About Us
Blanco Escape is a boutique retreat brand focused on creating thoughtful winter experiences in Japan. Our retreats combine resort-based skiing and snowboarding, local food, comfortable lodging, and a relaxed group atmosphere for people who want more than a standard ski trip.
Each Blanco Escape retreat is intentionally small, community-oriented, and centered on enjoying Japan’s mountain culture in a responsible and respectful way.
Our Story
Blanco Escape was founded by Keenan and Valentina, a husband-and-wife team who split their time between Hawai’i and Japan.
After spending extended periods in Myoko, they created Blanco Escape as a way to share the experience of winter in Japan with like-minded people. Our focus is quality snow, incredible food, meaningful connections, and a slower, more intentional pace, not chasing extremes.
Keenan brings a background in entrepreneurship, cooking, and outdoor culture, while Valentina plays a key role in shaping the guest experience, atmosphere, and day-to day flow of each retreat. Together, they focus on creating an environment that feels welcoming, personal, and thoughtfully curated.
Meet The Team
Keenan Brown
Founder
Valentina Autran
Founder
Tsukasa Kobayashi
Snowboard Guide
Hikari Shibusawa AKA "Shibu"
Backcountry Guide
Our Partners
