Details

Trip Duration

8 days

Mountain Range

People per Guide

6 people

Trip Level

Intermediate

Offer Period

Jan, Feb, Mar

Type of Trip

Not specified

Here is another great skiing adventure in Japan! I will take you to some fantastic backcountry skiing spots around Hokkaido!

Hokkaido is the northernmost island of Japan and the second largest. It’s known for having the best powder snow in the world and its backcountry runs are a dream come true!

Along this 7-day program we’ll enjoy different runs along the best backcountry locations in the Island. Some days we’ll use lifts to access the best locations on the mountains and other days we’ll use skins to go as far away from the crowds as possible!

One of the best features of the program is to ski Mt. Yotei, the tallest mountain in Hokkaido. It has over 1000 meters of elevation change and offers spectacular open faces and perfect tree runs!

During this amazing adventure you’ll also enjoy relaxing hot springs that will set you up for the next day!

You also will enjoy Japanese local culture as Hokkaido is famous for its delicious foods and cuisine as well as relaxing hot springs during the tour.

If you are interested in this great skiing experience, please get in touch with me and let’s discuss! I will be glad to organise you the tour you are looking for!

Price per person

1 Person

5 USD

Group of 2

2 USD

Group of 3

2 USD

Group of 4

1 USD

Group of 5

1 USD

Price includes

Guiding fee

If there are 6 or more people in a party, 2 guides will be provided and the fees will vary. Please inquire for those fees.

Cancellation Policy

What happens if I need to cancel the trip?
If you decide to cancel, you’ll get a 100% refund (minus fees) if the cancellation is notified up to 60 days before the start of the tour, a 75% refund (minus fees) if you cancel between 59 and 30 days before the start of the tour, and a 50% refund if you cancel between 29 and 21 days before the start of the tour. If you cancel less than 21 days before the first day of the tour, you won’t receive a refund. Take into account, however, that if accommodation, flights or transfers were included in the trip you booked, then a different policy may apply as the guide will be bound by the provider’s cancellation policy.

What happens if the guide cancels the trip because of bad weather/unsuitable conditions?
If bad weather or unsuitable conditions force the guide to cancel the trip, he or she will: a) propose a similar activity at a different place where conditions are better, or b) propose to postpone the activity until a later date, or c) cancel. If you refuse option a), our cancellation policy will apply. Please note, however, that the call to cancel a trip due to bad weather can only be made by the guide (not the client).

What happens if the guide doesn’t show up or cancels for personal reasons?
If the guide cancels for reason of injury or other, you will get a 100% refund on your trip.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival
Pick up at Sapporo hotel at 7:30. Use the gondola at either Kiroro Resort or Kokusai Ski Grounds to enjoy side-country skiing. After that warm-up, travel by car to the countryside town of Makkari to spend the night at the foot of Mt. Yotei.

Day 2: Mt. Yotei backcountry tour
Amazing backcountry tour to the tallest mountain in the island. After the tour, drive to Niseko and spend the night.

Day 3: Niseko
Either a backcountry or side-country tour and another night in nearby Niseko.

Day 4: Sightseeing day
Enjoy Sightseeing or a half day tour. After lunch, a 5 hour drive to Furano and stay at Tokachidake Onsen.

Day 5: Backcountry day
Backcountry tour at either Furanodake, Maetokachi, or Sandanyama areas and stay another night at Tokachcidake Onsen.

Day 6: Asahidake Ski ground
A side-country tour using the ropeway at Asahidake Ski ground.

Day 7: Kiroro Resort / Sapporo Kokusai Ski Grounds
Enjoy the last day with a backcountry tour around the Kiroro Resort or Sapporo Kokusai Ski Grounds and return transportation to Sapporo hotel for the last night.

Other details

Skill level required

Intermediate

Fitness level required

Occasional

Meeting point

We will meet at Shinchitose airport.

Accommodation

We will sleep in hotels.

More info

Airport pick-up and drop-offs can be arranged for a separate fee of Yen10,000. 7 guest maximum.

Equipment:
-Bring your own gears like boots, skis, skins, poles, Avalanche Safety Gears (beacon, probe, shovel).
-Some of the items like Avalanche safety gears can be rented.
-Please let me know which equipment you will need to rent. In case you need to rent skis, you should send
me photos of your boots so I can learn about the brand / model / boot size. - skis / snowboard
- avalanche safety gears (beacon, probe, shovel)
- Ice axe / crampons (optional)

About the Guide

Yasuko Kikuchi

Mountain Guide

JMGA Mountain Guide
I was born in Kitami city in east Hokkaido. I grew up loving outdoor sports, skiing, and mountain climbing. I now lives in Sapporo and I have been a guide for the last 15 years.
I have accumulated vast experience in mountaineering in both Japan and abroad. I have served on the Canadian Ski Patrol and I have a wealth of experience skiing, rock climbing, and mountain climbing all over the world including Europe, North America, and Nepal.
I pride myself on my skill and experience rock climbing during the summer and backcountry skiing in the winter months. I have climbed Mt. McKinley in the U.S., Mt. Manaslu and Mt. Ama-Dablam, in Nepal, The Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Chamonix, in Europe and Insubong in Korea.
Please contact me if you want to experience Japan walking, climbing or skiing! I will be very happy to guide you here.