Off-Piste | Powder Road Trip in Japan | Hokkaido
Join us for an off-piste adventure packed with deep powder and Japanese culture! This is a guided road trip around Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, where we chase the best snow and explore six different ski areas along the way.
Book nowThis trip is made for those dreaming of deep powder, authentic Japanese culture and small groups – all with focus on pure “Japow” adventure. During seven days (with six ski days) we’ll be based in two different locations and hit the road with our local guides to explore six different ski areas – always chasing the best snow.
Hokkaido is a true paradise for off-piste lovers. Thanks to its geographic location both cold and dry air from Siberia crosses the sea and hits the mountains, brining over 18 meters of light, dry snow each year. Perfect conditions for off-piste and sidecountry skiing.
We stay comfortably in both the ski town of Furano and the coastal city of Otaru, and all the logistics – transport, lift passes and planning are taken care of. The trips run in Januari and February and include six guided days focused on list-accessed off-piste terrain, with the occasional short hike to reach the absolute best snow in the area.
This adventure is for experienced skiers and snowboarders who want to experience real Japow – with the bonus of hot springs, local delicacies and unforgettable mountain landscapes.
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6 days of guided off-piste skiing with professional local guides (2 guides per group of 8 – one lead and one tail guide)
Lift passes for all ski days
3 nights in a 4-star hotel and 3 nights in a 3-star hotel (shared twin room)
Daily breakfast buffet featuring local specialties – with both Japanese and Western options
All local transport, including pickup at Asahikawa Airport (AKJ) and drop-off at New Chitose Airport (CTS)
Daily dinner reservations at authentic local restaurants (optional, but highly recommended)
Price guarantee
Covered by the Travel Guarantee Fund
Flights to/from Japan
Lunch, dinner, drinks, and any snacks
Rental of ski/snowboard or avalanche safety equipment
Avalanche gear (beacon, probe, shovel) – mandatory
Guided backcountry tours with touring equipment
Single room
Travel insurance
The program may be adjusted depending on weather and snow conditions.
Day 1: Arrival in Furano
There are two options for meeting up with the group you’ll be spending the week with:
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Meet the group in the arrivals hall at Asahikawa Airport (AKJ) at 13:30 by Entrance 3
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Or meet at La Vista Furano Hotel at 18:15, ready for dinner. The hotel can be reached on your own or by bus from New Chitose Airport (CTS). If you’ve rented gear, please make sure it’s picked up before meeting time.
In the evening, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner together.
Days 2-3: Furano
The next two days are all about chasing the best snow in the Furano region. Our local guides pick the daily destination based on the weather and snow conditions – we might visit spots like:
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Furano
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Tomamu
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Sahoro
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Asahidake (weather permitting)
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Kamui Ski Links
Day 4: Heading to Otaru
- We’ll enjoy one final day of skiing in the Furano area.
- Afterwards, we hit the road and head towards Otaru – the drive takes about 3–4 hours. Otaru is a cozy harbor town full of local charm and, for those interested, some great après-ski options. We’ll be staying at the Dormy Inn Premium.
Day 5-6: Otaru
The hunt for the best snow continues – now with Otaru as our base.
Each morning, our guides pick the destination based on current conditions. Possible areas include:
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Sapporo Kokusai
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Teine (Olympic venue from 1998)
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Kiroro
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Tenguyama
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Asari
Day 7: Departure Day
- We spend one final morning in the snow. This day wraps up a bit earlier than the others (around 1–2 PM), giving everyone time to say goodbye.
- Then we head for New Chitose Airport (CTS), where we’ll arrive around 5 PM.
- Time to say goodbye – and hopefully, see you again!
We stay in two different locations – 3 nights in Furano and 3 nights in Otaru. In both towns, we’ve chosen hotels that offer good comfort and are conveniently located close to both the slopes and the town centers.
Breakfast is included every day, and you’ll stay in a shared double room (single rooms are available as an upgrade). Your luggage will be transferred between the two locations, so you don’t have to worry about carrying it yourself.
