Japan Outdoor Institute

25/02/2026

Inviting for a special women's training to join our B4BC (Boarding 4 Breast Cancer) 2026 International Women's day March 7-8th AST1 Training and Tour Weekend!

We still have limited spots available – so please be quick, get in for a good cause – 10% donations to B4BC who will also bring some fun merch to give away!

Signup online at JOI website here : https://japanoutdoorinstitute.com/en/courses/ladies-ast1-hakuba-mar-7-8-international-womens-day/

21/02/2026

As we approach the end of the ice season, still a couple climbs left in the ice !

Our 2 days level two ice climbing training completed at Yatsugatake with a great group eager to progress their skills.

Led by our JMGA guide Tao, putting in a busy week at the mountain!

Still time to get out on the ice so send a message if you are keen!

19/02/2026

JOI SPRING COURSES - TRAINING & TOURS ANNOUNCEMENT!!

While the winter feels like it's wrapping up – there's so much more to explore AND - the powder is not over in Nagano – you just have to go higher :
** Join our Tateyama 3-day & Senjojiki Cirque 2-day Alpine Ski Tours & Training**

Find all courses and tours online or make an enquiry :
• Avalanche Canada AST 1 & 2
• WMA Wilderness First Aid WFA / WAFA / WFR / CPR
• JMGA Alpine Mountaineering & Ice Climbing guided training & tours
• JMGA Rock Climbing & Bouldering training & tours
• CASI Snowboard Level 1, 2, 3 & Park + Re-Examinations

There's loads to do and with most companies shutting down – JOI is here year-round, so reach out for anything - anytime!

www.japanoutdoorinstitute.com

06/02/2026

Wilderness First Aid Training:
Please Vote - Date / Location
& Course WFA - WAFA - WFR?

06/02/2026

If you are interested in learning more about Backcountry Touring and Avalanche Safety – but not quite there yet to commit to the costs and time of full AST courses and guided tours = Our AST LITE & BC INTRO day is perfect for you.

We will be in Myoko Feb 13, Hakuba Feb 16 & Nozawa Feb 17
Single day training - ¥20,000 (10% discounts for those that present resident cards).

Or just to get out with a similar beginner - intermediate group without the pressure of others with more experience in your regular group!

Learn all the key skills of:
• Using avalanche safety gear
• Tricks of touring knowledge
• Reading weather and avalanche bulletins
• Learn insights into planning trips
• Minimising risks on tour
& pickup up lots little tricks and tools we use along the way!

Book Now or enquire through our website :
www.japanoutdoorinstitute.com/en/ast-avalanche-skills-training

29/01/2026

Last week our CASI - ACMS Examiner Team got together in Hakuba Goryu 🏔️ for six days of advanced training on snow 🏂

The week was built around the CASI Carving and Park 2 courses, run for the first time in Japan 🇯🇵 and led by Tom (CASI Level 4, Canada). Running these courses as a group of examiners gave us the chance to push things further. Higher-level riding, teaching, and plenty of good discussion along the way.

📚 It was a valuable week for learning, alignment, and continued development as a team, staying in touch with the latest CASI standards.

🎯 Investing in our examiner team is a key part of how we maintain consistent, high-quality CASI courses across Japan. It ensures our candidates are learning from examiners who are actively training, developing, and staying current.

🙌 Big thanks to Tom and the whole team for a solid week on snow

エイブル白馬五竜 / Hakuba Goryu

25/01/2026

Jan courses completed – Japan Outdoor Institute is proud to be a continuing partner of WMA Japan and Wilderness Medical Associates International, delivering the highest level of Wilderness First Aid (WFA / WAFA / WFR / WALS) training across Japan.

We remain committed to providing realistic, field-based medical training that prepares people to respond confidently in challenging outdoor environments.

