CUSTOM Programs
HOKKAIDO BACKCOUNTRY
Japan | 8 days | Jan-Feb
POWDER TOURING
The mystical deep.
​If you've heard about Japan's legendary powder skiing, Hokkaido is the place. This northern island receives a steady flow of Siberian storms, bringing a combination of heavy moisture and very cold temperatures. The result is a snow climate described as "arctic maritime", and some of the deepest snow on the planet.
OVERVIEW | the experience
​The terrain and landscape of Hokkaido is unlike anywhere you've skied. Rimed white birch forests on the lower flanks of storm-obscured volcanoes provide wind protection for skiers, and preserved powder snow. When it's on, skin tracks disappear as quickly as we break trail. Ski tracks become faint remnants by the next lap. Cold days of powder skiing are warmed with onsen (hotsprings) and the Japanese high standard of hospitality.
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Our Pacific Alpine Guides program is ski touring focused. We spend the majority of our time in the backcountry, allowing us to truly maximize the untracked experience.
Hokkaido has become increasingly popular over the years, with massive development in the resort areas, especially around Niseko. We prefer to avoid the crowded, touristy scene. In our opinion, the best skiing is in places with fewer people, and with this comes authentic Japanese culture, beautiful mountains, and super deep snow.
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Over the years, we have crafted and refined an itinerary that maximizes skiing and minimizes driving. Over half of our accommodations are ski in/ski out, including incredible meals and beautiful onsen (hotsprings) all in the same facility.
ITINERARY | the flow
B = Breakfast included, D = Dinner included
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​Day 1 — ARRIVE in OTARU
The journey begins in the culturally rich coastal city of Otaru, about 90 minutes by train from Hokkaido's main airport, Sapporo New Chitose (CTS). Otaru is known for glassworks, sake distilleries, and some of the best sushi in Japan. It is also a perfect base for exploring the beautiful mountains to the south.
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Day 2 — SKI KOKUSAI
This small ski area offers the friendly local hill vibe with nice lift-accessed "sidecountry" and backcountry touring terrain. A nice place to get acquainted with skiing in Hokkaido. Stay in Otaru. B
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Day 3 — SKI KIRORO
A Hokkaido classic, Kiroro offers abundant terrain to explore. Stay in Otaru. B
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Day 4 — SKI FURANO or TOMAMU
We pack up the vans and head for the mountains of Central Hokkaido, stopping for a day of exploration at Tomamu or Furano en route – two more awesome ski areas with excellent backcountry access. Stay in Tokachidake at a traditional Japanese onsen lodge.
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Day 5 — TOKASHIDAKE or ASAHIDAKE
More deep powder touring. Stay in Tokashidake. B, D
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Day 6 — DAISETSUZAN NATIONAL PARK
We stay at a hotel and onsen at the base of a tramway, on the lower flanks of the volcano Asahi, the highest mountain on the island of Hokkaido. The tramway offers quick access to excellent storm touring below the treeline. Stay in Asahidake at an amazing onsen lodge. B, D
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Day 7 — ASAHIDAKE ROPEWAY
Powder skiing. Stay in Asahidake. B, D
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Day 8 — KAMUI and/or OUTBOUND DEPARTURE
We ski an optional day at Kamui Ski Links, finishing the trip in Hokkaido's second largest city, Asahikawa. From Asahikawa, it's an easy 90 minute train ride to Sapporo, or 2 hour train ride to New Chitose (CTS). An additional option includes flying home from the Asahikawa Airport (AKJ).
DETAILS | the logistics
COST INCLUDES
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7 days of guided powder skiing
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7 nights lodging in Hokkaido (double occupancy)*
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Breakfasts and dinners, as stated in the itinerary
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Van transfers starting from our Otaru hotel
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Lift passes for ski area accessed backcountry days
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* single occupancy upgrade available at additional cost
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NOT INCLUDED
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Flights to/from Japan, transfers to/from Otaru and Asahikawa
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Lunch food, dinners in Otaru, and sake (alcohol)
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Additional lift passes or activities outside of the itinerary
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HOKKAIDO GUIDE TEAM
ARRIVAL
Fly into Sapporo New Chitose Airport (CTS). If you are flying through Tokyo, we recommend avoiding itineraries that require changing from one airport to the other (Haneda to/from Narita).
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Most departures from the US require leaving a day early. Travel times from the US average from 14-24 hours depending on connections.
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From New Chitose Airport, you can get to Otaru by train, bus or private transfer. There is a train station in the airport, and from here it is a 90 minute journey to Otaru via Sapporo Station.
DEPARTURE
We finish the trip in Asahikawa, Hokkaido's second largest city. From here it is an easy 2 hour train ride to Sapporo New Chitose (CTS) via Sapporo Station.
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As an additional option, you can book your outbound flight out of Asahikawa Airport (AKJ).
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Outbound flights from Hokkaido often arrive in the US on the same day as a result of crossing the international dateline.
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PRE-TRIP INFO
HOKKAIDO BACKCOUNTRY POWDER TOURING
2024 DATES
Jan 5-12, 2024 [FULL]
Jan 13-20, 2024 [FULL]
Jan 21-28, 2024 [FULL]
Jan 29-Feb 5, 2024 [FULL]
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2025 DATES
Jan 3-10, 2025
Jan 11-18, 2025
Jan 19-26, 2025
Feb 1-8, 2025
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8-DAY COST
$3750
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CUSTOM DATES
Custom dates and itineraries are available for private groups and individuals. Please contact us for more info and availability.
FAQ | Hokkaido
When is the best time to go?
January, often referred to as "Japanuary" is the best time to go. Storms are most consistent during this time and ski areas are less crowded.
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What sort of experience do I need for this trip?
Previous backcountry touring experience, advanced downhill skiing ability, and excellent physical fitness are the key ingredients for having an amazing backcountry experience in Japan. It is particularly important that you are comfortable skiing in soft powder snow that is potentially deep.​
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How much of this trip is inbounds vs. backcountry skiing?
We believe backcountry touring is the way to maximize the Hokkaido experience. During intense storms we may opt to ride the lifts for the day, but touring is our default. Many guided tours offered by other operators are ski area "sidecountry" focused. While this means less uphill effort is required, it also means skiing tracked snow for a higher percentage of the day and competing with the masses for the same stashes along the ski area boundaries.
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Why does this trip cost a little more than some others?
We've put together a program that we know is awesome, with no compromises. Some factors that go into the cost:
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The quality and location of the accommodations along the way. 3 nights of Japanese coastal culture in Otaru, and 4 nights truly in the mountains at ski in/ski out lodges with beautiful onsens. Breakfasts are included every day; dinners are included the last 4 nights of the trip.
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7 days of skiing lead by our high-level guide team, the same guides who work with us in Alaska, BC, and the North Cascades, including Tyler Reid, Jake Beren, Steph Williams and Drew Lovell.
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2 vans per group – 4WD rigs offering plenty of space for gear, etc.
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What kind of skis/board do you recommend for this trip?
Skis: We recommend a ski with a waist width of at least 110mm, setup with tech/pin bindings (Dynafit style).
Board: Make sure to bring a splitboard with enough flotation for riding in potentially deep snow – you don't want to be "undergunned" in Japan.
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Is it OK if I take a rest day during the trip?
Definitely. The way this trip is setup, you can take a day off at any point along the way to relax, enjoy the onsen, or explore the surroundings of our three locations.