This holiday is run in partnership with Mountain tracks and is split between the ski areas of Niseko and Asahidake. Within an hour’s drive of these two resorts are numerous other ski hills that provide excellent off-piste terrain.
Hokkaido is fed by low pressure systems originating in Siberia that pick up moisture over the Sea of Japan which create almost perpetual snowfall between January and March. Expect deep and exceptionally light powder skiing during January and February, tapering to boot-top in March. Come prepared for cold temperatures!
The focus of this trip is on lift accessed off-piste with some skinning to access runs away from the lift system. Expect to ski vertical descents of up to 1,000 metres among tree-line and below tree-line areas. If the weather is good and the team is keen numerous day ski tours can provide un-paralleled views, guaranteed solitude and perfect powder.
For a detailed day by day itinerary, please contact a member of the freshtracks team on 020 8410 2022.
Niseko is in south western Hokkaido and is known as Japan's powder skiing capital. In a typical winter the region can average as much as 15m of snow. The resort's ski area has an excellent mix of lift accessed piste, off-piste and day tours as well as exceptional tree skiing.
Over a period of 5 days, you will be exploring the areas around Niseko. Mt Niseko An’nupuri (1308m) is segmented into four distinct ski areas. The out of bounds skiing is controlled by a gate system that sequentially opens and closes through the day. Niseko Village and Grand Hirafu are best avoided as they can can be very busy. Niseko Hanazono the furthest easterly area is excellent for off-piste adventures allowing easy access (with a small hike) to the summit and many off-piste and touring options on the north and east sides of An'nupuri. The most westerly area is Niseko Moiwa, a small area just behind our hotel. This is an excellent option on heavy snow days as the tree skiing is sublime.
Asahidake is a small ski area in Central Hokkaido and home to the island's most spectacular volcanoes. Mount Asahidake (2291m) is actually the highest peak in Hokkaido. The main attraction here is sublime tree skiing and day touring in stunning surroundings. There is plenty of lift accessed off-piste from the main lift area.
The modern single stage gondola transports you to 1600m. From here there are numerous off-piste descents through birch forests to the base station. Unlike all the other resorts in Hokkaido there are no off-piste restrictions and it only attracts off-piste skiers. Because of its altitude and geographical location, it can be very cold here so warm ski kit and some sort of face protection (neoprene mask or fleece neck gaiter) is advisable. If the weather is good it is possible to skin the 600m to the summit of Asahidake Volcano and take in unparalleled views of Hokkaido.
The accommodation is included on a half board basis and is currently TBC. You may stay in a mixture of traditional Ryokan's and hotels. The rooms are often arranged in a Japanese style and include a futon and tatami floors. However, sometimes there are also western style rooms available depending on the choice of hotel.
All land transfers and transport between airports are included. For further information and for recommended flight times to tie in with the transfers please speak to a member of the team on 020 8410 2022.