Central Hokkaido Powder Ski Trip

The Resorts

Furano Ski Area
Furano is not like any ski town, it’s a country town that happens to have its own ski area. Things are changing as word gets out how good the ski area is, but it’s still relatively quiet most days and when we take you down into town you’ll experience an authentic Japanese night scene with lots of restaurant and bar options. On the mountain you’ll enjoy some of the best tree skiing in Hokkaido, with various backcountry access points leading you to steep faces, glades, and gullies full of fresh pow. The cold temperatures in Furano keep the 9 metres of annual snow light and dry and when its on, it is quite simply the best.

Tomamu
Tomamu strikes a cord with all who ride its mountains. With arguably the best in-bounds powder skiing in Hokkaido you’ll be wanting to come back for more. Mt. Tomamu at 1239m, offers skiers and snowboarders a wide variety of runs catering to all abilities. With 11 lifts, Tomamu has some great options.

Kamui Ski Links
Kamui is a small ski resort set on its own, 1 hour north of Furano. With 7 lifts accessing a network of wide open cruisers as well as powder filled trees and gullies, you’ll feel like your riding your own private mountain as crowds here a virtually non-existent – unless school kids on the beginner lifts count. Combine that with one of Japan’s most open ski area policies and there is enough here to suit every kind of skier and boarder.

Asahidake
Asahidake is one of the most popular touring locations in Hokkaido, due to the easy access to above tree line terrain given by the Ropeway at the bottom of the volcano (top height 1600m) and the fame of the mountain itself, which at 2290m is the highest in Hokkaido. Short hikes are often required along the ridges at the summit and there is the option of hiking around the volcano. Expect chutes, alpine bowls, massive pillows and epically deep powder. Once at the bottom, all roads lead to the Ropeway. A post ski onsen here is a must!

Tokachi Sahoro Resort
Sahoro is a resort full of surprises. From short fun shots between the lifts to a short boot pack hike to Mt Sahoro where you can enjoy a full vert tree run down to the road. With its newly expanded terrain it will  be sure to impress! It’s well protected too and is a good option when weather is variable.

Pippu
A quiet mountain and a good option when the storms are coming in. Plenty of trees to ski through, good pitch and virtually no crowds off-piste. This is a great mountain when everywhere else is busy or clapped out due to low vis or high winds.

Overview

Upon arrival at Sapporo’s Chitose Airport, guests will be transferred to North Country Inn by Resort Liner coach service. That night, guests will meet the tour team who will provide a weather briefing, answer questions and run through the tour. If guests wish to rent ski or snowboard equipment, it is advised that they arrive with enough time to be fitted.

During the snow days, guests will be issued with any avalanche rental gear and taken through a safety briefing. The first two days will be spent exploring Furano with the guides, skiing and hunting for powder stashes. A Japanese Welcome Dinner Party will be held after the first day of skiing. Guests will also take a day tour to Kamui Ski Links, followed by a night out in town to experience a delicious meal. Another day will be spent skiing in Sahoro, followed by a night out at a restaurant. Day 5 is an optional cultural or rest day, where guests can choose to hike or relax in the onsen.

Days 6 to 10 will be spent skiing at Asahidake, Pippu, and Tomamu. The guides will take guests to explore the highest mountain in Hokkaido, Asahidake 2290m, and the backside of Kamui. Guests will ski amongst the trees at Pippu, and explore Tomamu’s awesome powder, short hikes, and deep north-facing backside. The last day of skiing will be spent in Furano, where guests can hit their favorite lines or go on a mission into the backcountry. An all-you-can-drink karaoke dinner party will be held to end the day.