Japan Powder Skiing

The Japanese island of Hokkaido is famous for its cold, deep and dry snow. This is because of cold air fronts coming out of Siberia, then mixing with moisture as they cross the Sea of Japan. The result is huge dumps of the cold dry fluffy stuff. The terrain in Hokkaido is mostly birch tree glade skiing. On the occasions when it stops snowing and we can see much, there are opportunities to climb and summit some of the bigger alpine volcanoes.  

This trip is guided by our Head Guide and Co-owner Amos Whiting as well as a local Japanese guide Mako.  Where our trips stand apart from other Hokkaido trip is our trips are run by a mix of a world class IFMGA Guide with over 20 years of experience guiding around the world, as well as a local certified guide who not only knows the slopes well but will take us to the secret restaurants. The culinary experience is almost worth the trip itself.  

We will fly directly into Sapporo (SPK), Japan and start our trip off based in the outskirts of this city, sampling some nearby terrain/ski areas.  Our trip specifically avoids the mega resort of Niseko as we feel the cultural experience of skiing in Japan is somewhat lost by going there. Instead, we go to some resorts/parks with less foreigner traffic.

This is a ski touring trip where we often use the lifts.  However, we will be touring or boot packing a bit each day and sometimes all day.  Therefore, touring equipment, some touring experience and fitness are mandatory.  It is best to come into this trip as an advanced downhill skier, comfortable in single to double black diamond tree skiing (28-38 degrees).

Throughout our trip we will focus on finding the best snow.  We will also travel to a few different venues to see different parts of the island. There will be the option to visit a number of hot spring baths or onsens. This is a perfect way to soak your sore body after a day of deep powder skiing.

Suggested itinerary:

Day 1: arrive in Sapporo city and stay the night in a hotel/ lodge near the city.  

Day 2: first ski day at Ski Sapporo or Kokusai, Sapporo Teine; spend a second night in Sapporo city. 

Day 3: ski again at Sapporo Kokusai or Sapporo Teine; third night in Sapporo city

Day 4: Ski Kiroro Mountain off piste; travel to Asahikawa city

Day 5: Ski Mt. Asahidake; stay in Asahikawa a second night.

Day 6: Ski Mt. Asahidake; stay in Asahikawa city for a third night.

Day 7: Ski  "Secret spot" ; drive to Sapporo for our last night.

Days 8+: return home or extend your stay in Japan to see some sites!

Prices are per person. $6180 ($6000 if you pay with a check) for a single occupancy room; $5150 ($5000 if you pay with a check) PER PERSON for double occupancy accommodations. 

*Save 3% by writing a check; Call to inquire!

Costs included in the trip:

• Ground transportation during the week
• Lodging for seven nights
• Breakfast for 7 mornings
• Lift tickets
• IFMGA (internationally certified) and Local Guides' daily wages

Costs not included in the trip:

• Transportation to and from Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
• Lunches and dinners
• Onsen visits 
• Gratuity/tips for guides
• Personal AT, telemark or splitboard equipment. (We can help you with purchase or rental gear for your trip.)

 Please give us a call if you are interested in reserving your spot for our 2020 Japan Trip! 970-925-7625

International Booking/Cancellation Policy:

AE requires a 50% credit card or cash/check payment to hold your reservation. Then full payment at 45 days before the trip start date. We do charge a 3.5%  fee for all service products purchased with a credit card over $3000. If you choose to cancel within 30 days of your scheduled trip, you will be charged full price. Within 30-60 days of your trip, we would be happy to work out a date to reschedule/ credit. If you choose to cancel 60 days or more prior to your scheduled trip, you will receive a full refund. If your guide decides that weather makes your scheduled trip a no-go, we will work with you to reschedule, give you a credit, or refund your trip. Travel Guard insurance is highly recommended and is available via our website homepage.

Risk Management

Please note: AEW's number one priority is your safety. Many conditions affect our guides' decisions in the mountains, including client fitness and comfort, weather conditions and route conditions. There are inherent hazards in mountain travel such as inclement weather, avalanches, rock fall, ice fall that our guides manage yet cannot eliminate. The combination of our guides' formal training and wealth of experience assures that their sound decision creates an enjoyable and safe mountain experience. Aspen Expeditions reserves the right to turn around or change routes without refunds or credits under any conditions.