Japan Backcountry Ski Trip

Japan has become one of the world’s premier ski destinations for good reason. Hokkaido’s consistent storms, deep snowpack, perfectly spaced birch forests, and endless sidecountry terrain create an experience unlike anywhere else on earth. This 9-day guided ski trip is meant to give you the best of what Japan powder skiing has to offer. Niseko and Furano are our favorite destinations and offer the best lift-accessed sidecountry skiing, backcountry touring, cultural immersion, world class accommodations, and hand selected local restaurants.

Our AMGA / IFMGA Certified Mountain Guides will take you beyond the resorts and into Hokkaido’s legendary terrain. From skiing into the crater of volcano Yotei to dropping 3,000 foot runs to hidden mountain onsens the experience is unique and magnificent. Throughout the trip we focus on maximizing skiing, finding the best snow conditions available, all while building your skillset as a backcountry rider. Whether skiing deep tree runs off the Niseko gates, touring around Mt. Yōtei, or exploring the volcanic terrain surrounding Furano, this trip delivers the full Japanese backcountry experience.

Evenings are spent enjoying authentic Japanese cuisine, soaking in traditional onsens, and experiencing the unique mountain culture that makes Japan such a special winter destination.

Dates for January/February 2027 TBD. Contact to Book.

Trip Highlights

Deep powder skiing and splitboarding
Daily backcountry touring in volcanic terrain
Tree skiing, alpine bowls, and playful terrain features
Small groups with professional avalanche education and terrain management
Japanese mountain culture, onsens, food, and hospitality
Flexible itineraries based on weather and conditions

What’s Included

AMGA / IFMGA Certified Mountain Guides
8 nights accommodations
Ground transportation throughout the itinerary
Daily guided skiing and touring
Avalanche safety equipment (beacon, shovel, probe)

What’s Not Included

International airfare
Lift tickets
Meals
Alcoholic beverages
Ski touring equipment rentals
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Airport Transfers
Excess baggage charges and airport taxes
Any extra night stays before/after Itinerary
Any expenses occurred during an early departure (Evacuation/transport)
Charges incurred that alter the trip Itinerary out of the control of Valhalla Mountain Guides
Guide Gratuities

Itinerary

This itinerary is subject to change based on the weather.

Day 1 – Arrival & Transfer to Niseko

Guests arrive in Sapporo and meet the Valhalla Mountain Guides team before transferring to Niseko. After settling into accommodations, we will double check everyone's equipment, and discuss our plans for the following days. Each night the restaurants will be hand selected ensuring that we get to experience all of Japan's cuisine.

Overnight: Niseko

Day 2 – Niseko Sidecountry Skiing

Today we begin exploring Niseko’s legendary sidecountry terrain. Utilizing the resort gates and short boot packs, we access incredible powder skiing directly outside the ski area boundary. Guides will focus on efficient travel techniques, group movement, and identifying avalanche terrain while maximizing quality skiing throughout the day.

Niseko offers some of the best tree skiing in the world with consistent snowfall and playful terrain suitable for a wide range of abilities.

Overnight: Niseko

Day 3 – Niseko Backcountry Touring

Today we leave the resort boundaries behind and head into the Niseko backcountry. Depending on weather and avalanche conditions, objectives may include alpine bowls, volcanic terrain, and long powder descents through perfectly spaced birch forests.

Throughout the day guides will continue coaching efficient uphill travel, transitions, route finding, and powder skiing techniques.

Overnight: Niseko

Day 4 – Mt. Yōtei Skiing

Today we head toward Mt. Yōtei, Hokkaido’s iconic volcano often referred to as the “Mount Fuji of Hokkaido.” Our goal for the day is to summit Mt. Yotei and ski into the volcano crater. This is followed by a ski down the volcano. The day is around 3500-4000 feet of elevation gain and descent depending on which side of the mountain we ride.

Mt. Yōtei provides a true Japanese ski touring experience with incredible scenery, deep snow, and unforgettable tree skiing.

After skiing we will relax in a traditional Japanese onsen before returning to Niseko.

Overnight: Niseko

Day 5 – Transfer to Furano

Today we travel across Hokkaido toward Furano. Along the way we may stop to explore smaller ski areas, roadside touring zones, or hidden powder stashes depending on snow conditions and timing.

Furano is known for authenticity, colder temperatures, lighter snow, and fewer crowds than Niseko, creating incredible opportunities for powder skiing.

Overnight: Furano

Day 6 – Furano Sidecountry

Today we explore Furano’s lift-accessed sidecountry terrain. Furano offers excellent tree skiing, rolling powder fields, and consistent snow quality. Guides will select terrain based on conditions and group ability to maximize skiing throughout the day.

Overnight: Furano

Day 7 – Tokachidake Backcountry Ski Tour

Today we head into the Tokachidake Range for a full day of backcountry touring. This volcanic zone provides some of the best ski touring terrain in Hokkaido with open alpine features, natural hot springs, and long powder descents.

Our guides will tailor the day’s objectives to the group and current mountain conditions.

Overnight: Furano

Day 8 – Final Powder Day

Our final ski day will focus on finding the best snow conditions available. Depending on weather and conditions, we may return to Furano sidecountry terrain, tour in nearby zones, or explore additional hidden gems in central Hokkaido.

In the evening we will enjoy a final group dinner celebrating an incredible week of skiing in Japan.

Overnight: Furano

Day 9 - Return to Sapporo/Departure

After breakfast we transfer back to Sapporo for departing flights or continued travel within Japan.