Sky to Sea Powder Snowboarding Tour

The Sea to Sky Powder Tour from WhiteRoom Tours is based in Furano (Central Hokkaido) and Otaru (by the sea). The Sea to Sky Powder Tour will have you road tripping each day to different Central Hokkaido ski areas and the coastal powder zone of Otaru whilst simultaneously improving your powder snowboarding skills.

Central Hokkaido and Otaru are some of the last areas of Hokkaido not yet overrun by gaijin (foreigners). Expect run after run of untracked powder, no crowds and a true cultural experience. Your certified instructor and guide will help you gain more confidence in all types of powder filled terrain.

For the first 6 nights you’ll be staying in the base in Furano. From there you will ski Furano, Kamui, Asahidake, Tomamu or Sahoro – whichever has the best conditions that day. The terrain of each resort will help you gradually progress your powder boarding – from the wide open trees on a 25 degree pitch at Tomamu to the steeper powder slopes of Asahidake. Each ski area has its own weather zone so you’re always guaranteed to find some powder to play in.

Central Hokkaido also offers up a great Japanese cultural experience with beautiful volcanic onsens, amazing local food and local Japanese experiences.

From Furano the group will head through Sapporo to Otaru famed for being the snowiest place in Japan. Along the way you’ll have a cultural excursion in Sapporo, checking out ramen alley, the Sapporo Beer Factor, crazy Japanese games arcades, shopping, and wandering around the snowiest city in Japan.

During the time in Otaru, Sapporo Kokusai, Teine and Kiroro are potential resorts to be hit up and whichever two of these has the best weather will have the pleasure of our presence.

Ability Level

The required ability is advanced on-piste and strong intermediate in powder. This tour is specifically designed for those who want a less formal level of instruction, instead wanting powder and technique hints and tips. You may have been on the Powder Progression Tour and are ready to take the next step up the progression ladder. You must be able to confidently ski/ride the whole mountain on piste making parallels/carving turns at speed and have skied or ridden open powder but lack confidence in treed or steeper terrain. You must also have a good level of fitness. Snowboarders in this level are able to keep speed in most situations as well as hold a reasonable traverse line. Please make a an honest assessment of your abilities whilst keeping fitness in mind as to not slow the group down. If you have any questions regarding your ability, please make an enquiry.

The tours have a maximum of 12 people (generally 6 skiers/6 snowboarders) and a 6:1 client to guide ratio.

Accommodation

Furano

In Furano the accommodation is at the new and comfortable Rising Sun B&B with local hosts Gonzo and Yuka. Located in central Kitanomine you are surrounded by great spots to eat and drink, or you may like to stay in and be looked after by your wonderful hosts as they serve local produce in your own private restaurant/bar. Each room is spacious and beautifully appointed with large king sized single beds, couches, a huge TV, ensuite bathroom, laundry and tea and coffee making facilities. You’ll love staying here.

Otaru The 4.5 star Grand Park Otaru Hotel is right on the water with views up and down the coast and on the other side of the hotel there are views to the hills you’ll be skiing over the next few days. You’ll stay in luxury here with all the comforts of home and then some. The breakfast is amazing and with a shopping centre, bars and restaurants below the hotel you’ll have plenty to do when you’re not skiing.

Itinerary

Day 1 (arrival check-in day – first night)

Upon landing at Sapporo’s Chitose Airport you’ll be transferred by Resort Liner coach service to Hotel Bell Hills where you will be met by the guest services team and taken to the hotel. You’ll be free for the rest of the day to go for a quick ski, get fitted for your rental equipment, or just relax and settle in. That night the group will have a few welcome drinks where you’ll meet your lead guide who will run you through the tour, current conditions and answer any questions you have.

Day 2 (first day on snow)

After a delicious breakfast, you’ll suit up and be issued your avalanche rental gear (unless you brought your own) then you'll be taken through the safety briefing. The guides usually spend the first days guiding you around one of their favourite mountains – Furano. You’ll get your feet and smash some JAPOW. After the first days skiing, you’ll celebrate with a delicious Japanese welcome dinner with local food put on by your hosts.

Day 3 – 7 (4 days on snow including 1 rest day)

Each day your guide will be checking the forecast to see which resort has the best powder conditions, with choices from Asahidake, Kamui, Tomamu and Sahoro. Each resort brings something different to your experience with wide-open bowls, chutes, gladed trees, pillows and all-around fun-filled days. There are some great onsen on the way back to Furano which the group may stop at to soak the muscles ready for the next days’ adventure.

