Powder Progression Tour
FULLY INSTRUCTED & GUIDED POWDER TOUR
Based out of the modern and comfortable Always Niseko for the first four days, our instructors will help you to improve your powder skiing whilst exploring the mountains of Niseko United, as well as surrounding resorts such as Moiwa and Rusutsu. Our flexible itinerary will have you chasing the best conditions at each of these ski areas.
We then transfer to Otaru with one of our backcountry guides who will introduce you to backcountry safety equipment and run a workshop on the fundamentals of avalanche safety, before we head further beyond the resorts for deeper powder!
THIS IS AN INSTRUCTIONAL BASED TOUR THAT CONCLUDES WITH 2 DAYS OF DEEP POWDER GUIDING
We have designed this tour to maximise instruction time with a max of 4 spots each instructor/guide. This way those who are new to the techniques required to ski Japan’s deep snow can build confidence to make the most of their time in Hokkaido.
You may have ridden some powder on piste or on top of compacted off-piste but you may have never ridden the bottomless powder we get regularly in Japan. Your instructors will structure your learning so that you gain confidence and progress away from the groomers to experience the deep fresh snow and terrain you have always wanted to conquer.
With years of powder instructing behind them, Whiteroom’s experienced instructors have found that often simple technique correction and confidence building will unlock the secret to powder skiing/riding. You and your instructors will analyse and then improve your technique and build on what you have learnt through goal setting and skill development.
By the end of the tour, you will have progressed from piste to powder and a whole new world will have opened up.
8 NIGHTS | 9 DAYS
from ¥495,000
THESE TOUR DATES ARE SKI ONLY
¥515,000 – 3 SPOTS LEFT
¥545,000 – 6 SPOTS LEFT
¥545,000 – 4 SPOTS LEFT
¥545,000
¥515,000 – 2 SPOTS LEFT
¥495,000
Secure your spot with a 20% deposit. See our Terms & Conditions for more information.
4 to 1 max client to guide ratio
4 – 8 people max per tour. 3 person minimum.
Ability Level: Advanced on-piste, new to powder to intermediate in powder
NOTE: All TOURS ARE SKI ONLY. If you are a group of 4 or more snowboarders you may request a snowboard guide/instructor on any of the tour dates. Please contact us for more details.
Do you charge the piste but struggle in powder? Take the leap into Japan's deep powder with our certified instructors.
Powder Progression Tour Details
- Ski instruction and guiding
- Workshop on the fundamentals of avalanche safety
- Airport transfer to Niseko with Resort Liner
- 5 nights twin share accommodation at Always Niseko, Hirafu Village
- 3 nights twin share accommodation at OMO5 Otaru
- 6 days worth of lift passes and instruction/guiding in the Niseko and Otaru regions
- Welcome drinks and dinner on your first night
- Welcome & farewell dinner party
- Daily breakfast
- Transfer day/cultural day tour
- Onsen (hot spring) tour
- Whiteroom merch
NOTE: All tours are SKI only. If you are a group of 4 or more snowboarders you may request a snowboard guide/instructor on any of the tour dates. Please contact us for more details.
- Niseko accommodation upgrade (price on request)
- Single share accommodation (price on request)
- Avalanche gear rental
- Avalanche Awareness Courses – click here for more info
- Ski rental
- Extra nights accommodation & ski days in Niseko/Otaru or elsewhere
- 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 on-piste, new to powder to high intermediate in powder
This tour is specifically designed for skiers who are confidently in control at all times of their speed and demonstrate rhythm on moderate black diamond piste trails, can make parallel and carving turns and can ski very well at speed on intermediate runs.
You should be adept at adjusting to the size and length of your turns and are relatively new to the techniques required to ski deep powder. To get the most out of this tour we recommend you have a good level of fitness. Please make an honest assessment of your abilities whilst keeping fitness in mind as to not slow the group down.
Niseko Area (INSTRUCTION)
Niseko United
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 legs there is also plenty of terrain to progress into. The rolling treed areas and open bowls will allow you to get off the beaten 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 fewer people than it’s larger neighbour, Moiwa can be a great option for building some confidence back on the slopes and dipping into some ungroomed off trail terrain. Although smaller in size Moiwa 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 (GUIDING)
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.
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
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.
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 Sapporo’s Chitose Airport you’ll be transferred by Resort Liner to the Hirafu Welcome Centre. We will coordinate your transport onward to your accommodation at Always Niseko. That night you’ll meet our team who will run you through the tour, weather and answer any questions you have before arrival night welcome drinks and dinner.
(NOTE: If you wish to organise rental equipment it is advised that you try to arrive with enough time on the arrival day to be fitted – seek advice from your consultant)
DAY 2
(first ski day)
First day of exploring Niseko! For your first 4 days on snow your instructors will take a look at your technique and run you through powder skiing fundamentals, gear setup, stance, turn shape/size, technique and how this affects your speed in powder. At the end of the day, we will all enjoy a traditional Japanese meal and a few drinks.
DAY 3
Today we’ll show you how big Niseko is! We’ll hunt out some powder stashes and explore how we move on skis mainly vertically and rotationally and how this affects turn size and turn shape, in various treed areas and powder-filled terrain.
DAY 4
It’s time to check out one of our favourites spots – Moiwa Ski Area. We will spend the day carving up their super wide piste, guiding you through the trees and working on those deep powder turns on a variety of pitches and gladed areas.
