You must be an ADVANCED skier/snowboarder with extensive experience in deep POWDER. You must be in good physical shape, be able to and have skied in all conditions (including whiteout, wind, very cold). You must be able to ski/ride in control on all types of terrain and should be very comfortable on black and double black slopes. Ideally you should have some avalanche safety training and should be familiar with using an avalanche beacon, shovel and probe. You should have (or plan to rent) suitable all mountain (105+mm underfoot) or powder skis (115mm underfoot or wider) or powder specific snowboard. It is highly recommended that you have Alpine touring bindings and skins or a splitboard and skins.

No!  Speaking Japanese is definitely an asset but not at all required.  Many Japanese people don’t speak English but our Japanese speaking guides will provide translation, organize logistics, get us to the interesting spots, and help you enjoy your experience.

Sushi is only one part of the amazing Japanese cuisine.  If you don’t like raw fish never fear!  Japan is known for delicious and varied cuisine including yakitori (meat grilled on skewers), Tempura, yakisoba (stir-fried buckwheat noodles), seared fish, regional ramens, grilled and roasted meats, simmered vegetables, and much more.

Niseko has some of the lightest, driest, snow on the planet which means that it stays cold.  Temperatures in January are generally in the high teens and low 20’s Fahrenheit but can be colder.  Dressing with layers is important to stay warm.  To get so much snow there has to be storms so expect stormy days with lots of snow falling!

The beautiful chalet is made from massive local Karamatsu logs and is located in a secluded spot, yet still close to Annupuri and Niseko Village Ski resort. The chalet has 5 bedrooms including a Japanese style tatami room and a loft. There are two bedrooms with two double beds in each, plus a master bedroom with a king bed, attached bathroom, and room for two futons.  There is lots of open communal space, a piano, a traditional hinoki bath, a large oak table, and an enclosed Finnish masonry fireplace.

Yes it is possible to share a room at the chalet, either with someone you already know (please let us know) or with someone else on the trip who is willing to share. For this chalet there is not an option to have your own room.

We recommend that you bring your own gear, providing that you have suitable powder snowboard or skis (all mountain skis in the 105-110mm width or powder skis 115mm or wider). There are high quality rentals available for powder specific skis and boards. Check out https://www.rhythmjapan.com/locations/rhythm-niseko (they also have backcountry gear available).  Bringing your own boots and renting powder skis or snowboard is probably a safe bet. Avalanche safety equipment is required for backcountry riding and rentals are available as well.

Please contact us to let us know about your dietary restrictions to see if you can be accommodated.

While chopsticks are used for much of the eating we will do in Japan, forks will be available, so no one will go hungry.  We will happily help train you in the ways of chopsticks if you so desire!

If you need to cancel a trip that you have already booked and it is at least 90 days before the start of the trip your deposit is half refundable.  Final payment for the trip is due 60 days before the start of the trip.  Cancellations between 30 and 59 days before the of start of trip that cannot be filled are 50% refundable, if your spot is filled then it is 25% refundable.  Cancellations less than 30 days are non-refundable (100% of booking cost).  For this reason, we recommend you consider purchasing travelers insurance, (try World Nomads) which will cover the cost of your trip in extenuating circumstances.

Gratuities for guides are not included in the price of you trip and are much appreciated. Tipping is at your discretion. Normally average tips for excellent service are around 10%-20% of the trip cost. Tips are pooled together and shared equally among the guides.