Week 1 (Freeride): Our primary focus is chasing the best champagne powder using lift access at various resorts. To get off the beaten track and find untracked lines, expect short skinning sections (up to 400 vertical meters).

Week 2 (Freeride & Backcountry): We step further into the wilderness. The highlight of Week 2 includes snowmobiles taking us deep beyond resort boundaries, allowing us to spend full days skinning and exploring untouched forests far from the crowds.

Our itineraries and pace are strictly calibrated for skiers, and all of our guides are skiers. We recognize that snowboarders have different equipment and logistical requirements in flat transitions or deep traverses.

However, if you are an advanced splitboarder who can adapt seamlessly to a group of skiers, please reach out to us directly. We will evaluate your experience and advise you on the best week to join based on the composition of the current powder-chasing team.

Unfortunately, no. Our January 2027 Hokkaido offer is exclusively designed for intermediate and advanced skiers who have prior off-piste freeride experience and avalanche search and rescue training.

If you are looking to build foundational skills, our sister brand FIL Alpin organizes specialized camps in Europe for off-piste beginners. These camps cover powder technique and mountain safety fundamentals so you can prepare for future trips. Contact our sister team at ski@filalpin.com if you would like to join a training camp!

Absolutely! While we visit different mountain areas across the two weeks, we may also return to certain resorts depending on where the snow conditions are best. Japan’s famous powder is highly localized and dynamic, so we remain flexible to chase the best conditions every single day.

We offer a special discount for participants booking both weeks. If you plan to join us for the full two-week adventure, let us know when contacting us.

Yes. Safety is paramount at shirayuki.ski, and we accept zero compromises:

Required Experience: Intermediate to advanced off-piste skiing ability with prior freeride experience.

Mandatory Safety Gear: Avalanche safety backpack, shovel, probe, and transceiver (beacon).

Pre-Trip Safety Refresh: In December, we organize a full-day meet-up and avalanche search & rescue training session in the European Alps (Austria, Switzerland, or Italy, depending on snow conditions) at no extra cost for confirmed participants. This allows everyone to refresh their rescue skills and get to know the team before heading to Japan.

No. Because our participants join us from various countries with different residency regulations, insurance is not included. Each participant must independently obtain personal third-party liability insurance as well as medical and search & rescue (SAR) insurance that covers off-piste skiing in Japan prior to departure.

Deposit: Required at the time of booking to secure your spot.

Final Balance: Full payment is due 90 days prior to the trip departure date.

Refunds: All payments are non-refundable. We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel/cancellation insurance to cover any unexpected circumstances.

Your package includes:

Ground Transportation: Private rental vehicles for all transfers around Hokkaido, including fuel and highway tolls.

Lift Passes: Lift tickets for all designated resort ski days.

Accommodation: Twin or group accommodation (Japanese tatami or Western-style rooms, depending on location) with shared or private bathroom facilities.

Meals: Selected breakfasts at specific hotels, plus 2 group dinners.

Professional Guiding: 6 full days of guided skiing accompanied by 2 European-certified ski guides and instructors (Lead and Tail guide).

Small Group Size: Capped at a maximum of 7 riders per group to ensure high safety standards, fluid pace, and plenty of uncrowded, unchopped powder lines for everyone!