Backcountry ski EXPERTS in the Central Hokkaido region, Japan
We’ve been guiding backcountry skiing on Hokkaido Island, Japan since 2015.
We're experts in safe, reliable, fun, and uncrowded backcountry skiing.
Japan powder continues to attract the attention of riders around the world - and for good reason: it snows. An awful lot! And cruising through the perfectly spaced beech and birch forests in deep, fluffy powder should be on the bucket list of every backcountry skier. Throw in the fascinating Japanese culture, delicious food, natural hot springs, wonderful friendly people, and you have the ski holiday of a lifetime!
All of this fame may have you believing the backcountry areas are crowded. But after years of experience we know the hidden secrets: where to ski that few people have discovered and first tracks are in abundance.
acmg, caa certified guides
= safety IS OUR PRIORITY
We find the best untracked powder, do the driving, organise the logistics, and break trail through the DEEP snow!
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:
SKI UPHILL
RIDE POWDER
EAT SUSHI & RAMEN
DRINK COLD BEER & sake (or hot)…
SOAK IN HOT ONSENS
Make the most of your trip of a lifetime to ski Hokkaido!
This trip is designed to MAXIMISE skiing, and MINIMISE driving. Both hotels are built directly on onsens (hot springs) and are ski-in, ski-out!
Elevation Guides has guided every type of backcountry skiing (helicopter, snowcat, lift-accessed sidecountry, resort, and touring) on Hokkaido. During that time we’ve explored a variety of areas and microclimates. The snowpack can be more complex and varied than at first blush.
Avalanches can, and do occur: buried sun crusts, wind and storm snow slabs are often the weak layers in Hokkaido. We’ll emphasise safety whilst finding the best possible skiing in the complex micro-climates of the region.
2026 - 7 days/6 nights: $4495 CAD/pax
double occupancy includes six breakfasts, dinners, lift tickets & taxes
Included
All guiding by fully-insured and certified ACMG Guide CAA Avalanche Professional
One half day of lift-served downhill skiing to warm up the legs and shake the jetlag
Six full days of guided ski touring in Daisetsuzan National Park: including Hokkaido’s highest peak Asahidake (2291 metres) and the Tokachidake region
All lift tickets where applicable
Small groups only: usual max 6:1 guide to guest ratio
Six nights SKI-IN, SKI-OUT double accommodation:
3 nights in a beautiful newly-renovated large twin room with onsite natural hot spring (onsen)
3 nights at a traditional Japanese ryokan - the highest onsen hotel in Hokkaido!
All transportation in a private 4WD van with winter tires; the guides have commercial driving permits
Six breakfasts
Six dinners
All Guides’ costs
Ski to access a minimum of three natural hot spring onsens
Not included
Flights to/from Asahikawa or Sapporo
Airport transfers to/from Asahikawa or Sapporo
Lunches (we’ll go shopping together)
Alcohol and other special drinks
Personal backcountry touring gear including avalanche safety equipment
Guide and other service gratuities at your discretion
Gateway Cities
Trip Start: Asahikawa - fly into Sapporo (CTS airport) and take the train or bus, or fly directly into Asahikawa (AKJ).
Trip End: Furano. Easy transfers via train or direct bus to Asahikawa or Sapporo.
Want to do more than ski tour?
Custom trips & itineraries are our specialty - ask us for more info!
$1000 non-refundable registration deposit
Balance due 90 days before your trip
Full refund less $300 admin fee if Elevation Guides is unable to run the trip due to travel restrictions
Cancellation policy
General cancellations info here
$250 administration fee if you’re able to find a replacement
If unable to find a replacement:
up to 90 days before the trip: $1000 administration fee
less than 90 days before the trip: 100% non-refundable
EMERGENCY MEDICAL INSURANCE is MANDATORY
cancel for any reason (CFAR) INSURANCE STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!
Elevation Guides is partnered with Global Rescue,
CLICK HERE for the full suite of available options
