Overall Rating

Southern Hokkaido Powder Tour

Southern Hokkaido Powder Tour4.5/55
Southern Hokkaido Powder Tour4.5 out of 5 based on 5 reviews
  • Recommend
    100%
  • Would Revisit
    60%
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Southern Hokkaido Powder Tour Enquire
Price p/p From price based on twin/double-share option for group tour for 2023-24 season.
Base/invoice currency is in Japanese yen inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 3,183

HOSTED & GUIDED ADVENTURE
10 Nights - 8 Days Guided Skiing/Riding

Deposit must be paid by promotion close date to qualify for discount. See T&Cs re Covid 19 policy
Location: Japan | Tour Focus: Guided | Terrain Focus: Off-Piste, Backcountry, Sidecountry
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Price p/p From price based on twin/double-share option for group tour for 2023-24 season.
Base/invoice currency is in Japanese yen inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 3,183
The Southern Hokkaido region scores the most snow and with this lift accessed sidecountry tour you'll get to explore the best ski areas. 3 nights in Otaru, 5 nights in Hirafu Niseko & 2 nights in Hakodate.
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Southern Hokkaido Powder Tour Overview

Southern Hokkaido is one of Japan's snowiest regions, stretching from Otaru in the north to the Niseko region and down to Hakodate. Join Whiteroom Tour on this epic Southern Hokkaido Powder Tour where you'll road trip to go powder hunting! Starting in Hakodate, the road trip will then head north to Rusutsu, Niseko, and Moiwa and then to Otaru on the coast. 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!

The Southern Hokkaido Powder Tour is a lift accessed backcountry tour where hiking is optional but encouraged.

Hakodate

Potential ski areas from Hakodate include:
After arriving in Tokyo it is recommended that you take the Shinkansen (bullet) 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 except your new tour friends. Each night you will return to Hotel Emi to soak in its natural onsen and relax.

Niseko

Potential ski areas visited from Niseko include:
In Niseko, the group will head straight through the gates and into the backcountry to experience why Niseko became the birthplace of the Japan powder revolution. From there you’ll head to Rusutsu to enjoy the perfectly gladed trees, deep pow and views to the sea. Moiwa is 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 some of the best local restaurants and bars in Niseko. You can also choose to relax in front of the fire and eat in, enjoy a soak in the local onsen (hot spring) or just simply hang out with your new friends.
 

Otaru

Potential ski areas from Otaru include:
Next stop is Otaru where you will be based for the next 3 nights and on the way you’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 the group needs a rest or the weather doesn’t cooperate, the plan is to go 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. Finally, your guide will drive you to Otaru station where you can transfer by train to New Chitose Airport.

If you want to get the best conditions, the guides are there to show you the way and get you deeper in the white stuff than could be possibly imagined. All the 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.

If you would like to book this trip or have any questions, you can make a booking request here.

Ability Level

The minimum ability level is advanced in powder. The Southern Hokkaido Powder Tour requires that you must be able to ski the whole mountain with confidence and at 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 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 rent this equipment, the guides will oblige.

Skiers, if you need to work on your powder technique, check out the Niseko Progression Tour for Skiers



You'll get plenty of this....

..and this....

....and a bit of this!!

Itinerary Guide

DAY 1 (arrival and check-in day)

Upon landing in Tokyo at Haneda or Narita airport, it is recommended that you take the Shinkansen train to Hakodate for a true Japanese experience. Your guide will transfer you from Shin-Hakodate  train station to your hotel when you arrive. You’ll enjoy the group welcome dinner and drinks that night where you will see local sushi masters preparing the freshest fish right before your 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 advised that you try to arrive with enough time on the arrival day to be fitted – 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

Hakodate is famed for being the first port in Japan that was opened to foreign trade, and before you head towards the bright lights of Niseko you may wander the streets amongst renovated old red brick fishing warehouses, taking in some local fare. If conditions are good the group may hit the slopes while driving north to experience the deep powder the region is famous for. Once in Niseko you’ll spend your first night at Full Note Pension.

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 Hanozono as well as hunting out powder stashes within the resort. The group will have 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, the group 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 you can check out the singing tree and other bizarre Japanese things in the Rusutsu mall.

DAY 6

Grab your onsen gear as the group will be heading to Niseko's 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 you. 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 you can fully recharge.

DAY 7

After a relaxed post onsen sleep, the guides will take you to some of the more hidden places in Niseko. Hike the peak again and head into the back bowls if conditions are good. Finish your day with a team beer in Half Note Apres Bar at the tour accommodation.

DAY  8 (travel/rest/ski day)

It’s time to leave the bright lights of Niseko behind as you continue on the Southern Hokkaido Tour to Otaru. If there hasn't been a rest day already, today the group may enjoy the sights of Otaru and its famed canal district. Otherwise the group can look to stop at Kiroro Snow World on the drive, 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 the plan is to head to Teine, 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 appetite, it will be time to one of Otaru’s famous exports, snow crab, plus an ice-cold Sapporo Classic beer.

