Hokkaido, Japan

Trip Overview:

Welcome to our Japan ski trip page, designed to learn about the full variety of experiences available in the stunning landscapes of Hokkaido, Japan. We offer high-end, fully customizable ski trips tailored to your group’s preferences and desired length of stay. Whether you’re an avid backcountry skier, a heli-skiing enthusiast, enjoy skiing mostly resorts, or someone looking to explore Japan’s rich culture alongside world-class skiing, we have the perfect itinerary for you.

Destinations

Niseko: Niseko is renowned for its consistent powder snow, vibrant après-ski scene, and luxurious accommodations. With access to a variety of ski terrain, including off-piste and backcountry areas, Niseko is perfect for both beginners and seasoned skiers. Our experienced guides, with deep knowledge of local micro-climates and snow conditions, ensure you find the best powder each day​. Options here include Powder Hunter (guides choose the easiest way to get the best snow between chairlifts and ski touring), Full backcountry ski touring days on peaks like Shiribetsu, Yotei, Goshiki, Nito, and Konbu, and cat skiing at Chisenupuri. For those interested in skiing off the beaten path, a large variety of less traveled routes are possibilities.

Shimamaki: For those seeking a remote and exclusive experience, Shimamaki offers untouched powder and stunning alpine scenery. Cat skiing here with Hokkaido Backcountry Club is one of the most unique and consistent delivering products most people ever get to experience. Traveling here provide access to some of the most pristine snow in Hokkaido, far from the crowded slopes. This is ideal for skiers looking to explore new terrain with the comfort of mechanized support, and those looking to experience the genuine side of Hokkaido in a small fishing village, without many of the frills found elsewhere.

Otaru: Otaru combines the charm of a historic port town with excellent skiing opportunities. Known for its deep powder and less crowded slopes, Otaru offers a unique blend of cultural experiences and backcountry adventures. Our guides will take you to hidden gems, ensuring an unforgettable skiing experience. Options here include both Powder Hunter (lift accessed and hiking accessed) and Full backcountry touring days.

Central Hokkaido (Asahikawa and Furano): Central Hokkaido is famous for its dry, light powder snow and diverse ski terrain. Asahikawa and Furano are prime destinations for those looking to explore extensive backcountry areas and enjoy breathtaking mountain views. Our tours in this region include a mix of lift accessed and full backcountry ski days, in areas such as Daisetsuzan National Park on Asahidake (the highest peak in Hokkaido), Kurodake (on the shoulder parts of the season when it is open for skiing), Tokachidake, and countless other options, weather and conditions dependent.

4-Day Rishiri Island Climb and Ski Adventure

Enhance your springtime ski trip to Hokkaido with an unforgettable 4-day adventure on Rishiri Island, located just north of Hokkaido. This majestic island, often referred to as a floating mountain, offers breathtaking views and pristine skiing conditions. The journey begins by traveoing to the town of Wakkanai, where a ferry is taken to the island of Rishiri. We will look for the best weather window and spend one day skiing on the lower flanks on the mountain, and one attempting to reach the highest point of Mount Rishiri. On top, you'll be surrounded by stunning panoramic vistas of the Sea of Japan and distant glimpses of Russian islands. The descent provides an exhilarating skiing experience on untouched powder, a true paradise for backcountry enthusiasts. This trip is for experienced backcountry travelers only and not for those new to the sport as the elevation gain to ski off the summit is around 5500’.

The charm of this trip extends beyond the slopes, as you immerse yourself in the unique blend of Japanese and Russian cultures in the nearby town of Wakkanai. This cultural fusion is evident in the local cuisine, architecture, and friendly hospitality, making your adventure not just a physical feat but a rich cultural experience. The serene beauty of Rishiri Island, coupled with the fascinating cultural tapestry of Wakkanai, promises an extraordinary addition to your Hokkaido ski itinerary.

Customizable Itineraries

We understand that every group has unique preferences and goals. Our trips are fully customizable, allowing you to choose the duration and activities that best suit your needs. Options include:

• Heli-Skiing: Experience the thrill of untouched powder with private helicopter drops on Shiribetsu, with potentially more locations in future years depending on permitting. HBC offers the only Heli Skiing in Japan and has many Certified Ski Guides from various countries. This is adventure based out of Niseko or Rusutsu

• Cat-Skiing: Enjoy guided tours with mechanized support. Entry level Snowcat skiing exists on Chise, near Niseko, and High end skiing exits on trips run out of Shimamaki.

• Backcountry Tours: Explore vast backcountry areas with expert guidance. These vary from commonly traveled routes, to those done seldomly depending on the experience the individual group is looking for.

• Cultural Experiences: Complement your ski adventure with visits to local hot springs, historic sites, and gourmet dining experiences.

Expert Guides

Our team of professional guides is at the heart of our operations. With extensive experience and certifications, they ensure your safety and provide exceptional service. We work closely with Japanese local guides who possess invaluable knowledge of Hokkaido’s unique terrain and weather patterns. This collaboration allows us to offer a truly authentic and superior guiding experience​.

