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Freeride Road Trip and Backcountry Ski in Hokkaido

Road trip and backcountry ski touring in Hokkaido
Freeride Road Trip and Backcountry Ski in Hokkaido
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Discover Hokkaido's best ski areas (Niseko, Sapporo and Furano) on a 10-day backcountry fest led by a certified guide.

Group

10 Days

Jan, Feb, Mar

Fit

Intermediate


Highlights

  • Tree-skiing in Rusutsu
  • Mount Yotei backcountry tour
  • Backbowl line in Niseko
  • Gullies in Furano
  • Climbing Mount Asahidake, Hokkaido's highest peak

Description

An outstanding amount of snow per year makes Hokkaido one of the best ski destinations in the world. On this 10-day adventure, we will explore the island and its top powder spots.

We will begin with 4 days of freeride skiing and exploring volcanos in the Niseko and Sapporo areas. From there, we will continue on to Furano in Central Hokkaido. Our itinerary usually consists of 2 to 3 days of ski touring (splitboarding) and 6 to 7 days in which we access the backcountry using lifts and then freeriding.

This amazing tour includes exploring Mount Yotei, Daisetsuzan National Park, and Mount Asahikdake, as well as tree skiing in Rusutsu, the back bowl line in Niseko, gullies in Furano, and more! Tasting a wide variety of delicious Japanese food and recovering in the famous onsen (hot springs) will cap off an already great adventure. Plus, we offer free access to skis, snowboards and avalanche gear!

If you want to find out more, you can check the sample itinerary below. You should be aware that this is a flexible trip, adjusted to the weather and snow conditions. We'll use a van to move around Hokkaido. You can join an existing group or come with at least 6 of your friends for a private guiding trip.

In order to join this tour, you will need prior ski touring and freeriding experience. Both skiers and snowboarders are welcome and we will match you with a group based on your skill level. Additionally, you should be physically fit, although you can take extra days off if you wish, activities are not mandatory. The group size is a maximum of 6 people. Keep in mind that we can also create a more or less advanced tailored itinerary for private groups as well.

In terms of vertical, we will ski an average of 10,000 vertical meters per day, with a 500 to 900 vertical drop. The hardest backcountry day will be the Mount Yotei excursion which will take 4 to 6 hours (1500 m vertical). The other tours will take around 4 hours (1000 to 1200 meters). We will set the pace and vertical total depending on the group's needs.

Please, contact us if you'd like to join an amazing backcountry tour in Hokkaido! Or, if you prefer more freeriding and less backcountry ski touring, you should consider this Freeride skiing trip based in Niseko and Sapporo area.

Price includes

- Guiding fee

- Accommodation included

- Lift tickets

- Transport during the trip

- Breakfast

- Skis

- Ski poles

Price details

PRICE INCLUDES:

Guiding

Ski Passes

10 Nights of Accommodation

Breakfasts

Transportation in Japan

Avalanche Training Session

Avalanche Equipment (Probe and Shovel, Beacon is NOT included)

Free rental of Skis and Boards (Kaestle freetouring skis, Nitro boards, Gara splitboards)

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

Lunch and Dinners

Beacons (they will be charged 90 EUR/ per camp)

Flight to Sapporo (around 600 EUR if you're flying from Europe)

Travel & Cancellation Insurance (approx. 100 EUR)

Optional Cat Skiing

We can help out with flight reservation and insurance, we can also offer a private trip with tailor-made itinerary, private guide and van if you prefer.


Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

Upon arrival in Japan, you will be transferred to our house, we will set up equipment and go for dinner

Day 2: Rusutsu

During the day, we will enjoy some epic tree skiing, then we will have an Avalanche Safety Presentation that will serve us for the days ahead.

Day 3: Moiwa + Avalanche Rescue Practice

After some amazing ski runs and a beacon search practice, we will head to a Japanese onsen in the evening.

Day 4: Niseko Backbowls and night skiing

Skiiing in the Niseko Area (Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village and Annupurri).
At night, we will take advantage of Niseko`s far-reaching stadium lights to enjoy a night tree skiing session.

Day 5: Mount Yotei

A day spent hiking up Mt. Yotei volcano to ski in the crater, and then a 1500 vertical meter descent down Yotei! After an intensive 4 to 6 hours, we will head to the Japanese onsen to recover.

