Hokkaido Powder Japan
4 - 6
Duration
8 Days
Occupancy
Difficulty
Intermediate/Advanced
Daily Vertical
800m - 2000m
Price
CA$4,490.00
Hokkaido Powder Japan
4 - 6
Duration
8 Days
Occupancy
Difficulty
Intermediate/Advanced
Daily Vertical
800m - 2000m
Price
CA$4,490.00
#NOTRACKSNOPEOPLE
If Japan is not on your “Bucket List”, it should be! Japan has the most consistent snowfall anywhere in the northern hemisphere. Imagine skiing waist deep powder, summiting large peaks in the Japanese alps, soaking in natural hot springs, and enjoying great authentic Japanese food. The amazing skiing and cultural experience will make this the trip of a lifetime.
Do not expect to ski in a single location for the entire trip; we will be visiting the finest locations around Hokkaido. Our primary objective is to guide you away from the crowded ski hills and into the backcountry areas that even locals seldom visit. Our collaboration with local companies ensures seamless logistics and highly convenient lodging. With this experienced team working for your benefit, you can be confident that you will ski the best and deepest powder that Hokkaido offers. This trip is focused on backcountry skiing and is designed for advanced skiers, so please ensure you are capable of skiing steep powder.
Your Guides
Certified and Experienced
All our guides are certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) or equivalent associations internationally recognized through the IFMGA. Their rigorous training in avalanche safety, navigation, and client care ensures your backcountry adventure is safe, personalized, and unforgettable.
With over 10 seasons of experience guiding exclusively in the backcountry of Hokkaido, you can be confident you’ll be skiing the best and deepest powder that Japan has to offer.
We understand that venturing into the backcountry can feel daunting, especially for those new to this terrain. Our guides are not only experts in navigation and safety but also in fostering confidence and efficiency among our guests. If you’re a fit, intermediate skier or snowboarder capable of handling deep powder, you’re an ideal candidate for this trip. Our goal is to challenge you appropriately while ensuring you feel comfortable and supported throughout the journey.
We schedule our Guides roughly 3-4 month before the trip start date. As soon as we have the Guide scheduled to your trip they will reach out and introduce themselves. Usually via Whatsapp. Please make sure you have Whatsapp.
Accommodation
Peaceful, Exclusive, Genuine and Authentic
Gooseberry Lodge
201-6 Yashiro, Makkari, Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1605, Japan
We are proud to have used the Gooseberry Lodge for our base for over 10 years.Owned and operated by Kochi and Yukari along with their dogs, it is a located far from the tourists and crowds of Niseko. The location is perfectly situated to central to all the best backcountry locations.It is tradition to have a "family" dinner on our last night at the lodge. Great memories 😀
We only offer double occupancy at the Gooseberry Lodge. We can upgrade you to single occupancy while in Sapporo upon request for an additional upgrade fee.
Sapporo Accommodation
We always finish our Hokkaido powder adventures with a bang in Sapporo’s vibrant Susukino district.
As Japan’s largest entertainment district north of Tokyo, Susukino boasts over 4,000 bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, many open 24/7, ensuring the city never sleeps. You’ll find everything from cozy izakayas and fresh seafood spots to karaoke lounges and sleek cocktail bars.
We stay in a comfortable hotel right in the heart of the action, so you can step out and explore neon-lit streets, indulge in local miso ramen at Ramen Yokocho, or toast the trip with a Sapporo beer under the iconic Nikka Whisky sign. It’s the perfect way to celebrate an unforgettable week in the mountains
The Food
What is better... the skiing or the food? We'll let you decide.
Meals
Hokkaido is a culinary paradise, renowned for its fresh seafood, rich dairy products, and hearty comfort foods. Each evening, after a rejuvenating soak in a local onsen, we venture out to savor the region’s diverse cuisine. From the savory miso ramen of Sapporo to the interactive experience of grilling jingisukan (lamb barbecue), every meal offers a taste of Hokkaido’s unique flavors.
On our final night, we gather at Gooseberry Lodge, where our gracious hosts prepare a memorable home-cooked feast. This communal meal, often highlighted as a trip favorite, provides a warm and intimate conclusion to our culinary journey.
To ensure comfort and convenience, we recommend bringing an onsen bag with a change of clothes. This allows you to freshen up after the hot springs before heading directly to dinner, making the most of each delightful evening.
It is imperative that we know about all serious food allergies well in advance of our trip so that we can let our accommodation know. It may not always be convenient for people who are allergic to seafood.
Onsens
The practice of bathing in Onsen dates back centuries,
A Different Onsen Every Day
We know where to go
Hokkaido onsen culture is a cherished aspect of Japanese tradition, offering both relaxation and a deep connection to nature. With over 200 onsen scattered across the Hokkaido, each provides a unique experience, from rustic mountain baths to elegant resort spas.
