Backcountry Skiing
Category
8 Days
Duration
Intermediate
Experience
Intense
Fitness
From 1 to 6
Participants
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!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!
Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.
Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.
Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.
Accomodations
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Ikigai Lodge
Luxurious and brand‑new, this stunning 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom house in Niseko’s exclusive St Moritz–Hirafu area sleeps up to 7 guests. With a modern, fully equipped kitchen, spacious open living/dining area, convenient laundry, a dry room for your clothes, Wi‑Fi, TV, and parking included. Perfect for groups, seeking style, comfort, and easy access to slopes. You'll sleep in: 1 bedrooms with 4 single beds, 2 bedrooms with king bed (separable by giving 1 week's notice) with 2 bathrooms and 2 wc. This is the house for the departure: 1-8 February 2026.
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Hinoki Lodge
Hinoki is a warm and inviting 3 bedroom residence. Featuring a Japanese-style bath, ensuite from the master bedroom and inviting balconies, Hinoki serves as the ideal home away from home. The open-plan kitchen, dining and living area make the most of the great space on the second floor. It offers 3 bathrooms, 2 bedrooms with 4 single beds total, 1 bedroom with king bed or 2 single beds and 1 futon beds. Hinoki is a part of a community resort, The Orchards Niseko, only 3 minutes drive from the center of Hirafu and 10 minutes from Niseko center. This is the house for the departures: 08-15 February 2026 and 15-22 Febraury 2026.
Guides
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.
Frequently asked questions
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8 total
Everything from Mapo Tapo was incredible! From having some specific questions about the destination to the general vibe of everyone involved I can not recommend Mapo Tapo enough! Special shout out to Giulia!! My touring trip to Japan was a highlight of my life and I know for a fact I will be going on more adventures with them soon.
Amazing trip! The guide, the lodge, the snow, the location and a crazy team of friends
The trip was really well organized, with a great guide and amazing accomodation. You almost not have to think about anything, the pick up and drop off was smooth, and during the week we had amazing breakfast, backcountry excursion every day, onsen and dinner at home or out depending on the group preference.
We had an amazing experience, largely because of Lorenzo Daddario, the Italian Dolomite guide that Mapo Tapo provided us. He’s incredibly attentive to everyone, guiding us to the best backcountry routes, always considering the daily weather and snow conditions. With his extensive local knowledge, he always selects the best uphill and descent lines to enjoy the most untouched snow, tailoring them to the physical and technical abilities of the entire group. We always followed Lorenzo’s advice to wrap up our ski day with a visit to the local “onsen,” the thermal bath that rejuvenates us. Lorenzo also took care of us in other ways, such as transporting us around in the van, suggesting how to plan our evenings, dinners, and breakfasts, where he was also the head chef. The Orchards Niseko Lodge finally met our specific desire. The week’s weather allowed us to bring everyone together for a truly five-star experience.
We had an amazing experience thanks to our guide Lorenzo!
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