Japan·February 5 - 14 2024
SKIING IN JAPAN: HOKKAIDO SKI TRIP
Experience the best powder snow by sliding on Japanese volcanoes for 7 days.
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Overview
Japan's northernmost island, Hokkaido is considered by many to be the ski capital of Japan. With its massive powder dumps in Niseko, Rusutsu, Kiroro, Sapporo, and the renowned dry powder of central Hokkaido, there aren't too many places in this world which beat the lift accessed powder provided by this Japan's snow world! Our friends from the Fjello Team will guide you to this beautiful and unique trip! If there is one word that sums up central Hokkaido’s most important feature and it is this, uniqueness. Many places in the world and throughout Japan have great powder snow. What sets central Hokkaido apart from the pack though, is that the odds here favour deep, light, soft, powder snow. Powder snow is the norm here!
Highlights
What's Japow
JAPOW is an abbreviation for “Japan Powder.” To put it simply, it’s the iconic great powder of Japan. Fresh snow in Hokkaido is said to be of the finest quality. So fine, in fact, that skiers and snowboarders all over the world insist on riding JAPOW at least once in their lifetime. Featuring a lot of heavy snowfall, January is the ideal season to enjoy JAPOW. There’s even a term, “Japanuary,” that core riders use to describe the month.
Hokkaido
Hokkaidō (Japanese: 北海道) lit. 'Northern Sea Circuit') is Japan's second largest island and comprises the largest and northernmost prefecture, making up its own region. The largest city on Hokkaidō is its capital, Sapporo, which is also its only ordinance-designated city. Although there were Japanese settlers who ruled the southern tip of the island since the 16th century, Hokkaido was considered foreign territory that was inhabited by the indigenous people of the island, known as the Ainu people.
Ainu people
The Ainu are the indigenous people of the lands surrounding the Sea of Okhotsk, including Hokkaido Island, Northeast Honshu Island, Sakhalin Island, the Kuril Islands, the Kamchatka Peninsula and Khabarovsk Krai, before the arrival of the Yamato Japanese and Russians. These regions are referred to as Ezo (蝦夷) in historical Japanese texts.
Local Partners
Lorenzo
Lorenzo is a certified IFMGA mountain guide, based at the Dolomites with tons of experience in mountaineering and adventurous trips in Europe and around the world. He has guided international groups of skiers in Japan, climbing mt. Yotei and several other incredible peaks.
The Experience
This is the schedule for the trip to Japan! The program can change depending on the weather conditions and what you decide to do as a group with the guide. In the FAQs, you can find possible variations of the schedule.
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DAY 1
Ready to go!
This day will be the day that you will depart from your hometown to get to Tokyo! Your first stop by plane!
DAY 2
Arrive in Niseko
After arriving at the international flight in Tokyo Narita, you'll need to take another domestic flight to Sapporo Chitose. From that, you'll be transfer to Niseko to start your trip!
DAY 3
Niseko off-piste!
You will stay in the Niseko resort territory that offer largest amount of off-piste trails in Hokkaido!
You will be skiing in one of the world's top powder destinations! Go Go Go!
DAY 4
Up to the Mt. Yotei
Today you'll be reach the Mt. Yotei up to 1898 mt. It is a large volcano that offers a long and steep descent!
(NB: to be tackled only in favorable weather conditions.)
DAY 5
Skiing between Otaru & Mashike!
During the fifth and the sixth day you'll do different tours peaks up to 1300 mt to 1600 mt elevation on the north coast between Otaru and Mashike. These are uncrowded elevations where beautiful virgin snow descents with ocean views are guaranteed!
DAY 6
Skiing between Otaru & Mashike!
During the fifth and the sixth day you'll do different tours peaks up to 1300 mt to 1600 mt elevation on the north coast between Otaru and Mashike. These are uncrowded elevations where beautiful virgin snow descents with ocean views are guaranteed!
DAY 7
Daisetsu-san Peaks!
On the seventh, eighth and ninth days of this super trip, the guide will take you to discover one to the most interesting peaks in the Daisetsu-san range, east of Furano, including Asahi-dake 2290 m, the highest elevation on the island!
This area has several active volcanoes and offers beautiful open slopes!
DAY 8
Furano day exploring!
On the seventh, eighth and ninth days of this super trip, the guide will take you to discover one to the most interesting peaks in the Daisetsu-san range, east of Furano, including Asahi-dake 2290 m, the highest elevation on the island!
This area has several active volcanoes and offers beautiful open slopes!
DAY 9
No time to relax! GO GO GO!
On the seventh, eighth and ninth days of this super trip, the guide will take you to discover one to the most interesting peaks in the Daisetsu-san range, east of Furano, including Asahi-dake 2290 m, the highest elevation on the island!
This area has several active volcanoes and offers beautiful open slopes!
DAY 10
Goodbye Japan!
Time to say goodbye to this beautiful land! You'll return to Chitose and board for your return flight.
The programme is very flexible to take into account weather conditions, activities level and endurance of the group.
