Details
Trip Duration
12 days
Mountain Range
-
People per Guide
6 people
Trip Level
Intermediate
Offer Period
Jan, Feb, Mar
Type of Trip
Not specified
Enjoy skiing in the lightest powder snow on Earth. Join this exciting freeride ski trip in Niseko and its surroundings!
Niseko is one of the most famous ski resorts in Japan. Located in the island of Hokkaido, it receives (in average) a jaw-dropping amount of 18 meters of snow per year.
Our itinerary will consist of 7 to 8 days of lift access off piste skiing, including short hikes. Besides, there’ll be 1 or 2 optional days of backcountry ski touring.
Here are some of the spots we’ll visit:
- Niseko: it has 4 ski resorts: Hanazono, Annupuri, Grand Hirafu and Niseko Village. Besides, this area has probably the best night skiing in the world, with illuminated deep-powder runs.
- Kiroro: a pretty undiscovered location that receives a great amount of snow.
- Rusutsu: you can find the best tree skiing here. There’s also a side-country park, ideal for those willing to try some freestyle.
- Koukusai, Moiwa: these are smaller resorts… absolutely hidden gems!
- Sapporo Teine: the steepest terrain in Hokkaido, with amazing ocean views.
We’ll be based in Kutchan, a small village with easy access to Niseko and Sapporo area. We’ll rent a house for the whole group and eat food cooked by our chef, on a friendly and unique atmosphere.
Furthermore, we’ll visit some Onsen (hot springs), restaurants with delicious Japanese food and bars for relaxing after skiing all day. So prepare to have a lot of fun!
Even though you can find an itinerary below this description, flexibility will be key in this trip. I’ll adapt the trip according to the weather conditions, as well as the requirements of the group members. I will always be looking for the best snow!
During the trip, we’ll do video-analysis of your technique and give you specific tips to improve your skills in deep snow.
In addition, you’ll receive an Avalanche Training Session, to learn about avalanche rescue and how to move safely on a backcountry terrain.
How do I know if this programme is for me?
You should be able to ski comfortably on most black slopes and be reasonably fit. However, you don’t need to be an expert skier or snowboarder. The idea is to work on your powder technique!
You can join an existing group if you are traveling on your own or gather a group of friends (up to 5) for a private guide.
Besides, if you want to travel around Japan after this trip, I can help you with some local tips and flights arrangements. You can also let me know if you want a shorter trip.
Please get in touch with me if you want to join this freeriding trip in Japan! It will be my pleasure to guide you here and make sure you spend an unforgettable time.
And in case you’re looking for a similar trip with more ski touring and less freeriding, you should consider this road trip and backcountry ski touring in Hokkaido.
Price per person
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Accommodation
- All meals during trip
- Lifts
- Transport during the trip
- Group equipment
- Personal equipment
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 to 2: Flight to Japan. Private transfer to Niseko.
-
Day 3:
Rusutsu
Evening: Avalanche Safety Presentation.
-
Day 4:
Niseko Backbowls + Avalanche Rescue Practice
Evening: Night Powder Skiing.
-
Day 5:
Backcountry day
Ski-Touring in Niseko Area / Evening: Onsen.
-
Day 6:
Kiroro
(+ video filming).
-
Day 7:
Backcountry day
Mt. Yotei Volcano / Evening: Onsen.
- Day 8: Rusutsu
-
Day 9:
Kiroro
Evening: “Powder Ski Technique” presentation + Video analysis.
- Day 10: Moiwa
-
Day 11:
Teine or Kokusai
Evening: Good Bye Party
- Day 12: Flight back home OR Optional stay in Japan for more days.
Next departures
| Next dates | Info |
|---|---|
| 27/12/2019 to 06/01/2020 | |
| 06/01/2020 to 16/01/2020 | |
| 11/01/2020 to 21/01/2020 | |
| 16/01/2020 to 26/01/2020 | |
| 26/01/2020 to 05/02/2020 | |
| 31/01/2020 to 10/02/2020 | |
| 05/02/2020 to 15/02/2020 | |
| 25/02/2020 to 06/03/2020 |
Other details
Equipment: There's no need to bring your own equipment. Powder skis/snbs and avalanche equipment already prepared for you in Japan. | We can help you arrange flights too. Surprisingly, return flight to Sapporo (Japan) cost only around 580 EUR / 16 000 CZK. The sooner you book the cheaper the flight. After your booking I will get back to you and organize flights for you if you require. | If you already have accommodation, we will offer you discounted package without it. | Insurance - approx. 100 EUR (Travel and Cancel insurance (not taking the trip due to injury illness etc.), I can arrange it for you.
About the Guide
I'm a UIAGM certified guide, skitouring-freeride and heliski guide. I'm a lifelong skier, climber and mountaineer, born in Prachovske skaly, a famous sandstone climbing area in the Czech Republic.
I've personally participated in 13 expeditions to 8thousander peaks and stood 5 times on an 8000m peak. I have guided guests on all continents (7 summits, etc..) in numerous treks, climbing or skitouring expeditions.
I run a guiding company in Prague and work for Patagonia, SKI TRAB and ABS avalanche backpacks. I spend my winter guiding in the Northern hemisphere, including heliski in Lappland (SWE), ski touring in Morocco or enjoying the best powder snow on earth in Japan.
The rest of the time I'm on expeditions in Nepal or South America and I spend most of the summer climbing in my hometown or guiding in the Alps.
I like Czech beer and food, passionate guests and jokes. If I'm not available my team will guide you instead.
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