Ski touring trip
JAPAN
HOKKAIDO
Südtirolalpin
Certified Mountain Guide
IFMGA - Mountain Guides Associations
Mail suedtirolalpin@gmail.com
Prices from
5.300,- €
Travel time
15 days
ABOUT THE TRIP
Between birch forests, volcanoes and onsen, a ski touring journey awaits on Hokkaido where powder snow and Japanese culture naturally go hand in hand.
15 days · Difficulty depending on tour and route choice · Depending on tour and route choice · Hokkaido, Japan
Japan - ski touring journey: “Japow” is a term among freeriders that makes their mouths water. A unique climate on Hokkaido ensures that in winter not only does plenty of snow fall, but that it also has and keeps an especially light texture. Japanese sushi powder is the snow with the lowest water content in the world and is without doubt among the finest to be found anywhere on this planet.
On this ski touring journey to Japan, we will not only experience deep powder snow, but also get to know a different culture with wonderful customs and culinary delights. And of course, after a full day in the snow, a visit to the traditional onsen - baths in hot springs of volcanic origin - is not to be missed.
On Hokkaido, we will combine classic ski mountaineering with maximum downhill enjoyment. We will climb one or two summits under our own steam to enjoy magnificent views and ski untouched slopes. But we will also use the lifts in order to make the most of these brilliant birch forest descents in “Japow”. The delicious Japanese cuisine also deserves a special mention here - it will make this ski touring journey an experience in every respect.
HIGHLIGHTS
✧ The best powder snow in the world - finest Japanese “Sushi Powder”
✧ Experience Japanese traditions and customs at close quarters
✧ Pure relaxation in Japanese onsen after the tours
✧ Deep, deeper, Japow: on Hokkaido, winter brings snowfall on a scale you have to see to believe
✧ The local cuisine treats us to the culinary delights of traditional Japanese cooking
✧ Mini restaurants and a very special atmosphere in a completely unfamiliar culture
✧ Ski mountaineering on active volcanoes - from Niseko to Daisetsuzan National Park
INFO
Services
Included in the price
- All organization, planning, and bookings and reservations are handled in advance by the mountain guide.
- Professional on-site guidance by a state-certified mountain guide, and for larger groups (5 or more people), a second mountain guide.
- Mountain guide's fee
(2 guides for 5 or more people)
- All accommodations (hotel with breakfast)
*The final tour price depends on availability, individual client requests, and current market prices.
- Rental car in Hokkaido
- Guide expenses (travel and accommodation)
Additional costs
- Flights (approx. €1,300 including additional luggage for ski equipment)
- Lift tickets for Japanese ski resorts (4-5 day passes depending on the number of freeride days in the resorts)
- Individual expenses (food, drinks, entrance tickets to attractions, Tokyo subway, etc.)
- Other group expenses on site (gas, highway tolls, etc.) will be shared among all participants
- Personal travel and cancellation insurance
- Touring skis, skins, and ski boots can be rented from a rental shop upon request
- Individual tips
* Other rental equipment is available upon request for €20 per piece for the entire trip.
Facts
Location
Hokkaido - Japan
Best time of year
January - March
Duration
15 days
Meeting point
Sapporo - Hokkaido
Requirements
- Skiing on the slopes should be no problem, even in deep Japanese powder.
- At least stamina for ski touring with an elevation gain of 1,000 meters (weather permitting, you can climb the volcanoes of Hokkaido).
- Recommended: The most beautiful peaks also require stamina for an elevation gain of 1,600 meters (optional).
Documents
- Valid passport (valid for at least six months)
- Entry visa (free for 90 days)
PRICING
Participants
4-8 people
Smaller groups or individual tour guides available upon request
5 or more people with a second mountain guide
Prices
1-3 people:
4 or more people:
upon request
5.300,-€
* The price is for guidance only.
The final price may vary depending on availability, season, individual preferences, and current market prices at the time of booking.
If you have any questions or need further information, please write them in the comment field of the inquiry form.
Before submitting your request: Please read the "important information" about risks in mountaineering carefully.
Dates:
upon request
PROGRAM
Day 1-2: Journey to Otaru
We travel to Japan together or individually. Once we arrive in Sapporo, we first collect our rental cars and drive to Otaru, a beautiful coastal town also known for its distinctive sushi culture. Ideal for making first contact with Japanese cuisine and culture.
