Hokkaido Ski Touring Week in Japan
Discover Hokkaido’s legendary “Japow” on an 10-day ski touring and freeride adventure with Muntania, exploring Niseko, Mount Yotei, Furano, Mount Asahidake, and the wild volcanic terrain of Daisetsuzan National Park.
10 Days
Jan - Mar
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Ski Hokkaido’s famous light, dry powder, known worldwide as “Japow”.
- Explore iconic objectives such as Mount Yotei, Mount Asahidake, Tokachidake, and Furano Dake.
- End ski days with Japanese onsens, local cuisine, and the cultural atmosphere of winter Hokkaido.
Description
Japan is one of the world’s most distinctive ski touring destinations, known for its extraordinary snow quality, deep winter landscapes, and rich cultural contrasts. On the northern island of Hokkaido, storms from Siberia bring light, dry powder that has made the region famous among ski tourers and freeriders from around the world.
This 10-day ski touring trip with Muntania combines 8 days of mountain activity with the cultural experience of traveling through Japan in winter. The program focuses on two key areas of Hokkaido: Niseko, home to Mount Yotei, also known as the “Mount Fuji of the North”, and Furano, the gateway to Daisetsuzan National Park and Mount Asahidake, the highest peak in Hokkaido.
During the trip, you will ski a mix of open slopes, forest terrain, volcanic landscapes, and powder itineraries chosen according to the weather, snow conditions, and group level. The plan includes several ski touring days around Niseko, with the possibility of ascending Mount Yotei and skiing different aspects of the mountain, as well as three days in the Furano area, including Mount Asahidake, Tokachidake, and Furano Dake.
The experience goes far beyond the skiing. After long days in the snow, you can relax in traditional Japanese onsens, enjoy local food such as sushi, ramen, tempura, and other regional dishes, and discover the quiet hospitality of Hokkaido’s winter towns. Accommodation includes stays in Niseko, Furano, and near New Chitose Airport, making the logistics comfortable while keeping the focus on the mountain.
This trip is designed for ski tourers with previous experience, good off-piste technique, and the ability to ski powder in open terrain and among trees. The descents are not extreme, but participants should feel confident skiing varied snow and medium-angle slopes.
Send a request to join Muntania for a unique ski touring week in Hokkaido, where deep powder, volcanic peaks, Japanese culture, and warm onsens come together in one unforgettable winter journey.
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Transport during the trip
Price details
- ✅What’s included in the price:
- Mountain guide during the entire trip.
- Transport during the trip.
- 5 nights of accommodation in Niseko.
- 3 nights of accommodation in Furano, with breakfast.
- 1 night of accommodation near New Chitose Airport, with breakfast.
- Reservation management.
- ❌What’s not included in the price:
- International flights to and from New Chitose Airport, Sapporo CTS.
- Flight booking management, available through Muntania for an additional 30 EUR.
- Ski resort lift passes, if the group chooses to ski in resorts for part or all of a day.
- Guide’s lift pass cost, if the whole group decides to ski in resort terrain.
- Dinners.
- Insurance.
- Anything not specifically listed as included.
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Hokkaido and transfer to Niseko
Arrive at New Chitose Airport and take a private transfer to the accommodation. The transfer takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Day 2 to 6: Ski touring in the Niseko area
Spend 5 days ski touring around Niseko, one of Hokkaido’s most famous powder destinations.
The main objective is Mount Yotei, 1,898 meters, known as the “Mount Fuji of the North”. If weather and snow conditions allow, the group may attempt the summit and ski into the crater. Muntania usually plans two non-consecutive days on Mount Yotei, exploring different aspects of the mountain.
Other ski touring itineraries in the Niseko area will be chosen according to conditions, with a focus on powder skiing and enjoyable descents.
On Day 6, after the activity, the group transfers by road to Furano.
Day 7 to 9: Ski touring in Furano and Daisetsuzan National Park
Spend 3 ski touring days in the Furano area, with objectives in Daisetsuzan National Park.
The program highlights Mount Asahidake, 2,290 meters, the highest mountain in Hokkaido. This volcanic itinerary passes close to fumaroles, adding a unique alpine atmosphere to the skiing.
The group may also explore routes around Tokachidake, 2,077 meters, and Furano Dake. After the activity on Day 10, the group transfers by road to Chitose and spends the final night in a hotel near the airport.
Day 10: Return flight
Fly home from New Chitose Airport.
Details
Accommodation
Accommodation is included for 9 nights:
- 5 nights in Niseko in independent houses, depending on group size.
- 3 nights in Furano in a hotel or guesthouse, in triple rooms with shared bathroom facilities and breakfast included.
- 1 night near New Chitose Airport in a double room with private bathroom and breakfast included.