In Hokkaido, the volcanic activity contributes to a variety of onsen, each with distinct mineral compositions.
Participating in onsen bathing involves specific etiquette to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience for all. Guests are expected to thoroughly wash and rinse their bodies before entering the communal baths. Swimsuits are not permitted; instead, bathers use a small towel for modesty, which should not touch the water.
Experiencing an onsen in Hokkaido is more than just a bath; it’s an immersion into a time-honored ritual that rejuvenates both body and spirit. Whether nestled in snowy landscapes or overlooking serene lakes, these hot springs offer a tranquil escape and a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
For those with tattoos, it’s important to note that some onsen may have restrictions due to traditional associations. However, our Guides are familiar with the establishments that are more accommodating.
DAY 1 - Meet 2pm Sunday, Onsen at the Airport.
• Arrive in Sapporo (New Chitose International Airport)
• Meet your guide and get on the road towards Niseko.
• Arrive at accommodation, get settled, eat dinner
• Game plan for next day. Early bed… Jet lag recovery.
DAY 2
• Safety First! A detailed safety briefing and thorough rescue training session will prepare you for the week and make you much more skilled in the backcountry.
• Easy Ski Tour. The first day is not usually strenuous at all. Most likely a tour off the ski hill followed by a soak in a natural hot spring called an Onsen.
DAY 3
• Today we will be skiing and making an attempt on Mount Yotei. This volcano is such a beautiful mountain; some call it the Mount Fuji of Hokkaido. It rises 1500m and offers the longest runs in the area. Weather is not an issue today, on clear days we summit, on storm days we ski in the shelter of the trees.
• If you summit Yotei, you get to take part in the tradition of eating at the Yotei Sushi bar in the nearby town of Kutchan…. If you don’t summit, well, we go there anyway.
DAY 4
• The Kiroro Traverse. We travel about an hour away to the ski resort called Kiroro. Kiroro consistently get some of the deepest snowpacks of all the ski hills. We take advantage of the gondola that brings us to the foot of the mountain Yoichi Dake. From here we ski a total of 1500m making our way back to the Van. We finish this day at the local Onsen before driving back to the Niseko area.
DAY 5
• Today we head out on a short drive to Mount Shiribetsu for a ski tour up yet another volcano.
• After a solid tour on Shiribetsu we relax in a small local Onsen and head out for yet another amazing dinner.
DAY 6
• Today we pack up and ski the backcountry on our way to Sapporo. Most people and other groups tend to drive strait to Sapporo and in doing so miss out on some underrated terrain that rarely gets skied. We spend the night in Sapporo.
DAY 7
• The last day of skiing is based out of Sapporo. There are a number of options that all offer something different. Teine and Kokusa are the best bets. We will go where the best snow is.
• Party night in Sapporo!! Always good to finish with a party :)
DAY 8
• Airport transfer day. Sleep in, eat a late breakfast, organize your gear and get dropped off at the airport. There are a few Places to visit in the city if your flights are later in the day.
Example Itinerary
Your itinerary will be tailored to your group based on skill level, conditions, weather, and logistics, finalized 24-48 hours prior.
Arrival Day
Airport onsens? Black Cat luggage services? Japan has it dialed!
New Chitose Airport Onsen
All members of the team will have to sort out their own airfare to Japan and land at the New Chitose airport (CTS) in Hokkaido.
We recommend landing one day early. Most flights arrive to New Chitose in the evening.
Once you arrive head directly towards the Chitose Airport Onsen and book yourself in for the night. The price is an extremely affordable. Here you can relax and soak your travel exhaustion away. If you arrive early enough you can even get a massage!
This Onsen does not allow visitors with tattoos.Have a read here for more information: HERE
THE NEXT DAY
You will need to exit the Onsen at 9am so they can do their daily clean. The Onsen opens again at 10am. You can take your skis/snowboard bag to the baggage storage located in the Departure Terminal C for an affordable place to keep your gear while you wait. Japan is a VERY safe country and theft is very uncommon.
MEETING TIME & PLACE: 2PM SUNDAY AT THE ONSEN ENTRANCE, LOCATED ON THE 4TH FLOOR OF THE AIRPORT MEET DAY IS ALWAYS A SUNDAY.
Get Stoked!
Ski deep powder, summit volcanoes, soak in onsens, and explore the best of Hokkaido's backcountry.
Mount Yotei
"I think that may have been the longest powder run of my life" - Greg
The majestic Mount Yotei, often referred to as the “Mount Fuji of Hokkaido” due to its near-perfect conical shape. Standing at 1,898 meters, this dormant volcano offers the longest vertical descent in the region, with runs extending up to 1,500 meters.
On clear days, we aim for the summit, which involves a challenging 5–8 hour skin up, rewarding us with the unique opportunity to ski into the crater and enjoy expansive powder turns on its flanks. If weather conditions are less favorable, we adapt by exploring the sheltered tree runs on the lower slopes, ensuring an exhilarating day regardless of the summit attempt.
