What you get on this adventure: An experienced, ski guide with extensive knowledge of the area 6-day guided Hokkaido ski trip Daily backcountry guiding (guided skiing on all 6 days) Transportation during the tour Accommodation (5 nights at a cozy wooden lodge) What’s not included: Transportation to Japan Food and drink Resort ski pass (if used to access backcountry) Entry fee to onsens Travel and medical insurance — optional

How fit do I need to be?

For this Hokkaido ski trip, it would be ideal that participants have a solid powder skiing experience and a very good fitness level. You’ll spend between 6 to 8 hours every day on the snow, traveling between 800 m to 1,400 m (2,600-4,600 ft), depending on the day. Make sure you’re ready and fit enough for six days of backcountry skiing! For beginner options in Japan, check out this day-tour in Niseko , where your guide can fully customize the trip to your liking.

What do I need to bring?

Technical backcountry ski touring gear: Alpine touring skis, telemark skis or splitboard with skins (can be rented) Touring boots and poles (can be rented) Ski crampons Ice axe or whippet Avalanche safety equipment (can be rented): Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon Lightweight snow shovel Avalanche probe Personal items: Helmet Ski jacket and pants Hardshell Gloves and mittens Warm hats (thick and thin) Comfy leisure clothing for the lodge Sunglasses Synthetic or wool underwear and socks One triple-action locking carabiner or two conventional locking carabiners Repair kit and Leatherman for your equipment (can be shared between several people) Non-breakable water bottle Thermos with a warm beverage — optional First aid kit Toiletries (including sunscreen and lip balm with SPF) Daypack large enough to carry all items you might need throughout the day Personal medications Headlamp (with extra batteries) Camera — optional

Can I rent equipment?

All mandatory gear (alpine touring or telemark skis or splitboard, touring boots and poles) can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent from one of the resorts or from Rhythm Japan in Niseko. Please let us know upon booking if you need any help with gear rental. Avalanche gear in 38L Blue Ice Pack (that included Mammut UIAA certified shovel, Mammut probe, and Mammut Barryvox transceiver) can be rented from your guides at an additional cost of ¥3,000 per day. Let us know if you’re interested upon booking!

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this Hokkaido ski trip, the client-to-guide ratio is 4:1. If the available departures don’t suit you, please let us know—private tours are available. It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate and that’s also the maximum group size. There are two rooms in the lodge (one with two single beds and one with a double bed) as well as two sofa beds in the loft. Read more about the lodge just above the Things to know section and let us know upon booking if you have any preferences. Hokkaido ski trips 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 older than 15 may be permitted to join this Hokkaido ski trip on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to Niseko for your Hokkaido ski trip, first you’ll have to fly into New Chitose Airport , the main one serving the island Hokkaido. If you don’t have any direct flights to Hokkaido, then fly into Tokyo’s Narita International Airport . After arriving at New Chitose Airport, you have a 2 to 3-hour drive to Niseko, depending on your mode of transportation. You’ll meet your guide at the Niseko Mountain Guides’ Lodge in Niseko on Day 1 of the tour.

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!

Delicious food spread in a lodge in Hokkaido

HOKKAIDO | JAPAN

Backcountry Ski Trip in Hokkaido

5.00 ()

Season

January and February

Duration

6 days

Nearest city

Sapporo is just under 2 hours away

Accommodation

Cozy wooden chalet in Niseko

Difficulty

Guides

Tracy Lenard, Niseko Mountain Guides

From $1,815 () / 6 days

Got any questions? or Talk with us

Overview
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Lodge accommodation
Reviews
Things to know

Welcome to Niseko—the Powder Capital of the World. Niseko is Hokkaido’s pride and joy, unique for its tons of perfect, feather-light powder snow. Consider this Hokkaido ski trip your week in paradise—not only is Japan’s skiing scene unmatched, but you’ll also get to dive into its culture and, quite literally, into onsens, Japanese hot springs. You’ll be based in the coziest wooden lodge imaginable, with jaw-dropping views of Mount Yotei volcano. Every day you’ll settle on a new location, ski until your legs get wobbly, and retreat back to your lodge, where you’ll unwind next to the crackling sound of a wood-burning stove. After years of thinking about it, it’s finally time to book that ski trip in Japan.

