Southern Hokkaido Tour
FULLY GUIDED & HOSTED RESORT & BACKCOUNTRY POWDER TOUR
Join us on this epic powder hunting road trip! Starting in Hakodate you’ll head north inland to Rusutsu, Niseko, Moiwa and wind your way along the coast to Otaru. This area of Hokkaido gets the most snow of anywhere on the island and you’ll be storm chasing the whole time so pack your snorkel!
This is a resort and backcountry tour where hiking is optional but encouraged!
If you want to get the best conditions day in day out our guides are there to show you the way and get you deeper in the white stuff than could possibly be imagined. All our guides have years of experience finding the best terrain and snow whilst keeping in mind your safety and maintaining the stoke on high! This is the true “whiteroom” experience.
After arriving in Tokyo we recommend taking the Shinkansen train to Hakodate for a true Japanese experience. Steeped in history, Hakodate was the first city to be opened to western trading in the late 1800s. It has a beautiful mix of Japanese and Western architecture and two great resorts nearby with great tree skiing, dry pow and not a gaijin to be seen expect your new tour friends! Each night you will return to Hotel Emi to soak in its natural onsen and relax.
In Niseko, we’ll head straight through the gates and into the backcountry to experience why Niseko became the birthplace of the Japan powder revolution. From there we’ll head to Rusutsu to enjoy the perfectly gladed trees, deep pow and views to the sea. Another option is Moiwa, a small resort that packs a punch when it comes to easy backcountry access and deep snow accumulating in its back bowls.
Throughout the tour, your guides and hosts will make sure you get the best out of your ski holiday. After skiing all day you’ll be taken to some of the best local restaurants and bars in both Niseko and Otaru. You can also choose to relax and eat in, enjoy a soak in the local onsen (hot spring) or just simply hang out with your new friends.
Next stop is Otaru where you will be based for the next 3 nights and on the way we’ll hit Kiroro – and yes the rumours are true! The pow is deep, so deep it doesn’t see the sun for most of the season – you’ll love Kiroro.
If we need a rest or the weather doesn’t cooperate we will take you to the Yoichi Whiskey Distillery, soak in a natural onsen, feed you some delicious local sushi and recharge.
From Otaru, you’ll also ski the backcountry of Kokusai as well as Teine, known for its steep terrain and amazing views across the water. Along the way, and we don’t advertise these for good reason, there are a variety of options pending conditions including road drops & short touring options are all possible.
Finally, your guide will drive you to Otaru station were you can transfer by train to New Chitose Airport.
Our Japan Ski tours are designed for anyone who loves skiing or snowboarding, is keen to ride with like-minded individuals and wants to get the most out of their ski holiday.
10 NIGHTS | 11 DAYS
from ¥560,000
¥595,000 – 4 SPOTS LEFT
¥635,000 – SOLD OUT
¥635,000 – SOLD OUT
¥560,000 – 8 SPOTS LEFT
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 in powder
THE POWDER IN SOUTHERN HOKKAIDO HAS TO BE SEEN TO BE BELIEVED! JOIN US AND EXPLORE ONE OF JAPAN’S SNOWIEST REGIONS STRETCHING ACROSS HAKODATE, THE NISEKO REGION AND OTARU
Southern Hokkaido Powder Tour Details
- Fully guided & hosted
- 2 nights twin/triple share accommodation at Emi Hotel in Hakodate
- 5 nights twin/triple share accommodation at
Always Niseko, Hirafu - 3 nights twin/triple share accommodation at OMO5 Otaru
- 8 days worth of lift passes
- Transfer from Shin-Hakodate train station
- Hakodate local sashimi welcome dinner
- Farewell dinner
- Daily cooked breakfast
- Onsen (hotspring) experiences
- Whiteroom merch
- Private transfers from Otaru to Chitose Airport
- 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
- Add on a pre or post tour travel package – click here for more info
- Don’t want a rest day? Add on additional guided days in a resort or backcountry you love or get our advice.
Transfers are not included in this tour due to the tour starting in Hakodate. We recommend taking the Shinkansen train from Tokyo to Hakodate for a true Japanese experience. Your guide will transfer you from Shin-Hakodate Station to your hotel at the start of your tour.