DAY 5
Day tour to Rusutsu Resort. We will spend the day guiding you through the trees and valleys of Rusustu, as well as their very quirky hotel! You should now have a new found confidence when skiing powder and maybe even look to start hitting some of many natural features in Rusutsu. Time to take it to the next level!
DAY 6
(Avalanche safety workshop, transfer to Otaru and cultural day)
After 4 days of honing your powder skills in the Niseko area it’s time to pack your bags as we head to the historical port city of Otaru. You’ll be joined by a new guide who will introduce you to backcountry safety equipment and run you through a workshop on the fundamentals of avalanche safety, before we start to head further beyond the resorts for deeper powder! Then in the afternoon we will hit the road and enjoy a cultural excursion which may include the Nikka Whiskey Distillery, exploring beautiful Otaru, and visiting the famous canals.
DAY 7
Pack your onsen gear and a snorkel as we’ll be heading off to Kiroro today where your guide will show you some deep powder stashes. By now you’ll really be getting the hang of the techniques you need to ski Japan’s deep pow. This powder gem has some awesome terrain and fresh lines all day. An onsen on the way home is also a popular option!
DAY 8
Today we’ll visit Kokusai resort, which also consistently receives huge amounts of snow each winter and has some great backcountry options. We’ll finish with a farewell dinner and sample the amazing seafood this area is famous for, to round off your amazing Japan powder experience. The snow festival tour will also include a trip to Sapporo to see the huge ice sculptures, a spectacular event that has been running for over 70 years!
DAY 9
(check out and departure day)
After an epic week of progression and powder-filled adventure it’s time to say goodbye to your new friends and transfer by train to Sapporo’s Chitose Airport with memories to last a lifetime!
Whiteroom was fantastic! Great communication, went over the top to meet our needs, skiing was great and felt like we were skiing with friends, which they will forever be now, thanks Whiteroom!
– Matt Christensen 2024
The staff was incredibly helpful in helping me navigate hotels and logistics before my trip. The tour guide was attentive to what I wanted … Highly recommend.
– Chris Linsmayer 2024
Rodrigo is an excellent instructor! Not only did I improve a lot under his guidance, but it wasn’t laborious or boring at all, and I was able to have lots of fun skiing while also improving my posture!
Paul is also great for beginners! He has lots of experience and tips to help anyone improve, and will take the time to address each part of your stance and technique and give you the proper drills to improve them!
Jack is another wonderful instructor! He will give you the freedom to ski on your own but will also be sure to point out and improve anything that is holding you back from your full potential!
– Merry Ma 2024
Enjoying great powder in japan while getting tips to improve riding. The guides have a very strong knowledge of the terrain and able to read our skill levels quickly and find a suitable area for us to enjoy powder.
– Wei Chen 2020
I think the thing that stood out to me most was the incredible team that Whiteroom have. When we first arrived Yu met us with a huge smile, friendly nothing is a problem attitude and was incredibly welcoming and helpful throughout our whole stay. Kieron was great she always asked about our day, made us feel at home and provided great service.
Even when I went down to the office to sort out a bus transfer Kate phoned around for me, recommended a cheaper ski pass rate than we were going to get and sorted everything out effortlessly. I commented to a friend how nice it was that everyone at full note called us by our names, this again an example of what stood out and a reflection of Whiteroom service and brand. An impressive business and service example for others to follow.
Nate (Guide) was a fantastic guide he always went out of his way to ensure we were getting the most out of the tour. His willingness to help out by dropping us off places, recommendations and follow up were brilliant. The pics and videos he took will be treasured. He always followed up on requests, kept us up to date, read the group well and went the extra mile. Fantastic instruction and guiding.
– Wayne Goodman 2020
Excellent! Thoroughly enjoyed the powder progression tour. Nate was a great instructor, explained technique in a way that I could really understand & I think I will remember. He took good care of us, was kind and really went above and beyond to make sure we all had a fun time, including the restaurants, onsens etc. Nate was very patient and good fun to ski with, thank you
– Grace Bickmore 2020
Loved the guides, you were both fantastic and were great company.
Your knowledge of the mountains was amazing and you looked after us very well.
– Yuhan Wei 2019
The tour was amazing. The snow just got better and better each day. Mike (guide) was a total champion and all round top bloke. His mountain knowledge was exceptional and he was able to find us the best skill-appropriate conditions day in – day out. He was very clear in his communication on where and what to do and never strayed too far ahead where we were unable to find him. The only down side of him going first were that he got the first tracks, but someone needed to show us the way!
– Chris Johnston 2019
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
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.
Getting to Niseko is easy with the included Resort Liner coach transfer. You’ll be dropped off at the Hirafu Welcome Centre where you’ll be met by our team and transferred to Full Note Pension or alternative accommodation. Please ensure you check with your consultant before you book your flights so that they line up with the available transfer times.
At the end of the tour you will be assisted by your guide to transfer by train to Sapporo’s Chitose Airport, just over an hour away.
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 / COVID Policy here.
" This is one of the best holidays I have ever had. Guides so friendly & their knowledge & tips on instruction on the snow was great to progress my snowboarding. Mic was so good! Crew I meet & travelled with, I had a blast. I would go back to Japan tomorrow, was so much fun! The cultural experiences were a buzz too and gave the tired body a break from all the powder "
Joan Burns 2018
Our TEAM
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.
