About this trip
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 volcanoes, 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.
Don’t expect to be skiing in one place for the entire trip, we will be traveling to the absolute best locations throughout Hokkaido. The main goal is to take you away from the crowded ski hills and explore the backcountry where even the locals rarely ever go.
About the Guides
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, risk management, and client care ensures your backcountry adventure is safe, personalized, and unforgettable.
When are the best conditions?
We prefer Hokkaido in February for the longer days and more stable weather. This gives you more daylight to ski bigger objectives, like Mt.Yotei, while experiencing the same quality of Hokkaido's infamous powder snow.
The Terrain
The terrain in Hokkaido is centered around deep powder, perfectly spaced birch forests, and playful volcanic features. Most skiing takes place in sheltered glades below treeline, while volcanic peaks such as Yotei and Asahidake offer open alpine terrain when conditions allow. The variety of terrain and weather zones allows guides to continually adapt to changing conditions while maximizing both safety and access to Hokkaido's famous powder.
Comprehensive Mobile Itinerary
Want to know more?
CLICK HERE for your Comprehensive Mobile Itinerary. This is designed for offline use, so you’ll have every logistical detail at your fingertips regardless of cell service.
What's Included
- 8 Days in Hokkaido
- ACMG Ski Guide
- All Transportation
- All accommodation
- Breakfast
- Backcountry Focused
What's Not Included
- Alcohol
- Lunch and Dinner
- Flights
- Onsens
- Lift Tickets
Itinerary
Arrival Day
Day 1
MEETING TIME & PLACE IS 2PM SUNDAY AT THE ONSEN ENTRANCE, LOCATED ON THE 4TH FLOOR OF THE AIRPORT. MEET DAY IS ALWAYS A SUNDAY.
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.
Emergency Preparation and Risk Management
Day 2
A detailed risk management briefing and thorough rescue training session will prepare you for the week and make you much more skilled in the backcountry.
The first day is not usually strenuous at all. Most likely a tour close to the lodge followed by a soak in a natural hot spring called an Onsen.
Mt.Yotei
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 1650m 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.
The Kiroro Traverse.
Day 4
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.
Mount Shiribetsu
DAY 5
Today we ski tour up yet another volcano. More powder, and on a steeper mountain too!! This volcano has some of the best views of Mt.Yotei. After a solid tour on Shiribetsu we relax in a small local Onsen and head out for yet another amazing dinner.
Transfer to Sapporo - But Ski on the Way 😎
Day 6
Today we pack up and ski the backcountry on our way to Sapporo. Most people and other groups tend to drive straight to Sapporo and in doing so miss out on some underrated terrain that rarely gets skied. We spend the night in Sapporo.... right down town!!
Sapporo - yes, the skiing is great here too!!
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 :)
Airport Transfer
Day 8
Airport transfer day. Meet for breakfast at 8am, Depart at 9am. and get dropped off at the airport by 11am. It's best to organize your gear at the airport where there is more room to spread out your stuff. Hotels in Sapporo are inherently small.
Gallery
