Hokkaido Explorer Tour
FULLY GUIDED & HOSTED RESORT & BACKCOUNTRY POWDER TOUR
Designed for advanced to expert skiers and snowboarders who are keen to use the lifts to access the backcountry of all the best ski areas in Hokkaido. With only 1 rest day you will be on the move, following the storms on the hunt for powder from Asahikawa in the north down to Niseko in the south and everything in between!
This is an advanced-expert guided tour where we use the lifts to access the backcountry of each resort in search of fresh & deep Hokkaido powder!
Since the addition of 3 nights in Hokkaido’s second largest city, Asahikawa, this tour has become a true Hokkaido road trip. Staying in OMO7, a sleek modern hotel in the heart of the city, you’ll get to experience life in a Japanese city, and easier access to Asahidake, Kurodake, Kamui and Pippu. At night your guide will show you around the sights and take you to some of the cities coolest bars and restaurants.
From there you’ll head south to Furano staying at North Country Inn. Furano is one of our favourite mountains for it’s fall line skiing, powder filled bowls and easy backcountry hikes. We’ll also head over to check out the the southern resorts of Tomamu and Sahoro.
At night you’ll get to sample some of the great local food the area is famous for as well as stopping at some great onsens to soak weary bones at the end of each day.
From Furano we will head through Sapporo to Otaru, famed for being the snowiest place in Hokkaido where we’ll ski and ride Kokusai, Teine and Kiroro. Along the way we’ll have a cultural excursion in Sapporo, checking out Ramen alley, the Sapporo Beer Factory, crazy Japanese shopping and games arcades, and wandering the snowiest city in Japan.
Last or first stop on this powder road trip in Niseko! Many people give this place a bad rap but it is fun, like Whistler is fun, big mountains, loads or terrain and a cool aprés scene. With 12-20 meters of snow each season and some of the best guides in the business you’ll be taken to where the snow is best and the crowds are virtually non-existent.
On this tour you’ll get to experience the Hokkaido we love and the culture and mountains we’ve come to respect.
Are you looking for a tour that includes more lift-accessed touring, where you’ll use skins or splitboards to go deeper into the backcountry for those fresh lines? If so, check out our popular Powder Belt Backcountry Tour.
12 NIGHTS | 13 DAYS
from ¥635,000
¥665,000 – 2 SPOTS LEFT
Start Niseko / End Asahikawa
¥695,000 – SOLD OUT
Start Asahikawa / End Niseko
¥695,000 – SOLD OUT
Start Niseko / End Asahikawa
¥635,000 – 6 SPOTS LEFT
Start Asahikawa / End Niseko
Secure your spot with a 20% deposit. See our Terms & Conditions for more information.
6 to 1 max client to guide ratio
6-10 people max per tour. 4 person minimum
Ability Level: Advanced to Expert in powder. Touring gear not required but encouraged.
THIS TOUR IS A TRUE HOKKAIDO ROAD TRIP IN SEARCH OF THE BEST POWDER IN THE NISEKO, OTARU, SAPPORO AND CENTRAL HOKKAIDO REGIONS.
Hokkaido Explorer Tour Details
- Fully guided & hosted
- Airport transfer to/from Niseko with Resort Liner
- 3 nights twin/triple share accommodation at OMO7 Asahikawa
- 3 nights twin/triple share accommodation at North Country Inn, Furano
- 3 nights twin/triple share accommodation at OMO5 Otaru
- 3 nights twin/triple share accommodation at Always Niseko
- All lift passes
- Sapporo cultural day tour
- Welcome & farewell dinner party
- Daily cooked breakfast
- Onsen (hotspring) tour
- Whiteroom merch
- * Snow Festival Tour – our attendance is pending snow conditions on the day and group decision on the cultural/transfer day to Furano on 11th February.
- Single share accommodation – availability and price on request
- Avalanche gear rental
- Avalanche Awareness Courses – click here for more info
- Ski or Snowboard rental
- 10% discount on our Weston and Moment Ski/Splitboard backcountry rentals
- Extra nights accommodation & ski days
- Add on a pre or post tour travel package – click here for more info
NOTE: Avalanche safety gear is compulsory for all our tours. Please advise us upon booking if you have your own gear or will need to rent.
IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?
