Ski Hokkaido

Overview

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World-class powder skiing in Japan's wild north island

Introduction

Japan boasts hundreds of ski resorts, most of them small with only a few lifts. But hidden among them are true gems offering both outstanding terrain and vibrant resort experiences. We've handpicked the best and largest ski areas, all located on Hokkaido, Japan's north island. Thanks to storms rolling in from Siberia, Hokkaido enjoys some of the lightest and driest powder snow on the planet. We will access the best snow from the resorts, but also include some back country ski touring. Skiers need to bring back country ski touring equipment for this trip. While Hokkaido is home to Sapporo - one of Japan's fastest-growing cities - much of the island remains beautifully rural. National Parks stretch across mountains, lakes, forests and coastlines, offering a striking contrast to the bustle of Japan's major cities. Beyond the slopes, Japan is a country full of history, culture and unique traditions that will leave you inspired. From mouth-watering cuisine to soothing Onsens (hot springs), a ski trip to Japan promises memories that last a lifetime.

What to expect

If it is snowing, which is the norm and we can access untracked snow, lift-served side-country skiing is what we will do. However, if conditions dictate, we will be touring to access good snow for a portion or sometimes all day. Therefore, touring equipment, some touring experience and descent fitness are mandatory. It is best to come into this trip as an advanced downhill skier, comfortable skiing off piste in all conditions.

Start point: Sapporo
Grade: 10D (Please contact us to discuss your skiing ability)

The Team
The trip is guided by an IFMGA Mountain Guide who has guided in Hokkaido several times before. There are 6 places available on this trip.

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Additional Information

If you wish to discuss any aspect of the expedition or your suitability for it, please phone +44 (0)114 276 3322 or contact us.

Dates & Prices

Date	Meeting in		Availability
Sat 16 Jan – Sat 23 Jan 2027	Hokkaido		Available Book now »
	£4,325

This expedition is available to book in GBP, USD and EUR.
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For comparison, this expedition starts from £618 (GBP) per day (price Without Flights).

Know Before You Go

Jagged Globe supports the British Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign. We recommend that you read the FCDO Travel Advice for Japan on the FCDO Website.

What the price includes

• 1 x group pick up from Chitose airport on day 1 and drop off on day 8
• All costs for IFMGA Mountain Guide
• 4 nights' hotel accommodation (en-suite) in the Niseko area on a twin-sharing, half-board basis (dinner and breakfast)
• 3 nights' hotel accommodation (en-suite) in the Furano area on a twin-sharing, half-board basis (dinner and breakfast)
• All ground transport in Japan in a private vehicle
• 4 x daily ski passes

What the price does not include

• International flight to Sapporo (we would be delighted to book an international flight for you)
• Visa Fees
• UK and Foreign Airport taxes
• Lunches
• Entry to Onsen Hot Springs (EUR 5 - 10)
• Additional ski passes if required
• Optional sightseeing tours
• Travel Insurance
• Bar bills and laundry
• Tips

Tailor Made Trips

We can organise this expedition on a ‘tailor-made’ private basis for groups of friends, families, clubs, charities or any other group. The cost of going private can be surprisingly reasonable. Please contact us to discuss the itinerary and your preferred dates. We will then send you a quote, with no obligation.

Insurance

You will need a travel insurance policy that caters for the activities you will undertake on your trip with Jagged Globe. It is a requirement of our booking conditions that you have such a policy. For a list of insurers who specialise in mountaineering, trekking and skiing, please see our Travel Insurance page »

Itinerary

Here is an outline itinerary for this trip.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1:	Fly to Japan. Arriveal in Sapporo/Chitose Meet your mountain guide around noon and drive to Niseko (2hrs). After arrival you might go and enjoy a bath in one of the local Onsen hot springs before enjoying your first dinner with the group.
Day 2:	Skiing in the Niseko ski areas First day to warm up the legs in the Japanese powder. Skiing in and around the Niseko ski area. Niseko United is comprised of four resorts on the one mountain, Niseko Annupuri (1,308m). 100km south of Sapporo, Niseko Annupuri is a part of the Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National Park and is the most eastern park of the Niseko Volcanic Group.
Day 3:	Skiing in Niseko areas Skiing day in the Niseko resorts.
Day 4:	Skiing the north faces of the Niseko ski area with hidden Onsen baths The north side of Niseko offers unique terrain that we explore today. Pack your swim suite as we'll stop for a bath in hidden Onsens before skinning back.
Day 5:	Rest day and transport to Furano After breakfast we travel on to Furano and new skiing adventures for the next days. Furano, located in the heart of Hokkaido, is one of Japan's most famous ski destinations, offering a perfect balance of quality terrain, reliable snow, and a relaxed, authentic Japanese atmosphere.
Day 6:	Skiing in and around Furano ski area We explore the two ski resorts out of Furano today, Furano zone and Kitanomine zone.
Day 7:	Skiing Furano Skiing in Furano areas.
Day 8:	Skiing Furano or nearby areas and travel to Sapporo (2hrs) After a last skiing morning we travel back to Sapporo. This tour ends after your arrival in Sapporo. Fly home.

Flights

We would be delighted to book your international flights - please contact us for a quote. If you are booking your own flights, we recommend that you fly via Nagoya (NGO) or Osaka (KIX) as flying via Tokyo may require changing airports, which is a two hour bus journey.

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