THE HOKKAIDO EXPEDITION

Go Local

The Destination

 

Want to ski in Hokkaido? Japan is the ultimate powder mecca, with an average of 16 meters of snow per winter season. Such JaPOW deserves to be shredded.  That’s why we have designed a trip, which takes you out into the deep powder every day. Experience some off the freshest and deepest powder in Japan, where local guides will lead you through the runs only the locals know about.

 

 

 

 

WHAT CAN I EXPECT? 

 

Together with our locals guides, we will make sure that safety, powder hunting and fun are the top priorities. Our focus is always to serve you. The Ski experience in Hokkaido will give you the opportunity to experience 9 days of skiing or snowboarding, with 6 guided day-trips in the off-piste with local mountain guides. Not enough adventure for you? You can always add-on additional excursions with snowmobile, catski or climb Mount Yotei. The choice is yours.

 

 

 

 

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

 

When you travel with Snowminds and ski in Hokkaido, we take care of all the practicalities. That way you can pack your bags and good vibes and focus on preparing for your next adventure.

 

This ski trip i Hokkaido includes the following:

 

  • Transfer from the airport to/from destination
  • 10 nights breakfast included
  • 9 days on ski/snowboard
  • 6 guided day-trips in off piste with local mountain guides (included transport)
  • Lift pass all days
  • English-speaking Snowminds representative at destination
  • Travel company who’s member of the travel Guarantee fund
  • A total awesome JaPOW experience!

 

Whats additional opportunities are NOT included?

  • Fly t/r between home country and Japan
  • Equipment (ski/snowboard avalanche equipment)
  • Snowmobile, catski or other locally-guided tours
  • Anything else your heart desires

 

Note: We believe everything is possible. Each trip can be tailored to specific wishes, such as aircraft, equipment rental, number of ski days, number of mountain guide day, etc.

 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

How does the trip runs?

A typical day begins with breakfast. In days where you have planned to spend the day with a local guide they will pick you up where you live. They will guide after that days snow conditions and weater. This will prepare you for a perfect adventure day in the powder! All day you will get new fantastic experiences! We guarantee a lot of powder! After a day in the powder you can go spend your evening in Japanese spa and eat sushi or ramen for dinner.

The Week:

Fly from home country

Day 1: Arrive in Sapporo airport and transfer for Niseko.

Day 2: Guided powder skiing/snowboarding in Niseko. The local guides will take you to the best spots!

Day 3: Guided powder skiing/snowboarding in Niseko. The local guides will take you to the best spots!

Day 4: Skiing/ snowboarding on your own in Niseko – Possibility to add extra adventure with the local guides, a snowmobile, cat ski and helicopter etc.

Day 5: Skiing/ snowboarding on your own in Niseko – Possibility to add extra adventure with the local guides, a snowmobile, cat ski and helicopter etc.

Day 6: Skiing/ snowboarding on your own in Niseko – Possibility to add extra adventure with the local guides, a snowmobile, cat ski and helicopter etc.

Day 7: Guided powder skiing/ snowboarding in Central Hokkaido  – The local guides take you to the best spots!

Day 8: Guided powder skiing/ snowboarding in Central Hokkaido  – The local guides take you to the best spots!

Day 9: Guided powder skiing/ snowboarding in Central Hokkaido  – The local guides take you to the best spots!- In the afternoon/evening you will be picked to go to Sapporo

Day 10: Guided powder skiing/ snowboarding in Sapporo – the local guides Guided powder ski/snowboard i Sapporo – The local guides take you to the best spots!

Day 11: Transfer for Sapporo airport to go home.

 

What about accommodation?

Accommodation will be in a nice family-run pension close to the ski area. The guesthouses are built and decorated in a Western style, but with a touch of Japanese culture, and typically divided into 2-person rooms. The hosts are incredibly sweet and hospitable and provide breakfast and cleaning daily. You get a lot of value for money, and it’s an obvious choice when you spend the whole day invading the powder.

It is possible to upgrade to an apartment or hotel – please contact us if this is of interest.

When can I go?

Whenever you want!!

In high season (December until marts) will the powder skiing be best! We arrange off piste trips in all weeks in this period of time.

Off piste trips will typical be in groups and in all trips, we can arrange some changes there will fit your wishes best! Contact us and let’s have a chat about what you want.

What can I add?

We have basic package! But we always open for changes, add on or adjusting after your wishes. Below you will find the things which can be arranged:

  • Fly t/r between home country and Japan (inkl. ski/snowboard transport)
  • Lunch and dinner
  • Rental ski/snowboard
  • Rental of avalanche equipment
  • Japanese spa (Onsen)
  • Upgrade of accommodation
  • Extra guided trips (hike Mount Yotei, sidecountry, backcountry)
  • Snow mobile
  • Cat ski
  • Extra skiing/ snowboard days

What level should I have in skiing/snowboarding?

Off piste skiing trips are primarily for the experienced skier / snowboarder, who manages varied terrain outside the piste (steep slopes, deep snow, narrow passages and between trees).
We have the opportunity to tailor every day to match the level of specific groups. This allows us to arrange trips for the skilled skier / snowboarder who wants to explore the terrain outside the piste or learn for the first time.
If you are interested in teaching on the piste, we refer to school lessons through our Skimundi booking platform.

What equipment should I have?

 

It’s important to have the right gear when you want to go on a off piste trip! If you want to go on a trip like this, you need special equipment for off piste. It’s important to have the right clothing and avalanche equipment.

The ski runs require off-piste skiing and backcountry touring equipment, and snowboarding requires either split-boards or snow shoes (but we recommend split-boards as snow shoes make it difficult to follow skiers). We recommend having your own ski / snowboard equipment, but it is possible to rent at the destination.

Clothing

We will recommend you Shell jacket and pants (with snow skirt) and a good middle layer in between (merino wool is clearly recommended) It is breathable, as you both sweat when you go upwards, but still have to keep the heat down to minus 25 degrees.

  • Goggles with more than one glass – primarily you should get one to cloudy/snowy weather with low visibility
  • Two pairs of gloves – so you can change
  • Buff (this is a must have, highly recommended that you can cover the entire face with it, because you will get a lot of snow in your face)

Avalanche equipment

Avalanche danger in Japan is generally smaller than other ski areas. But it’s a must have with the most general avalanche equipment (tracker. Shovel and probe – ABS backpack it’s not a must in Japan)

  • We recommend a good backpack with room for all equipment (avalanche equipment, extra goggles lenses, gloves, water, snacks, etc.) and good options on the chest and waist so that the bag is well placed on the back.
  • Tracker. Shovel and probe (we recommend that you have your own avalanche equipment that you use every time so you have trained and know it very well. However, it is always possible to rent avalanche equipment at the destination).

 

What insurrance should I have?

We are a Danish company who’s member of the travel guarantee fund.

You need to make sure that your own insurance covers you when you go skiing and travel internationally. This includes:

  • Cancellation
  • Travel insurance

If you doubt that you covered or not, then we will advise you to call your insurance company.

PRICE

Course Icon THE HOKKAIDO EXPEDITION

Course Icon From €2700

Course Icon 9 ski days, 11 travel days

Course Icon Japan

Course Icon 20/12/2018 - 15/03/2019

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