Japan Powder Skiing

The Japanese island of Hokkaido is famous for its cold, deep and dry snow

The above combination is due to cold air fronts coming out of Siberia, then mixing with moisture as they cross the Sea of Japan. The result is huge dumps of the cold dry fluffy stuff. The terrain in Hokkaido is mostly birch tree glade skiing. On the occasions when it stops snowing and we can see much, there are opportunities to climb and summit some of the bigger alpine volcanoes.  

This trip is guided by our Head Guide and Co-owner Amos Whiting as well as a local Japanese guide Mako. Where our trips stand apart from other Hokkaido trips is our trips are run by a mix of a world class IFMGA Guide with over 20 years of experience guiding around the world, as well as a local certified guide who not only knows the slopes well but will take us to the secret restaurants. The culinary experience is almost worth the trip itself.  

We will fly directly into Sapporo (SPK), Japan and start our trip off based in the outskirts of this city, sampling some nearby terrain/ski areas. Our trip specifically avoids the mega resort of Niseko as we feel the cultural experience of skiing in Japan is somewhat lost by going there. Instead, we go to some resorts/parks with less foreigner traffic.

This is a ski touring trip where we often use the lifts. However, we will be touring or boot packing a bit each day and sometimes all day. Therefore, touring equipment, some touring experience and fitness are mandatory. It is best to come into this trip as an advanced downhill skier, comfortable in single to double black diamond tree skiing (28-38 degrees).

Throughout our trip we will focus on finding the best snow. We will also travel to a few different venues to see different parts of the island. There will be the option to visit a number of hot spring baths or onsens. This is a perfect way to soak your sore body after a day of deep powder skiing.

We are running our Japan Powder Skiing January 19 – 25, 2025 or January 26 – February 1, 2025. Our 2025 dates are currently sold out. Please reach out if you are interested in a private trip with us!

Please feel free to send a check to avoid the service and processing fees. Email us at [email protected] for more information and check out our Japan Trip Journal.