Day 6: Day off/ Transfer to Furano

Enjoy a day of skiing on your own, visit the Whiskey distillery or Otaru before we load the van and head to Furano.

Day 7: Daisetzusan National Park

We'll head to our favorite secret spot in Daisetzusan and then recover at a natural onsen at the foot of the mountain.

Day 8: Furano

This unique resort in Central Hokkaido has some amazing tree lines that we will show you to.

Day 9: Ski touring on Asahidake

Hike to the Asahidake summit and then enjoy skiing in the powder-filled crater along with the steam.

Day 10: Yubari, Kamui or Tomamu, Farewell

We will choose where to ski during the day and then enjoy a farewell party in Sapporo in the evening.

Day 11: Flight back home OR Optional stay in Japan for more days

Flights from/to Japan-Europe take 2 days, let us know if you need help organizing them. Keep in mind we can also start the trip from Kutchan or Furano.

 

Details

Accommodation

1. We'll stay in the Slope, comfortable and cozy guesthouse in Kutchan (Niseko) for the whole group, in a friendly and unique atmosphere. We aim to create a warm and family like atmosphere. We will be within walking distance of local izakayas, restaurants, bars, and grocery stores. Breakfast is prepared by our chef and cooking is possible for the other meals. The house fits 12 people. It has 6 rooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 kitchens, and a dining room. Rooms are used as double rooms, however, bigger ones can be organized as triple rooms if needed. A single room can be confirmed when the camp is fully booked. 2. Furano pension with a similar standard as the house in Kutchan.

Meeting point

Sapporo Chitose

Equipment you will need to bring

Other gear: We provide the following equipment for free use in Japan: **Skis**: Kastle BMX and FX (115mm and 105mm underfoot), Scott Scrapper (120mm underfoot) and Punisher (105mm - 110mm underfoot), Armada JJ (117mm underfoot) in various lengths for men and women **Snowboards**:Nitro Slash (powder specific), Gara Splitboards **Ski bindings**:Fritschi Tecton (tech binding) and Tyrolia Adrenalin (frame binding, classic binding with hiking option) **Avalanche equipment** Shovel and probe (Beacon is NOT included) PLUS telescopic poles and snowshoes for short hikes for snowboarders, and cartridges for ABS backpacks.Please do bring your backpack. We DO NOT provide Beacon (available for rent, for 90 EUR for the whole camp), ski boots, helmets, snowboard boots or snowboard bindings.


Frequently Asked Questions

How are groups split?

What is the average age of the people who join this tour?

Is this trip more about freeriding or ski touring?

What is the skiing/snowboarding level of tour participants?

Are debit and credit cards accepted?

What is the budget for your camps?

What ski boots should I take?

What are the requirements related to the VISA?

When do we have to arrive and leave?

Is this program suitable for both skiers and snowboarders?

Do you have travel tips for Tokyo?

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

Should I bring my own equipment?

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

Do I need my avalanche bag in Japan?

Which is the group size?

What will we do the last night in Sapporo?

Where do the people that join your tours usually come from?

What is the difference betweenthis hokkaido roadtrip and the Powder Freeride Camp?

What considerations should I keep in mind when I take out the insurance?

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


What people are saying about this trip

David

5.00

February, 2023

Sherpas ride is the best value for Japow. Experienced guides, great organisation, fair price.

Fanny

5.00

January, 2023

Amazing experience in Hokkaido with Vojta! Riding the best lines and expert guides👌. I already went twice and can’t wait to go again - highly recommended !!

Sascha

5.00

February, 2020

Great price/value package, you won‘t be disappointed. We had a fantastic freeride and ski touring trip. Every day the guides will evaluate weather conditions and snow forecast so that you will hit every day fresh powder lines. Guaranteed. JAPOW and Japanese culture for free on top!

Nanna

5.00

January, 2020

Spending 10 days with Sherpas ride was highlight of my trip to Japan. Went for the road trip around Hokkaido. Perfect combination of skiing, touring, powder, beer, Japanese food, culture and karaoke. A small business with lot of great personality, will recommend anyone going for the full Japow experience to go with these guys!

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.

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!

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!

Martin Klofanda

5.00

June, 2016

Best skiing ever with Sherpas Ride in Japan..


 

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