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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.
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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 withyour 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.
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 13, 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: Do I need a visa for my trip?
A: Some countries require travelers to have a visa before arrival. After you’ve booked your trip, we will send you a pre-trip checklist by email so you will have all of the information you will need.
Q: How much is the deposit?
A: A 50% deposit per person is due at registration.
Q: Does this gathering include my flight?
A: The trip does not include flights.
Q: What is the age requirement for this gathering?
A: The age requirement is 18.
Q: Do you allow skiers and snowboarders?
A: Yes, but be aware that these trips are led by snowboarders.
Q: Can I choose my roommate?
A: Yes, send us an email and let us know who you would like to room with.
Q: What if I have questions?
A: Contact us at info@blaisebootcamp.com.
