Hokkaido Classic Tour
The Hokkaido Classic Tour is a multi-day tour that takes in the 3 "classic" powder zones in Japan. You'll cover the best of Hokkaido powder skiing and riding.
You'll start in the
Niseko area, which is renowned for amazing bountiful powder because the powder factory often goes into overdrive. lovely tree skiing, and some alpine objectives. Next on the agenda is
Otaru which is a small city near the sea that has lots of great restaurants. The ski areas near Otaru are up there in the
top snowiest ski resorts in Japan. You'll finish in
Central Hokkaido staying in
Furano, where the powder is lighter and the mountains steeper.
This tour has an option for fixed date mixed group tours that solos and couples can join. The terrain focus for mixed group tours is lift-accessed powder in the off-piste and backcountry of the ski areas, with the occasional bootpack. If it so happens that all the group are keen to earn the turns in the backcountry, that can also be on the agenda.
The other option for the Hokkaido Classic Tour is to do it as a private group (minimum 2 people) and the terrain focus can be whatever you like, pending weather and snow conditions. On snowy days it may make sense to ride the powder off the lifts, whilst on others you may use a ski resort lift or cable car (ropeway) to get an initial lift and other ascent is under human power. If you have any questions or want to check availability for a private tour you can
make a booking request.
Local weather patterns typically vary somewhat, and your guide will have some flexibility to adapt the trip to chase snow conditions in order for you to get the best possible experience.
Ability
Private Tours: This tour requires advanced riding skills with entry level backcountry knowledge. Riders should be fit and comfortable skiing black runs and progressing into powder snow.
Group tours: All riders must be at least advanced ability with some backcountry knowledge to join in a group tour. Riders should be fit and comfortable skiing powder.
Your guide can give you a few tips along the way if you wish, regarding efficiently riding powder or backcountry safety.
Equipment
For group tours, if everyone in the group wants to do some touring then backcountry ski and snowboard equipment will be required. For touring skis we recommend a minimum of 100+ underfoot and these can be rented via SummitSki.
Avalanche safety equipment will be essential. For more information on equipment rental
please contact us for details.