Name: Hokkaido Japan Ski & Snowboard Trip
Start: 2026-01-05T09:00:00-08:00
End: 2026-01-16T21:00:00-08:00
Location: Hokkaido

I've partnered with one of the top international adventure ski/snowboard tour providers specializing in trips that are unique and off the beaten path.
\*(If interested RSVP here so we can keep track of where we're finding customers, and I will send you the booking link and tour provider website.)
16 meters of Blower powder, perfectly spaced tree runs, and Japan's best under the radar resorts - Hokkaido is pure "Japanuary" perfection.
**12 Days / 11 nights / Small group guided skiing / Boutique Accommodations**
Ride Japan’s best powder at our favorite resorts in the Otaru and Furano zones, with expert guides leading the way through the best inbounds, sidecountry, and backcountry terrain.
**Intermediate to Expert Skiers & Snowboarders**
This trip is made for intermediate to expert skiers and boarders ready to handle deep snow, varied terrain, and new challenges.
**Powder, Culture & Connection**
Ride the best snow of your life, then cap it off with local eats and real Japanese cultural experiences.
**Inclusions:**

* 12 days of hosting and guiding by top guides. There is a maximum of 4 guests per guide. The trip starts and ends at the Sapporo International Airport in Chitose.
* Private van hire and driving from TAP
* Comprehensive avalanche safety training
* Opportunity to explore local restaurants and cultural sites after skiing
* Pickup and drop off at the New Chitose Airport (must be at the scheduled time)
* 5 night’s accommodation at the La Vista Furano, including buffet breakfast and free onsen
* 5 night’s accommodation at the Authent Hotel Otaru, including buffet breakfast and free onsen
* Up to 10 guided days on the mountain exploring as many under the radar resorts as you would like

**Exclusions:**

* Airfare (meet at Sapporo Airport in New Chitose)
* Travel insurance (comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all of our trips)
* Lift tickets (not included as we don't know where we will be skiing each day, budget $40 a day)
* Accommodation in Chitose at the end of the trip. We recommend that guests stay at the ANA Crowne Plaza Chitose (or similar) which is only 10 minutes from the Sapporo International Airport. Guests must make their own reservation for the last night of the trip
* Lunches ($10/day)
* Dinners ($20/day)
* Gratuities

