Itinerary
The Western Hokkaido Tour
RESORT & SIDE-COUNTRY / GUIDED & HOSTED for 10 days
This small group tour takes you from the top to the bottom of Hokkaido's western region, taking in most of Japan's most famous ski resorts along the way - Niseko, Rusutsu, Kiroro, and Moiwa are all included. And enjoyed, no doubt, both on and off the slopes. However, the itinerary also swerves to include lesser-known gems such as Teine and Kokusai - close to the northern coast - and then two infrequently-visited ski resorts close to the fascinating port city of Hakodate. Trust us...there will be no other foreigners on these slopes! Therefore, fresh tracks ahoy! And because this part of Hokkaido Island is so close to the western coastline, which is where the weather comes from, you get more snow here than you could possibly conceive.
This skiing (or riding) is largely resort-based, with the ski lifts largely getting you to where you need to be. However, your guide won't be taking you down the pistes - oh no - instead you will be heading in to the trees and deep in to the slack-country also. Some days may require just a little hiking to get to the good stuff...but the rewards are well worth it.
On Hokkaido Island you have three bases; first the seaside city of Otaru from which you’ll ski the backcountry of Kokusai as well as Teine, known for its steep terrain and amazing views across the water. If you need a rest or the weather doesn’t cooperate (this is stormy territory!) then you'll head to the Yoichi Whiskey Distillery or spend time soaking in a natural onsen. You then head down to world-famous Niseko - where you'll obviously head through the gates to access the legendary powder. Niseko will also be the base from which to ride in Rusutsu, Moiwa and Kiroro.
Finally, for the Hokkaido section, you head down the south-west peninsular to Hakodate. This off-the-beaten track and quirky city affords access to two great nearby ski resorts with amazing tree skiing, lovely dry powder snow and no other foreigners stealing your best lines. On your last night with the group, you eat sashimi straight from Hakodate’s fish markets - arguably the best in Japan.
Finally, the tour guide will drop you at Hakodate Shinkansen station and we've booked you on a bullet-train to take you all the way down to Tokyo, an epic four-and-a-half journey across the length of Honshu Island. After checking in to your hotel in Shinjuku - the entertainment district - you have a final two nights, one full day, in the capital by yourselves (or yourself) before flying home to the UK.
Day-By-Day Itinerary
Dates, Cost & Inclusions
DATES
26 Dec 2021 – 8 Jan 2022
7 – 20 Jan 2022
21 - 3 Feb 2022
13 Feb - 26 Feb 2022
COST
£4,525 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 dates. We will confirm the price if you call us (or email) to check availability.
TOUR INCLUSIONS
International flights on British Airways.
Japan domestic flight on Japan Airlines.
Fully guided & hosted whilst on Hokkaido Island (10 days).
3 nights twin share in the Grand Park Hotel in Otaru. Breakfast is included.
5 nights twin share at the Full Note Pension in Central Hirafu Village, Niseko. Breakfast is included.
2 nights twin share at Emi Hotel in Hakodate. Breakfast is included.
2 nights in the Gracery Hotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Breakfast is included.
8 day worth of lift passes and guiding.
Daily transport.
Transfer to Shin-Hakodate train station on the final day.
Welcome dinner in Otaru.
Farewell dinner in Hakodate - a sashimi feast.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Avalanche gear rental.
Accommodation & Ability Requirements
ACCOMMODATION
Full Note Pension, Hirafu Village, Niseko.
Gracery Hotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo.
All the hotels used in this itinerary are of a decent, mid-range standard. They are all trusted, comfortable, well-located and the buffet breakfasts they serve are hearty. We could upgrade you hotel selections in both Niseko and Tokyo (only) if you feel deserving of a bit more luxury - just let us know and we'll give you options.
SKI / SNOWBOARD ABILITY REQUIREMENTS
6:1 Client to Guide ratio (i.e. two guides will accompany the group, if full).
12 people max per tour (four person minimum).
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 may do some hiking (traversing / bootpacking) to get to the goods. However, skins or split-boards are not required...but if the group has touring gear or wants to hire then they will happily take you deeper into the backcountry.