FEBRUARY 9-14TH, 2025
JAPAN POWDER SKIING
Trip Overview
We begin our trip in the town of Chitose, which is about a 20 min taxi drive from the Chitose Airport on the Island of Hokkaido. Here we meet in the evening to introduce ourselves, chat about the week ahead, and do an in depth gear check.
The next morning we will get up early as we head west toward the Niseko area. Along the way there are many options for ski touring, and we’ll get to put on our skis and familiarize ourselves with the famous powder runs of Japan. Then, that evening we’ll get settled into our accommodations in Niseko.
The following 3 days we will plan to tour within the radius of the Niseko area. If it’s a storm day, we will lap the lower elevation trees that often hold the most amazing snow. If the weather is bluebird, we’ll venture up some of the amazing volcano summits nearby, where we’re rewarded with iconic and breathtaking views. The long powdery descents off these volcanoes are epic! Each day will present us with a new adventure in a new zone and endless powder beneath our skis, and leave us chomping at the bit for more!
On our last day together, we will pack up and, as we head back to Chitose, we get a chance for one more day skiing out in the beautiful backcountry of Japan. That evening, we will part ways and say our goodbyes, but eager to return for more adventures in Japan.
Daily Routine
Each morning after breakfast served at our hotel, we will pass by the nearest 7 Eleven to grab a to-go lunch - the 7 Elevens there are drastically different than in the United States, and have a delightful selection of delicious foods. Then, we’ll head straight to the trailhead to ski for the day. After we have had our fill of skiing amazing snow, we will choose a local Onsen to soak in the hot pools. If you’re feeling adventurous you can cycle between the cold and warm baths, which we find to be extremely rejuvenating for those tired muscles. Once we are nice and relaxed from our soaks, we will head to dinner, where we can sample and explore the amazing Japanese cuisine.
Logistics
Transport
Your guides will supply a van to drive the group throughout the trip starting the morning we leave from Chitose. While the accommodations in Niseko are included in the trip cost, the hotel in Chitose for the first and last evening should be booked by you.
Food
Breakfasts will be included with lodging while in Niseko. Lunch and dinner are not included in the trip cost.
Currency
The best way to pay for things is with cash in the form of Japanese Yen. There are plenty of ATMs around, however you should know what ATM fees you’ll be charged by your bank. You can exchange money at the airports, or even better, at your local bank before you arrive.
Equipment
We send out a comprehensive equipment list prior to the trip. Due to the fact that we will all be sharing one van, it will be important to only bring one pair of skis and poles, touring pack, one small duffel and one smaller bag that you can have ready to go to the Onsens. More than this and we won’t be able to fit! The hotels in Chitose will safely allow you to leave extra luggage behind during the week, such as your ski bags and extra duffels, if need be.
