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Ski touring on Rishiri Island and around Hokkaido

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Join IFMGA certified guide Josef for this fantastic 10-day ski touring trip spent between the stunning wilds of Rishiri Island and the best freeride runs in central Hokkaido, Japan!

Group

10 Days

Jan, Feb, Mar

Fit

Intermediate


Highlights

  • Explore the island of Rishiri and some of the best freeride terrain in Hokkaido
  • Ski from the summit of Mt. Rishiri down to the sea!
  • Discover Hokkaido´s world-renowned powder snow for yourself
  • Join highly experienced and passionate mountain guides

Description

Beautiful Rishiri Island lies off the north eastearn coast of Hokkaido in Japan. The magnificent Mount Rishiri, an extinct volcano, dominates this 183 square kilometre land mass.

This trip will be split into two halves with the first 4 days being spent on the spectacular Rishiri Island and volcano. After a day of transit our next 4 days will be spent on the best freeride terrain of Central Hokkaido. On this 10-day program, we will enjoy 8 days of skiing.

Our time on Rishiri Island will be spent ski touring in its abundant powder snow. This is the perfect opportunity to explore this wild and remote landscape in the company of a certified guide.

We will dedicate one day to reach the summit and its 360 degree panoramic views will take your breath away. What’s more, we have the option to take the Volcano from any side, you will be spoilt for choice!

It’s rare for us to come across many other people so we will likely have this epic mountain terrain to ourselves. You´ll find plenty of pristine slopes for your pleasure!

We will use snowmobiles for the first 300 vertical metres on each tour so as to save our legs from over-exertion.

During our time in central Hokkaido we will discover some of the best runs for freeriding that are accessed by ski lifts.

This trip is open to both skiers and snowboarders. You need to be comfortable con black pistes and, ideally, have some freeriding experience (though this isn´t mandatory). A good fitness level is also required, although you can always choose to have more rest days if you need to.

As part of the program, you will undergo an Avalanche Training Session to learn how to navigate the backcountry safely. You will be accompanied by certified guides who will observe your technique and give you feedback as well as video analysis.

If pristine volcano slopes and the best runs in Hokkaido sound like fun, then don’t hesitate to sign up! I can’t wait to share this wonderful experience with you in such an epic location!

Excited by this experience? Perhaps you also want to check out this 10-day ski touring trip in the breathtaking fjords and mountains of the Lyngen Alps in northern Norway!

Price includes

- Guiding fee

- Accommodation included

- Transport during the trip

Price details

Price also includes: half board while on Rishiri Island, breakfast the rest of the days. Not included in the price are your flights. Flight ticket (Europe to Sapporo costs around 580 EUR, Sapporo to Rishiri Island 250 EUR, we can help out with flight reservation)

Insurance - approx. 100 EUR (Travel and Cancel insurance (not taking the trip due to injury illness etc.)) - we can arrange insurance for you

Lunches and dinners (on Hokkaido)

Please note: The trip with flight tickets, insurance, and all meal expenses will cost you around 3800 EUR.


Itinerary

Day 1: Japan arrival - Flight to Rishiri Island

Arrival to Japan (Sapporo airport). Connection flight to Rishiri Island.

Day 2: Ski Touring Rishiri

Ski touring on Rishiri (each day with UIAGM guide)

In the evening: Avalanche Awareness Presentation

Day 3: Ski Touring Rishiri

Ski touring on Rishiri (a different face) + Avalanche Rescue Practice

In the evening: Onsen (hot spring) relaxation (like every evening)

Day 4: Ski Touring Rishiri

Ski touring on Rishiri (different face)

In the evening: Onsen relaxation

Day 5: Rishiri Summit

Today we will attempt to reach the summit of Mount Rishiri

Weather permitting

Day 6: Cetral Hokkaido

Transfer to Central Hokkaido (Asahikawa)

Day 7: Furano

Day 8: Kuro-Dake

Kuro-dake (longest top-to-bottom run on Hokkaido) ​

Day 9: Undisclosed!!

