Snow Okami Otaru Week
"Okami" means "wolf" and you'll want to get your snow wolf pack together for the ultimate week based in the town of Otaru, which provides easy access to multiple ski areas that are renowned for the heavy snowfall that they receive. Your guide will show you the best powder stashes in the lift-accessed zones of the Otaru ski areas.
Scheduled trips are Sunday to Sunday, or pending availability, it's possible to get a customised trip with flexibility around duration and day of commencement.
Summary
- Based in the city of Otaru, which is vibrant and has plenty of great restaurants
- 7 ski resorts close by and your guide will choose the best each day based on snow conditions and weather to find the best powder
- Always striving for first tracks and quiet ski areas
- Terrain is in-resort, off-piste, tree skiing, lift-accessed backcountry/sidecountry with zero or minimal boot packing/hiking unless you request this
- Nightly restaurants booked to experience the best local cuisine
- 6 full days of lift passes and guiding 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
- Soak in the natural hot springs (onsen) like a local each afternoon
- Fully hosted trip that includes transport, accommodation, guiding and concierge.
Group
These Otaru trips are for PRIVATE GROUPS ONLY of 4 to 6 people, unless otherwise requested. 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.
The pricing varies depending on how many people you have in your group, and also by the time of the season. See the Rates & Inclusions tab for details regarding pricing.
If you have any questions
please get in contact.
Terrain, Equipment & Ski Areas
The focus of the terrain for the tours is in zones that are lift-accessed ie ski touring or hiking is not required unless requested. Touring gear is not required, however if you have your own touring gear and are competent or experienced backcountry riders, the guides will happily accommodate your terrain objectives.
An avalanche beacon and pack with shovel and probe is an absolute MUST. Bring your own or you can rent a pack as an add-on.
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
This is a serious powder tour built for strong skiers and riders. You'll feel right at home if you're confident in deep snow and happy on ungroomed, steeper terrain and trees. Advanced to expert is the sweet spot.
Backcountry experience isn’t entirely necessary as there will be a comprehensive briefing on arrival night.
A reasonable level of fitness is required to ensure you are able to safely ride Japan’s deepest powder all day every day.
Dinners
You guide will make a dinner reservation for each evening. There are abundant options in Otaru including: Japanese BBQ (Yakiniku) at the best all-you-can-eat place in town; ramen at a very popular, family-run shop; soup curry at a local favourite; sushi train; udon; seafood buffet; and other faves such as yakitori, okonomiyaki, and tonkatsu. Western alternatives can be also accommodated with pre-arrangement. The guides will join for the first and last nights for a welcome and farewell dinner.