First Tracks Japan – Backcountry & Slackcountry Guiding

Bookings & Payment

• Bookings are only confirmed once full payment has been received.
  
• If payment is not received by the specified due date, the booking may be automatically cancelled.
  
• All bookings are non-transferable without prior written approval from First Tracks Japan.
  
• Programs are private and reserved for the individuals listed in the booking.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be submitted in writing (email or WhatsApp).

The following cancellation fees apply:

• More than 7 days before the tour date: ¥10,000 administration fee
  
• 7 days to 48 hours before the tour date: 30% of total booking fee
  
• Less than 48 hours before the tour date: 50% of total booking fee
  
• Cancellation on the day of the tour, or no-show: 100% of total booking fee

Rescheduling Policy

• More than 7 days before the tour date: ¥5,000 administration fee
  
• 7 days to 48 hours before the tour date: ¥10,000 administration fee
  
• Less than 48 hours before the tour date: rescheduling is not permitted
  
• All rescheduling requests are subject to availability

Weather & Operational Changes

Backcountry travel is dependent on weather, snow conditions, and safety factors.

First Tracks Japan reserves the right to:

• Modify the location, route, or objective
  
• Adjust the program duration or terrain selection
  
• Cancel or reschedule tours due to unsafe conditions, weather, lift closures, or other factors beyond our control

If First Tracks Japan cancels the tour due to unsafe conditions or operational reasons, a full refund or alternative date will be offered.

Participant Requirements & Responsibilities

Participants must:

• Follow all guide instructions at all times
  
• Disclose any relevant medical conditions or injuries before the tour
  
• Possess appropriate physical fitness for the booked program
  
• Use appropriate equipment suitable for backcountry travel

First Tracks Japan reserves the right to refuse participation or modify objectives if safety may be compromised.

Avalanche Safety Equipment

For Backcountry and Slackcountry tours, the following avalanche safety equipment is included:

• Avalanche transceiver (beacon)
  
• Shovel
  
• Probe
  
• Backpack

Participants are responsible for using the equipment correctly and following all safety instructions provided.

Insurance & Liability

Backcountry skiing and snowboarding involve inherent risks, including serious injury or death.

By booking a tour, participants acknowledge and accept these risks.

First Tracks Japan:

• Is not liable for injuries, accidents, equipment loss, or damages that occur during or related to the tour
  
• Requires participants to carry appropriate travel and recreational insurance covering backcountry skiing or snowboarding, rescue, and medical evacuation

Basic rescue insurance coverage may be included where applicable (details provided upon booking), but personal insurance is strongly recommended.

Minimum Age

• Minimum age for private backcountry and slackcountry tours: 12 years old
  
• Participants under 18 years old require parental or guardian consent

Participation approval is subject to guide discretion and safety considerations.

Rental Equipment Liability

Participants are responsible for any rented avalanche safety equipment provided.

Replacement costs for lost or damaged equipment:

• Avalanche transceiver (beacon): ¥30,000
  
• Backpack, shovel, probe set: ¥20,000

Tour Leader Authority & Safety Decisions

All safety decisions made by the tour leader are final.

This includes decisions regarding:

• Terrain selection
  
• Route changes
  
• Early termination of the tour
  
• Cancellation due to safety concerns

These decisions are made in the interest of participant safety.