Guided Freeride Skiing in Hokkaido, Japan

Things to know

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • • Certified and expert mountain guides (and all their expenses)
    • 9-day freeride skiing adventure in Japan
    • Minibus transfers from/to Sapporo New Chitose domestic airport terminal
    • Accommodation for 8 nights in a hotel
    • All breakfasts
    • Safety & rescue equipment training/reviewing
    • Safety & rescue equipment sets (tracking device, shovel and probe) — let us know if you’re bringing your own

  What’s not included:

  • • Transportation to Japan (Sapporo New Chitose Airport)
    • Ski lift fares (approximately $270)
    • Ski touring equipment — rental possible at an additional cost
    • Lunches and dinners
    • All drinks and personal expenses at the hotel
    • Guide gratuities — optional
    • Insurance for medical expenses, personal accident, third-party risks, rescue (helicopter), and cancellation — strongly recommended
    • Repatriation and research insurance — mandatory
• How fit do I need to be?

  Skill level
  In order to join freeride skiing in Japan, you should be at ease skiing in any type of snow. You will ski every day at a good pace. Slopes can include some short steep sections. Short climbs with skins are also to be expected, 45 minutes to 1 hour max per day. You will not be expected to have previous ski touring experience.

  Stamina level
  A good physical condition is expected, as you will skin approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour per day, and ski the entire day at a steady pace. On powder days, you’ll just trace in the powder, no skinning on those days.

  Keep in mind that this trip takes place in remote areas and rescue services may be slow and oftentimes less well organized. So keep cool and take it easy to fully enjoy the trip!

  If you don’t have the level required, the guide may ask you to leave for the well-being of the rest of the group if necessary. If you’re not sure whether you’re fit enough, please contact us.

• What do I need to bring?

  Skiing equipment

  • • Fat freeride skis (a minimum waist width of 105 mm) with appropriate bindings, ski skins, ski poles and ski boots — can be rented
    • A 30 liter backpack (avalanche airbag backpacks are highly recommended. They help to stay on the surface in case of an avalanche and minimize the risk of burial)
    • Avalanche kit: transceiver, shovel and probe — can be rented
    • Helmet — can be rented

  Headwear

  • • Warm hat or buff / scarf
    • Ski goggles (2 pairs) and sunglasses (UV factory 4 protective lenses, photochromic glasses adapt to light intensity and are very useful)
    • Helmet (highly recommended)

  Bodywear

  • • Under layer — breathable long-sleeved tops to maintain heat, merino wool is breathable and has antibacterial properties and is therefore less likely to smell as opposed to synthetic fabrics
    • Middle layer — a light polar or synthetic jacket for an extra layer of heat during breaks
    • Outer layer — a Gore-tex or similar type of jacket with a breathable waterproof membrane, make sure it’s lightweight and compact so it doesn’t take up too much space in your backpack
    • Bottom layer — trousers with a breathable waterproof membrane (Gore Tex or similar) with long side zips allowing air to flow, recommended on climbs
    • Hands — light fleece or soft shell gloves, a pair of silk glove liners to go underneath, warm gloves with a breathable and waterproof membrane (mittens are always a good idea for really cold days or for those who feel the cold)
    • Swimming gear — it takes up such little space, it would be a shame not to bring it just in case (avoid swimming shorts or bermudas, they are not usually allowed)

  Footwear

  • • Ski socks — merino wool socks are breathable and have antibacterial properties and are less likely to smell as opposed to those made of synthetic fabrics
    • Slippers or Crocs recommended for evening wear

  Personal items

  • • 1-liter flask
    • Pocket knife
    • Duct tape
    • Sunscreen (50+ SPF)
    • Duffle bag holding up to 110 liters to leave at the hotel or in the vehicle, no suitcases
    • Personal toiletries
    • First aid kit

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• Can I rent equipment?

  Indeed you can! If you don’t have adequate equipment for the trip, travel right—your guides can equip you with required gear. It’s relatively new, of good quality, and adapted to the type of trip.

  You can rent a ski package, containing skis, skins, and poles upon checkout.

• What’s the accommodation like?

  You’ll stay at 3-star or similar hotels, with breakfast included, double rooms to be shared, private toilets and bathroom, bed linen and towels provided. Depending on the group size, triple rooms can be used.

  Single supplement is possible upon request and according to availability. Please let us know if you’re interested upon booking, but keep in mind that single rooms are relatively expensive in Japan.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and pricing

  • • For this freeride skiing adventure in Japan, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 6:1.
    • The usual group size is between 4 to 6 participants.

  Freeride skiing in Japan can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

  Min. age requirements

  • • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to your freeride skiing adventure in Japan, fly into Sapporo New Chitose Airport (CTS) in Hokkaido. You’ll most likely have a connection in Tokyo, so make sure that the transfer between the international and the domestic flights takes place at the same airport (Haneda or Narita).

  Once you get to Sapporo Airport, you’ll meet up with your guide, hop into a van, and head off for Furano for the night.

  Hold off on buying the flights until your departure is confirmed and guaranteed!

• Safety measures in Japan

  We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance.

  With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

  We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  Deposits

  You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

  Cancellations

  Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

  Basic

  • • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
    • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
    • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.

  Flexible

  • • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
    • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
    • For cancellations 30-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
    • For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, there is no refund.

  Super Flexible

  • • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
    • For cancellations 30 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
    • For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.