Ok, I'm Convinced, How do I Book?
What's The Offering...
Securing the trip requires a non-refundable deposit. Please visit our Cancellation Policy for more information. We HIGHLY recommend purchasing Trip Cancellation Insurance.
PRICE INCLUDES
• Guiding and logistics
• All transportation and fuel
• All accommodation with breakfasts
• Lift tickets when needed
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
• Dinner
• Lunch
• Alcohol
• Plane tickets
• Onsens
Term and Conditions of Booking
All bookings are subject to our Terms and Conditions of Booking, which include our cancelation policy and waiver requirements. Please review these carefully before booking CANCELLATION POLICY
Please follow this list carefully
EQUIPMENT
Touring skis and Poles (we actually recommend strong non-adjustable poles because light adjustable pole always break)
Skins
Boots
BACKPACK STUFF
Transceiver
Probe
Shovel
A proper day touring backpack.. 30-40 litres
Headlamp
Ski straps
TECHNICAL CLOTHES
Down jacket - for when you are cold
Gore Tex jacket - for going down
Soft Shell jacket - for going up
Gore Tex pants - because you need pants
Long underwear x2 (top and bottom)
Ski Socks x4 - stinky feet
Thin Gloves
Medium gloves
Thick cold temperature gloves
Face mask or Buff
Goggles with extra lens (its deep snow and goggles get foggy )
Sunglasses
Toque - Its a beanie, warm hat, something you put on your head when cold.
Helmet
AFTER SKI STUFF
Light Travel Towel
Small Onsen bag - for a change of clothes you bring daily
5 comfortable evening outfits.
Toiletries
SNOW BOOTS
City Shoes
We strongly encourage you to bring as little as possible. During travel days we have to be able to fit everything into our Vans so if you have too much stuff this can be difficult and very uncomfortable with 6 people.
Packing List
Don't bring everything in your closet!! Space is LIMITED.
Travel Tips For Japan
Please follow this list carefully
MONEY
Japan is still very much a cash country. Credit cards are becoming more popular but don’t be surprised if some places only take cash. We recommend having at least 50000 YEN available to you.
DRIVERS LICENSE
If you plan on driving in Japan before or after our trip you MUST HAVE an international drivers license ON YOUR PERSON.
THE LANGUAGE
Have Google Translate downloaded on your phones and download the offline function.. this is handy when you need it.
GETTING AROUND
If you are planning to travel Japan before or after the trip I also recommend purchasing the JR pass for all trains. It’s a one-time pass for tourists and it can only be purchases when you are outside the country. It gives you fee train passes to all JR trains. http://www.japanrailpass.net/en/.
DOGS
The Gooseberry Lodge that we stay at has very nice dogs that you will most likely encounter. If you have any extreme allergy to dogs please let us know so that we can notify the owners to keep them out of the main house during your trip.
Tattoos
We have mentioned this a few times now. Onsens are becoming more strict and traditional over the last few years. If you have any tattoos you may be denied entry to the onsen. Please just communicate this to your guide when you meet them, this will help them plan for onsens that are more tolerant to westerners.
Food Allergies and Food Neuroses
Japanese cuisine is deeply rooted in tradition, with a strong emphasis on seafood, meat, and ingredients like soy sauce and dashi (fish-based broth). While this culinary landscape offers rich and diverse flavors, it may present challenges for those with specific dietary restrictions or preferences.
In Japan, it’s uncommon for restaurants to accommodate individual dietary modifications, especially in rural areas. Ingredients such as fish stock are often integral to dishes, making them difficult to exclude. Therefore, guests with strict dietary needs—such as vegans, individuals with severe seafood allergies, or those with particular food aversions—may find limited options.
To ensure a comfortable dining experience, we recommend that guests with specific dietary requirements who are not able to adapt to Japanese culinary culture prepare accordingly. This might include purchasing supplemental snacks or meals from convenience stores, which offer a variety of options.
Being proactive and adaptable will help you enjoy the culinary aspects of your trip while respecting local customs and practices.
Black Cat Luggage Service
The Yamato “Hands-Free Travel” service is a convenient luggage forwarding option available at major airports and hotels across Japan. Perfect for travelers with bulky ski gear or multiple bags, this service allows you to ship your luggage ahead to your next destination, so you can travel freely and comfortably without the burden of carrying it yourself. Whether you’re heading from the airport to your hotel or between towns, it’s a reliable and efficient way to simplify your journey. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
WOW,
That's a lot of information
If you are still not convinced or have a few questions that were not answered here, please click the contact us button below to get redirected to our booking inquiry form page. You can also click the Chat Button at the bottom..... you never know, we may be at our computers 😎
If you have read enough and want to commit to the trip select the dates below and secure your spot with a deposit.
Thank you so much for your attention and time.