Winter Trip to Japan

ONSIGHT CANADA is using two different locations for winter trips. One is a northern island called "Hokkaido" and the other one is the Nagano / Niigata (Myoko) area in main island.

Hokkaido is already known for deep, light powder. It's located in the northern part of Japan so you can expect cooler temps which means new snow preserves longer than the other places. Also their seafood is incredible, if you like seafood, you would love Hokkaido!

Common place we will visit is such as "Niseko", "Asahikawa & Asahidake", "Furano" and "Rishiri island".

Nagano / Niigata has more challenging terrains, longer and steeper. Also closer from Tokyo( 2.5hr by train) so travelling time is shorter to get there. The Nagano area has an older history and less developed (good way) than Hokkaido so lots of temples and shrines around there. You can feel Japanese history as well as ski town culture.

Common places we will visit is such as "Hakuba", "Otari", "Myoko" and "Nozawa".

ONSEN ROAD TRIP

You will be shocked how many people are hunting Japanese powder from everywhere in the world.

It is getting not easy to find good quality powder without a big effort especially near ski hills.

We will minimize the use of chair lifts during our tour. Only the people who know what they do are able to do this. Yes your guide is certified / reliable / have local knowledge.

You should expect lots of vertical gain using your legs but it is totally worth it. You would love your life immersing your body in a onsen (hot springs) after a big day.

This tour is going to become a classic. After meeting in Hakuba, we will relocate to at least one traditional Japanese Ryokan (a style of very authentic Japanese accommodation with volcanic hot spring baths).

Where we go depends on conditions, but each of the possible venues is in the mountains, off the beaten path, and has very good ski touring from the door. To be clear, this is a road trip, and you will stay at different locations away from the growing Hakuba crowds.

The unique highlights include: amazing terrain, pure Japanese cuisine, classic Japanese accommodation and of course, the hot springs (onsen). This will all be served by professional backcountry ski guides with a special focus on providing a fully hosted service for people who value the experience.

TRIP Itinerary - exmaple -

Day1 Arrive and meet the group in the evening at ryokan in Hakuba

Day2 - 4 Full day backcountry skiing around Hakuba

Day5 Half day backcountry skiing or culture day on our way to next venue (secret! )

Day6 - 8 Full day backcountry skiing

Day9 Tour end after breakfast

Trip price and date

The trip date depends on the availability of the guides. Their schedule tends to be booked about 10-14 month advance. Please send your interests as soon as you can to secure your spot.

The trip price depends on the number of days and guests. Typically trip cost is range from $3500 CAD to $4500 + GST.

Nagano & Niigata Image gallery

Hokkaido is the largest piece of land located in the very northern part of Japan. The moisture in Japanese sea meets cold air mass from Siberian just outside of Hokkaido then produces excellent quality snow over the mountains in Hokkaido.

ONSIGHT CANADA is using four different locations in Hokkaido which is "Niseko", "Asahikawa & Asahidake", "Mt. Furano" and "Rishiri island".

Niseko

Most people know "Niseko '' which is located in western side of Hokkaido. Niseko has been redeveloped in western style over the years so you will see lots of condominiums, bars, cafes, restaurants run by western people. You will also see lots of western people walking, skiing / riding in that area. Nothing wrong with this but just you need to expect you will feel like you are at home town.

Asahikawa & Asahidakke

Asahikawa & Asahidakke is located in the central area. Asahikawa city is 400,000 people living in and second biggest city next to Sapporo in Hokkaido. Asahikawa is a very convenient place to hunt powder since there are tons of options depending on the condition. There are Daisetsu National park, several mountain passes, ski hills you can choose with in up to 1.5 hours drive.

Mt. Furano area

Mt. Fuano is differ from Furano ski hill. Those are about 45 minutes away. We are skiing Mt. Furano and Mt. Tokachi area, which is a pure backcountry area, means no chair lifts or gondola. Mt. Tokachi is an active volcano so you will see steam coming up from the vent hole, such a cool place! That area offer both alpine and tree skiing. Also accommodation has in-house onsen (hot spring) which is one of the best quality in Japan.

Rishiri island

Rishiri island is a small island located north from the northern tip of Hokkaido. So very very north.

It's a volcanic island shaped like Mt. Fuji, 360 degrees surrounded by the ocean.  It can be a very windy place in winter but when you are there in the right timing, you can have a very unique ski experience. 

TRIP Itinerary - exmaple -

Day1 Arrive and meet the group in the evening at ryokan in Niseko or Asahikawa

Day2 - 4 Full day backcountry skiing around first place

Day5 Half day backcountry skiing or culture day on our way to next venue (secret! )

Day6 - 8 Full day backcountry skiing

Day9 Tour end after breakfast

Trip price and date

The trip date depends on the availability of the guides. Their schedule tends to be booked about 10-14 month advance. Please send your interests as soon as you can to secure your spot.

The trip price depends on the number of days and guests. Typically trip cost is range from $3500 CAD to $4500 + GST.

Hokkaido IMAGE GALLERY

This tour is open to anyone who has had at least a few days previous experience using ski touring equipment. You will have to be an upper intermediate or advanced skier/rider.

You should be capable of climbing at least 1000m a day for at least 5 full days. This is a little more demanding than you might anticipate. Blisters can be a problem in new boots or with unseasoned feet.

All participants MUST carry their own mountain rescue insurance which covers backcountry skiing activities. You must be insured for helicopter costs, medical care, and repatriation to your home country. You will be asked to provide proof of your policy before joining the tour.

This tour is open to both skiers and snowboarders. Snowboarders must use splitboards. For skiers, narrow 3-pin telemark setups are not suitable - this tour has a definite powder freeride theme. A detailed gear list will be provided on booking.