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Powder Safari – Hokkaido, Japan

Powder Safari – Hokkaido, Japan - Description

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 after an epic adventure last winter, 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.

You will then head to Furano in central Hokkaido for 5 nights. Furano itself has plenty of off piste riding with quality powder, but is also a great base for day trips to some of the smaller, low key resorts. An hour away is the uncrowded resort of Kamui Ski Links, which has a huge amount of sidecountry areas that are easily accessible from the lifts. Your next stop will be to the powder paradise of Asahidake, which is essentially a backcountry resort serviced by a single cable car. Asahidake is the highest mountain in Hokkaido so the snow remains light and cold.

This is an advanced level trip where lifts are used to access the backcountry of each resort (although expect some hikes too) in search of fresh & deep Japanese powder! You are guaranteed to have a snowboarding trip of a lifetime on our Hokkaido Powder Safari!!!

 

Optional Extras

Riding an active volcano. This is the ultimate backcountry adventure! Asahidake is an active volcano with impressive steam vents emerging from a unique, somewhat moon-like, landscape. The summit of Asahidake at 2291m can be reached with snowshoes, starting from the top of the cable car. Snowboarding back down through the fumaroles is probably the most surreal experience you will ever have on your snowboard. This trip is weather dependent. Read about our 2019 snowboard descent of Asahidake here.

Cat-boarding. Imagine shredding waist-deep, super dry Japanese powder, run after run, knowing that no one else is going to bomb it all out while you wait in line at the lifts. This is unquestionably the best way to snowboard the world famous Japanese powder in all its untracked glory!

 

Duration

10 guided days snowboarding, touring around different resorts of Hokkaido, Japan (11 nights)

 

Ratio

6 to 1 client to guide ratio

Is this for me?

The Hokkaido Powder Safari 2020 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 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).



Structure

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.

Accommodation

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.

Whats included

  • 10 days guiding
  • All ski passes (10 days for each resort)
  • All accommodation (Niseko, Furano & Airport)

    11 nights. Based on twin shared rooms

  • Private mini bus transport around Hokkaido for duration of the trip

    Including pick up from Sapporo airport on 5th January 2020

Whats not included

  • Flights
  • Personal insurance
  • Meals

    Breakfast is included for the 5 nights in Furano

Please scroll down. Prices are shown below

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