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CHIKAKOIIDA PROFILE
BIOGRAPHY
Chikako Iida
Professional Snowboarder | Mountain Guide | Gardener
Based in Yuzawa-machi, Niigata, Japan
Originally from Ota-ku, Tokyo
I started skiing as a young child and began snowboarding in my late teens. Since then, I have continued to explore and ride the snowy mountains of Japan and around the world, including New Zealand, North America and Europe.
My lifelong passion is traveling between snowy mountains and the sea, discovering new landscapes and connecting with nature along the way.
Professional Background
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Former member of Japan's national snowboard cross team
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Featured as a mountain guide on NHK BS's Nippon Hyakumeizan, guiding expeditions to Mt. Naeba, Mt. Makihata and Mt. Tairappyo
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Extensive experience guiding for other mountain-related TV programs and commercial film productions
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Board Member of the Japan Mountain Guides Association (JMGA), since 2024
Beyond the Mountains
My hobbies include photography, reading and gardening.
All the landscape photographs on this website were taken by me.
My favorite cameras: Canon EOS Kiss M, Nikon FM2 and iPhone 17 Pro
Alumna of the Photography Club, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University (Shonan Campus)
WHO I AM
Qualifications & Certifications
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JSBA Certified Professional Snowboarder
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Japan Mountain Guides Association (JMGA) Certified Hiking Guide, Stage II, and Ski Guide, Stage I
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International Mountain Leader (IML)
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Japan Avalanche Network — Avalanche Operations Level 1
Education & Affiliations
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Graduated from Nihon University, College of Bioresource Sciences, Department of Plant Resources Science, Landscape Design Program
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Niigata Prefecture Natural Environment Conservator (since 2014)
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Member of the Japan Mountain Guides Association (JMGA) and N.I.A.J.
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Member of the Yuzawa Town Chamber of Commerce
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Member of the Yuzawa Town Mountain Rescue Team
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Full Member of the Japan Avalanche Network
Snowboarding Competition Results
International competitions: GALA Yuzawa Ski Club
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2026 — Japan Freeride Open: Mount Care Award (Best Riding Award, Over 40 category)
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2008 — Selected for Japan's national snowboard cross team
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2007 — FIS North American Cup, USA: 11th place, Snowboard Cross (SX)
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2000 — JSBA All Japan Student Championships: 1st place, Snowboard Cross (SX)
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1999 — Methven Big Air, New Zealand: 1st place, Snowboard Jump (SJ)
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Numerous other podium finishes and competition wins
Guiding Experience & Travel Stories
[Explore my guiding experience and travel stories here.]
HISTORY
Career & Background
2026 — Alongside my guiding work, I continue to actively participate in snowboarding events and competitions across Japan as a professional snowboarder. At my first freeride competition, the Japan Freeride Open (JFO), I received the Mount Care Award for Best Riding in the Over 40 category.
2024 — Appointed to the Board of Directors of the Japan Mountain Guides Association (JMGA). As the board member responsible for the International Mountain Leader (IML) qualification, I coordinate with the UIMLA headquarters and mountain guide organizations and professionals overseas.
2023 — Represented Japan at the UIMLA General Assembly and international meetings in Germany.
2021 — Joined the management committee of N.I.A.J., my professional organization. I also work as an instructor for N.I.A.J. certification courses.
2020 — Opened CHICKA Hut in Echigo-Nakazato, Niigata.
2020 — Appointed as a member of the Yuzawa Town Environmental Basic Policy Council.
2014 — Began working as a Niigata Prefecture Natural Environment Conservator, responsible for the Yuzawa area of the Tanigawa Mountain Range within Joshin'etsu Kogen National Park.
2011 — Founded Office CHICKA.
2010–2014 — Worked as a Mt. Fuji guide on the Yoshida Trail, based at Taishikan Mountain Hut at the 8th Station. Also affiliated with the Fujiyoshida City Guide Association.
2008 — Selected for Japan's national snowboard team. Relocated my home and professional base from Tokyo to Niigata.
2002 — Graduated from Nihon University, College of Bioresource Sciences, Department of Plant Resources Science, specializing in landscape design.
1999 — Began sponsorship agreements with snowboard manufacturers.
1998 — Started overseas snowboarding trips to New Zealand, Canada, the United States and Europe. Began studying backcountry snowboarding in Whistler, Canada.
1996 — Started snowboarding.
1980 — Started skiing.
