Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding in Japan TBA 2022
Location - Japan
Dates
January 13, 2020 - January 18, 2022
Backcountry Skiing in Japan
Hokkaido, Japan’s northern most island, boasts meters upon meters of snow each season. We’ll be hitting the interior mountains, including backcountry slopes near Furano and Asahikawa, and we’ll drive to get the best snow. Expect dry, light fluffy snow. We Babes have fun in whatever ski conditions mother nature throws our way and our experienced guides know how to make the best of angles, aspects, and secret stashes.
Our powder adventure will be curated to our own small group. Like all our ski trips, our guides will adjust our plan according to daily weather and conditions. We’ll base out of two different boutique lodges and ski a combination of terrain near Furano, Tokachidaki, and Asahikawa. From our cozy lodges we will drive to each day’s optimal trailhead for guided backcountry excursions. Explore ridge lines, birch tree skiing, open bowls, or maybe even couloirs if conditions allow. At night, we’ll enjoy wild and developed onsens (hot springs) to rest our satisfied legs.
Duration: 6 Days
Activity Level: Moderate
Required Skill Level: You must be comfortable descending ungroomed blue/black terrain at the resort. Your skiing doesn’t have to look pretty, but we do need everyone to be comfortable skiing and riding in control and avoiding obstacles on the descent. You must also be able to hike several miles, at elevations above 7000ft, and can spend time outside in inclement weather. If you are a beginner backcountry skier, we recommending taking one of our Beginner Backcountry Tours to prep for the AIARE Level 1.
From $3,899
Japan Trip Details
(Day before the trip starts.) Fly to Chitose/Sapporo Airport (CTS), Hokkaido, Japan.
On January 13, meet in the Chitose Air Terminal Hotel Lounge. Our adventure starts with a shuttle to Furano. This afternoon we’ll take our skis for a spin at the resort to stretch our legs, breath cold mountain air, and refresh our beacon skills.
Ski backcountry zones near Furano. Enjoy true hike-to backcountry ski runs. Each day our experienced, professional guides will study the details of the weather reports and local micro-climate knowledge to take us to the best snow available, and we’ll enjoy magical, off-the-radar powder stashes. Hit the onsen, beautifully maintained hot springs for a rejuvenating soak. Stay in a family-owned lodge made of handcrafted cedar, with gourmet Japanese style breakfasts and dinners.
Asahikawa! Today we’ll move to a new lodge in a different area, a few hours north. Each day we’ll take our vans to the most optimal backcountry trailheads based on snow conditions and microclimates. Enjoy terrific tree skiing and over 14 meters of snow each season!
January 18th departure day. Shuttle back to the Sapporo/Chitose airport. Plan your return flight for the afternoon, or stay and explore more of Japan.
What to Expect
- Lodging at unique, off the beaten track Japanese style guest houses
- Breakfast and dinner included. Local, homemade meals and restaurants.
- 5 days guided backcountry skiing
- Van transportation
- Professional, certified, and very experienced ski guide
- Onsen visits (hot springs!)
- Camaraderie and fun in a supportive environment
- Small group of 5-9 clients
Not Included
- Gratuities for your Guide
- Alcohol
- Lunches (we will stop at grocery stores throughout the trip and encourage folks to bring their favorite touring snacks from the US – things you know you’ll want to eat as you get hungry throughout the day).
- Airfare to and from Hokkaido
Gear Needed for Backcountry Skiing
- Backcountry skis, ski poles, backcountry ski boots, climbing skins
- Avalanche beacon, probe, shovel
- Backcountry backpack
- Warm outerwear, ski gear, and warm layers for spending all day outdoors in various weather conditions. It can be below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Thermos for hot drinks
- Towel for the Onsen!
Getting There
FLY: New Chitose Aiport (CTS), Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.