Ability Level – Advanced to Expert in powder
You must be able to ski/board the whole mountain in all conditions confidently at speed and have advanced ability in powder, through trees in steep terrain and in variable conditions.
Snowboarders in this level are able to keep speed in flat sections by planning ahead as well as hold a solid traverse line and be able to hop up and manoeuvre in a way as to not slow down the group.
You must have a very good level of fitness as these tours are long and have only one down day.
Groups are split up into ski/board/ability levels and some groups we will be doing some hiking (traversing/bootpacking) to get the goods.
Skins or split-boards are not specifically required but bringing your touring gear is encouraged.
NISEKO AREA
Niseko
Boasting the biggest network of trails in the region, Niseko has something for everyone that can easily satisfy anyone’s hunt for powder over multiple days. With long flowing trails to break back in your ski or snowboard legs there is also plenty of terrain to progress into. The rolling tree’d areas and open bowls will allow you to get off the beater track and into some of Japan’s famous powder. With 4 distinct resort areas across the volcano shaped mountain you will be spoilt for choice.
Moiwa
With a more relaxed feel and far less people than its larger neighbor, Mowia can be a great option for building some confidence back on the slopes and dipping you into some ungroomed off trail terrain. Although smaller in size Mowia has long been a locals favourite with a mix of wide groomed slopes and open tree islands to explore.
Rusutsu
With wide open trails that are expertly maintained along with hidden powder stashes Rusutsu offers an awesome variety of terrain across its two mountains. Known also for it’s amazing tree skiing, you will have plenty of options for jumping into fresh powder and improving your skills in the perfectly gladed birch tree forests that Japan is famous for.
OTARU AREA
Kokusai
Like stepping back in time to how skiing and riding was in Japan 15 years ago Kokusai offers an off the beaten track experience that few visitors see. Easily accessible from both the Niseko or Otaru areas, this resort is full of perfectly groomed wide trails that are great for ripping fast turns and laps. Mellow tree islands allow for people wanting to get a feel for what tree skiing is all about
Teine
One of the closest ski areas for anyone staying in Sapporo, it is a great option to ski a half day when moving between Niseko and Furano. Teine was home to the skiing events at the 72 Olympics and has plenty of open terrain to explore within the resort. From steep well groomed trails to low angle trees on the edge of the resort boundary, Teine allows for some great turns right above Sapporo city. A run past the old Olympic torch is also a great photo opportunity
Kiroro
Home to some of the highest snowfall totals in Hokkaido, Kiroro is a vast ski area that has lots of variable terrain for anyone looking to get their Japan powder fix. On a resort guided day expect long runs down from the top of the gondola where you can take advantage of some expert grooming before ducking off the side of the trails into countless tree islands and plenty of powder.
Central Hokkaido
Furano Ski Area
Furano isn’t a ski town, it’s a country town that happens to have its own ski area. Things are changing as word gets out how good the ski area and it’s backcountry is but it’s still relatively quiet most days and when we take you down into town you’ll experience an authentic Japanese night scene with lots of restaurant and bar options. On the mountain you’ll enjoy some of the best tree skiing in Hokkaido, with various backcountry access points leading you to steep faces, glades, and gullies full of fresh pow. The cold temperatures in Furano keep the 9 metres of annual snow light and dry and when its on, it is quite simply the best. Add to this the distinct lack of crowds and express lifts that take you to the top of 3.5km runs in a little over ten minutes and you have a recipe for leg burning skiing and boarding. Furano is where Whiteroom began so be given a special locals welcome while you stay here.
Tomamu
Tomamu strikes a cord with all who ride its mountains. With arguably the best in-bounds powder skiing in Hokkaido you’ll be wanting to come back for more. Mt. Tomamu at 1239m, offers skiers and snowboarders a wide variety of runs catering to all abilities. With 11 lifts, Tomamu has some great options. It also offers skiers and boarders an awesome park and off-piste section which is roped off from the rest of the crowd. However it’s Tomamu’s backcountry which makes it special.
Kamui Ski Links
Kamui is a small ski resort set on its own, 1 hour north of Furano. With 7 lifts accessing a network of wide open cruisers as well as powder filled trees and gullies, you’ll feel like your riding your own private mountain as crowds here a virtually non-existent – unless school kids on the beginner lifts count. Combine that with one of Japan’s most open ski area policies and there is enough here to suit every kind of skier and boarder.
