Yatsugatake Sky Trail Volunteer

We’re heading to Yatsugatake to volunteer at the Yatsugatake Sky Trail, supporting runners taking on a challenging 10 km vertical trail race through the Yatsugatake mountains.

Yatsugatake is a place where we hope to continue spending more time outdoors and eventually build a stronger Goodpace community base. As we grow our connection with the area, we also believe it’s important to contribute to the local community and support the people and events that make Yatsugatake such a special place.

For this event, we’ll be volunteering with the race organizers, helping with course guidance and cheering on runners from the top of the mountain. Expect an early start, plenty of time outdoors, and a chance to experience a trail race from the other side while helping runners make it to the finish!

Because volunteer activities begin early on Saturday morning, we’ll travel to Yatsugatake the evening before and stay overnight. Goodpace will arrange the rental car and accommodation. Participants will need to arrange their own train transportation to and from Chino Station.

Meet: Chino Station (茅野駅) — Friday, October 9 at 17:30
Volunteer Day: Saturday, October 10
Race Venue Arrival: Around 06:00
Finish: Around 16:00
Cost: Approximately ¥5,600–¥6,000 per person for shared accommodation and rental car expenses
Transportation: Please book your own train and arrive at Chino Station by 17:30 on Friday.

The race organizers will also provide some small gifts for volunteers.

What to bring: Warm layers, trail shoes, a trail vest or small backpack, a change of clothes if we visit an onsen afterward, cash, and anything else you need for an overnight stay. Please bring dinner or plan to pick something up along the way. We’ll stop at a convenience store to buy food and supplies for breakfast and lunch as needed.

Signing up is a commitment: We’ll be booking accommodation and a rental car based on the number of participants. Please only sign up if you’re able to join for the full overnight trip and volunteer day. If your plans change, let us know as early as possible.