Included: An experienced backcountry skiing guide with extensive knowledge of the area 10-day Hokkaido freeride adventure Accommodation: 9 nights in Japanese-style inns (ryokans) and hotels Transportation to/from the airport and during the trip Meals: All breakfasts and a welcome dinner 4-day ski pass in 4 different resorts Add-ons: Ski gear — rentals are available, contact us prior to booking if interested Not included: Flights Meals not indicated in the itinerary Alcohol and beverages Guide gratuities — optional Travel and medical insurance — optional

How fit do I need to be?

This Hokkaido freeride adventure is rated moderate to challenging. To fully enjoy the trip, you should be able to hike the elevation of 1,600 m (5,249 ft). The adventure is ideal for advanced skiers who are comfortable in deep snow and variable terrain, with some experience in backcountry touring. Strong intermediates who are eager to push their limits and have some off-piste experience could manage it, but complete beginners or purely on-piste skiers would struggle. For more backcountry skiing adventures in Japan, click here !

What’s the accommodation like?

On this Hokkaido freeride adventure, we’ll be staying in Japanese-style inns (ryokans) and hotels . The accommodation is based on double room occupancy.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Day pack large enough to carry everything you might need throughout the day (around a 25-40L bag) Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Ski or snowboard gear for touring Appropriate ski or snowboard clothes Avalanche gear (beacon, shovel, and probe) Spare clothes for layering Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, lip balm, tissues, etc.) Sunglasses Camera — optional (but recommended) Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this Hokkaido freeride adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 6:1. It takes a minimum of 5 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 6 participants. If different people book the adventure around the same date, the dates will probably be moved a bit so that it suits everyone and so that it’s the best schedule for all. Please refrain from buying tickets and travel arrangements before the guide’s confirmation. Please note that this adventure can be booked up to 90 days prior to departure. A Hokkaido freeride adventure 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. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Hokkaido freeride adventure on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of your Hokkaido freeride adventure is Furano. To get there, most people fly into Chitose Airport (CTS). Once you’re there, you will meet your guide and you’ll be transported to Furano. Your guide will provide more information before the adventure begins.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible , simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner! Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered. Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

HOKKAIDO | JAPAN

Hokkaido Freeride Ski & Snowboard: Powder Without Borders

From $3,030 ()

Book now

Duration

10 days

Season

January through February

Accommodation

Comfort: Japanese-style inns (ryokans) and hotels

Book a call

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Food
Things to know

Ever dreamt of floating through powder so light it feels like cheating? Welcome to Hokkaido, where the snow gods don’t just bless skiers—they spoil them rotten. We’ll carve through Furano’s famous trees, drop into Asahidake’s volcanic playground, and earn our turns on the legendary slopes of Mt. Yotei. Think endless powder, wild terrain, and ramen that tastes even better when you’ve skied hard for it. With lift-accessed bliss, backcountry adventure, and a whisky-fueled rest day to recharge, this trip is the ultimate Japow pilgrimage. If deep snow and big lines are your thing, Hokkaido is calling. Answer wisely.

Adventure highlights

Japow jackpot

Hokkaido’s famously light, dry snow guarantees bottomless powder turns every single day
Freeride heaven

From volcano descents to frozen forests, this trip is a freeride dream come true
Lost in fermentation

Recharge on a rest day with a visit to a world-class whisky distillery

Itinerary

Download itinerary

Hokkaido’s legendary powder isn’t just a rumor—it’s the real deal, and we’re here to ski (or snowboard) it all. From Furano’s pristine tree runs to the steaming slopes of Asahidake’s active volcano, this trip delivers Japan’s best freeride terrain. We’ll chase deep snow across multiple resorts, hike to untouched lines, and even ski down the crater of Mt. Yotei. When the legs need a break, soak in onsens, sip world-class whisky, or explore the charming streets of Otaru. This is freeride heaven, where every turn is a face shot and every run is a memory in the making!

Welcome to Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island and a true powder paradise. After landing at New Chitose Airport, we’ll transfer to Furano, a region famous for its light, dry snow, and stunning mountain scenery. Settle in, meet the group, and enjoy a welcome dinner where we’ll go over trip details and get excited for the days ahead.

Meals: Welcome dinner
Accommodation: Ryokan or hotel
Safety comes first, so we’ll start the day with an avalanche rescue refresher, making sure everyone is confident with their gear and techniques. Then, we’ll hit Furano’s legendary ski resort and backcountry, where perfectly spaced trees and deep powder await. Expect playful terrain, hidden stashes, and maybe even a few iconic snow mushrooms to launch off.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ryokan or hotel
With world-class groomers and untouched powder stashes, Furano offers plenty to explore. Whether you want to lap the resort’s famous runs or venture into sidecountry zones, this is the perfect place to dial in your turns. If conditions allow, we might even find some secret spots for deep, untouched lines.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ryokan or hotel
Asahidake is Hokkaido’s highest peak (2,291 m / 7,516 ft) and an active volcano, making for a dramatic skiing experience. We’ll take the ropeway up into a steamy, otherworldly landscape where fumaroles puff smoke into the air. Expect deep powder, open alpine runs, and tree skiing on the way down—this is a must-do for any backcountry skier in Japan.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ryokan or hotel
Weather and snow conditions dictate today’s adventure. We might head to Kamui for its fun tree runs, Tomamu for powder bowls, or tackle a ski touring objective like Mt. Furano. By late afternoon, we’ll transfer to Niseko, Japan’s most famous ski region, known for its deep snowpack, vibrant après scene, and stunning views of Mt. Yotei.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ryokan or hotel
After several days of intense powder skiing, a rest day is well deserved. Options include visiting the renowned Nikka Whisky Distillery to sample Japan’s finest spirits or exploring Otaru, a charming canal town known for its glasswork, seafood, and nostalgic streets. If we’re still feeling energetic, Niseko’s onsens (hot springs) are the perfect way to unwind.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ryokan or hotel
Today, we’ll attempt to summit Mt. Yotei (1,898 m / 6,227 ft), an extinct volcano that dominates the Niseko skyline. The climb is demanding, but the reward is unparalleled—a crater-top ski descent with breathtaking views of the entire region. This is a bucket-list objective for any serious backcountry skier in Japan.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ryokan or hotel
Kiroro is often overshadowed by Niseko, but it boasts some of the deepest and most consistent snowfall in Hokkaido. With minimal crowds, excellent tree skiing, and playful terrain, it’s a powder lover’s dream. After a full day on the slopes, we’ll transfer to Sapporo for our final nights in Japan’s vibrant northern capital.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ryokan or hotel
Teine offers incredible views over Sapporo and the Sea of Japan, plus some of the best sidecountry terrain near the city. Steep bowls, perfectly spaced trees, and easily accessible backcountry make this a fantastic final ski day. In the evening, we’ll celebrate with a night out in Sapporo, enjoying local specialties like miso ramen and fresh seafood.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ryokan or hotel
After an unforgettable journey through Hokkaido’s best ski zones, it’s time to say goodbye. Airport transfers will be arranged for departing flights.

