Freeride & skitouring in Hokkaido Japan

For the true powder lover, the now famous “Japow” is an absolute must on the bucket list. The endless powder, combined with soothing “Onsen '(thermal baths), Japanese hospitality and not to mention Japanese cuisine, make this trip a true Valhalla for the avid powder skier.

POWDER ADVENTURE TO PERHAPS THE SNOWIEST AREA IN THE WORLD

On the Japanese northern island of Hokkaido, an average of as much as 25 meters of snow falls in winter, making the region one of the most snow-sure in the world. Almost nowhere else in the world will you find such good quality and quantity of powder snow. Thanks to the cold air flow that reaches the western side of the islands from Siberia across the Sea of Japan, a thick layer of fresh snow falls almost every day between December and February. Near our specially chosen accommodation are several small ski areas with endless opportunities for hip-deep powder runs. When it snows, we ski in the magical forests, protected from weather and wind. Here even the shorter runs offer more than enough challenge. When visibility is good, higher, forest-free areas are accessible; for this we do have to climb on the ascents. The view of the surrounding, volcanic mountain landscape is downright fascinating. A combination of modern and old ski lifts provides the necessary support for countless wonderful descents. Depending on the conditions at the time, we spontaneously decide on the choice of which area to go to that day. Travel time to the ski resorts is between 15 and 60 minutes by private minivan. After returning to the hotel, muscles can relax in the warm onsen (Japanese thermal spring) and the day will end with a Japanese-style dinner. 

Program

Via Tokyo you will fly to Sapporo. This part of the trip is individual. We advise in advance about the route and schedule. At CTS New Chitose Airport you will be picked up by Edward Bekker and after a beautiful ride you will reach the first Japanese hotel or ryokan located in nature. On the first evening the special features of skiing in Japan will be explained and the next day's program briefly discussed. At the Japanese buffet you choose your own dinner, almost everyone is fascinated by the variety of Japanese cuisine. We now have six full days to get to know the area better on skis and immerse yourself in the “Japow.” When it snows we take advantage of the many ski lifts. By using the skins on our freeride/touring skis we can get above the tree line on sunny days or also get a little further away from the ski domain during snowfall to get some “treeskiing”! We will ski in the famous areas of Niseko and Rusutsu and small lesser known areas. Furano is an option.  We can go skitouring on the beautiful high volcanoes like the Yotai. The following Saturday morning is followed by the return trip to Tokyo/ and back home.