Since 2012 we have had the pleasure of spending the better parts of January and February each year, skiing with Hiro San and his team in the forests of Hokkaido. We have been completely blown away by the completeness of the whole experience. Not only have we enjoyed the driest, deepest and most reliable quality power snow that we have ever experienced in all our years of skiing but we have also submerged ourselves in the culture of this incredible country with its rich traditions, fantastic food and amazing people.
Dates & Prices
PRICES ARE BASED ON MINIMUM 8 GUESTS (Group size 8-10). If you would like to be kept up to date about our Japan programs please CONTACT US.
7 day
program
670.000 JPY
| JAP-01 | Jan 6-14 |
| JAP-02 | Jan 14-22 |
| JAP-03 | Jan 22-30 |
Included
- Professional guidance of a fully certified Ski guide and assistant guide
- Accommodation including breakfast and dinners for 8 nights in double rooms (single rooms available for additional cost)
- All transportation during the week in two 4x4 Toyota minivans
- 7 Days guided ski touring
Not included
- Flights to and from Sapporo/Asahikawa
- Lunches (Every day we stop at convenience stores for resupplying)
- Lift tickets
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
- Insurance
Itinerary
ARRIVAL DAY
Arrival in Sapporo/Chitose airport on Hokkaido Island where you will be picked up by your guides and start the drive to Niseko (approx. 3hrs). Dinner together with the group at the Hotel followed by going over the gear and trip plan.
DAY 1 - 3
Ski touring the south part of Hokkaido Island wherever the best snow and weather permits to go. There are endless options for both easy lift accessed touring as well as the famous cone shaped volcano of Yotei-zan, often referred to as the Mt Fuji of Hokkaido to pick from. We will be spending three nights at the same lodge to maximise our skiing days. On day three we will move to the sea side city of Otaru on our way north.
DAY 4
Transfer day north with some good touring along the way. Arrival in the Asahikawa/ Furano area
DAY 5-7
We will base here for three nights again to maximise the skiing possibilities. Northern and Central Hokkaido offer up the coldest snow on the island and some hidden gems out of the way of all the regular zones that people tend to ski on the island. Her you also have the option if the weather permits to ski Asahidake the highest peak on Hokkaido Island at 2290m. On the night of day 7 we will move one last time to a downtown hotel in Sapporo for a good night on the town to celebrate our tour!
DAY 8
Transfer to Chitose airport in the AM, flight back to the main island and on to new adventures.
Packing List
CLOTHING
- Waterproof Jacket – Lightweight + breathable (good to have a ultra-light snow shedding jacket)
- Waterproof pants - lightweight + breathable (Good to have venting zippers)
- Base layer (wool or synthetic, recommend multiple thinner top layers)
- Soft Shell pants (Optional)
- Soft Shell or fleece jacket (Optional)
- Down or fibre jacket for colder days and lunch in the field.
- Thicker down or fibre jacket for the days on deck and wildlife viewing.
- Fleece or wool jumper mid layer or equivalent.
- Warm Hat
- Neck gaiter, Buff and or Facemask
- Warm Ski Gloves (thin and thick pair)
- Ski socks (3 pair of wool or equivalent)
- General streetwear (for dinners and town walks)
- Swimsuit (most all Onsen are are seperated to male and female and do not mix, swim suits are optional and locals go without)
- Hiking boots/winter boots
SKIING & RIDING EQUIPMENT
- Skis (Ski touring, telemark, or split board) Recommend 95-115mm underfoot
- *Ski touring boots / snowboard boots.
- Ski straps – used to attach skis on backpack during climbs.
- Skins
- Ski crampons (Must have)
- Ski poles, preferably adjustable. (Snowboarders should consider using a three-peace ski pole to attach to the backpack during descents)
- Transceiver
- Avalanche probe (240cm or longer)
- Shovel
- Backpack 30-40 liter with ski attachments
- Helmet (Optional but recommended)
- Ski goggles
MISC.
- Water container + thermos (it gets pretty cold and camelbacks have been known to freeze)
- Sun + lip cream
- Water Container + Thermos
- Sunglasses
- Repair kit and spare parts. (Bring spare parts specific to your bindings and boots. The guides will carry a full repair kit so keep yours light).
- Personal medications + blister kit
- Earplugs and eyeshades
- Camera
- Toiletries (Toothbrush, paste, shaver etc.)
- Passport
- Cash in JPY currency (It is good to have a little cash for incidentals)
- Necessary chargers, cords, and adapters (Type A and B adapters)
Please have your ski boots in carry on baggage during your flights to Japan.