**Hokkaido's Legendary Powder**
Cold Siberian storms and the Sea of Japan team up to deliver over 16 meters of the lightest, driest powder on the planet each ski season, earning Hokkaido its reputation as a global powder mecca. With perfectly spaced tree skiing and untouched sidecountry lines, spots like Furano and Otaru are truly a dream.
**Food, Onsens, and Apres Ski**
Experiencing the local food is a huge part of this trip. The options in ski resort cafeterias are hearty, filling and it won't break the bank. The most popular are big bowls of noodles (udon, soba, ramen) with broth and a copious amount of toppings of your choosing.
For dinners, we’ll take you out to our favorite restaurants where you’ll be able to try a bunch of different local dishes, including Yakitori (grilled meats and vegetables on sticks), Okonomiyaki (savory pancakes grilled on a hot plate in front of you), Yakiniku (Japanese style barbecue), and Sukiyaki (Japanese hot pot), and Shabu Shabu (thinly sliced beef or pork cooked in a hot pot on your table).
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And after a long day on the mountain, you might want to scout out a traditional onsen or check out Furano’s low-key bar scene for a cold beer and a good vibe.
**Japanese Cultural Experiences**
Our trips offer a great opportunity to learn about Japanese culture and the local people. In Otaru, we’ll take some time to explore the arts and crafts district to find unique souvenirs before heading over to the Otaru canal district for authentic Japanese bites.
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The goblin mask museum is also a favorite in the Tenguyama ski resort. And Furano is known as the lavender capital of Japan with a rich agricultural history where some of the finest Japanese produce can be found. Active volcanos can be seen from the Furano ski area and for those keen enough, we can explore the backcountry in the Daisetsuzan National Park. We can’t wait to explore with you!
**Who is This Trip Suitable For?**
We cater to skiers and snowboarders, intermediate to expert level. Guests must already be comfortable skiing or riding in powder and can link fluid turns in black and double black diamond
terrain (if heading off-piste). Advanced groups will predominantly be riding in the trees or open, gladed terrain. We will spend relatively little time on groomed runs. Whilst the terrain is generally not that steep, some of the trees can be tight at times. The snow is definitely deep and light though!
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Intermediate groups will spend more time riding inbounds in the resort looking for powder at the side of the trails or on the edge of the trees. Once confidence and ability has been established in easier terrain, then intermediate groups can then start to venture off-piste.
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If we are riding in potential avalanche terrain, all guests must have full avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel and probe). You will be put through our avalanche safety training program at the start of the trip. There is only one guide per group and often they will be setting the line, so we ask that you be able to get up by yourself in the event of a fall as there is no tail guide to help you up.
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It is recommended that our more advanced groups have uphill capability (fat skis and touring bindings/skins or splitboards or powder board/snowshoes/poles) in case we would like to hike. Intermediate groups will only need touring gear if they would like to do some introductory ski touring.
**Itinerary:**
Day 1 – (Arrive on the start date of your trip) – Itinerary subject to change. Pickup Chitose Airport (CTS) around lunchtime, transfer to Otaru (about 1.5 hours by van). Hotel orientation, early dinner and then avalanche safety talk (indoors).
Day 2 – AM avalanche safety training (on-snow) and guiding in the afternoon at Mt. Tenguyama. Dinner and welcome drinks at the Otaru brewery.
Day 3 - Explore Kokusai
Day 4 – Explore Kiroro
Day 5 – Explore Sapporo Teine
Day 6 – Depart Otaru for Furano. Ski Mt. Racey on the way to Furano, with late afternoon arrival in Furano. Orientation around New Furano Prine Hotel and late dinner and welcome drinks.
Day 7 – Explore Furano
Day 8 – Explore Kamui Ski Links
Day 9 – Explore Sahoro
Day 10 – Explore Tomamu
Day 11 – potential ½ day at Furano or Mt. Racey ski resort and then transfer to Chitose for last night. Stay at ANA Crowne Plaza Chitose (not included in price, please book your own room for the last night in Hokkaido).
Day 12 – Drop off in the morning at Chitose Airport for departure.
\#\#\#\# Lodging:
You'll stay at two great accommodations during your Hokkaido ski adventure
Authent Hotel Otaru
In Otaru, we will stay at the [Authent Hotel Otaru](https://www-authent-co-jp.translate.goog/?_x_tr_sl=ja&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-US), a large 4-star hotel in the heart of the city. Otaru is a port city on the western coast of Hokkaido, about 45 minutes from Sapporo. It is famous for its canal district that runs through the center of the city and the location is more than ideal for exploring the ski areas closer to Sapporo and getting a really traditional Japanese experience. This hotel is ideally situated close to dozens of restaurants and within easy walking distance of the canal district and 1.3km's from the famous Otaru Steam Clock.
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La Vista Hotel Furano
Our base in Furano is a modern 4-star hotel called the [La Vista Furano Hills](https://dormy-hotels.com/dormyinn/hotels/furano/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=gbp&utm_campaign=gbpurl)and is one of the newest properties in the Furano area. It is conveniently located in downtown Furano within easy walking distance of a multitude of local restaurants. The hotel has several onsen, including a couple of private pools that can be individually booked. The hotel has a sprawling breakfast buffet and makes an ideal base for 5 nights.
Furano’s is located in the Hokkaido Powder Belt and its light, dry powder stays fresh for days. When we’re not skiing Furano’s incredible terrain, we’ll hit nearby resorts like Kamui Ski Links and Tomamu or explore Furano’s cheese factory and winery.
**Logistics (Easy arrival and full support):**
**Dates:**
Session 1: January 5-16, 2026
**Costs:**
Twin-share: $5,175 pp
Double-share: $5,055pp
Single share: $5,675 pp
**Flights**
​​Fly into Tokyo’s Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT) International Airports, and then take a domestic flight to Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport (CTS). To avoid stress, make sure your international and domestic flights are from the same Tokyo airport. Switching between Haneda and Narita can take over an hour and isn’t recommended for tight connections.
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**Airport Pickup**
​​We’ll coordinate a scheduled pickup at New Chitose Airport (CTS) and meet you at your airline’s arrival gate. If you miss the scheduled pickup, you’ll need to arrange your own transport to Otaru or Furano. We’re happy to advise on the best travel options, but any extra transportation costs will be your responsibility.
**Transport**
Our group will travel in Toyota Hiace Regius Vans, offering comfortable seating for four guests and plenty of luggage space.
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**Visas**
Most guests can receive a 90-day tourist visa on arrival at no cost. However, it’s your responsibility to verify visa requirements for your passport before travel.

Greg Bello

Worlds Most Excellent Ski & Snowboard Trips

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