Book a call

English-speaking local guide

With more than 25 years of exploring the great outdoors of Japan, skiing is just a part of your guide’s know-how
Chill in onsens, in town, or at the lodge

Go relax your muscles at hot springs, explore the wonderful Niseko, or spend quality time with your team at the lodge
They call it JaPow for a reason

You’ve got to see it to believe it—Japan’s powder really is that extraordinary

Itinerary

Japan is one of the world’s hottest ski destinations, and for a very good reason. Pristine powder, unique culture, and fantastic food—what more could you want? This six-day Hokkaido ski trip will not disappoint. You’ll have a super experienced, local, English-speaking guide leading you to Hokkaido’s best-ofs, allowing you to explore new ski areas around Niseko every day. There’s also a number of invigorating onsens around Niseko, though you could also end your days in town or at your cozy wooden lodge, which will be your home for the week. The only downside is that once you get a taste of Japan’s snow, you’ll never want to leave.

Welcome to Hokkaido, Japan’s second largest island! Make your way to Niseko, a premier spot for skiing, and settle into your accommodation for the week. You’ll be staying at the wooden Niseko Mountain Guides’ Lodge, a beautiful wooden and cozy lodge—the perfect base for your Hokkaido ski trip. Arrive after 3 pm and settle in. Your guide can take you out skiing today!
A professional English-speaking guide with an in-depth knowledge of the area and its skiing will lead you every day to Niseko’s best-ofs. Your guide will not only be a ski guide, but also your guide to the history, culture, and cuisine of Japan and Niseko. Every day you’ll determine the day’s objective based on the current conditions and they’ll drive you there (it should take no more than 20-30 minutes by car to reach ski areas). Expect to be on your feet between 6-8 hours per day. You’ll return to your cozy wooden lodge, though your guide can also help you with terrific restaurants and relaxing onsens (hot springs) in the area. Rinse and repeat—you’ve a week ahead like this!
Today you’re checking out of your lodge, but your guide will still take you backcountry skiing today! If you’d like to keep on exploring the area, just ask your guides for some recommendations. Keep in mind that you’ll go skiing even today so arrange your next accommodation or flights accordingly.

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Meet your guides

5.00

Tracy Lenard

Tracy is an AMGA Apprentice Ski, Rock and Alpine Guide and the owner of Niseko Mountain Guides. Japan has been home for over 20 years and in that time he has climbed, skied, and trekked all over Japan and never tires of sharing the natural elegance of the rugged landscape with residents and visitors alike. Tracy is also a Leave No Trace trainer and works with the American Alpine Institute in North America.

5.00

Niseko Mountain Guides is a small mountain guiding company based year-round out of Niseko, Japan. They offer private guided outdoor experiences in both Japan and North America. Risk management and quality of experience are the foundation upon which everything is built at Niseko Mountain Guides. Most guides are AMGA certified and have years of experience, and will show you the best places Niseko has to offer.

Lodge accommodation

The lodge

Your base for this ski trip will be the Niseko Mountain Guides Lodge. This is a beautiful fully furnished lodge surrounded by woods, nestled at the base of Yotei-san, Niseko’s iconic stratovolcano. If relaxing with friends in a peaceful setting, cooking food in a spacious kitchen, and enjoying the crackling of a wood-burning stove appeal to you after a day of skiing, look no further.

The lodge can comfortably accommodate 4-6 guests with two beds in the first floor room, a queen-sized bed in the second floor room, and two sofa beds in the loft. A 30-minute car ride takes you to all Niseko United ticket counters (Annupuri, Niseko Village, Grand Hirafu, and Hanazono).

Amenities

- Cleaning and change of linens and towels are provided every fourth day. You’ll also get towels, hand soaps, and shampoos.
- The kitchen is modern and furnished for cooking (no oven, no dishwasher).
- There’s one bathroom with a toilet, sink, and a shower, and another toilet upstairs with a sink. Be sure to enjoy the relaxing onsens in the area!
- A wood-burning stove creates a warm and cozy atmosphere.
- There’s a dry room for ski boots, helmets, and touring gear.
- There’s a washing/drying machine and WiFi.

5.00 (4 reviews)

Ben Bersick (source: Google Reviews)

Tracy is without a doubt one of the best guides I have ever worked with. Besides smoothing out some issues I had upon arrival, really going above and beyond, he is super knowledgeable about the history, culture, and a trove of local knowledge. Add to this that he is at baseline unassailabley cool and you’re there. Legend.

Erik Barstow (source: Google Reviews)

The short review: I would leave 50 stars if I could. The longer review: I had the great fortune of being part of a backcountry tour in the Niseko region guided by Tracy in January 2024. It was an epic, bucket-list adventure. Tracy’s knowledge of the region, guiding expertise and attention to detail and safety is impeccable. He took the time to know and understand each of the tour participants. Furthermore, his understanding of the culture and customs of the area (not to mention the restaurants!) ensured the entire trip experience was perfect. If you want to get the most out of your experience ski/snowboard touring in Hokkaido, I without reservation recommend Tracy. I look forward to having the opportunity to have further adventures with Tracy.

