Itinerary
The Central Hokkaido Tour
RESORT & SIDE-COUNTRY / GUIDED & HOSTED for 9 days
Let's not overcomplicate matters; Hokkaido has the best powder snow in the world. Fact. The Central Hokkaido region is quieter than the Western Hokkaido region, where you'll find Niseko. Fact. And the snow here is drier, every bit as deep and the terrain more varied. Fact. Furano is an amazing ski resort it in its right and also enjoys easy access to numerous other ski mountains in the region. Yet another fact. So if you want to ski or ride the best powder and contend with no crowds competing for tracks, then the answer is to simply base yourself in Furano and then head out each day, with a locally knowledgeable guide and small group of like-minded powder enthusiasts, to wherever the conditions are best. The perfect plan.
Therefore you’ll get to ski the amazing powder and sidecountry terrain of Furano, Asahidake, Tomamu, Kamui, Pippu, and Sahoro. Your comfy 4WD van simply heads out every morning to whichever ski resort is looking best on any given day. But you won't be staying on-piste - oh no...you're here for the deep stuff off the sides. Lift-accessed, but truly epic. Like heli-skiing...but without the need for heli. You'll need to be able to keep up, so advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders only, and together you'll get the most out of Central Hokkaido’s epic terrain.
Based close to Kitanomine Village, just outside Furano, evenings will be spent with your guides and fellow travellers in the restaurants and bars of this authentically Japanese town.
You then say goodbye to the small group in Hokkaido Island and fly down to Tokyo, for a city-break en route home. Two nights and a full day of exploration by yourselves (or yourself, if travelling solo).
Day-By-Day Itinerary
Dates, Cost & Inclusions
DATES
26 Dec 2021 – 8 Jan 2022
5 – 18 Jan 2022
15 – 28 Jan 2022
25 Jan – 7 Feb 2022
4 – 17 Feb 2022
14 – 27 Feb 2022
24 Feb – 9 Mar 2022
6 – 19 Mar 2022
COST
£4,398 per person* / single supplement = £695
Note: an early booking discount is in place until 30th September - save £250 per person
*note that this cost may vary and this is usually down to the costs of the international flights. This is more likely over Christmas / New Year or other peak dates. We will confirm the price if you call us (or email) to check availability.
TOUR INCLUSIONS
International flights on British Airways.
Japan domestic flights on Japan Airlines.
Fully hosted whilst in Furano.
10 nights twin share accommodation at North Country Inn, Furano. Breakfast is included.
2 nights twin share accommodation in the Gracery Hotel, Shinjuku, Tokyo. Breakfast is included.
8 days worth of lift passes and guiding in the Central Hokkaido region.
1 rest day (option free ski or cultural experience day).
Welcome dinner at North Country Inn.
Farewell dinner in Furano town.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Rental ski or snowboard gear.
Avalanche gear rental.
Accommodation & Ability Requirements
ACCOMMODATION
Gracery Hotel, Shinjuku, Tokyo.
In Furano you will staying in the North Country Inn. Nothing fancy, but clean and perfectly comfortable with plenty of facilities - two restaurants, bar lounge with satellite TV, foreign exchange, WiFi throughout, a communal laundry, and regular guest shuttle to the ski lifts. It has both traditional Japanese and Western-style rooms, all with en suite bathrooms. There is also an onsen style bath available.
In Tokyo you are staying in the Gracery Hotel, right in the heart of Shinjuku - amidst the neon madness. It is a fine hotel, large and with plenty of facilities in the most perfect location. But rooms can be small - this is Tokyo after all!
It is possible to upgrade the accommodation options in both instances - call us for a list of options and we'll get you a cost.
SKI / SNOWBOARD ABILITY
6:1 Client to Guide ratio (i.e. two guides will accompany the group).
12 people max per tour (four person minimum).
Skill Level Required: Advanced in powder
Please make an honest assessment of your abilities whilst keeping fitness in mind as to not slow the group down.
You must be able to ski the whole mountain with confidence and at a reasonable speed in powder, through trees and in variable conditions. You must have a good level of fitness.
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.
Groups are split up into ski / board / ability levels and some groups we will be doing some hiking (traversing / boot packing) to get to the goods. Skins or split-boards are not required but if the group has touring gear or wants to hire they will happily take you deeper into the backcountry.