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Sapporo

SKI TOURING & FREERIDE IN HOKKAIDO - LODGE EDITION

(9)

Backcountry Skiing

Category

8 Days

Duration

Intermediate

Experience

Medium

Fitness

From 1 to 6

Participants


What you'll do

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!


Itinerary

Your adventure begins as you depart from your hometown and head to Tokyo, Japan. Get ready for an unforgettable skiing experience in Japan's top powder destinations. Arrive in Tokyo Narita and prepare for your onward journey to Hokkaido. Catch a domestic flight to Sapporo Chitose, arrive before 12pm and meet the rest of the gruop and your guide. From there, you’ll be transferred to Niseko, one of the best skiing destinations in Japan.
This marks the start of your Japan skiing adventure in the famous Niseko region, known for its world-class powder.
Today, you’ll explore Niseko’s off-piste trails. Niseko is famous for offering some of the best skiing in Japan, with its abundance of deep powder snow. Ski through one of the world’s top powder destinations and enjoy Japan’s finest backcountry skiing.
Reach the top of Mount Yotei, an impressive 1,898m volcano. The descent from here offers a thrilling and steep ride, making it a dream for any skier. However, this adventure is only to be taken in favorable weather conditions. You’ll experience some of the best skiing in Japan on this majestic volcano.
A short 20-minute drive will take you to Rankoshi, where you'll ski in fresh, untouched powder. After a day on the slopes, unwind in the area’s natural hot springs, a perfect combination for a skiing trip in Hokkaido, Japan.
Climb Mount Mekunnai for a 1,000m ascent starting from a nearby ski resort. This is a fantastic day to practice inversions and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. The snow-laden trees and landscapes here will give you a truly unique Japan skiing experience.
Visit Rusutsu Resort, another top skiing spot in Hokkaido. In the evening, head to Sapporo to visit the iconic Sapporo Snow Festival, one of the highlights of skiing in Japan during the winter season.
After an unforgettable adventure, it’s time to say goodbye to the slopes. This day is all about heading home, with no activities planned. After the last breakfast, we’ll pack up and start our scenic drive to New Chitose Airport, a journey of around 4 hours. We recommend take a flight after 3PM.

Important stuff

From the highest peaks to the hidden trails, we've got your back

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.

see more on How it works

What's included

Accident insurance
Medical and luggage insurance
Travel cancellation insurance
UIAGM IFMGA Guide
Accommodation
Transport from airport
Transport to airport
Local transport
Flight
Visa (if applicable)
Fuel
Technical Gear
Lunches
Dinners
Breakfast
Snacks and drinks
Lift ticket
Tourist tax
Local tipping
Everything not mentioned in the “What’s included”
Guide expenses (meals and lifts)

Accomodations

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. The house can change based on availability and periods.


Guides

Lorenzo

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.


Meeting point

42.788180748241141.67853299562
Sapporo


Frequently asked questions


Departures

All departures are guaranteed to run

January 2027
Sat
16 Jan
12:00 PM
Sat
23 Jan
3:00 PM

Confirmed

6 spots left
3990 €
(1316 € deposit)
Sat
23 Jan
12:00 PM
Sat
30 Jan
3:00 PM

Confirmed

6 spots left
3990 €
(1316 € deposit)
Sat
30 Jan
12:00 PM
Sat
6 Feb
3:00 PM

Confirmed

6 spots left
3990 €
(1316 € deposit)
Sat
6 Feb
12:00 PM
Sat
13 Feb
3:00 PM

Confirmed

6 spots left
3990 €
(1316 € deposit)

Reviews 4.9

9 total

Cr
Cristian (Feb 2026)

Awesome trip! Six days of the perfect routine: ski, onsen, incredible food, sleep and repeat. A big thank you to everyone who made it so special, and especially to our guide Lorenzo. Such a great person with amazing knowledge. we learned something new every single day! Can’t wait to be back!


Ca
Caterina (Feb 2026)

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.


Em
Emilio Chiolerio (Feb 2026)

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.


Ka
Kavdi (Feb 2026)

I had an amazing time touring in Japan with Lorenzo. Mapo Tapo made everything easy and that made the experience even better. Lorenzo is an amazing guide! He is very knowledgeable, energetic and kind. I would recommend him and Mapo Tapo anytime and will be looking to do another trip with them again.


An
Antoine (Feb 2026)

Lorenzo the guide was awesome, we did great tour, planning was great and communication was easy. Also MapoTapo was really accomodating


3990 €

(1316 € deposit)