Otaru Powder Guides
Otaru Powder Guides is a small ski and snowboard guiding outfit in Hokkaido Japan. Otaru Powder Guides is headed up by Max Giutronich, who has been based in Hokkaido for winters since 2010 and living in the Otaru area full-time since 2014. Max and co. speak the language and have an understanding of the customs and culture of the local population, are grateful to live there, and are well placed to show you why they love the place so much.
In addition to being insured, Otaru Powder Guides are qualified and certified: Avalanche Operations Stage 1; Wilderness First Responder 80 hr; Snowboard Level 3 Instructor & Ski Instructor certified.
Otaru Powder Guides provide day guiding for resort-based powder tours and backcountry guiding in the mountains around Otaru. OPG also provides introduction to backcountry days.
Otaru Powder Guides Terms & Conditions
Requirements
- All participants must be strong skiers or snowboarders with some experience riding
powder.
- Avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe) is required for backcountry and
sidecountry days — gear can be provided upon request.
- Guests joining backcountry touring must have appropriate touring equipment
(splitboard, touring skis, skins, etc.).Â
Group Size & Private Booking
- Trips are private bookings only, for 1–5 people.
Payment & Booking
- A 50 % deposit is required to confirm your booking. Deposits are non-refundable.
- Full payment is due 2 months prior to arrival. Any cancellations with less than 45 days
notice is not eligible for a refund.
Cancellation Policy
- In the event of trip disruption due to unforeseen weather, illness, or injury, no refunds are
provided — travel insurance is required.
Weather & Conditions
- If weather or snow safety prevents access to certain terrain, alternative options will be
offered (e.g., resort-based riding instead of backcountry).
- No refunds will be issued due to weather-related changes or limited terrain access.
Liability & Insurance
- All participants must sign a waiver of liability before the trip begins.
- Comprehensive travel and accident insurance is mandatory, including coverage for
snowsports and off-piste activities.
- Your guide is certified, qualified, and insured.