Undisclosed location in North Hokkaido

Day 10: Return

Return to Sapporo and end of the trip.

 

Details

Accommodation

On Rishiri we will stay in a comfortable and spacious Japanese lodge. Lodge serves breakfast and dinners with the opportunity to relax in the onsen every evening. Rooms are twin. During the second part of the trip on Hokkaido Island, we will stay in a hotel in Asahikawa with good access to all neighboring freeriding and backcountry options.

Frequently Asked Questions

 When do we have to arrive and leave?

 Where will we meet?

 What will we do the last night in Sapporo?

 What are the requirements related to the VISA?

 What is the average age of the participants?

 Should I take debit or credit card?

 What is the difference between the freeride camp and the hokkaido roadtrip?

 How do you split the groups?

 Where do the participants usually come from?

 What insurance should I take?

 Should I bring my own equipment?

 What ski, snowboard and other equipment do you offer free of charge?

 Do you have travel tips for Tokyo?

 What ski boots should I take?

 Can I send my luggage via post and travel light to Tokyo, Kyoto etc.?

 What is the level of skiing/snowboarding with guests?

 Do I need my avalanche bag in Japan?

 What is the budget for your camps?

 Do you get skiers, snowboarders or both?

About the guide

Hi, I’m Vojta, welcome to our profile! We are a small and specialized guiding company based out of the Czech Republic, dedicated to offering freeriding and ski-touring trips mainly to Japan and Norway. We run powder camps and tours across the islands of Hokkaido and Honshu in Japan. In March every year, we move to arctic Norway and run Ski and Sail expeditions around Lyngen Alps.  We started as a group of friends guiding in Japan in 2013 and we still beleive you should feel like you are riding with friends on our trips. The tours are flexible with the single purpose of skiing in the best snow and finding the best lines possible. We have strong area knowledge of the terrain and go the extra mile to provide you with an unforgettable experience. Our trips not only include skiing, but also delicious food and local culture as you improve your skills as a backcountry skier or snowboarder.


On our trips, you will be guided by Czech and Slovak UIAGM Mountain guides & Ski Guides (Robert Vrlák, Peter Koteles, Daniel Menšík, Vojta Lím, or Tomáš Prajzler)


If you don't find what you are looking for, get in touch, we will be happy to help and welcome you on board!

Languages

English | Czech

Residence

Prague


What people are saying about Vojta Lim & Guides

Daniel Lorimer

5.00

March, 2023

Good trip guides had great knowledge of the area pick the right spot for the days condition did halve touring halve at resorts side county our guide Honza was awesome went out his of way to help even took us ice skating The breakfast was great and paw The Cook's a legend

Petr girard

5.00

March, 2023

Great trip with nice guides, who are dedicated to find everyday the best possible powder. All staff from Sherpas Ride has been very nice a open to anything we wanted. If there is no pow in the resort, they´ll take to the backcountry trip to find fresh lines. I really appreciate their approach and efford to meet our requirments and to secure best possible riding during our trip.

John Wainwright

4.00

February, 2023

Overall a good ski experience. Seemed a little disorganised at times house sharing with changing and different ski groups, and had 3 different ski guides in our short time their which wouldn't have been my preference.

Tim Arts

5.00

January, 2023

I've experienced a lot of guides and Vojta was clearly one of the best, and probably the best guide and organization to ski with. he can bring you places where normal guiding company's do not know the existence of. he is extremely trustworthy on knowledge and experience.

Bastien Adrien

5.00

July, 2019

I recently did the Freeride Camp with Sherpas Ride and it was amazing. First of all the staff is not only very competent but also highly motivated to provide a great experience on and off the mountain every single day. The provided equipment (Skis, Poles & avalanche equipment) was new and worked well. Breakfast was freshly made every day and the guys did a good job creating a relaxed and fun atmosphere throughout the trip. I'll definitely try to come back for another trip!

