Snow Okami Otaru Day Guiding
By now you've heard that the Otaru region gets slammed with abundant snowfall, which is enough to get a powder hound drooling. There are
several ski resorts that are easily accessible from Otaru that offer some good powder stashes and having a guide to get you out beyond the resort boundaries is a great way to make sure you get the best of the powder and the trees. No wandering the resort hoping to stumble onto the goods. Your guide will take you straight to the best snow on the mountain and keep you on it.
Your group of 2 to 6 people can choose from one day of guiding or more days if you're a greedy powder hound. The sample pricing above is per person assuming that you have 6 in your group and it's January. The rates are tiered depending on how many people you have in your group and the timing. See the Rates & Inclusions tab for details on pricing.
Summary
- Includes transport between your base in the city of Otaru and the ski area.
- 7 ski resorts close by and your guide will choose the best ski based on snow conditions and weather to find the best powder
- Terrain is in-resort, off-piste, tree skiing, lift-accessed backcountry/sidecountry with zero or minimal boot packing/hiking unless you request this
- Lift passes are included.
- All guides are also qualified instructors, so you have the option to get some tips if you want to better ride the powder stashes
Group
"Okami" means "wolf" and you'll want to get your snow wolf pack together
These Otaru trips are for PRIVATE GROUPS ONLY of 2 to 6 people. The guide to guest ratio is a maximum of 1:4 so there is one guide for groups of 4 and a second guide for groups of 5 or 6.
If you want to check availability or have any questions please get in touch.
Terrain & Ski Areas
The focus of the terrain is in zones that are lift-accessed ie ski touring or hiking is not required unless requested.
The ski areas within easy reach of Otaru include a couple of reasonably well known ski resorts along with some small ski areas that are relatively unknown amongst powder hounds. The ski resorts visited may include:
Ability Level
It's your group and ideally you all have similar ability levels and objectives. To get the most out of the guiding, it's ideal if everyone is an advanced to expert skier or snowboarder and feels confident in deep snow and in the trees. Snowboarders should be able to hold a good traverse and maintain speed for easy ingress and egress from the powder lines.
Backcountry experience isn’t essential.
A reasonable level of fitness is required to ensure you are able to safely ride Japan’s deepest powder.
Equipment
Outside the resort boundaries, an avalanche beacon and pack with shovel and probe is mandatory. Bring your own or you can rent a pack as an add-on.