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. You’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. The guides will transfer you to Otaru station so you can catch the train to New Chitose Airport.

Lodging

In Niseko you’ll be staying at the lovely Full Note. It is a Japanese-style bed & breakfast located in the centre of Hirafu Niseko, with lovely staff and a warm and cosy country style atmosphere. It has a sunken lounge, fireplace, and a long communal table where you'll enjoy the welcome shabu shabu dinner party and daily cooked breakfast. It has shared bathroom facilities on the lower floor. If this isn't for you, there are lodging options close by for an upgrade option.

In Otaru, you will stay at 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 Hakodate you will stay in Hotel Emi, which is a gorgeous boutique hotel that 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.

Inclusions & Add-Ons

Rates Notes 2023/24:

  • 475,000 yen
  • base currency is Japanese yen inc tax - convert to your currency here
  • prices are based on twin/triple share room
  • Please enquire for a quote for a customised private tour
  • 6 to 1 max client to guide ratio. 6-10 people max per tour. 4 person minimum.
Inclusions
  • 10 nights twin / triple share accommodation with daily breakfast
  • 8 days of lift tickets
  • Daily guiding with a ratio of 1 guide to 6 guests max
  • Welcome and farewell dinners
  • Ground transport
  • Onsen experiences
  • Transfer to Shin-Hakodate train station
Add-ons
  • Single share accommodation - 7500 to 13000 yen per night
  • Avalanche gear rental 13,500 yen for 8 days
  • Additional guided days
  • Tokyo stopover / Kyoto cultural side trip
  • Extra nights accommodation
  • Accommodation upgrade to Kimamaya, M-Lodge or M-Hotel in Niseko
  • Private transfers from Chitose Airport to Otaru
Not Included
No exclusions to display

WHITEROOM TOURS TERMS & CONDITIONS

Currency All payments to Whiteroom Tours are in Australia Dollars (AUD)
Rate & Price Variation:Whiteroom Tours reserves the right until final payment has been received in full, to vary prices & rates in the event of changes in currency exchange or price increases made by our suppliers or airlines. If the cost of any service increases due to exchange rate fluctuations, tax changes, price increases or any other reason, you are required to pay the increase when notified by us. If you choose not to pay the increased price you may choose to cancel the booking. Please note that cancellation charges will apply.

Whiteroom Tours is not liable for any price increases. Rates quoted are correct for each product at time of quoting; however these rates may change prior to your final payment date. All prices are subject to availability & can be withdrawn or varied without notice. Airline & airline taxes remain subject to change at all times until payment has been received in full & your tickets have been issued. Whiteroom Tours reserves the right to correct prices & rates in the event of consultant error.

Quotations and Validity:All prices quoted are valid at time of quote. All quotes are subject to confirmation of the components at time of booking. All components of your quote are subject to availability at time of booking request. The prices listed are based on the costs and exchange rate at the time or printing. Whiteroom Tours reserves the right to alter these prices at any time. Please contact Whiteroom Tours for up-to-date prices and dates.

Bookings:When you have advised Whiteroom Tours that you wish to go ahead with a booking we will then seek confirmation from our suppliers. If there is no availability for some/all of your components we will advise you of this & offer an alternative where possible. The alternative product offered may be a different price. Prices will be adjusted accordingly.

Deposit:By making a payment on a booking you agree to Whiteroom Tours booking conditions.

A deposit of 20% of the total booking value is required for guiding only bookings. All other bookings require a minimum deposit of $600.00 per person within 7 days from booking confirmation. Some properties may require an additional deposit to secure the booking as outlined on your quote or advised by your consultant. All deposits are non-refundable once received. Whiteroom Tours will/may/might forward deposits to suppliers to secure accommodation & or services. Payment of deposit acknowledges acceptance of all booking conditions.

Final Payment:Is due no later than 60 days prior to departure, or 7 days from booking confirmation if booking is within 60 days. Should airlines impose ticketing time limits, fare withdrawal, fare or tax increase, full payment of fare & taxes may be required before this time. Failure by the client to pay the outstanding balance by the due date may cause the auto-cancellation of the booking whereupon the deposit paid by the client shall be forfeited. Final documents will not be released until the booking is paid in full. Late payment fees may be incurred on your booking.

Itinerary: The itinerary supplied with your final documents represents the products & services that will be supplied & supersedes any previous arrangements or understanding, whether written or oral.

Payment Options:By making a payment on a booking you agree to Whiteroom Tours booking conditions.

Direct deposit – you will find Whiteroom Tours banking details on your statement. You must include your booking # and booking name on any direct deposit. Failure to correctly identify your payment will delay our ability to recognise it & lead to delays in processing.

Cheque – Cheques will not be accepted within 10 days of booking departure and incur a $10 processing fee.