Day 8 (Furano – Otaru transfer & cultural day)

It’s time to say goodbye to Central Hokkaido and make your way to the powder-filled zone of Otaru. Unless the guides decide to ski that day due to conditions, you will stop in Sapporo where you will wander the snowy streets, have Sapporo’s best ramen in Ramen Alley, check out the beautiful building and delicious beer at Sapporo Beer Hall, shop, and enjoy Hokkaido’s biggest city. In the afternoon you will check into Grand Park Otaru, a 4-star hotel with views of the ocean on one side and snow-covered mountains on the other.

Day 9-10 (2 days on snow)

Staying in Otaru gives you easy access to some of the most powder areas in Hokkaido. You’ll have 3 main resorts you can choose from close by being Kiroro, Kokusai and Teine. Each ski area receives the first brunt on the NW systems coming in from Siberia meaning they get absolutely dumped on. Classic gladed trees, mushrooms, powder-filled bowls and face shots await! Each night you’ll come back to Otaru and enjoy the quaint bars, delicious seafood and unique culture of this seaside city.

Day 11 (Check-out and departure day)

After an epic 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!

NOTE: 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.

Inclusions & Add Ons

Rates Notes:

• 330,000 yen
• Other dates and private groups on request pending availability
• Base rate currency in Japanese yen

 

Terms & Conditions of Whiteroom Tours

COVID-19 DEPOSIT AND CANCELLATION POLICY

(Updated 9 March 2022) We understand that due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic you may have concerns about booking a trip to Japan. In response to the current situation Whiteroom will continue to offer flexible and fair booking options. Our goal is to provide you with maximum peace of mind when booking while also ensuring that we keep our wheels turning. In addition to what’s below, we want you to know that we are open to discussion and figuring out what works for all of us, as has always been the case. For all CURRENT bookings made previous to 1 MAR 2022 the following terms and conditions will apply once Japan’s borders open for inbound tourist travel with a compulsory quarantine period of 3 days or less both upon arrival into Japan and upon returning home. For all NEW bookings for the ’22-23 season the following terms and conditions will apply from 1 March 2022.

TOUR PRODUCTS

• DEPOSIT: A 20% non-refundable deposit is required upon booking. This deposit is fully transferable to a future tour till August 31, 2022.
• FINAL PAYMENT: A non-refundable final balance will be due by October 31, 2022. Failure to make this payment will result in the cancellation of your tour.

GUIDING AND INSTRUCTIONAL PRODUCTS

• DEPOSIT: A 20% non-refundable deposit is required upon booking. This deposit is fully transferable till 60 days prior to the start date.
• FINAL PAYMENT: A non-refundable final balance will be due 60 days prior to your start date. Failure to make this payment will result in the cancellation of your booking.

GENERAL TRAVEL PRODUCTS

• DEPOSIT: A 20% non-refundable deposit is required upon booking. This deposit is fully transferable to a future booking till 60 days prior to the start date.
• NOTE: other suppliers may request a higher deposit percentage or specific amount and these amounts may be non-refundable. Supplier terms and conditions will be outlined on your quote confirmation if they are stricter than our own.
• FINAL PAYMENT: A non-refundable final balance will be due 60 days prior to your start date, or 5 days from booking confirmation if booking is within 60 days. Failure to make this payment will result in the cancellation of your booking

COVID-19 EXCLUSIVE POLICY

If a travel ban is in effect restricting travel to Japan or to and from your home country or if it is mandatory to quarantine either upon arrival into Japan or when returning to your home country for 4 or more days in either instance the following terms and conditions will apply unless third party supplier terms and conditions are stricter (you will be advised of this upon booking):

Up to 60 days prior to your start date:

• 100% of payments made are transferable to the following year.
• Or you may also cancel and receive a refund less 10% of the total booking (this amount can be reclaimed in the form of a credit on a future booking)

30 – 59 days prior to your start date:

• 50% of payments made are transferable to the following year.
• Or you may also cancel and receive a refund less 50% of the total booking (10% this amount can be reclaimed in the form of a credit on a future booking)

Less than 30 days prior your start date:

• 25% of payments made are transferable to the following year.
• Or you may also cancel and receive a refund less 75% of the total booking (10% this amount can be reclaimed in the form of a credit on a future booking)

Back-to-back cancellations:

• If we are holding only a deposit and are forced to cancel your trip two seasons in a row, that amount will become entirely non-refundable and non-transferable.
•  

RIGHTS RESERVED

We reserve the right to cancel trips at any time due to unsettling political, social or environmental events, in which case the same transfer/refund options we’re offering for COVID will apply. We additionally reserve the right to cancel due to inadequate client registrations, at which time we will offer a refund in full.