Meals: Breakfast

Hokkaido Freeride Ski & Snowboard: Powder Without Borders

Adventure Brochure

Brochure sent, check your inbox

If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guides

5.00

Cyril Adamek

Cyril’s journey began as a ski and snowboard instructor, guiding others through the snowy landscapes of the Alps. Later, he found himself shaping snow parks and designing experiences in Japan, where he eventually became a lead cat skiing guide. Over the years, Cyril has guided winters in Japan and Norway, exploring freeride havens across Europe and beyond. Along the way, he accumulated a wealth of professional certifications, ensuring safety and excellence in every adventure.

5.00

RideNowTravels

Ride Now Travels is an adventure travel company that offers a variety of outdoor experiences across different seasons. In winter, they specialize in freeride skiing and snowboarding, while summer activities include kayaking, surfing, and biking. RideNowTravels provide both pre-designed trips to destinations like Japan, Norway, and Morocco, as well as custom trips tailored to individual preferences. Their philosophy emphasizes a deep respect for nature, aiming to share their passion for outdoor sports while advocating for environmental preservation.

Food

Japanese breakfast

On this Hokkaido freeride adventure, all breakfasts are included in the price, which means that we’ll be eating tasty local delicacies each morning.

A typical Japanese breakfast in Hokkaido is a hearty and balanced meal, often featuring fresh seafood, rice, and miso soup. Grilled fish, such as salmon or hokke (atka mackerel), is a common staple, served alongside a bowl of steamed rice and pickled vegetables.

Tamagoyaki, a slightly sweet rolled omelet, adds a touch of richness, while natto (fermented soybeans) provides a dose of protein for those who enjoy its unique texture and flavor.

In Hokkaido, dairy products are more prominent than in other parts of Japan, so you might find creamy yogurt or a glass of fresh local milk.

Ikura (salmon roe) and uni (sea urchin) are also popular breakfast toppings, often served over rice for an indulgent start to the day.

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced backcountry skiing guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 10-day Hokkaido freeride adventure
  - Accommodation: 9 nights in Japanese-style inns (ryokans) and hotels
  - Transportation to/from the airport and during the trip
  - Meals: All breakfasts and a welcome dinner
  - 4-day ski pass in 4 different resorts
Add-ons:
- - Ski gear — rentals are available, contact us prior to booking if interested
Not included:
- - Flights
  - Meals not indicated in the itinerary
  - Alcohol and beverages
  - Guide gratuities — optional
  - Travel and medical insurance — optional
This Hokkaido freeride adventure is rated moderate to challenging. To fully enjoy the trip, you should be able to hike the elevation of 1,600 m (5,249 ft).

The adventure is ideal for advanced skiers who are comfortable in deep snow and variable terrain, with some experience in backcountry touring. Strong intermediates who are eager to push their limits and have some off-piste experience could manage it, but complete beginners or purely on-piste skiers would struggle.

For more backcountry skiing adventures in Japan, click here!
On this Hokkaido freeride adventure, we’ll be staying in Japanese-style inns (ryokans) and hotels. The accommodation is based on double room occupancy.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Day pack large enough to carry everything you might need throughout the day (around a 25-40L bag)
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  - Ski or snowboard gear for touring
  - Appropriate ski or snowboard clothes
  - Avalanche gear (beacon, shovel, and probe)
  - Spare clothes for layering
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, lip balm, tissues, etc.)
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and pricing
- - For this Hokkaido freeride adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 6:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 5 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 6 participants.
  - If different people book the adventure around the same date, the dates will probably be moved a bit so that it suits everyone and so that it’s the best schedule for all. Please refrain from buying tickets and travel arrangements before the guide’s confirmation.
  - Please note that this adventure can be booked up to 90 days prior to departure.
A Hokkaido freeride adventure 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.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Hokkaido freeride adventure on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements
The starting point of your Hokkaido freeride adventure is Furano. To get there, most people fly into Chitose Airport (CTS).

Once you’re there, you will meet your guide and you’ll be transported to Furano. Your guide will provide more information before the adventure begins.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

Basic
- - If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If canceled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Flexible
- - If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If canceled 30-59 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If canceled within 29 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Super Flexible
- - If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If canceled 30 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If canceled within 29 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.