Day 3-4: Freeriding near Otaru
Thanks to its proximity to Sapporo, there are several very beautiful freeride areas around Otaru that are ideal for getting to know Japan’s unfamiliar ski culture and, hopefully, for making our first acquaintance with the much-praised powder snow. This area also offers shorter touring options with relatively short driving times. The fact that our accommodation is in Japan’s unofficial sushi capital will be a treat for our taste buds too, especially in the evenings after our days in the snow.
Day 5-8: Niseko and volcanoes
After two days of getting used to the snow, we continue on to Niseko, an area where some of Japan’s best freeride terrain is concentrated in a small space. In fine weather, there is also the option of climbing one of the volcanic summits. The summit tour on Yotei is an absolute highlight of this trip. And naturally, no tour of ours would be complete without the brilliant descents through open birch forests in the finest “Japow”. In the evenings, we recharge our batteries in the onsen for the next day. Niseko is one of the best-known freeride destinations on earth. You should not expect peace and solitude here, but the experience of freeriding in Niseko is something truly special.
Day 9: Transfer to Furano
We have now spent a week enjoying ourselves west of Sapporo, and now it is time to drive a little further east. Our area for the coming days lies in Daisetsuzan National Park. The drive takes around four hours, and we have plenty of time on this ski-free day to visit sights along the way. After six days of skiing from morning to evening, this transfer day comes at just the right time.
Day 10-12: Daisetsuzan National Park
There are several wonderful summits here that we will climb in good weather. Among them is Hokkaido’s highest peak, Asahi-Dake - an active volcano with an impressive view. Further options include Tokachi Dake and Furano Dake. If we are less lucky with the sunshine but get plenty of fresh snow instead, we will simply head back to one of the many freeride areas in this region. In any case, our skier’s hearts will beat faster here too, while our taste buds are spoiled by unfamiliar yet wonderful cuisine and our bodies relax in the hot springs. Daisetsuzan National Park is the largest in Japan and, because of its many active volcanoes, is especially famous for its numerous onsen.
Day 13: Flight to Tokyo
It is time to say goodbye to Hokkaido and the deep Japanese winter. We fly on to the south and do not want to miss Japan’s capital. Here, Japan’s tradition-rich culture with its many customs and temples meets hi-tech and modernity. After our domestic flight from Sapporo to Tokyo, we will get a first impression of this enormous city in the evening.
Day 14: Experience Tokyo
We will spend a full day in Tokyo. Which, given the countless sights, the unfamiliar culture, the culinary offerings and the vibrant city itself, is far too short. But it is absolutely worth a visit. We will not have a fixed programme here: everyone can pursue their own interests or explore the city together in small groups. Tokyo’s underground network is among the most efficient in the world. It is astonishing how much you can see in Tokyo thanks to the underground and trams - provided you do not get lost at Shinjuku Station. There is also the optional possibility of an individual city tour in German, which, thanks to our contacts, we are happy to arrange on request for interested participants or the whole group. Anyone who would like to drive a go-kart through the streets of Tokyo should arrange an international driving permit in Europe beforehand. But Tokyo has infinitely much to offer - there is something for everyone here...
Day 15: Journey home
It is time to say goodbye once again to Japan, its incredibly friendly and courteous people, its fascinating traditions, its delicious food and, of course, its unique powder snow, and begin the journey home. But the grin from the past few days will remain carved into our faces even on the long flight home.
Sounds good, but not perfect?
No problem: This is just an idea of how the program for trip could look like. The duration can be extended or shortened as desired. I would be happy to put together a customized itinerary for you or a group, tailored entirely to your ideas and wishes.
Simply send us a non-binding inquiry using the form above.
Any changes to the travel program that may be necessary for various reasons (weather, conditions, accommodation booking situation, etc.) will always be made in consultation with the participants.
DESTINATION FACTS
Hokkaido
Country: Japan
Population: 5,250,000
Area: 78,500 km²
Currency: Yen
Language: Japanese
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - (FAQs)
Who is this ski touring journey to Japan suitable for?
This trip is ideal for strong skiers who enjoy freeriding and ski touring and are open to flexible days. Depending on the weather, snow conditions and route choice, we shape each day differently - and that is exactly what makes Hokkaido so exciting.
What equipment do I need for the trip?
First and foremost, you need your personal ski touring equipment and suitable clothing for cold, snowy days. The exact packing list will come with the confirmation email. Missing equipment can be rented from Südtirolalpin for a small wear-and-tear fee.
How fixed is the programme on site?
The programme is deliberately kept open. We adapt to the snow conditions, weather and the best opportunities on the ground - sometimes using lifts, sometimes ascending under our own power, sometimes focusing more on freeriding, sometimes more on summit tours. That way, we get the very best out of the trip.
