CHICKA!!!

CHIKAKO IIDA

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Started skiing at the age of three. Since my late teens, I have been traveling and skiing in snowy mountains in New Zealand, North America, Europe, and other regions. My lifework is to explore snowy mountains and oceans around the world.

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Qualifications

• JSBA Official Professional Snowboarder

• Japan Mountain Guides Association Certified Hiking Guide Stage II + Ski Guide Stage I

• Niigata Prefecture Natural Environment Conservator (2014–present)

• Japan Avalanche Network – Avalanche Operations Level 1

• Bachelor of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University (Department of Plant Resources Science)

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Affiliations

Japan Mountain Guides Association / N.I.A.J. / PSA-ASIA / Japan Avalanche Network /
Yuzawa Chamber of Commerce / Yuzawa Town Mountain Disaster Relief Team /
Fujiyoshida City Guide Association – Mt. Fuji Guide (Taishikan, 8th Station, 2010–2014)

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Career Highlights

2024 – Appointed as a board member of the Japan Mountain Guides Association; responsible for the UIMLA Committee
2023 – Joined the UIMLA Committee as a JMGA representative; attended the UIMLA General Assembly in Germany as the Japanese delegate
2021 – Joined the operations committee of N.I.A.J.; currently active as an instructor for certification courses
2020 – Opened Chicka’s Mountain Lodge in Echigo-Nakazato; appointed Yuzawa Town Environmental Basic Council Member
2014 – Began activities as a Niigata Prefecture Natural Environment Conservation Officer (Joshinetsu National Park, Tanigawa Range Yuzawa Area)
2011 – Established Office Chicka
2008 – Selected as a representative of Japan in snowboarding; retired the same year; moved base of operations from Tokyo to Niigata
2002 – Graduated from Nihon University, College of Bioresource Sciences
1999 – Signed first sponsorship contract with a snowboard manufacturer
1998 – Began international snowboarding expeditions
1997 – Started snowboarding
1980 – Began skiing at age three

 

Competition Results

2008 – Snowboard Cross Japan National Team member
2007 – FIS North American Cup (USA) SX – 11th place
2000 – JSBA All Japan Student Championship SX – Winner
1999 – Methven Big Air (NZ) SJ – Champion
Other victories and awards

Click here for main guiding achievements and travel records

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