Credit Card – Please contact us to pay by credit card. We accept VISA, Mastercard or AMEX. VISA or Mastercard attract a 2.5% surcharge. AMEX 3.5%.

Payments from outside of Australia: if you pay directly into our account from an overseas institution you are required to cover any applicable fees. This is usually a fee on your end and a $30 fee when the funds land into our account. If we have been charged any fees for accepting such transactions these fees will be passed on in full.

Cancellations by the traveller:Any cancellations must be received in writing. Minimum fees are:

  • Up to 60 days prior to departure – full deposit will be forfeited.
  • Between 30 and 59 days of departure – 50% of total paid will apply.
  • Within 30 days of departure – 100% of total paid will apply.
  • Whiteroom Tours cannot be held responsible for snow conditions. Holidays cannot be cancelled or amended on the basis of snow conditions. • No refunds will be made if you voluntarily leave a tour for any reason after the tour has begun. Refunds will be at the discretion of Whiteroom Tours if you are involuntarily forced to leave a tour for any reason. No refunds will be given for any accommodation, transport, sightseeing, meals, services or any component of the tour not utilised. Please note these conditions apply to Whiteroom Tours land content only.

Cancellations by Whiteroom Tours: Whiteroom Tours reserves the right to cancel any tour before it is confirmed to run. A tour is confirmed to run once it has reached the minimum participants required as defined by Whiteroom Tours. This applies to all tours. Whiteroom Tours reserves the right to cancel any tour prior to departure, including a confirmed tour, due to circumstances beyond our control. If this occurs you will be given the option of changing to another tour or receiving a full refund. Whiteroom Tours is not responsible for any incidental expense you have incurred as a result of your booking. If you choose and alternative tour and it is at a lower value than your original tour you will be refunded the difference. If the alternative tour is of a higher value then you will pay the difference in price.

Professional fees: Whiteroom Tours charges the following non-refundable fees. These professional fees are in addition to any fees which may be charged by airlines, accommodation providers, transfer suppliers or any other supplier.

$30.00 Booking Amendment: charged per amendment once a booking has been confirmed.
$100.00 Booking amendment inside 14 days: charged per amendment for changes inside 14 days of departure.
$50.00 Late booking: charged for bookings made inside 21 days of departure.
$30.00 Late payment: charged per week for any final payments not received by the due date.
$50.00 Travel document re-issue: charged per person in addition to supplier re-issue fees.
$50.00 Additional administration: such as special receipts or invoices for claiming deductions etc.

Responsibility:Whiteroom Tours acts only as an agent for the companies (Principals) providing or offering the means of travel, accommodation and other services and as such has no control over any services or products provided by these Principals. All bookings made are subject to the booking terms and conditions under which these services are provided. The Company and its Principals reserve the right, without liability or right of compensation, to prohibit or restrict any activity, or cancel or alter any service or itinerary component, without notice. Whiteroom Tours will not be held responsible for the inability of the Principals to comply with any special request relating to age, medical conditions, physical ability or disability, dietary requirements, allergic conditions, smoking or non-smoking accommodation.

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is highly recommended for all holiday packages. We recommend you take our travel insurance upon booking and paying deposit, to cover you for cancellation fees in the unfortunate event of a cancellation.

Transfers:Any transfers missed or not utilised by the client are non refundable. The cancellation policy of each service provider will determine whether a missed transfer can be moved to an alternate time/date. Whiteroom Tours reserves the right to amend departure times & service providers at our discretion. You will be notified by Whiteroom Tours should this occur.

Airfares: Can be purchased through Whiteroom Tours as part of your travel package. The conditions for the purchase of the airfare will be dependent on the airline & airfare that you are booked on and will be advised to you by Whiteroom Tours at time of quotation and confirmation. All fares quoted remain subject to availability at time of booking. Price may vary until fully paid and ticketed.

It is the passenger’s responsibility to:

  • Ensure correct spelling of names for persons travelling is advised to Whiteroom Tours at time of booking on the booking form & correctly shown into your itinerary.
  • Provide Whiteroom Tours with flight details for any flights not booked with Whiteroom Tours & ensure these details are shown correctly into your itinerary.
  • Advise Whiteroom Tours of any changes to the above supplied flight details & ensure that these details are shown correctly into your itinerary. Whiteroom Tours will not be held liable for any missed connecting flight, transfer, accommodation or any other service due to incorrect supply of flight information. 

Frequent Flyers:If you are a current member of a Frequent Flyer program, we will require your membership number for entry into your booking. You should still retain your boarding passes and other receipts such as car rentals and hotel documents to ensure that all points are accurately credited to your account by the travel provider. Whiteroom Tours cannot be held responsible for copies of airline tickets/accounts once you have travelled. Not all airfares booked will accrue Frequent Flyer points. Please check with your consultant at time of booking or with your Frequent Flyer provider.