Safety and Comfort

Safety is our top priority. All our trips include comprehensive safety briefings, avalanche safety training, and the use of top-of-the-line equipment. Our guides are trained in advanced first aid and avalanche rescue techniques. We are happy to book accommodations from start to finish depending on your desired level of comfort, and book dining options from hole in the wall cheap eats, to high end chef curated experiences.

7 Ski Day Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Niseko

• Arrive in Hokkaido and transfer 2-3 hours to your accommodation in Niseko.

• Settle in and explore the vibrant Niseko Village. Visit local shops and enjoy a welcome dinner at one of the local restaurants.

• Relax in the onsen (hot springs) and prepare for the next day's adventure.

Day 2: Niseko Backcountry Skiing

• Morning: Meet your experienced guides for an avalanche briefing and safety check.

• All Day: Enjoy a full day Powder Hunter of lift-assisted backcountry skiing. Your guides will lead you to the best powder spots, ensuring a thrilling day on the slopes. Depending on current conditions we may ski the resort all day, or we may go for small hikes to find the best quality snow.

• Evening: Return to your accommodation for a relaxing evening and a delicious dinner.

Day 3: Heli-Skiing Adventure

• Morning: You will be picked up and brought to our helicopter staging location. Here you will receive a briefing to ensure safety throughout the entire day. After the briefing takes place, we will look at the weather to determine if we can fly. Given the large amounts of snow Hokkaido receives, our fly rate is around 50%. In event we are unable to fly we will utilize Rusutsu resort as a backup ski option until weather clears, or in the event of an unflyable day.

• All Day: Experience the exhilaration of heli-skiing on Hokkaido’s Shiribetsu. Enjoy 6 runs with the guidance of professional ski guides through some of the best terrain in the area. If the weather does not cooperate and we are unable to get all 6 runs, refunds will be given according to the refund structure provided by Hokkaido Backcountry Club.

• Evening: Return to your accommodation, enjoy an après-ski drink, and a gourmet dinner.

Day 4: Yotei Summit Ski

• Morning: With an early morning pickup, we head to one of the ascent routes on Mount Yotei. We start hiking after a quick gear check to ensure we have everything required to be out for a long day.

• All Day: We spend the day hiking to the top, or staying lower down in the trees depending on the weather. If we are able to reach the top, and the group has the energy, we are able to ski down into the 360˚ summit crater for protected 500’ ski laps. We then ski back down off the summit once we are ready to return. This day is very dependent on weather conditions and group experiences. If the group is not comfortable with a 4000’ ascent, we will choose an alternative location for this full backcountry ski day.

• Evening: Return to Niseko, relax in the onsen, and dine at a local izakaya (Japanese pub).

Day 5: Transfer to Otaru

• Morning: Breakfast and check out from Niseko.

• All Day: Ski around the Niseko area, or transfer closer to Otaru before beginning our day. Options for this day include anything in the Niseko or Otaru area.

• Afternoon and Evening: Explore Otaru’s historic canal area, visit local shops, and sample fresh seafood. Check into your accommodation and enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner (this town is famous for its Sushi!)

Day 6: Skiing in Otaru

• Morning: Head to Kokusai, Kiroro, or some of the other surrounding resorts for either lift accessed backcountry or a full backcountry ski day.

• Evening: Enjoy another evening walking around this quaint town, dining based on the desires of the group.

Day 7: Transfer to Sapporo

• Morning: Check out from Otaru and transfer to Sapporo. Often times we will ski at Teine, the resort overlooking the city of Sapporo and the Sea of Japan.

• Afternoon: Options include visiting the Sapporo Beer Museum to sample local brews, heading to Round 1, a multi story arcade with bowling, and countless different types of video games, or walking the shops to purchase Japanese knives.

• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Sapporo’s restaurants.

• Night: Overnight stay in Sapporo before your departure.

Day 8: Departure from Sapporo

• Morning: Transfer to New Chitose Airport for your flight home, concluding your incredible ski adventure in Hokkaido.

Dates and Prices

As all our trips are customized, reach out to request dates and our input on planning the perfect trip. We suggest the best time to come is January and February, with the best chance of good conditions between January 10-February 20. Outside this time you will be graced with less crowds and potentially more snow for your group to ski without as much competition.

Cost: Most of our trip costs are in JPY, Japanese Yen, as we work with a local company there. Due to this, it is very challenging to give an exact cost in USD until your trip is built. We will update the website with 2025 costs in JPY when they are announced.

Mountains and Canyons works with Hokkaido Backcountry Club to ensure our guides have Japanese Work Visas, International Driving licenses, Certified Guides, and cultural knowledge to provide top end trips. Booking with Mountains and Canyons ensures you work directly with your guide to pick the customized itinerary you want, and allows you to be in touch with your guide from booking to drop off at New Chitose Airport to ensure the experience is exactly what you want.