Short-Term Domestic and International Trips

ENVS/ROE 397 - Winter 2025/26

3 Credit Hours

Instructor: Nate Gore, MEM | ngore@western.edu | (303) 993-9468

Lead Guide: Hannah Mech | mountainnomadjp@gmail.com | (970) 331-3713

Class Place and Time: Hokkaido, Japan | December 30, 2025 – January 8, 2026

This course is a study abroad experience taking place in Hokkaido, Japan. The trip will provide opportunities for world-renowned resort powder skiing, as well as an immersive cultural experience in a truly unique corner of the world.
During this course, students will immerse themselves in Japanese culture while learning how to respectfully navigate the country.
This trip is co-guided by Hannah Mech, Lead Guide and Founder at Mountain Nomad Adventure Company. Hannah is a half-Japanese Western alum who focuses on authentic and impactful ski trips to Japan. She has spent half of her life in Japan and is bilingual and bicultural. She is excited to show you the real sides of Japan that she knows and loves.

Cultural Immersion

With a world-renowned work ethic, the Japanese have set global standards with values of honor, respect, and discipline.
On this adventure we will look at the outdoor industry in Japan and how these values manifest. We will compare it with “western” business philosophies and explore the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Being in Japan for New Year’s also affords us an opportunity to witness a side of Japan most do not see.
With the few days we have in Tokyo, we will celebrate Hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the new year, which also consists of different cultural activities and sightseeing.

Personal Growth

Once we have touched down in Hokkaido, we will have the opportunity to hear first-hand how business owners, both foreign and local, have forged careers and lives for themselves in the chaotic industry that thrives under 50 feet of snow.
We will hear from many speakers including guides, snow forecasters, entrepreneurs, and cultural speakers.

Environmentalism

Hokkaido does not let you find your feet. The unrelenting snow forces those who wish to make it their home to be adaptable, creative, and determined.
During this expedition we will speak to local forecasters about what makes this microclimate so unique, and the threat climate change poses.
We will explore what local people and governments are doing to combat this and reflect on what practices we can bring home with us.

Catching three flights, crossing the largest body of water in the world, what makes this all worth it is what sets Hokkaido apart: the snow.

Despite winter being just four months, fifty percent of Hokkaido’s annual tourism is directly or indirectly a result of the snow industry.
We have timed this trip to line up with when it is snowiest in this magical part of the world and will be on the mountain five of our six days in Hokkaido.
While the snow is the major draw, days will also consist of exploring incredible local onsens (traditional Japanese bathhouses), hearing stories of how entrepreneurs and business leaders in the area found their feet, and visiting cultural heritage sites that tell the quiet yet potent story of Hokkaido’s history.
Separated by just 49 kilometers, Hokkaido marks the highest point of Japan. Despite its proximity, the culture and history of Hokkaido are rich, unique, and tragic. We will learn more about this as we explore this magical island.

Students may use this as ENVS 397. This special topic will apply for three credits of upper-level elective, applicable to any major or minor. Nate will work with each student and their advisors to identify potential substitutions and how this course will fit into your individual major and field of study. Students from all majors and programs are welcome.
Students are registered directly by the instructor following an application and interview with both the instructor and lead guide.

The objectives of ENVS 397 are for students to:

Utilize place-based learning practices to grow from tourists to well-rounded global citizens.
Gain immersive and truly unique opportunities to execute ethical tourism practices within the context of international environmental studies and outdoor recreation.
Bring your specialized background and educational interests to this unique learning laboratory to collaboratively create a unique final deliverable.

Total Cost: $4,600
- $4,060 program costs + $540 (3 credits x $180/credit) cost of credit for undergraduate students and community members.
- Program costs include all breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
Additional Costs:
- Students should bring around $200 to cover snacks and souvenirs.
- Program cost does not include airfare, visa, gear, personal needs, individual travel, or other activities outside the established program schedule.
- Students are required to bring their own winter clothing, snow layers, helmet, goggles, etc.
- Students may want to bring their own skis/snowboards and boots. Rentals are available, but bringing your own gear is recommended.
- This trip will utilize the five consecutive days at Rusutsu (included in the Full Epic and Epic Local Pass). You are responsible for purchasing your ski pass or individual day tickets outside of the costs of this course.
- Students should also budget an additional expense for flights, which may be around $1,500–$2,000.
Payment Schedule:
- A $1,533.33 non-refundable deposit is due on or before September 25, 2025.
- The final balance of $3,066.67 is due on or before October 17, 2025.
- No refunds will be made after October 17, 2025, nor will refunds be made to students who do not present for the program or for those who drop out after the course begins.