Erik Samia (source: Google Reviews)

would highly recommend a trip with Niseko Mountain Guides and Tracy Lenard to anyone looking to learn about the amazing mountains of Hokkaido. We had a strong group that was able to transform into an amazing and well balanced team thanks to Tracy’s leadership. Having led many groups in backcountry settings myself, to see the professionalism, calm demeanor, and the love and respect that Tracy portrayed was amazing to witness and learn from. Whether it was going over risk factors, checking in with everyone, skiing amazing lines, or sharing stories, Tracy showed us all what being a mountain guide and steward to the land was all about. Thanks again! I will be back!

Alex Cohen (source: Google Reviews)

Tracy is a top notch guide. He’s thoughtful and conscientious in terms of his safety/leadership/trip planning as well as respectful of the landscapes/natural settings/trails/routes he works within. I would highly recommend Tracy for all your guiding needs.

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - An experienced, ski guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 6-day guided Hokkaido ski trip
  - Daily backcountry guiding (guided skiing on all 6 days)
  - Transportation during the tour
  - Accommodation (5 nights at a cozy wooden lodge)
What’s not included:
- - Transportation to Japan
  - Food and drink
  - Resort ski pass (if used to access backcountry)
  - Entry fee to onsens
  - Travel and medical insurance — optional
For this Hokkaido ski trip, it would be ideal that participants have a solid powder skiing experience and a very good fitness level. You’ll spend between 6 to 8 hours every day on the snow, traveling between 800 m to 1,400 m (2,600-4,600 ft), depending on the day. Make sure you’re ready and fit enough for six days of backcountry skiing!

For beginner options in Japan, check out this day-tour in Niseko, where your guide can fully customize the trip to your liking.
Technical backcountry ski touring gear:
- - Alpine touring skis, telemark skis or splitboard with skins (can be rented)
  - Touring boots and poles (can be rented)
  - Ski crampons
  - Ice axe or whippet
  - Avalanche safety equipment (can be rented):
    
    Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon
    
    Lightweight snow shovel
    
    Avalanche probe
Personal items:
- - Helmet
  - Ski jacket and pants
  - Hardshell
  - Gloves and mittens
  - Warm hats (thick and thin)
  - Comfy leisure clothing for the lodge
  - Sunglasses
  - Synthetic or wool underwear and socks
  - One triple-action locking carabiner or two conventional locking carabiners
  - Repair kit and Leatherman for your equipment (can be shared between several people)
  - Non-breakable water bottle
  - Thermos with a warm beverage — optional
  - First aid kit
  - Toiletries (including sunscreen and lip balm with SPF)
  - Daypack large enough to carry all items you might need throughout the day
  - Personal medications
  - Headlamp (with extra batteries)
  - Camera — optional
All mandatory gear (alpine touring or telemark skis or splitboard, touring boots and poles) can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent from one of the resorts or from Rhythm Japan in Niseko. Please let us know upon booking if you need any help with gear rental.

Avalanche gear in 38L Blue Ice Pack (that included Mammut UIAA certified shovel, Mammut probe, and Mammut Barryvox transceiver) can be rented from your guides at an additional cost of ¥3,000 per day. Let us know if you’re interested upon booking!
Group sizes and pricing
- - For this Hokkaido ski trip, the client-to-guide ratio is 4:1.
  - If the available departures don’t suit you, please let us know—private tours are available.
  - It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate and that’s also the maximum group size.
  - There are two rooms in the lodge (one with two single beds and one with a double bed) as well as two sofa beds in the loft. Read more about the lodge just above the Things to know section and let us know upon booking if you have any preferences.
Hokkaido ski trips 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 older than 15 may be permitted to join this Hokkaido ski trip on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Niseko for your Hokkaido ski trip, first you’ll have to fly into New Chitose Airport, the main one serving the island Hokkaido. If you don’t have any direct flights to Hokkaido, then fly into Tokyo’s Narita International Airport. After arriving at New Chitose Airport, you have a 2 to 3-hour drive to Niseko, depending on your mode of transportation.

You’ll meet your guide at the Niseko Mountain Guides’ Lodge in Niseko on Day 1 of the tour.
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!
A non-refundable 50% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.
- - If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to thirty (30) calendar days in advance of the trip departure, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total amount paid when Booking.
  - After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund
Secure your spot for 2025 with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you can rest assured you’ve booked your dream adventure in time.
- Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure anytime in case the dates don’t suit you. This can be done by the end of the year.
- Another 20% needs to be paid by the end of this year.
- The remaining balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.