Japan’s deep powder and fascinating culture have made it a bucket-list spot for skiers worldwide. But one downside of its popularity has been the erosion of the cultural experience. Tired of hearing “I was skiing tracked-out runs with a bunch of Australians,” I called up Jun Yanagisawa—a Tokyo-born-and-raised skier I met while heli-skiing in northern BC. With nearly 30 years guiding between Japan and Canada, Jun blends deep powder knowledge with deep cultural roots. So I said, “Let’s do a trip with real skiing and real Japanese flavor.” Jun replied, “Leave it to me, Tom-san.” The result? This 11-day deep dive into everything Japan, right in the heart of Hokkaido—a one-of-a-kind trip with just one date and limited availability!
Japan’s legendary early winter powder is exactly why we’re heading to Hokkaido! This epic 11-day trip lets you carve the slopes and soak up the culture, all in one unforgettable adventure. We’ll take out time discovering three different areas—Niseko, Tokachidake, and Asahidake—and for après ski, we’ll head to onsens and cozy ryokans. This trip is a cultural experience you won’t forget, designed by a local passionate about sharing Japan’s authentic side. All lodgings, breakfasts and dinners, and transfers are included.
Konnichiwa, and welcome to Japan! Arrival day on the island of Hokkaido. The trip begins at New Chitose Airport, where we’ll meet you at 10am in the arrivals area—just outside the doors by Column 5—for your shuttle transfer to Niseko. To make travel by train easier, you can ship your luggage to the hotel by courier, but you’ll need to arrive at least two days early (which is honestly a great idea anyway). We’ll have dinner together and discuss our upcoming days!
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Ryokan
Ski touring in the Niseko backcountry, based out of a quirky and truly authentic ryokan—complete with a traditional onsen hot spring. What makes it even better? The skiing starts right outside the door, with access to terrain in every direction!
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Ryokan
Ski touring around Mt. Tokachi’s legendary backcountry, based out of a high mountain ryokan—this is the hidden gem of Hokkaido skiing, where deep powder, epic terrain, and steaming outdoor onsens come together for the perfect alpine escape.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Ryokan
Asahidake, Hokkaido’s tallest volcano, stands proudly with its smoking fumaroles adding to the wild, volcanic atmosphere. When storms roll in, the surrounding forests deliver some of the best tree skiing on the island!
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Ryokan
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to New Chitose Airport by noon, with earlier shuttle options available upon request—just let us know in advance to reserve.
Meals: Breakfast
Was a blast skiing with Tom!! Tom is a serious and very professional guid, I would be more than happy to take another trip with him. Thanks for all the fun turns.
I have been on multiple trips with Tom over the past 10+ years. Over that time Tom has always provided a safe and fun trip even in the worst of conditions. If there is ever a concern about a slope or terrain, Tom takes the time to explain to the group his decision making and make sure that everyone is on board. Tom strives to make sure that his clients have a good time and is willing to help them grow as backcountry enthusiasts as well!
Included:
Not included:
In order to join this Hokkaido ski trip, you have to have prior backcountry skiing experience.
You should be comfortable with daily elevation gains of 1,300-1,500 m (4.265-4,920 ft). Most ski runs will be of intermediate difficulty, but you can expect regular sections of advanced terrain, including steeper tree skiing and challenging alpine conditions such as hardpack and sastrugi.
It’s also recommended to have taken an AST-1 course prior to the trip.
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Liability waivers are a standard part of all guided outdoor adventures. Recently, the requirements have become a bit more rigorous for ACMG guides—meaning that you’ll need to agree to the signing of the waiver at the time of booking.
Prior to booking, we ask you to review the waiver. During the checkout process, you’ll have to acknowledge the risks and agree to the signing of the waiver. You are required to bring a printed copy on the trip.
Please note that signing and agreeing to the terms of the waiver is required in order to join this adventure. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us.
You need to bring all of the following personal equipment for the Hokkaido ski trip. Please don’t bring extra equipment. If you’re not a fan of traveling by train with all your luggage, check out Yamato / Black Cat Luggage Services. Japan has an outstanding luggage transport service so you don’t have to drag your luggage along with you through the train stations.
Clothing
Snow safety equipment
Travel equipment
Personal equipment
Apres ski, hotel/ryokan, etc.
Pillows, duvets, bed linen, and towels are provided at all ryokans and hotels. Slippers are also available at the ryokans.
Group sizes and pricing
Hokkaido ski trips can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Hokkaido ski trip is New Chitose Airport (CTS). At 10am, a shuttle bus will pick you up at arrivals (just outside the door by Column 5) and transfer you to Niseko. Alternatively, you can just meet your team in Niseko.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors 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.
A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking, and the rest of the amount is due 4 months (120 days) prior to departure. Once the trip has been confirmed, your guide cannot refund any payments.
It is highly recommended buying cancellation insurance to cover your losses for the case that you can’t participate or have to interrupt your trip “for any reason”. If you need to cancel a reservation, please do so in writing.
Your guides do reserve the right to change guides, particular lodging or the itinerary or venue should unforeseen circumstances (guide sickness, hut or route closing etc.) force them to do so or should the physical condition of the participants, weather or mountain conditions make a continuation as planned too risky. Your guides will not be deemed to be in default for any delay or failure to perform their obligations under this agreement resulting from acts of God, the elements, war, acts of government, civil or military authorities, natural calamities, catastrophe, fire, flood, accidents, epidemics, shortage of transportation, or any other like events beyond our reasonable control.
Was a blast skiing with Tom!! Tom is a serious and very professional guid, I would be more than happy to take another trip with him. Thanks for all the fun turns.