Asahidake
Asahidake is one of the most popular touring locations in Hokkaido, due to the easy access to above tree line terrain given by the Ropeway at the bottom of the volcano (top height 1600m) and the fame of the mountain itself, which at 2290m is the highest in Hokkaido. Short hikes are often required along the ridges at the summit and there is the option of hiking around the volcano. Expect chutes, alpine bowls, massive pillows and epically deep powder. Once at the bottom, all roads lead to the Ropeway.
Tokachi Sahoro Resort
Sahoro is a resort full of surprises. From short fun shots between the lifts to full vert tree runs down to the road, it’ll sure put a smile on your dial! It’s well protected and is a good option when the weather has come in.
Pippu
A quiet mountain and a good option when the storms are coming in. Plenty of trees to ski through, good pitch and no people off-piste. This is a great mountain when everywhere else is busy or clapped out due to low vis or high winds.
This itinerary is an example. The tour will be run largely by the weather and each day will fit around where the best conditions are. This is the beauty of such a tour.
DAY 1
(arrival and check-in day)
Upon landing at Asahikawa Airport you’ll be transferred by coach to the door of OMO7, your accommodation in Asahikawa city. That night we’ll host you in the Hotel bar where you’ll meet your lead guide(s) who will run you through the tour, weather and answer any questions you have.
(NOTE: If you wish to organise rental equipment it is advised that you seek advice from your consultant as there are limited rental shops in Asahikawa)
DAY 2
(first snow day)
We will most probably ease you into it with a short trip over to Pippu a small but fun resort with no one around and super light dry power. On your return that night the guides will take you out in town for a welcome dinner all together to get to know your tour buddies better.
DAY 3
Depending on conditions we may rise early to either ski Kurodake or Asahidake the highest mountain in Hokkaido at 2290m. The ropeway does most of the hard work taking us to well above the tree line at 1600m. From there you’ll spend your day exploring the ridges from the lift.
DAY 4
(transfer & ski day)
A short drive to the south is Kamui Ski Links where will spend a day exploring the trees and backside of Kamui. That afternoon on the way south to Furano, we may stop in a little known mountain onsen to soak a therapeutic mineral onsen.
DAY 5 – 6
New zone – new terrain! Your guides will show you around one of our favourite mountains – Furano. You’ll get to see the hike the peaks enjoy some wide open bowls and sweet powder filled tree runs. The next day we may take you to Sahoro, a fun resort full of secluded tree skiing and a sneaky road drop! Tonight we will take you out to one of Furano’s many delicious restaurants.
DAY 7
(transfer & cultural day)
Time to check out and take the scenic transfer from Furano to Otaru. As it is a 3-4 hour drive this is usually your rest day. We’ll stop in Sapporo on the way to enjoy Hokkaido’s capital, including the Sapporo Beer Hall or the Snow Festival as time and conditions allow. If the snow is dumping and you’ve had a rest day previously we can ski a few resorts on the way – Teine, Kokusai or Tomamu . That night you check into OMO5 and enjoy some of the freshest sushi in Hokkaido.
DAY 8-9
Each day in Otaru you will start with an awesome breakfast before jumping into the van for a short drive to whichever resort is getting the goods – Kokusai, Kiroro or Teine. At night we’ll wander along Otaru’s canals, and dine in one of it’s great seafood or BBQ restaurants and sample some of the local beers.
DAY 10
Today you’ll check out of Otaru and drive over the pass to Niseko. 9 times out of 10 you’ll ride the epic backcountry of Kiroro or Rusutsu on the way, but if the weather isn’t cooperating this is a great down day where we will head to the Yoichi Whiskey Distillery and check out the snow covered coast line. If you’ve already had a rest day we’ll ensure you’ll ride one of the many resorts in the area.
DAY 11-12
On one of these days your guides will show you around massive Niseko United ski area. We’ll hunt out some powder stashes, hike the peak and drop into the back bowls for some leg burning fall line skiing the to finish a soak in a local onsen. Whatever resort we didn’t get to do as we transferred from Otaru to Niseko, we’ll hit up today. This could be Rusutsu, Kiroro or Moiwa. On your last night the guides will host a traditional Shabu Shabu or Nabe Hot pot dinner at Full Note.
