You must be an ADVANCED/EXPERT 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. You must have Alpine touring bindings and skins or a splitboard and skins (snowshoes are not recommended).

No! Speaking Japanese is definitely an asset but not at all required. We 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.

Central Hokkaido 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 much 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!

We will stay in a Ryokan (traditional Japanese Inn) high in the mountains. The rooms are small but comfortable and feature tatami (traditional woven rice straw floors) with either futon mattresses or cots. Single rooms are available for a supplement. There is a drying room in the basement, onsen on site, excellent food, and a small gift shop that sells some food and drinks. In Furano we will stay at a Pension run by a charming couple. The rooms are comfortable and large by Japanese standards.

Yes it is possible to share a room, either with someone you already know (please let us know) or with someone else on the trip who is willing to share. It may be possible to have your own room for a supplemental charge.

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 in Furano for powder specific skis and boards with touring bindings. If you don’t have your own powder skis with touring bindings or splitboard you should think about at least bringing your own boots (though they must be touring boots that will work with the bindings the shops have available). 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!

Please see our Terms and Conditions

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.