Snow is starting to fall and it’s time to come back to life. I swear I need to be more productive during other times of the year but sometimes I just live for the winter season.
One of the fun things I’m looking forward to aside from skiing is to enjoy the snow in different ways, one of them is through snowmobiles. For the record, no, I do not own one. My introduction to this was when a friend visited and did not know how to ski at all. So a reasonable alternative is looking up non-skiing activities, but still snow related.
In Jiigatake Ski Resort at Omachi City (which is along the Hakuba Valley), they offer snow mobile tours through forest trails. They have morning and afternoon tours so you can plan one according to your travel schedule. The tour includes rental for your snowmobile, helmet, guide fees and insurance. You do have to bring your own goggles, wear proper snow boots (not ski boots), jacket, gloves and mask/balaclava. It is a snow activity so you need to be prepared to dress accordingly.
It was my first time riding one and I had no previous experience. I did ride a jet ski before but the feeling is very different as you are floating on water. For snow mobiles, the snow you’re treading on builds a bit of resistance and it takes time to accelerate. All it needs is patience and understanding how it drives. You really can feel the heavy weight of the snowmobile and it does feel a bit scary when I’m on a slope. The guide taught us what to do and not to do so I eventually got the hang of it.
The whole tour start with the basics of operating the snowmobile. We practiced some runs on a slope, going in circles, turning, braking and all the important things to know when driving one.
Then the fun part, he told us to follow him on through the ungroomed territory. It was a simple trail inside in the forest with lots of uphill and downhill slopes. Good thing we practiced beforehand! We didn’t go fast as we trailed between the dense trees. I can honestly say it’s a fun experience to do for non-skiers or when you’re just taking a break from skiing.
At the end of the tour, the guide tried to introduce us to actual snow mobile riding as a sport. It was insane as he drifted on the snow. He even asked one of us to tandem with him. My friend rode with him as he demonstrated carving with a snowmobile. Apparently they also do crazy stunts as well, but that’s for another time.
The guide is amazing so check Outdoor Guides Kiboco out when you’re visiting Hakuba this season.