Typical Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival and check-in day
Upon landing at Sapporo’s Chitose Airport you’ll be transferred by Resort Liner to the Hirafu Welcome Centre where you’ll be met by the team and then checked into Full Note. That night you'll be hosted in the Half Note Bar where you’ll meet the lead guide and managers who will run you through the tour, weather and answer any questions you have. (NB: If you wish to organise rental ski 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 ski day)
First day of exploring Niseko! For your first 4 days on snow your instructors will take a look at your technique and run you through powder skiing fundamentals, gear setup, stance, turn shape/size, technique and how this affects your speed in powder. At the end of the day, you will all enjoy a traditional Japanese meal and a few drinks around the fire.

Day 3
Today the instructors will show you how big Niseko is! They’ll hunt out some powder stashes and explore how you move on skis mainly vertically and rotationally and how this affects turn size and turn shape, in various treed areas and powder-filled terrain.

Day 4
It’s time to check out one of our favourites spots – Moiwa Ski Area. You will spend the day carving up the super wide piste, you'll be guided through the trees and work on those deep powder turns on a variety of pitches and gladed areas.

Day 5
Day tour to Rusutsu Resort. You will spend the day being guided through the trees and valleys of Rusustu, as well as their very quirky hotel! You should now have a new found confidence when skiing powder and maybe even look to start hitting some of many natural features in Rusutsu. Time to take it to the next level!

Day 6
Today includes an avalanche safety workshop, transfer to Otaru and cultural day. After 4 days of honing your powder skills in the Niseko area it’s time to pack your bags as you head to the historical port city of Otaru. You’ll be joined by a new guide who will introduce you to backcountry safety equipment and run you through a workshop on the fundamentals of avalanche safety, before you start to head further beyond the resorts for deeper powder. Then in the afternoon you will hit the road and enjoy a cultural excursion which may include the Nikka Whiskey Distillery, exploring beautiful Otaru, and visiting the famous canals.

Day 7
Pack your onsen gear and a snorkel as you’ll be heading off to Kiroro today where your guide will show you some deep powder stashes. By now you’ll really be getting the hang of the techniques you need to ski Japan’s deep pow. This powder gem has some awesome terrain and fresh lines all day. An onsen on the way home is also a popular option.

Day 8
Today you’ll visit Kokusai resort, which also consistently receives huge amounts of snow each winter and has some great backcountry options. You’ll finish with a farewell dinner and sample the amazing seafood this area is famous for, to round off your amazing Japan powder experience.

The snow festival tour will also include a trip to Sapporo to see the huge ice sculptures, a spectacular event that has been running for over 70 years.

Day 9
After an epic week of progression and 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 conditons are. This is the beauty of such a tour. This itinerary may change depending on snow and weather conditions. Your guides/instructors will always try to get you into the best conditions on the day possible. 

Pension Full Note

In Niseko you’ll be staying at the lovely Pension Full Note. It is a Japanese-style bed & breakfast located in the centre of Hirafu, the main village of Niseko, with lovely staff and a warm and cosy ski lodge vibe. It has a sunken lounge, fireplace, long communal table where the group has the Shabu-Shabu welcome dinner party and daily breakfast. Rooms are twin or triple share with shared bathroom facilities on the lower floor and sinks and toilets on every floor.

More information on Pension Full Note

If shared facilities aren’t for you there are plenty of accommodation options close by. Please enquire for upgrade options and pricing. 

2024 Rates, Inclusions & Add-Ons

395,000 JPY / Person

Jan 29 tour (Sapporo Snow Festival) - 430,000 JPY/Person

About Rates:

• base currency is Japanese yen inc consumption tax - convert to your currency here
• prices are based on twin or triple-share room
• 4 people max per tour (4 to 1 max client to guide ratio). 3 person minimum.
• if you want a private customised tour you can request a quote here
• this tour is for skiers only - if you are a group of 4 or more snowboarders you can request a snowboard guide/instructor on any of the tour dates - please enquire for more details.

Inclusions

• 5 nights twin/triple share accommodation at Pension Full Note in central Hirafu, Niseko. 3 nights twin/triple share accommodation at OMO5 Otaru
• 6 days of lift tickets
• 6 days guiding/instruction - max 4 to 1 client to coach ratio
• Welcome and farewell dinners
• Airport transfer with Resort Liner to Niseko & ground transport
• Transfer day/cultural day tour, onsen tour
• Apres hosting
• Daily breakfast
• For the 29 Jan tour date, trip to Sapporo Snow Festival.

Add-ons

• Accommodation upgrade
• Avalanche gear rental (compulsory to have)
• Backcountry touring day
• Extend your stay
• Single share accommodation
• Ski or snowboard rental

Not Included

• Flights - find cheapest flights
• Ski travel insurance - buy insurance here

WHITEROOM TOURS TERMS & CONDITIONS

Currency All payments to Whiteroom Tours are in Australia Dollars (AUD)
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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.

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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.

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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.
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• Within 30 days of departure – 100% of total paid will apply.
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$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.

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• 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.
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