Myoko Ski Winter Camp (Residential Camp)

1. Progressive Ski & Snowboard Programme

Ski and snowboard courses are meticulously designed with a progressive, level-based approach, catering to participants ranging from complete beginners to advanced riders. Certified instructors provide personalised, step-by-step guidance tailored to each student’s ability, ensuring steady improvement in a safe and engaging environment.

Instruction will be delivered by Myoko SnowSports International, a leading ski school in the region and a five-time winner of Ski Asia’s “Best Ski School in Japan” award. This gives students access to high-quality coaching in one of Japan’s most respected winter sports destinations.

2. Four Premium Ski Mornings at Two Signature Resorts

The camp is planned to include four morning ski-school sessions, with two mornings at Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort and two mornings at Akakura Kanko Ski Resort.

This gives students the opportunity to experience two distinct ski environments:

• The long, wide groomed runs of Suginohara, ideal for building rhythm, control and confidence.
• The historic slopes of Akakura Kanko, offering a classic Japanese ski-town atmosphere and varied terrain for progressive learning.

Each ski morning is designed to provide up to approximately 2.5 to 3 hours of structured instruction, followed by lunch and afternoon snow activities.

3. WMA Wilderness First Aid Workshop
This 6–8 hour Wilderness Medical Associates-based first aid learning experience introduces students to the responsibility of caring for someone when professional assistance may not be immediately available. Training combines explanation, demonstration, practical skills and realistic scenarios so students learn by assessing and caring for simulated patients.

Students begin with emergency response, calling for help, patient assessment, and recognition of vital signs and major life threats. Practical sessions then introduce the management of common trauma, including cuts, bleeding and suspected fractures; CPR principles, including rescue breathing and chest compressions; basic considerations for head and spinal injuries; and thermal regulation, with particular attention to recognising and responding to hypothermia in a winter environment. The emphasis is not simply on remembering procedures. Students practise remaining calm, communicating clearly, prioritising problems and working effectively as a team when another person depends on them.

Participants who successfully complete the required training and assessment will receive the WMA Basic First Aid/CPR Certificate.

About Wilderness Medical Associates International
With more than 40 years of leadership in wilderness and remote medicine, Wilderness Medical Associates International is a pioneer and global leader in the field. WMA training has been delivered across all seven continents, reaching more than 10,000 participants each year through a global network of experienced medical, emergency and rescue professionals. Its evidence-informed curriculum is regularly reviewed to reflect current medical practice and the realities of providing care in remote and challenging environments.

4. Snow Monkey Tour: Jigokudani Yaen-Koen

A unique highlight of the camp is the visit to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, officially known as Jigokudani Yaen-Koen, located in Yamanouchi, northern Nagano Prefecture.

Situated in a mountain valley at an elevation of around 850 metres, the park was established in 1964 and is internationally known for the opportunity to observe wild Japanese macaques, commonly known as snow monkeys, at close range. In winter, the monkeys are especially famous for their hot-spring bathing behaviour.

This excursion offers students a rare opportunity to connect with Japanese wildlife and mountain ecology beyond the ski slopes. It is also an excellent educational experience, helping students understand animal behaviour, winter adaptation and responsible wildlife observation.

5. Winter Survival Challenge & Capture the Flag
Students explore the fundamentals of winter survival through a hands-on team challenge. They learn how shelter, warmth, fire, water and food become priorities in a cold environment, and consider how snow, natural materials and smart site selection can help protect the body from exposure.

Teams then put their learning into action by building a snow fort or emergency shelter. Once complete, the shelters become team bases for a lively Capture the Flag snow game — turning practical survival learning into strategy, movement and fun.

6. Traditional Japanese Woodcraft
This quieter cultural activity gives students the chance to work with natural materials such as bamboo and cedar while learning about traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

Under guidance, students shape and finish their own handmade piece, developing patience, care and attention to detail. Rather than making a simple souvenir, students are encouraged to create their item as a gift for someone they wish to thank — turning craft into a meaningful act of gratitude.

7. Myoko Soba Making
Students discover Japanese food culture by making soba noodles from scratch with a local instructor. They mix buckwheat flour into dough, roll it, fold it, cut it into noodles, and finally enjoy the finished soba together with local accompaniments.

The activity is hands-on, enjoyable and surprisingly precise. Students learn that simple traditional foods often require patience, judgement and skilled hands — and that food connects people to land, culture and community.

8. Christmas Kris Kringle & Winter Celebration
Christmas Day becomes a warm shared celebration at camp, with the focus on giving, gratitude and friendship rather than formal observance.

Students help decorate a camp tree and take part in a Kris Kringle gift exchange, preparing or selecting a small gift for another participant. The evening continues with winter and Christmas games, shared food and relaxed group time.

After several active learning days, this lighter session gives students space to laugh, connect and strengthen friendships across the group.

9. Wakan Eco Hike & Forest Shrine Journey
Wearing traditional Japanese wakan-style snowshoes, students head into the winter forest with a nature and wilderness specialist. Moving slowly through deep snow, they learn to observe animal tracks, feeding signs and movement trails, while discussing how wildlife adapts to cold, snow and limited winter food.

Depending on conditions, students may find signs of animals such as winter hare, squirrels, martens, foxes, tanuki or the Japanese serow, known as kamoshika.

The journey concludes at a local shrine, where students experience a simple Japanese expression of gratitude for safe passage through the forest — connecting ecology, culture and reflection in one memorable outing.

10. Christmas Ice Lantern & Campfire Festival
For the final evening, weather permitting, students help transform the outdoor winter space with handmade ice lanterns, candlelight, snow and fire.

The group gathers around a final campfire beneath the Myoko winter sky for stories, simple games and relaxed reflection. Students are invited to think about what challenged them, what surprised them, who helped them, and what they will take away from the camp.

It is designed to be a memorable final night where celebration and meaning come together — something the students helped create, not just something provided for them.