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 in powder
You must be able to ski the whole mountain with confidence and at a reasonable speed in powder, through trees and in variable conditions. You must have a good level of fitness.
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.
Groups are split up into ski/board/ability levels and some groups we will be doing some hiking (traversing/bootpacking) to get to the goods.
Skins or split-boards are not required but if the group has touring gear or wants to hire we will happily take you deeper into the backcountry.
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 Otaru. 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. With an open gate system allowing you access to the backcountry you can follow your guide into wide open powder fields at the head of various valleys and great tree skiing and riding lower down. 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.
Hakodate Area
Nanae Snow Park
Overlooking Lake Onuma and the Pacific, Nanae has plenty to offer with uncrowded slopes and quick laps straight of the gondola.
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 in Tokyo at Haneda or Narita airport, we recommend taking the Shinkansen train to Hakodate for a true Japanese experience. Your guide will transfer you from Shin-Hakodate Station to your hotel when you arrive. You’ll will enjoy group welcome dinner and drinks that night where we will see local Sushi Masters preparing the freshest fish right before our eyes. Your guides will run you through the tour, weather and answer any questions you have.
(NOTE: If you wish to organise rental ski/SB equipment it is please seek advice from your consultant)
DAY 2
(first snow day)
After your first night in Emi Onsen Hotel you will be ready to hit the slopes and Hakodate Nanae Snow park won’t disappoint. Overlooking Lake Onuma and the Pacific, Nanae has plenty to offer with uncrowded slopes and quick laps straight off the gondola.
DAY 3
(travel day)
Hakodate is famed for being the first port in Japan opened to foreign trade, and before we head toward the bright lights of Niseko we may wander the streets amongst renovated old red brick fishing warehouses taking in some local fare. If conditions are good we may hit the slopes while driving north to experience the deep powder the region is famous for. Once in Niseko we’ll spend our first night at Always Niseko.
DAY 4
Get ready to explore Niseko United. With four perfect resorts all on one volcano, you will be spoilt for choice. The guides will hike you up the peak to the back bowls and down the north face to Hanazono as well as hunting out powder stashes within the resort. With the ability to start at one side of the mountain (away from the morning crowds of Hirafu) and move across never skiing or riding the same slope twice.
DAY 5
From Niseko, we will venture out for a day to Rusutsu Resort. In less than an hour, your guides will transport you to one of the tree skiing meccas of Japan. With endless Japanese birch forests and plenty of natural hits, Rusutsu is a snowy playground that anyone can enjoy! This is one of our favourites. In the afternoon we’ll check out the singing tree and other bizarre Japanese things in the Rusutsu mall.
DAY 6
Grab your onsen gear as we will be heading to Niseko lesser-known sister of Moiwa. This smaller powder gem is a local favourite for ski racing leaving some of the best backcountry terrain in the region untouched for us. After multiple days of smashing fresh lines, it will definitely be time to soak our weary legs. Multiple onsens are all within a short distance of the slopes where we can fully recharge.
DAY 7
After a relaxed post onsen sleep our guides will take you to some of the more hidden places in Niseko. Hike the peak again with us and head into the back bowls if conditions are good. Tonight may be a good night to hit the town for a bit of aprè ski fun before we depart Niseko the following day.
DAY 8
(travel/rest/ski day)
Pack your bags and get ready to hit the road. If we haven’t taken a rest day already, today we may enjoy the sights of Otaru and it’s famed canal district. Otherwise we’ll look to stop at Kiroro Snow World on the drive north, well known for receiving over 20 metres of snow annually. Your guides will navigate through Kiroro’s backcountry access gates so you can get out further into the backcountry.
DAY 9
Today we get suited up to head to the home of the 1972 Olympics. Teine provides some steep open bowls where your guides will be able to find you long powder chutes not often seen in Hokkaido. On the edge of Sapporo the views from Teine highland mix mountain with city. After working up an appreciate it will be time to one of Otaru’s famous exports – Snow Crab! – and an ice-cold Sapporo Classic.