Courses are available in English, Japanese, and Chinese, and are tailored for:

Individuals & outdoor enthusiasts
Professional guides & instructors
Schools & educators
Organisations & companies

If you are interested in hosting or joining a course, please get in touch today.
📅 Stay tuned for our 2026 Wilderness First Aid training calendar launching this February!

Get the right training – Save Lives!

一般社団法人 ウィルダネス メディカル アソシエイツ ジャパン Wilderness Medical Associates

【コースレポート】
1月21日〜23日に福島県裏磐梯・裏磐梯ビジターセンターにてWAFAアドバンスコースを開催しました。
寒波の影響で講習期間中は特に冷え込み、雪も毎日数十ｃｍ程積もるような天候の中で行われました。
この様な環境では室内で簡単に出来ていたことが出来なくなり、傷病者も救助者も体温が奪われていきます。対応が難しくなるという事は誰もが想像できると思いますが、「知っている」と「経験したことがある」には大きな大きな差があります。
知識と技術を学び、傷病や環境を経験する事で現場に立ち向かう事が出来るようになる。WMAはこれを知っているからこそ、雨でも雪でも風でも野外でのトレーニングを行います。
リアルなシチュエーションのなかで学び、現場で動けるようになりたい方！WMAJ野外災害救急法の受講、お待ちしています！
［文：インストラクター羽生（Pepe）］
ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー
今回のコースは、環境省裏磐梯自然保護管事務所さまの主催で、「エコツーリズムリスクマネジメント研修」として開催されました。

22/01/2026

We've had a great time in near sorting weather coming this week down in Yatsugatake in Nagano Japan, on Ice Candy and all the natural ice waterfalls!

With the ever comfortable Akadake Kousen lodge for lovely meals and earn environment to rest.

Thanks to a great group as well for joining and giving Ice Climbing a go!

22/01/2026

Japan Outdoor Institute - Official Avalanche Canada Course Provider
AST1+ and AST2 Courses are open with new dates for February & March 2026!

Locations - Hakuba, Myoko, Nozawa, Yuzawa
Course Languages - English, Chinese & Japanese

Hokkaido March courses English & Mandarin to be announced - RSVP
& in coooperation with FWT China AST1 & CRS & Wilderness First Aid + SAR Mandarin Course days to open Feb 28-March 05 - RSVP

北海道 3 月英文 & 中文课程即将公布 — 欢迎报名（RSVP）
并与 FWT 中国 合作，AST1 & CRS 中文课程 将于 2 月 28 日–3 月 5 日 开放 — 欢迎预报名（RSVP）

Avalanche Canada

17/01/2026

❄⛷ We are happy to open a new official Avalanche Canada Certified AST1+ course February 11-12 in Myoko Ikenotaira. Running with 2 instructors we have opened 14 spots! ❄⛷

read all the course details at the below link.
**Industry workers & locals get a 5% discount - simply present your visa for the code!**

AST1+ Myoko Akakura Feb 11-12 Japan Avalanche Skills Training, is a first step for anyone interested to or already stepping into avalanche terrain

10/01/2026

A quick catch-up from our December CASI - ACMS courses running across Japan. 🇯🇵❄️
Great riding, solid progression, and a lot of motivated candidates.

More courses coming through the heart of winter — keep an eye on the schedule.

03/01/2026

JANUARY 11 Akakura, Myoko – Single & Half day training Akakura
Join us for a single day AST Refresher & AST Lite 'BC Intro' training and tour. Proudly an official Avalanche Canada provider running you through all the basic skills & drills to get you out for a taste of touring. Or get everything reset and refresh your skills in the field under our guidance and supervision.

Join for a full day @ ¥20,000 or ask about half days refresher ¥10,000 – or show up and ask some questions – the more knowledge & training out there, the safer the mountains to enjoy.

Existing JOI Members receive 10% discount & industry / Japan residents receive 5% discount – email us for discount codes!

Book now - limited spots available : https://japanoutdoorinstitute.com/en/courses/bc-intro-1-jan-11-myoko/