EXCLUSIONS

We cannot offer refunds for missed reservations, early departures, inclement weather/extreme avalanche danger, snow conditions, or force majeure events beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, and are not responsible for additional expenses incurred in preparing for the trip (e.g. airline tickets, visa application fees, equipment purchases, etc).

RATE & PRICE VARIATION

All prices on this website are based on Japanese yen rates which are then converted to your chosen currency based on mid market rates. Whiteroom reserves the right until final payment has been received in full, to vary prices and rates in the event of changes in currency exchange or price increases made by our suppliers or airlines.

Final payment is required in the currency chosen at the time of booking confirmation. The total amount due will be calculated using the exchange rate on that day. This means that any increase or decrease in the exchange rate will affect the total of your package and final due amount of your package. Whiteroom Tours is not liable for any price increases. Only payment in full will lock in the exchange rate.

If you plan to make the full payment at the time of booking or before the final due date you must notify your consultant who will recalculate using the mid market rate on that day.

If your booking has increased in price due to an exchange rate fluctuation and you do not pay the increased price your booking will be subject to cancellation. Please note that cancellation charges will apply. All prices are subject to availability & can be withdrawn or varied without notice. Airline taxes remain subject to change at all times until payment has been received in full and your tickets have been issued.

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 of quoting. Whiteroom Tours reserves the right to alter these prices at any time due to exchange rate fluctuations, rate change by a supplier or consultant error.

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.

By making a payment on a booking you agree to these terms and conditions as outlined on this page.

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.

TOURS & ABILITY

Whiteroom Tours reserves the right to remove a client from any tour if he or she is of an ability not suited to that tour. No refund will be due for any unused portion of the tour. The client takes full responsibility for the self-categorisation of their ability based on the descriptions provided on the Skier/Rider Level tab on each tour page.

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.
¥5,000 Booking Amendment: charged per amendment once a booking has been confirmed.
¥20,000 Booking amendment inside 14 days: charged per amendment for changes inside 14 days of departure.
¥5,000 Late payment: charged per week for any final payments not received by the due date.

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

Whiteroom recommends purchasing travel insurance when you pay your deposit as that way you may be covered for accidents that prevent you from travelling as well as for your holiday.

PRIVACY

Whiteroom Tours collects information about you in order to book components of your travel package. You authorise Whiteroom Tours to provide this information to suppliers who require this information before they will provide products or services to you.

BOOKING FORM

A booking form is required for each passenger booked to travel. For group bookings, it is the responsibility of the person whose name holds the booking, to ensure that each member of their group is aware of the booking conditions and completes and returns a booking form. Booking forms are required at the time of booking deposit or flight reservation. The information provided on your booking form is essential for your booking details and travel arrangements. This information is required for your booking to proceed. Whiteroom Tours will not book any component of your travel package without receiving a signed booking form from you.

REFUNDS

If you are eligible for a refund once a booking has been cancelled, the balance less any non-refundable amounts and cancellation fees will be forwarded to you upon receipt of the refund from the supplier or airline. Whilst Whiteroom Tours will endeavour to get your money to you as soon as possible, some refunds can take up to 12 weeks to process.

LIABILITY

Your safety is Whiteroom’s number one priority. However skiing and snowboarding are sports that are hazardous and have inherent risks of injury and/or death. By travelling with Whiteroom you voluntarily agree to assume all risks of injury or death that may result from skiing or snowboarding. As such you agree to hereby release Whiteroom Tours and their employees and agents of any obligation to advise you in relation to the dangers obvious or not, inherent in the sport. You accept that you will participate in such sport(s) of your own free will and never at the direction of Whiteroom Tours and/or their employees and agents. You voluntarily take full responsibility for any damage or injury to myself or which you may cause to others.

JAPANESE ACCOMMODATION

Some Japanese properties may differ from those encountered in Western ski resorts. Whilst hospitality and service levels often surpass Western standards, rooms generally have less furniture & hanging/storage space. Ensuites are generally smaller and some are of a modular design. Some Japanese properties also allow smoking in common areas & some guest rooms. Traditional Hotels or Ryokans often have rooms with Tatami Matt flooring and futon beds. Some rooms will not have ensuites and instead will have shared bathing in segregated bath houses or onsens. We will inform you of these cultural differences and you may be pleasantly surprised by how easily you can adjust to the Japanese way of life. If not please request a western style accommodation.

WAIVER

If you are participating in a Whiteroom Tour or are being guided by Whiteroom you will be required to read and sign our wavier before participation. Failure to do so will result in you not being able to accompany our guides on any activity.