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
Included:
Add-ons:
Not included:
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.
Discover more backcountry skiing adventures in Japan 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:
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.
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Group sizes and pricing
A Hokkaido freeride adventure 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 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 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.