Manuel Wildtgrube

5.00

July, 2019

Definitely provided one of the best sports experiences I've ever had. Organization and support was great, staff very competent and ambitious. Skis and boards provided, guides were able to find the best powder lines on the mountains. Big thumbs up!

Martin Vana

5.00

July, 2019

What an experience! Vojta, Tomas, Cyril and Kuba run a great camp with good balance of ski touring and lift access to get to the best lines of the day. I liked the idea of not having daily program set in stone but rather wait for morning weather report to decide on the best option for the day. I highly recommend Sherpas ride for Japow experience.

Fortunat Signorell

5.00

July, 2019

Booked the Hokkaido Roadtrip - this can be described in one word: Fantastic! I would book this trip again immediately! Super organized camp with excellent powderlines. Guides are also trying very hard to put together an alternative program (ski tours) if it happens that there is no fresh snow for a few days. Really absolutely recommendable Trip to Japan with all-round care.

Pfanni

5.00

July, 2019

I participated in the Sherpas Ride Trip Dec/Jan 2018/19 and I loved the experience of freeriding in Japan as well as the guiding and organization of Tomas and Vojta from Sherpas Ride. The trip was booked directly with Vojta and he advised me carefully on fitness level and equipment required for the trip. I felt well prepared and any question or organizational detail was delivered in a timely manner. At arrival the pickup went smoothly and Vojta is great in making you feel welcome and at home from the first minute. The housing, where our group of 12 people, was accommodated was conveniently equipped and close to restaurants and supermarkets. The facilities like bathroom and kitchen are shared and the group was super lovely and easy to deal with. The equipment (ski, poles, backpack with avalanche rescue equipment, and skins) was all comparatively new and well maintained. Tomas and Vojta were always helpful if there was any need or problem with it. The organization of breakfast, driving to the best spot and during the freeriding or touring day went well because the guys mange everything in a nice and relaxed way. I asked for and appreciated that they gave me advise on how to improve my freeriding skills and that they had a good speed and thus, I was also challenged to become better. I felt well informed on where to go and how to behave and there was always room for discussing snow conditions and how to best spot a line and estimate risks. I definitely learned something there and the two guides made things fun, yet clear when limits are reached. The scenery of the volcanos, trees, and the masses of snow is simply faboulous. There is nothing comparable to enjoying the ride in the deep snow spraying all over you. I would definitely do it again! Thanks for the time, Sherpas Ride, and my great group Dec/Jan 2018/19 - you will always enjoy a special place in my memories.

Alex

5.00

April, 2017

(Travelled Feb 2017) Josef's colleagues Vojta, Cyril, Kuba and Thomas run a top notch guiding company. They led my group on an amazing 8 day trip in Hokkaido during the second half of February 2017. They prayed to the snow gods and we were rewarded with 6 feet (~150 CM) of light delicious JaPow over the 8 days, surfing snow all over the region. It was beyond epic. Great bunch of dudes, highly competent guides, I would ride with them any day! Highly recommend for anyone considering hitting up Japan or any of their other awesome trips.

Paul Gelbin

5.00

March, 2017

No words can describe the amazing experience I had with Sherpasride! They are going above and beyond to find places with the best conditions every day and are providing a very professional guiding. The trip was an unforgettable experience which I definitely want to do again and I can highly recommend Sherpasride, you will enjoy the time with Sherpasride to the fullest! Thank you Vojta, Kuba,Cyril and Thomas for everything!!

Benji Merlin Gaub

5.00

March, 2017

What a blast! We had the most epic trip with the boys from sherpas ride. Vojta assembled a very good group with strong riders. We got blessed with the weather and found fresh powder lines every day. Vojta always made sure to keep us busy and entertained - no day like the previous one, new highlights every day!! It was a good mix of resort skiing and ski touring. On our off day we went swimming in the ocean followed by whiskey tasting tour. Even got to play around with a drone. Seriously, what more can you ask for? Definitely coming back for more. I 100% recommend this camp. If you want to have a great time in japan with easy going guides that ski hard and always find fresh powder stashes at a really decent price, look no further.

