OUR EXCLUSIVE END OF SEASON SKI TOUR & ADVENTURE ACROSS HOKKAIDO JAPAN
Our exclusive Hokkaido Ski Safari 2024 is for our keen skiers who wish to take on and experience skiing the famous light powder of Hokkaido, Japan. This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime ski experience across the snow-sure north island, travelling for 10 nights with your Japanese Powder Byrne Ski Guide to taste the ski offerings of Kiroro, Furano, Tomamu, Rusutsu, and of course, the famous Niseko resort.
About the Ski Safari
Skiing in Japan is very different from skiing the traditional Alpine experience that many of our clients will have known. Hokkaido, the northern island of Japan, is one of the world’s most perfectly situated locations for its continuous and impressive amounts of snow each winter. The most famous resorts are situated near the North West of the island, with the humidity of the Sea of Japan that mixes with the cold winds from Siberia, to create the famously dry, fluffy, fresh, knee-deep powder snow that settles almost every day in the winter. This is truly a skier’s dream, where you can enjoy almost the exact same run time and again, each time with a fresh coat of powder.
Our Ski Safari is designed for good to expert-level skiers who enjoy the idea of an all-mountain skiing adventure. Once you have arrived at New Chitose Airport, you will meet the rest of the tour group and your dedicated Powder Byrne Ski Guide who will travel with you around the north island for 10 days to experience some of the best skiing across four of the best ski resorts in Hokkaido. This ski adventure is designed with a minimum number of people as one small group, all sharing one dedicated ski guide throughout their skiing and sightseeing adventures.
Our Hokkaido Ski Safari will run on selected departures From the 26th of February to the 7th Of March 2024
This ski tour is available for adults only. Ideal for students who have completed the Piste to Profession programme, friends, couples, families with adult children, and solo travellers. You must be a confident black run skier with off-piste experience.
Our Japan Ski Tour packages prices are based on 10-night B&B-based accommodation (3 and 4-star) with upgraded accommodation options available on request and subject to additional cost. The package includes all private long-distance group transfers, all in-resort transfers (where required), all ski passes for each region, night skiing options in resorts, a professional Japanese-speaking Powder Byrne Ski Guide throughout the tour, and additional private tour guides.
The Japan Ski Tour package does not include flights, any required ski hire, or meals. The tour is subject to a minimum number.
ITINERARY
Our Hokkaido Ski Safari is designed to provide expert skiers with the ultimate experience in Hokkaido, away from the masses, experiencing authentic ski resorts, enjoying hand-picked Ryokans, and 3 and 4-star hotels.
Arriving in Hokkaido
Arrive at Tokyo Haneda International Airport and connect to the domestic terminal for your flight to the New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido. You’ll be greeted by your English-speaking assistant and escorted to your private transfer to Niseko (2h15mins). You’ll meet your Ski Guide at your hotel on arrival, who will assist you with all your rental requirements.
Day 2 & 3
Your Powder Byrne ski guide will meet you after breakfast and introduce you to the best slopes in the Niseko United resorts with hand-picked lunch and dinner options.
Day 4
You will travel by private vehicle to Rusutsu (45min) and enjoy a full day skiing. Rusutsu offers the largest number of lifts in the region and is famous for powdery treeline skiing. Return back to Niseko for a relaxing onsen and delicious dinner.
Day 5
Depart Niseko for Kiroro (1hr) to ski this exceptional backcountry resort with your guide. Enjoy the largest terrain of regulated off-piste, a magnate for experienced skiers. Late afternoon you’ll depart for Furano by private transfer (2h45min)
Day 6 & 7
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll head out onto the slopes of Furano with your Powder Byrne ski guide to enjoy the excellent terrain infamous with experienced skiers and boarders who come in search for the fabled Hokkaido powder. Overnight in Furano. The following day you have the choice to continue exploring Furano, or an optional excursion to Asahidake, where quiet backcountry bowls provide a playgound for advanced powder skiers in search of virgin terrain. Overnight back in Furano
Day 8
After breakfast, you will depart Furano for Sahoro by private transfer (1hr10mins). Your Powder Byrne ski guide will introduce you to the best of the advanced skiing, with spectacular views across the Tokachi plain below. Late afternoon private transfer to Tomamu (35 mins). Overnight Tomamu.
Day 9 & 10
Your next 2 days will be spent exploring the skiing available in Tomamu with your private ski guide including the treeline skiing and sanctioned off-piste terrain. Overnight Tomamu.
Day 11+
Return back to New Chitose Airport and fly to Tokyo Haneda airport, where we can arrange an extension to your programme with a few nights in Tokyo with a private guide. Alternatively, fly to Osaka Itami airport and we will arrange an extended itinerary in the awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage city of Kyoto, Japan’s old Imperial capital.
Extended itineraries are subject to availability and additional cost.
Additional Stay in Tokyo
**After an intensive 10 days of skiing in Hokkaido, why not put your feet up and relax at the luxurious Hyatt Centric in Ginza. Located at the heart of Tokyo’s luxury district, you will be spoilt for choice with the shopping and foodie experiences on every corner. Spend 2-3 days relaxing here before your return flight back from Toyko Haneda Airport.**
Additional trip to Kyoto
**Alternatively, why not fly directly from the New Chitose Airport to Osaka Itami airport. Arrive at the airport and take a private transfer to a hotel in Kyoto (1hr). Stay two nights in Kyoto enjoying the authentic Japanese culture, sightseeing tours, and Samurai experiences before returning by bullet train to Tokyo for a final night’s stay in the luxurious Hyatt Centric in Ginza before your return to Tokyo Haneda Airport.**
TOUR PRICING
The package price includes a 10-night stay at hand-picked hotels. You will receive dedicated support from a Powder Byrne client concierge to help create a personalised itinerary. All transfers and private drivers are covered, except for international and domestic flights. Ski passes for Hokkaido are included for the entire ski safari duration. Throughout the safari, a dedicated Powder Byrne ski guide will accompany the group, ensuring you have access to the best slopes and optimal conditions. Rental ski equipment is not included and must be paid for locally. Your ski guide will assist in returning all rented equipment to the Niseko shop after your departure. Additionally, an optional tour of Asahidake back-country skiing is available for an additional cost of £790 per person. This option includes a back-country ski guide, lift passes, and an extra private transfer.
FROM £7,375 PER PERSON
Based on two people sharing a double or twin room on a bed & breakfast basis.
From the 26th of February to the 7th of March 2024
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Approx. Flight Time
LHR – HND: 11hr 55min
Transfer Times
MAXIMUM TRANSFERS 2.45mins
Time Difference
GMT +9
