backcountry 202717-24 january 2027
hokkaido, japan
pow(d)ered bypow(d)ered by

Take on the beautiful landscape of Japan

Level

Intermediate to Advanced Freeride & Backcountry Skiers

Group

Up to 7 participants per group. Every trip is guaranteed 2 shirayuki.ski-certified guides (lead and tail) to ensure maximum safety, smooth riding, and full support for everyone on and off the mountain.

Period

17-24 January 2027 (8 days/7 nights)

Accommodation

A mix of traditional Japanese ryokans, modern Western hotels, and unique local stays. If you are travelling solo, you will share a room with single beds.

Gear

Freeride Skis. Skins and Tourable Bindings are required.

Mandatory: helmet, probe, shovel, 3-antenna transceiver & avalanche backpack.
“The powder here is unlike anything else on Earth. It’s so light and dry that when you ski through it, you don’t hear a sound—it just explodes around you like smoke.” — Travis Rice

Your Powder Week

The shirayuki.ski team will meet you at CTS (New Chitose Airport) for your private transfer to Otaru -please aim to land before 12:00 PM local time. Once settled at our accommodation, you can choose between a quick nap or an acclimatization session that includes night skiing with stunning ocean views. We will wrap up the evening with a welcome drink on us, a safety brief for the next day, and a casual dinner in town before turning in.

We kick off our quest for deep powder by targeting the resort with the best snow conditions around Otaru, typically Kiroro, Kokusai, or Sapporo Teine. After a full day hunting lines, we return to our base in Otaru to head out for dinner at a local Japanese eatery.

 

We pack up and check out of Otaru in the morning, driving to explore a new local mountain or return to hit any hidden stashes we missed the day before. Following our day chase, we transfer to Asahikawa and settle into our central hotel, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the city vibe, lively izakayas, and world-famous ramen scene of Hokkaido’s second-largest city.

Today we join local mountain guides using private snowmobiles to access a secluded, uncrowded backcountry zone packed with endless untracked powder. Depending on our timing after the ride, we may unwind in a natural open-air onsen before returning to Asahikawa for the evening.

We head into Daisetsuzan National Park to ride the volcanic terrain of Asahidake, using short skinning routes to navigate around steaming fumaroles and reach untouched alpine bowls. In the evening, we check into an authentic Japanese ryokan featuring thermal baths, where traditional dinner and breakfast are fully included.

We spend a second full day exploring the high-alpine features, steeps, and tree lines of Asahidake. After wrapping up another incredible freeride session on the volcano, we load up and transfer to our final location for the week.

We will max out our last day of riding by chasing the fresh storm snow, whether that means staying right in Furano or hunting untracked powder at smaller neighboring resorts. In the evening, we will gather back in Furano for one final night to toast to an incredible journey.

If you need to head home, we will provide a morning return transfer to CTS Airport for your flight. Otherwise, you are welcome to stay in the area to further explore Hokkaido (we would be very jealous!)

Package Details & Rates

WHAT IS INCLUDED
✔ Accommodation
A mix of traditional Japanese ryokans, modern Western hotels, and unique local stays staged right where the best conditions are.
✔ Skipass
6 daily lift passes included! We hunt the weather map each morning to drop you right into the day’s best untouched powder.
✔ Pre-Trip Powder & Safety Day in the Alps
Before we fly to Japan, we’ll meet up for a full day in Italy, Switzerland, or Austria this December (location picked based on early-season snow). We’ll refresh avalanche safety skills, test gear, and get to know the crew over real alpine turns—all included in your price.
✔ shirayuki.ski-Certified Guides
You’re in expert hands with our EU-certified pros. We run a lead-and-tail team—one guide setting the line up front, and one sweeping the back so no one gets left behind.
✔ Transfers
We roll in one or two private vans depending on our crew size, making quick, seamless moves between resorts to maximize your mountain time.
✔ Fuel & Tolls
Gas money and highway tolls? Totally on us. Just sit back, relax, and watch the snow fall.
✔ Limited Breakfasts & Dinners
A few of our stops include morning fuel and a group dinner to swap stories from the day's best runs.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
✘ Flights
Since our crew flies in from all over the globe, you'll book your own wings—though our partner travel agency is happy to help you map it out!
✘ Food
Japan’s food scene is way too good to lock you into a fixed menu. After chasing powder all day, we’re going on culinary adventures together to sample local delicacies.
✘ Mandatory Insurance
Every country’s policies are different, so you’ll need to send us proof of search & rescue insurance before we ride. We strongly suggest trip cancellation coverage too!
✘ Ski Gear
Bring your own ride so you're ready to shred from day one! Aim for skis at least 100mm underfoot for maximum float with skins and tourable bindings (mandatory) for our Freeride & Backcountry Week. If you prefer a freeride only trip, aim for our Week 1 Trip. Standard safety gear is strictly mandatory: helmet, 3-antenna transceiver, shovel, probe, and avalanche airbag.
✘ Tips
Tips for our awesome local hosts, drivers, and guiding team are totally up to you if you loved the vibe.
PRICING & PAYMENTS
Deposit
Deposit to confirm your place: EUR 1,495.
Tiered Group Rates
3 participants: EUR 3,895
4 participants: EUR 3,595
5 participants: EUR 3,450
6 participants: EUR 3,295
7 participants: EUR 3,195
Final Balance Confirmation
Before your final payment is due (60 days prior to departure upon group confirmation), our shirayuki.ski Reservations Team will reach out to confirm the final headcount and locked-in price.
Payment Methods & Discount
We accept all major credit and debit cards. Prefer to pay via bank transfer? Since it saves us on processing fees, we’ll pass those savings right back to you with a 1.5% discount on your total!
Private Group Option
Riding with a crew of friends and want to close the trip as an exclusive private tour? Talk to us—we can easily arrange a custom setup for your group!

Tour Coordinator

All shirayuki.ski Tour Coordinators are carefully selected, EU-certified ski instructors and ski guides—ensuring you total peace of mind, both on and off the mountain.

Lead & Tail Guides

When chasing powder, we maximize fun with an ultra-low guest-to-guide ratio—far below industry standards. Even a dropped ski pole shouldn’t worry you!

Tiny Groups

Powder is precious and group vibes matter. We cap trips at 7 guests max. When it’s sold out, we won’t add extra groups—that’s guaranteed.

Private Transfers

We run 1 or 2 dedicated vans to move seamlessly across resorts. Powder doesn’t wait, and when the mountains call, away we go!

Solid Operations

Friendly vibes upfront, rock-solid logistics behind the scenes. Our specialized adventure tour operator handles all rentals, stays, bookings, and travel support

Friends

Come as a client, leave as friends. We like to keep things warm, informal, and relaxed from day one.

Need More Details Before You Decide?