Itinerary
Hokkaido Backcountry Tour
BACKCOUNTRY TOUR / GUIDED & HOSTED (for 9 days)
A simple premise - using two bases on Hokkaido Island, go and find the very best snow in Japan. Once identified, hike up to find the best lines possible untouched by fellow skiers. It really is pretty straight-forward.
So base no.1 will be Furano, located in the quieter central Hokkaido region. You are booked in here for five nights, and you'll be exploring the Daisetsu mountain range. These big, big volcanos include Kuro-dake, Asahi-dake and Tokachi-dake accross which you'll access some of the best backcountry skiing in Hokkaido. No, correct that. The best backcountry skiing in Japan. Your powder-packed days in the wilds of Hookaido often end with a relaxing soak in one of the many onsens in the region.
Next you head due south-west to Niseko - Japan's world-famous ski Mecca. This is the snowiest region in all Japan (arguably) and the possibilities here are limitless. And while nearly all of the international ski-set who swamp the region stay close to the lifts...you are your comrades need not follow their lead and instead head out to more remote, more thrilling, untouched slopes. As well as Niseko itself - Moiwa, Shiribetsu-dake, Rusustu, Mount Yotei, Kiroro and Chisenupuri are all within range.
(note: sometimes the tour will head to Niseko first and then on to Furano second - it simply depends on logistics and it makes no difference to the overall experience.)
After all the skiing, you say goodbye to the other members of your small group on Hokkaido Island and head down to Tokyo for a couple of nights in the mega-city before flying home.
This tour has evolved over the years to be looser in content and more flexible in outlook. To best showcase Hokkaido’s backcountry all you need are locally-knowledgeable guides, the logistics taken care of, plenty of days and then you simply go with the flow, always mindful of local conditions. You need to bring with you plenty of energy (and by that we mean, you need to be pretty fit!) and some experience ski touring in deep powder snow.
The tour is guided and hosted whilst you are in Hokkaido by guides who are local residents, hugely experienced and knowledgeable. They will accompany you on and off the slopes, meaning that time in the resorts includes the best restaurants, secret little bars and fun company. Your time in Tokyo at the end is by yourself (yourselves), and with so much to see and do - that's not a problem. Indeed, it's a bonus.
Day-By-Day Itinerary
Dates, Cost & Inclusions
DATES
6 – 18 Jan 2022
2 – 14 Feb 2022
21 Feb – 5 Mar 2022
COST
£3,988 per person* / single supplement = £650
Note: an early booking discount is in place until 30th September - save £200 per person
*note that this cost may vary and this is usually down to the costs of the international flights. We will confirm the price if you call us (or email) to check availability.
It is possible to upgrade the accommodation selections - the hotels featured are perfectly fine - clean, comfortable and trusted. However, they are basic (3-star equivalent). Contact us for details of mid-range or luxury options, of which there are many.
TOUR INCLUSIONS
International flights on British Airways.
Domestic flights on Japan Airlines.
Fully guided & hosted whilst in Hokkaido Island.
Coach transfers from Sapporo Chitose Airport to Furano and then back from Niseko to the airport.
Road transfer between Furano and Niseko.
Daily transport to the best snow.
5 nights twin share accommodation at Rising Sun B&B, Furano. Breakfast is included.
4 nights twin share accommodation at Full Note Pension, Hirafu Village, Niseko. Breakfast is included.
2 nights twin share at the Kadoya Hotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Breakfast is included.
Welcome & farewell dinner party.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Avalanche gear rental.
Avalanche Awareness Course (optional).
Lift passes are not included due to the flexible nature of this trip. And, very often, you actually only need single ride passes to get you to where you want to be.
Cat skiing excursions are possible from both Furano and Niseko.
Rental gear (touring / splitboards).
Accommodation & Ability Requirements
ACCOMMODATION
Full Note Pension, Hirafu Village, Niseko.
Kadoya Hotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo.
The accommodation featured in the itinerary is clean, perfectly comfortable and very friendly. 100% fit for purpose. However, it is of a modest standard and it is possible to upgrade your hotels in Furano, Niseko and Tokyo - ask for details and costs.
SKI / SNOWBOARD ABILITY
4:1 Client to Guide ratio (i.e. two guides will accompany the group, if full)
Eight people max per tour (three person minimum).
You must be able to ski/board the whole mountain in all conditions confidently at speed and have advanced ability in powder, through trees in steep terrain and in variable conditions. Snowboarders in this level are able to keep speed in flat sections by planning ahead as well as hold a solid traverse line and be able to hop up and manoeuvre in a way as to not slow down the group.
You must have a very good level of fitness and be able to hike for around 2-4 hours total per day.
AT/skins set-up or split-boards are required, no snowshoes. You must be experienced using this equipment.
The idea of these tours is to have complete flexibility to seek out the best conditions and objectives on any given day. Some days we will use the lifts for their vertical bump, on other days we will head to secluded locations to hike and explore Hokkaido’s amazing powder filled terrain.