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Sapporo

BACKCOUNTRY SKIING IN HOKKAIDO - HOSTEL EDITION


Backcountry Skiing

Category

8 Days

Duration

Intermediate

Experience

Intense

Fitness

From 1 to 6

Participants


What you'll do

Japan's northernmost island, Hokkaido is considered by many to be the ski capital of Japan. With its massive powder dumps in Niseko, Rusutsu, Kiroro, Sapporo, and the renowned dry powder of central Hokkaido, there aren't too many places in this world which beat the lift accessed powder provided by this Japan's snow world!If there is one word that sums up central Hokkaido’s most important feature and it is this, uniqueness. Many places in the world and throughout Japan have great powder snow. What sets central Hokkaido apart from the pack though, is that the odds here favour deep, light, soft, powder snow. Powder snow is the norm here!


Itinerary

Your adventure begins as you depart from your hometown and head to Tokyo, Japan. Get ready for an unforgettable skiing experience in Japan's top powder destinations. Arrive in Tokyo Narita and prepare for your onward journey to Hokkaido. Catch a domestic flight to Sapporo Chitose. From there, you’ll be transferred to Niseko, one of the best skiing destinations in Japan.
This marks the start of your Japan skiing adventure in the famous Niseko region, known for its world-class powder.
Today, you’ll explore Niseko’s off-piste trails. Niseko is famous for offering some of the best skiing in Japan, with its abundance of deep powder snow. Ski through one of the world’s top powder destinations and enjoy Japan’s finest backcountry skiing.
Reach the top of Mount Yotei, an impressive 1,898m volcano. The descent from here offers a thrilling and steep ride, making it a dream for any skier. However, this adventure is only to be taken in favorable weather conditions. You’ll experience some of the best skiing in Japan on this majestic volcano.
A short 20-minute drive will take you to Rankoshi, where you'll ski in fresh, untouched powder. After a day on the slopes, unwind in the area’s natural hot springs, a perfect combination for a skiing trip in Hokkaido, Japan.
Climb Mount Mekunnai for a 1,000m ascent starting from a nearby ski resort. This is a fantastic day to practice inversions and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. The snow-laden trees and landscapes here will give you a truly unique Japan skiing experience.
Visit Rusutsu Resort, another top skiing spot in Hokkaido. In the evening, head to Sapporo to visit the iconic Sapporo Snow Festival, one of the highlights of skiing in Japan during the winter season.
Bid farewell to the incredible slopes and powder snow of Japan as you head back to Chitose for your flight home.

Important stuff

From the highest peaks to the hidden trails, we've got your back

Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.

Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.

Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

see more on How it works

What's included

Accident insurance
Medical and luggage insurance
Travel cancellation insurance
UIAGM IFMGA Guide
Accommodation
Transport from airport
Transport to airport
Local transport
Breakfast
Free Wi-Fi at the hostel
Flight
Visa (if applicable)
Fuel
Technical Gear
Lunch
Dinner
Snacks and drinks
Tourist tax
Local tipping
Everything not mentioned in the “What’s included”
Guide expenses

Accomodations

Freeride Hostel Lodge Niseko


Freeride Backpackers Lodge is your perfect home base for an epic ski adventure in Hokkaido, Japan! If you’re all about snow, slopes, and good vibes, this is the spot. The lodge is cozy, spacious, and sparkling clean — everything you want for a true skiers experience. Expect super friendly staff, a big communal kitchen to whip up meals, a warm dining room to share them, and an awesome lounge + bar area where you can swap stories, play cards, watch a movie, or grab a drink. You’ll be staying in a shared 4-bed room with single beds, and bathrooms are shared too — keeping things social and fun!


Guides

Lorenzo

Lorenzo

Lorenzo is a certified IFMGA mountain guide, based at the Dolomites with tons of experience in mountaineering and adventurous trips in Europe and around the world. He has guided international groups of skiers in Japan, climbing Mt. Yotei and several other incredible peaks.


Meeting point

42.788180748241141.67853299562
Sapporo


Frequently asked questions


Departures

All departures are guaranteed to run

January 2026
Sun
25 Jan
12:00 PM
Sun
1 Feb
12:00 PM

Confirmed

6 spots left
2990 €
(986 € deposit)
Fri
6 Feb
12:00 PM
Fri
13 Feb
12:00 PM

Confirmed

6 spots left
2990 €
(986 € deposit)
Sun
22 Feb
12:00 PM
Sun
1 Mar
12:00 PM

Confirmed

6 spots left
2990 €
(986 € deposit)

2990 €

(986 € deposit)