DAY 13
(check-out and departure day)
Time to check out and say goodbye to your new friends and transfer to Sapporo’s Chitose Airport for your flight home with memories to last a lifetime! If your flight departs late in the day there is even a chance to get a few more turns in!
As I’m sure has been well established, Taneli is a confident, organized, entertaining trip leader. In particular, his knowledge of where to find good snow on terrain appropriate for our group was excellent, especially after a drought of many days. Several mornings in a row I suspected the day wouldn’t amount to much and every day, I was very pleasantly surprised.
I’m not sure how much of this has to do with Taneli’s personal knowledge and how much has to do with the collective wisdom gathered by Whiteroom over the years — but we enjoyed great snow and good terrain day-after-day. To me, this was the key to a great tour — great skiing every day.
– Amy 2024
We had an amazing experience with Whiteroom from start to finish!.. The ability for our guide to take us to the best lines and maximize our effort made for our day at Asahidake to be one of the best days we’ve ever had on a mountain.
– Dillon McElwaine 2024
To say this trip was epic is not strong enough. I had an incredible time and completely blown away by my experience. From the onsens to the dining to the skiing to the culture it was amazing. This trip’s memories will last a life time. I will forever sing the praises of Whiteroom. You have the biggest supporter here and I will make sure fellow skiers and riders know where to go and who to choose. Thank you so much for the memories and friendship made.
– Todd S, 2023
The Hokkaido Explorer Tour delivered the goods. Lift assisted and side-country with plenty of refills. Amazing experience in local resorts with the best tasting Japanese meals at such an affordable cost. This was a Japow ski trip dream come true. We had an amazing lead guide throughout the trip and experienced Onsens and fantastic meals with our group. Excited to return again!
– Wei Chiang 2023
Fresh tracks virtually every day, the car drops are awesome & definitely a highlight. The overall safety concerns when planing give great confidence & shows that extra level of professionalism. Keep up the good work.
– Gregg C, 2023
By far the best ski holiday I have ever had. The star was the JAPOW. Every day it snowed and every day at the resorts was like the best day ever at home. Taneli and the guide team were a surprising highlight. The dinners at the end of the day were a special treat and loads of great food, laughs and drinks. The Hokkaido Explorer tour really lived up to its name. We got to go to nine different resorts, many different restaurants and the whole onsen experience in the different areas was a treat. I really felt I got to experience different areas of Hokkaido during the tour.
– Matthew C, 2023
The guiding and skiing was simply fantastic.
– Tom Anderson 2020
Taneli (guide) was excellent, great knowledge of the mountain, communication was very clear, good sense of humour.
– Michael Brannon 2020
Was a great tour, the guides where bloody awesome continually working to find us good snow under what were challenging conditions.
They knew every place well, handled some rather stupid complaints and were always up for a beer and a laugh. They knew the best apres spots and always kept us entertained.
When the snow wasn’t on we swapped out to skins and went and climbed Yotei etc again things which we didn’t expect of the normal tour that just made it awesome. For Tanelli (guide) nothing was a problem, 7/11 stops for strong xeros and even help with booking buses and recommendations on places to go and things to do.
I wouldn’t hesitate to book again with them.
– Rob Veitch 2019
Thanks so much Whiteroom tours. I had the most amazing trip. I thought at first that it was a bit expensive, but the experience you gave me was priceless. Greg was very knowledgeable about every place we went. He was an awesome rider and so fun to follow. I didn’t need to think the whole trip. Everything was planned out, the only decisions I had to make was how hard to ride each day, and with these guys we went hard! There wasn’t much I could fault about the trip. Accommodation was great, guides were excellent, conditions were outstanding, kms covered was tops, and the scenery was breathtaking. Big thanks to both Greg and Elias for the sharing their winter wonderland with me. I’ll be sure to book another trip soon. Cheers guys! See you in the White room.
– Will Davies 2018
The trip was amazing and beyond what I expected – the powder was spectacular. Both Gregs did a fantastic job of finding us fresh lines (sometimes without any new snowfall). In addition to the guiding, I liked the tutorial that Greg O gave on technique. I like the passion that Greg Y had for Japan, sharing with us his insights/perspectives on culture, life and the mountains; he was also a great resource for expanding our understanding of snow conditions, safety approaches and riding out of bounds.