DAY 10
It’s time to explore Kokusai. Your guides will show you around this hidden gem so you can enjoy untracked powder coming straight of the Sea of Japan from Siberia. We’ll cap off the day with the farewell dinner in one of Otaru’s amazing Izakaya restaurants.
DAY 11
(check-out and departure day)
Time to check out and say goodbye to your new friends, our guides will transfer you to Otaru station so you can catch the train to New Chitose Airport.
We just did the Southern Hokkaido Tour and was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had .No one can control the weather but my god we hit the jackpot ! Our guides Emma and August took us to some fantastic ski areas after carefully looking at the weather first thing each morning. We spent most of our time with Emma who went beyond what she needed to do. She was so enthusiastic and went out of her way every day to make sure we had fun . She loves skiing and that flowed through to make it so much fun. She taught us at our request some great powder skiing techniques which helped tremendously The two days we spent with August was a great experience and loved it all. The guides took us to some great restaurants that we would never have found . It was a great trip and well organised by whiteroom. The second tour I have done and looking forward to the next one. Thank you to all the staff for making it happen.
– Mark Mclean 2023
The communication with the logistics team was friendly and efficient. We had Eri as a ski guide and she could not have been more professional, kind, nor experienced. She inspired trust and created a very joyful experience. I learned so much and had so much fun. Thank you for everything. BOOK WITH THESE GUYS
– Susan Ramaker 2023
An excellent, knowledgeable guiding service for skiing in the area. Our guide, Todd, was highly qualified and a lot of fun to ski with! He was very well informed about the snowpack and avy danger of the area, and knew great places to take us for constant fresh pow tracks. We skied in resorts only, but Todd knew the terrain very well, taking us to untouched slackcountry zones we would have never found without him. Highly recommended.
– Lafe Meicenheimer 2023
We had a fantastic time during our trip with Rachael even if the snow wasn’t the best. We still managed to find fresh powder every day! Highlights of the tour were skiing the fresh pow in Rusutsu and soaking in the onsen every day after skiing. Tree skiing is a lot of fun even if the runs are very short, but we also skied some great longer runs with great powder in the untouched backcountry. All guides we met were super helpful and made sure we had a great time. I would recommend the tour to friends and family!
– Laura Neumeier 2020
Given that snow conditions were a bit lean in 2020, the Whiteroom guides allowed the best skiing to be found. A highlight was climbing Mt Yotei. Many thanks to Connor for his assistance on the last pitch of the climb. Our group was an interesting bunch from USA, Canada, NZ, Australia and Sweden. We all got on well during the trip.
– Mark Bennett 2020
Greg shared lots of great hint’s and tip’s to aid my boarding during the first few days when condition weren’t great. As soon as there was some fresh snow Greg took to the best resorts and best conditions. Also felt safe within his supervision in the back country. Showed us spot’s we’d never find on our own. The best part had to be the 3 day add on to Otaru, lovely city, great meals and most of all we got some all time conditions at Kiroro, Kokusai then Sapporo-Teine. Everyday better than the last, giving us a great end to the trip. Cheers for a great tour and looking forward to an explorer tour in the future!!!
IN HAKODATE
HOTEL EMI HAKODATE
This gorgeous boutique hotel has been beautifully renovated to include a lovely common lounge area and sashimi bar. It’s famous for its onsen and the rooms are well-appointed and spacious.
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
You can reach Hakodate from Tokyo by Shinkansen train or domestic flight – we recommend taking the Shinkansen train to Hakodate for a true Japanese experience. Your guide will transfer you from Shin-Hakodate Station to your hotel when you arrive.
Departing Otaru is easy – our guides will transfer you to Otaru station to catch the airport train to Sapporo’s Chitose Airport. There is also the option to be transferred privately by private transfer.
There is also the option of travelling back to Niseko with the guide for some more skiing at your favourite resorts or transfers to Furano or Sapporo Chitose Airport.
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.
" The best part had to be the 3 days in Otaru, lovely city, great meals and most of all we got some all time conditions at Kiroro, Kokusai then Sapporo-Teine. Everyday better than the last "
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.