Albert Vicente

5.00

February, 2017

Those guys are amazing! 9 days of ski that I will never forgget! Hope to see you soon guys! Spanish kisses!

Anna Slater

5.00

February, 2017

Even If snow conditions aren't the best ones in the season the guides will always tAke you for the fresh pow! ( Japow:) . Great 10 days of freeriding and enjoying japanese food,onsen and countryside of Hokkaidó.

Verena SC

5.00

February, 2017

We had an awesome freeride experience with sherpasride last year! Vojta, Tomas and Kuba are doing a great job. The camp is unique and with the best breakfast you can imagine thanks to Kuba. Therefore we came back to Japan shredding some powder with the guys again! It's not about business, it’s about passion!

Guillaume

5.00

February, 2017

Obviously after a trip like that it goes very well! It was a great trip, the group was great and the guides too !! Very competent and they knew their subject! I found the trip checking on the internet and discovered explore-share.com. I was looking for a freeride ski trip in Japan, that only ! We had heard so much about this famous snow … We choose to hire Sherpa guides for 2 reasons : It was the best price for 9 days of ride, and the stay included very little hiking. Knowing that we were looking for freeride and not ski touring, the choice was quickly made. In addition, all equipment was provided (skiing, safety equipment). It was the first time we made such a trip, and frankly speaking, to be repeated! Great snow. The only downside is that we missed some more steep ski runs. But we are not disappointed as we went there for the snow and it was excellent. The fact of having the guide is useful when you do not know the area, the resort. If I had to go back, I would go without a guide because there is no use for me. Once you know a little bit the area, it is impossible to get lost .. We simply followed the 'freeride doors' that everyone takes. I would recommend this trip as it was a very good experience, well organized stay, competent guide, and top destination! No regrets!!

Ivan Schellhorn

5.00

January, 2017

Best Backcountry tours in JAPOW, awesome spirit, fantastic guiding, good food and excellent local knowledge. Our group has had a blast with Thomas and Vojta. Highly recommend to go with these guys

Claudio Anthamatten

5.00

January, 2017

I had a great week with good snow, a good choice of resorts and restaurants. With Thomas and Vojta you will get in a short time a perfect glance of hokkaido...

Christian Gottwald

5.00

August, 2016

Best ski guiding in the World..... Awesome Japanese trips. Very good organization... Nice people.... All in all perfect..... Looking forward to book the next trip.

Anja

5.00

August, 2016

Vojta and Tomáš create a pleasant and enjoyable atmosphere and always look for the best snow conditions in the region. You will enjoy the best skiing experience ever!

David Urie

5.00

August, 2016

I was not backcountry skier before. Thank to Vojta and Tomas it was my experience with powder outstanding. I would recommend Japan trip to any skiing fan. Thank you guys for gr8 adventure.

Martin Klofanda

5.00

June, 2016

Best skiing ever with Sherpas Ride in Japan..

Jacqui Benson Ellett

5.00

May, 2016

Thanks guys for running a great trip.. 2017, see u there!

Nenad Tripic

5.00

May, 2016

Tomáš and Vojta are doing a great job and I can really recommend Sherpas Ride to everybody who's looking for an unique experience in Japan.

Daniel

2.00

January, 2016

The traveller did not leave a comment.

Junny Lee

5.00

September, 2014

Vojta is not only an excellent skiing instructor - he is a great person. It was my second time skiing after a terrible skiing accident ten years ago. Vojta took personal care of me. He improved my technique immensely, gave me confidence and most importantly enabled me to love and enjoy skiing once again. Thanks Vojta!


 

 

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