Gallery
Hokkaido, Japan
Welcome to the ski capital of Japan!
Niseko is the largest skiable resort in Japan: 58 lifts, 79 slopes, and elevation differences between 256 and 1156 m. The slopes mainly descend the eastern slope of Annapuri volcano, where there are 5 main zones: Moiwa, Niseko Village, Annapuri, Hirafu, Hanazono, all skiable with the same ski pass.
On the north side, it is possible to descend wild off-piste lines with arrival on the Moiwa - Hanazono road.
On average there are from 8 to 15 metres of powder snow. The mountains are not high, between 1200 and 2200 m, but you ski from altitudes as low as 300-400 m, often a short distance from the sea!
Welcome to the ski capital of Japan!
Basecamp
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Niseko lodge
Our base camp will be a lodge in or around Niseko. Each day, depending on the weather and mountain conditions, we will choose to go on sealskin rides or freeride!
At the end of the day, for those who wish, the legendary onsen and hot spring water pools in the best Japanese tradition are available on-site :)
What's Included
What's Included
7 days of skiing
8 nights at the mountain lodge in Niseko
Certified Mountain Guide for the entire duration of the trip
Van/Car rental
Pre-departure online meeting with the entire group
Accident insurance
What's Not Included
Flights
Restaurants and bars
Anything not detailed in the "What's included" section
More Info
Ski level
Due to the nature of this course previous freeride or backcountry skiing experience is required, and it is essential that you are confident riding on black slopes. A good level of fitness is recommended.
Liability
Mapo Tapo selects local partners with the utmost care. For any inaccuracies, however, we can not accept any liability. Ski touring is a risky sport that takes place in nature. Ultimately, you are fully responsible for the choices you make. Mapo Tapo recommends that anyone who does not have sufficient knowledge and skills not go outdoor alone. All our trips include a local certified guide who will take care of your group. Enjoy your adventures safely with first-hand information from the locals.
Travel
Please DO NOT book your flights until this trip is confirmed. Most of our trips require a minimum number of participants to run. Wait for the status of the trip to be confirmed and for more information go to the "How it works" section
Blog Posts
Thu 13 Jan 2022 · Climbing Tips
6 reasons why rock climbers should try ski-touring
Are you an avid rock climber looking for a sport to keep you occupied over winter? Here's 6 reasons why you should try ski-touring!
Wed 21 Sep 2022 · Climbing destinations
Rock Climbing in Japan: A destination guide
An online guide to rock climbing in the Mizugaki and Ogawayama areas of Japan.
Tue 18 Jan 2022 · Climbing Tips
What is ski touring? - A beginners' guide
All your ski touring questions answered!
FAQs
What group size can I expect?
The minimum number of participants for this trip to run is 4, and the maximum number of skiers 6.
What fitness level do I need to have to join this trip?
You should have a good fitness level. We'll be climbing between 800 and 1600 vertical meters every skiing day.
Is the flight included?
No, the flight is not included in the trip package.
Do you recommend bringing any extra-gear?
Yes, it's recommended to bring your own ski gear since ski rental is not included. If you prefer to rent gear at the destination, please let us know during your booking so we can make the necessary arrangements.
Why is Hokkaido considered the best ski destination in the world?
Hokkaido is renowned for its abundant, high-quality powder snow, also known as "Japow." The island's unique climate patterns create optimal conditions for consistently deep, fluffy snow, making it a paradise for ski enthusiasts worldwide.
What is Japow? Is it really a thing?
"Japow" is a term coined by ski enthusiasts to describe Japan's legendary powder snow. It's indeed a real phenomenon, characterized by exceptionally light and fluffy snowfall, making for exceptional skiing and snowboarding experiences.
Is it expensive to ski in Japan?
While Japan is known for its high-quality skiing, it can be more affordable compared to some other international destinations. Costs may vary depending on factors like location, accommodation, and dining preferences. Generally, Hokkaido offers a range of options to suit different budgets.
What could be the variations of the journey if bad weather kicks in?
Endless variations to the program are possible, for example, by visiting one or more of the following areas:
- Skikotsu Lake, south of Sapporo, offers beautiful trips, including Mt. Eniwa, 1320 m;
- Southwest sector of the island (Oshima);
- Eastern sector: there are several mountains over 1000 m, but not many have ski interest; the most attractive targets are the volcanoes between Akan National Park and Shiretoko Hanto Peninsula;
- Wakkanai Peninsula (northeast): there are peaks around 1,000 m, then in the far north, the unique Rishiri Island with its namesake peak, a spectacular target offering steep lines of great interest;
- The Hidaka Range, south of Furano, is rarely visited in winter and has no lifts.
Why is it important to have a certified guide with you during the activities?
In the outdoors, particularly during activities with inherent risks like climbing and ski mountaineering, having a certified guide is crucial. The guide is contractually responsible for your safety. While you're welcome to provide input, the guide's decisions are based on their expertise, taking into account objective and weather-related risks. This ensures a safer and well-guided experience for the entire group.