– Matthew Weitz 2018
Nothing to say other than it was incredible, wonderful bluebird days towards the end, guides were great, group was great, would recommend to others!
– Preston Hulme 2018
Had an amazing time on the Hokkaido explore tour. Japan certianly delivered and so did Whiteoom tours. The guides did a great job of finding challenging terrain to get us those epic Japanese powder turns the area is renowned for. A definite must do can’t wait to come back!
– Jordan Koers 2018
IN ASAHIKAWA
OMO7
Set in the heart of Hokkaido’s second-largest city Asahikawa, OMO 7 is a modern hotel that allows easy access to the range of mountains that ring the city. The rooms at the hotel are large with comfortable twin beds, a seating area with a flat-screen TV and a well-appointed en suite bathroom. The hotel also boasts a large Sauna/Onsen area with two steam rooms in the basement. The lobby area leads on to the hotel’s restaurant that prides itself on its amazing breakfast buffet serving both Western and local Japanese essentials to get your day started, the waffle station is a particular favourite. Facilities also include a large bar and lounge area and a ski tuning and waxing station beside the hotel ski shop. There are countless bars and restaurants just a short walk from the hotel, allowing you to experience all of what Asahikawa has to offer.
IN FURANO
NORTH COUNTRY INN
In Furano, we are staying at North Country Inn. It is conveniently located between the two sides of the ski hill giving you access by regular free shuttle to the Furano side before anyone else! It has both traditional Japanese and Western-style rooms with ensuites. Shared onsen style bathing is also available. Facilities include 2 dining restaurants, winery, lounge/bar with satellite TV, foreign exchange, wireless internet, souvenirs, common laundry, ski hire, and regular guest shuttle to the ski lifts.
IN OTARU
OMO5
OMO5 opened in January 2022 and is the perfect spot to base yourself for your stay in Otaru. Located in an area with many historical structures and buildings, this city-tourism hotel consists of two buildings: the south wing, a renovation of the former Otaru Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the north wing, designed for functionality and design. OMO5 Otaru offers two types of guest rooms, standard and superior.
The “Standard” rooms are new and functional with modern furnishings and are located in the new wing. The “Superior” rooms are slightly larger with higher ceilings and are located in the renovated Chamber of Commerce building. Walk out the hotel’s front door and you are right in the heart of the historical district of Otaru with the canals and warehouse district close by as well artisan’s studios, cafés, a sake brewery, and a variety of restaurants and bars.
IN NISEKO
AlWAYS NISEKO
This stylish 104 room hotel is designed for the intrepid traveler who seeks the ultimate experience balanced with always the best in value. From the fresh-faced hipster to the seasoned powder hound, this property delivers on the Niseko adventure without compromising on comfort.
Boasting a great in-house bar and lounge area, high speed WiFi throughout, easy access to Hirafu Village and clean and comfortable twin/king bed rooms. It’s only a 10-minute walk to Hirafu Village, and provides a free guest shuttle to the lifts.
SINGLE UPGRADE OPTION AVAILABLE – Price & availability on request
For tours commencing in Asahikawa, we recommend that you fly into Asahikawa and from there we will arrange transfers directly to your hotel.
At the end of the tour in Niseko we’ll arrange your transport to the Welcome Centre for your departure transfer to Sapporo’s Chitose Airport.
For tours commencing in Niseko we recommend flying into New Chitose Airport, where we will organise bus transfer onward.
At the end of your tour you will be transferred to Asahikawa Airport.
Please ensure you check with your consultant before you book your flights so that they line up with the available transfer times.
Once you’ve booked onto the tour you will receive our Trip Info Brochure packed with loads of useful information to help you plan your trip to Japan.
View our full Terms & Conditions here.
" Excellent +++ on everything including safety, knowledge of the mountains, onsens, dinner arrangements, organization etc. Taneli and Brad (Guides) were outstanding in every respect. "
Mike Walsh 2020
Our Guides
We take two things very seriously – safety on the mountain, and getting the most from each day. With qualified and experienced guides from all corners of the globe, we’ll show you some amazing places and get you deep into that famous Japanese powder.
