Our Hokkaido Powder Safari takes you to snowboard the best powder in Japan from two base areas; Niseko in the south-west and then Furano in central Hokkaido.
Back in January 2025! Join us for some of the best lift-accessed off-piste that Japan has to offer, riding some of the deepest powder on the planet. You will spend 10 days hunting out Japan’s legendary light & deep powder, chasing big winter storms around Hokkaido. Our itinerary will allow you to ride the best conditions each day in a diverse range of different ski resorts, including Niseko and many of the off-the-beaten-track resorts, where Japan’s best secret powder stashes lie.
Your trip will start with 5 nights in Niseko, Japan’s most famous ski resort. Niseko is known for its continuous snowfall and as such is every snowboarders dream, a huge powder playground! From a base in Niseko you will go on day trips to explore the resorts of Rusutsu and Kiroro. Rusutsu Resort has an incredible average annual snowfall of over 14 meters, which mainly falls as dreamy dry powder. The resort is relatively uncrowded and offers some of the best tree riding in Japan. Kiroro is a medium sized resort with fantastic uncrowded off piste and more abundant snow.
continue reading...The Hokkaido Powder Safari is suitable for strong intermediate to advanced level riders with previous off piste experience. This should include riding a variety of terrain and snow conditions, including tree runs and steeper slopes. You have a good level of fitness, enabling you to do continuous full days of riding as well as the ability to hike to reach good lines.
If you are interested in joining us in Japan 2025 but are not sure if it would suit you, please get in touch. We will ask you questions to check your snowboard level and experience and let you know if this course is suitable for you (and suggest alternatives if it is not).
In Niseko you will be staying at the MnK Niseko Country Resort in a modern stand alone chalet. After big days of riding deep pow, you can ‘come home’ to your own relaxing chaletfurnished with modern creature comforts. There is an onsite restaurant and ‘in-chalet dining’ as well as being only a short taxi ride from the many restaurants and bars of Niseko town.
In Furano you will be staying at Pension Lavendar. This Japanese-style Bed & Breakfast inn provides fantastic homely & comfortable accommodation, a perfect place for relaxing after a day of charging powder! It is conveniently located just a 5 minute walk to the Kitanomine ski lifts. At this friendly, family-run pension you can look forward to fantastic home-made breakfasts.
At the end of your trip you will spend a night at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Chitose close to the airport before your departure the next day.
All accommodation is in twin shared rooms.
Day 1 – Sunday 5th Jan – Arrival Sapporo Airport. Transfer to Mnk Nisseko Lodge, Niseko
Day 2 – Ride Niseko
Day 3 – Ride Annupuri
Day 4 – Ride Rusutsu
Day 5 – Ride Kiroro
Day 6 – Ride in Niseko. Drive to Furano after riding.
Day 7 – Ride Furano
Day 8 – Ride Kamui Links
Day 9 – Ride Asahidake
Day 10 – Ride Tomamu
Day 11 – Ride Furano. Drive to Sapporo airport hotel after riding
Day 12 – Departure from Sapporo Airport
The exact itinerary of this Japan snowboard tour remains flexible to allow for variations with the weather and snow conditions.