Planned accommodation include:
-Yotei Townhouse in Niseko, with kitchen access. -Hostel Tomar in Furano, with breakfast and kitchen access. -Hotel Wing International Chitose, with breakfast.
Accommodation may be replaced by equivalent or better options depending on group occupancy.
More info
The itinerary may change depending on weather, snow stability, and safety conditions. Hokkaido’s weather is highly changeable, and snowfall is common. Activity is usually possible even when it snows, thanks to protected forested areas that offer shelter from wind. Temperatures may drop to around -15°C, with stronger wind chill at altitude.
Equipment you will need to bring
Ski touring equipment
- Ski touring skis.
- Ski touring boots.
- Climbing skins.
- Ski crampons.
- Poles.
- At least one spare climbing skin, with a pair recommended.
- Backpack, 35 to 45 liters, with ski-carry straps.
- Helmet.
- Crampons, needed only for the final meters of Mount Yotei if conditions require them.
Safety equipment
- Avalanche transceiver with spare batteries.
- Shovel.
- Probe.
Technical clothing
- Ski touring socks.
- Ski touring pants.
- Thermal base layer.
- Fleece or similar mid-layer.
- Primaloft jacket. Muntania does not recommend down as the main insulation for this destination due to humidity.
- Gore-Tex style waterproof jacket and pants.
- Lightweight Primaloft or down jacket.
- Neck gaiter.
- Thin fleece gloves.
- Warm gloves.
- Warm hat.
- Sun cap.
- Sunglasses.
- Ski goggles.
Personal equipment
- Headlamp with spare batteries.
- Water bottle or thermos, minimum 1.5 liters. Hydration bladders are not recommended because the tube can freeze.
- Personal first-aid kit.
- Personal toiletries.
- Sunscreen.
- Lip protection.
- Camera.
- Avalanche transceiver with spare batteries.
- Shovel.
- Probe.
Technical clothing
- Ski touring socks.
- Ski touring pants.
- Thermal base layer.
- Fleece or similar mid-layer.
- Primaloft jacket. Muntania does not recommend down as the main insulation for this destination due to humidity.
- Gore-Tex style waterproof jacket and pants.
- Lightweight Primaloft or down jacket.
- Neck gaiter.
- Thin fleece gloves.
- Warm gloves.
- Warm hat.
- Sun cap.
- Sunglasses.
- Ski goggles.
Personal equipment
- Headlamp with spare batteries.
- Water bottle or thermos, minimum 1.5 liters. Hydration bladders are not recommended because the tube can freeze.
- Personal first-aid kit.
- Personal toiletries.
- Sunscreen.
- Lip protection.
- Camera.
- Headlamp with spare batteries.
- Water bottle or thermos, minimum 1.5 liters. Hydration bladders are not recommended because the tube can freeze.
- Personal first-aid kit.
- Personal toiletries.
- Sunscreen.
- Lip protection.
- Camera.
FAQs
Do I need previous ski touring experience?
Yes. This trip requires previous ski touring experience and the ability to ski off-piste in different types of snow, including powder in open terrain and among trees.
Is this an extreme skiing trip?
No. The trip does not include extreme ski descents. The terrain is suitable for experienced ski tourers with good off-piste technique, but it is not planned as an extreme skiing program.
How many ski days are included?
The trip includes 8 days of mountain activity: 5 days in the Niseko area and 3 days in the Furano and Daisetsuzan National Park area.
What are the main mountains on the itinerary?
The main objectives include Mount Yotei, Mount Asahidake, Tokachidake, and Furano Dake, depending on weather, snow conditions, and safety.
Can the itinerary change because of the weather or snow conditions?
Yes. The guide may modify the itinerary due to weather, snow conditions, safety concerns, or other factors. In that case, the guide will choose the best possible alternative.
Are dinners included?
No. Dinners are not included. The guide will suggest local restaurants where participants can try Japanese food at reasonable prices.
Is accommodation included?
Yes. The trip includes accommodation in Niseko, Furano, and near New Chitose Airport. Some accommodations include breakfast.
Is insurance required?
Yes. Participants must have insurance that covers the ski touring activity. Travel and cancellation insurance are also recommended.
Can I extend the trip in Japan?
Yes. There is an optional tourism extension in Tokyo or other areas of Japan. Logistics and accommodation should be confirmed with Muntania.
How fit do I need to be for this ski touring trip in Hokkaido?
A normal to good fitness level is required. The ascents are taken at a relaxed pace, but you should be used to regular physical activity and enjoy both skinning uphill and skiing powder descents.
Is transport included during the trip?
Yes. Transport during the trip is included. The guide drives the vehicle, and depending on the group size, an additional driver may be needed.
About the guide
Muntania
Languages
English | Spanish
Certificates
AEGM
What people are saying about Explore-Share
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