Southern Hokkaido Powder Ski Trip
Experience Japan’s incredible powder with this resort and backcountry ski adventure
Hokkaido Powder Road Trip
Experience an unforgettable powder hunting road trip with our Southern Hokkaido Ski Adventure. Starting in Otaru, you will be guided along the coast and inland to Rusutsu, Niseko, Moiwa, and Hakodate. This area of Hokkaido receives the most snow on the island, so be prepared for storm chasing and don’t forget to pack your snorkel! With the combination of resort and backcountry skiing, you will expereince the best Japan has to offer.
This resort and backcountry tour offers you the opportunity to get the best conditions day in and day out. With years of experience, our guides will show you the best terrain and snow while maintaining your stoke. You will have the opportunity to ski the backcountry of Kokusai and Teine in Otaru, and experience the famous Japan powder revolution in Niseko. You can also relax at the Yoichi Whiskey Distillery, soak in natural onsen, and indulge in delicious local sushi. In addition, you'll visit Kiroro and Hakodate, where you can ski great tree lines and enjoy deep powder in their back bowls.
You will vistit seven resorts around Southern Hokkaido in 11 days. These resorts include: Niseko, Moiwa, Rusutsu, Kokusai, Teine, Kiroro and Nanae Snow Park.
To join this tour, you should have advanced skills in skiing powder, which means being able to confidently ski the entire mountain at a good speed in powder, variable conditions, and through trees. Additionally, you should be in good physical condition.
For snowboarders, you should be able to maintain speed in flat sections through planning ahead and hold a solid traverse line while being able to maneuver without slowing down the group.
To ensure everyone's safety and enjoyment, groups are divided based on skill level, and some groups may involve hiking to access the best terrain. While touring gear is not required, the group welcomes anyone with touring gear or those who wish to rent it to explore deeper into the backcountry.
This guided ski trip takes place from January to March. Email us and we can find dates that align with your availability.
The Resorts
NISEKO AREA
Niseko boasts the biggest network of trails in the region, with something for everyone and plenty of terrain to progress into. With 4 distinct resort areas across the mountain, you will be spoilt for choice.
Moiwa is Niseko’s smaller neighbor, offers a more relaxed feel and less crowded slopes, making it a great option for building confidence and dipping into ungroomed off-trail terrain.
Rusutsu offers an awesome variety of terrain across its two mountains, with wide open trails expertly maintained and hidden powder stashes. Known for its amazing tree skiing, you will have plenty of options for jumping into fresh powder and improving your skills.
OTARU AREA
Kokusai offers an off-the-beaten-track experience that few visitors see, with perfectly groomed wide trails that are great for ripping fast turns and laps. Mellow tree islands allow for people wanting to get a feel for what tree skiing is all about.
Teine is one of the closest ski areas to Sapporo, is a great option to ski a half day when moving between Niseko and Furano. It has plenty of open terrain to explore within the resort, from steep well-groomed trails to low-angle trees on the edge of the resort boundary.
Kiroro is home to some of the highest snowfall totals in Hokkaido, is a vast ski area with lots of variable terrain for anyone looking to get their Japan powder fix. With an open gate system allowing you access to the backcountry, you can follow your guide into wide-open powder fields and great tree skiing and riding lower down.
HAKODATE AREA
Nanae Snow Park overlooks Lake Onuma and the Pacific, with uncrowded slopes and quick laps straight off the gondola, making it a great option for a day trip.
Japanese Culture
Skiing in Southern Hokkaido, Japan offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in Japanese culture. The region boasts a rich history and traditions that have been preserved for centuries. Visitors can experience a traditional Japanese hot spring, or onsen, after a long day of skiing. Additionally, the cuisine in the region is a major attraction, with many local specialties such as seafood, sushi, and ramen. Beyond the ski slopes, visitors can also explore historic towns such as Otaru, which was once a thriving port and is now known for its charming streets lined with traditional buildings. Overall, skiing in Southern Hokkaido offers not only fantastic skiing but also a chance to experience the rich cultural heritage of Japan.
Overview
On the first day of the tour, your guides will welcome you with drinks in the hotel bar, where they will brief you on the itinerary and answer any questions you may have. They will also discuss the weather and recommend arriving with enough time to rent ski or snowboard equipment. Afterward, you will explore Kokusai, one of the region’s hidden gems, where you can enjoy untracked powder straight from the Sea of Japan. The day will end with a welcome dinner at one of Otaru’s amazing Izakaya restaurants.
The second day will take you to Teine, the home of the 1972 Olympics. Your guides will show you some of the steep open bowls where you can find long powder chutes not often seen in Hokkaido. Afterward, you can indulge in Otaru’s famous Snow Crab and Sapporo Classic. The next days will be spent at Kiroro Snow World and Niseko United, where your guides will take you through the backcountry access gates and hunt for powder stashes within the resorts. You will also visit Rusutsu Resort, known for its endless Japanese birch forests and natural hits. Your trip will conclude with a relaxing day in the port city of Hakodate, where you can wander around renovated old red brick fishing warehouses and indulge in some local fare.
PRICING
Price:From US$4,200 (based on 2 people sharing 1 room)
Included in this price:
- Fully guided & hosted
- 3 nights twin/triple share accommodation at the Grand Park Otaru
- 5 nights twin/triple share accommodation at Full Note Pension in Central Hirafu
- 2 nights twin/triple share accommodation at Emi Hotel in Hakodate
- 8 days worth of lift passes
- Transfer to Shin-Hakodate train station
- Welcome dinner
- Farewell Hakodate local sashimi dinner party
- Daily cooked breakfast
- Onsen (hotspring) experiences
Looking for a powder road-trip with a twist?
This road trip embodies everything a true Mabey Ski trip is about – amazing snow, rich culture, great beer and of course a relaxing soak in a mountainside hot spring. If you’re looking for a similar trip, but skinning up mountains and volcanoes just isn’t your bag, head over to our Hokkaido Off-Piste Powder Chaser trip, which is being hosted in January 2023.
