Overall Rating

Central Hokkaido Tour

Central Hokkaido Tour5/58
Central Hokkaido Tour5 out of 5 based on 8 reviews
  • Recommend
    100%
  • Would Revisit
    100%
Central Hokkaido Tour Enquire
Price p/p From price based on twin/double-share group option for mid season 2024 tours per person.
Base/invoice currency is in Japanese yen inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 2,848

FULLY GUIDED & HOSTED TOUR
10 Nights | 8 Days Skiing/Riding

Deposit must be paid by promotion close date to qualify for discount
Location: Japan | Tour Focus: Guided | Terrain Focus: Off-Piste, Sidecountry
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Price p/p From price based on twin/double-share group option for mid season 2024 tours per person.
Base/invoice currency is in Japanese yen inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 2,848
Avoid the crowds and revel in the renowned high quality Central Hokkaido powder at Furano, Asahidake, Kamui Links, and hidden gems such as Pippu, Sahoro and Tomamu. Mostly lift accessed powder hunting, plus the option to do a little hiking to get more goods.
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Future rates & dates are currently not yet available for this operator. Click here to enquire.
Custom Booking Period
Min Days
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Custom Booking Period: Jan 01 - Mar 21, 2024
Min Days: From 5
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Future rates & dates are currently not yet available for this operator. Click here to enquire.
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Central Hokkaido Tour Overview

You might have been to Japan before and had a taste of the deep dry powder, but were not happy about having to share it with thousands of other skiers! The Central Hokkaido Tour takes you to some of Hokkaido's best ski areas and hidden gems. More importantly, Whiteroom Tours (WRT) have many years of experience exploring these Central Hokkaido ski areas and know exactly where to go to access the best untouched powder stashes.

As a solo traveller or small group you can join one of the scheduled group tours, or if you have your own group you can get a customised private tour to suit your needs, your desired trip duration, and even your lodging (you can make a booking request for a customised private tour here).

The itinerary is kept pretty flexible so the group can chase the storms for the best powder. From your base in Furano, you may head to Tomamu, Kamui, Sahoro, and Pippu and the backcountry paradise that is awaiting at Asahidake. The guides will also take you around the local Furano ski area where you can enjoy some of the best tree skiing in Hokkaido, with easy to access steep faces, mellow glades, and gullies full of hits for skiers and snowboarders.

When you're not thigh deep in snow, WRT will take you to some of Furano’s restaurants and bars, ranging from small cafes and après ski bars, to charcoal BBQ restaurants and hidden hole-in-the-wall style bars.

This tour is fantastic value for money and the guides are sure you’ll leave with plenty of powder on your face!

Check out this great video which shows typical conditions on a Central Hokkaido Tour ....



If you would like to book this trip or have any questions you can make a booking request here.

Ability

The Central Hokkaido Tour is only for advanced and expert skiers and riders. You must be able to ski the whole mountain with confidence and at a reasonable speed in powder, through trees and in variable conditions. You must have a good level of fitness. Snowboarders in this level are able to keep speed in flat sections by planning ahead as well as hold a solid traverse line and be able to hop up and manoeuvre in a way as to not slow down the group. Please make a an honest assessment of your abilities whilst keeping fitness in mind as to not slow the group down.

Groups are split up into ski/board/ability levels and some groups we will be doing some hiking (traversing/bootpacking) to get to the goods. Skins or split-boards are not required but if the group has touring gear or wants to rent equipment, the guides will happily take you deeper into the backcountry.

If you looking for a tour with a lot more lift accessed touring where you’ll use skins or split-boards to go deeper into the backcountry, check out the Powder Belt Backcountry Tour.

Terrain & Safety

As this tour incorporates off-piste and sidecountry/backcountry terrain, it is compulsory that you wear an avalanche beacon at all times and have a pack with a shovel and probe. If you do not have avi safety gear, your guide can provide you with it at the start of the tour.

Typical Itinerary

This itinerary is just an indication of proceedings. One of the huge benefits of this tour is that things are kept flexible depending on weather, so that you'll be riding the best possible snow in the best possible conditions.

Day 1 - Arrival 

Upon landing at Sapporo’s Chitose Airport you’ll be transferred to Furano by Resort Liner coach where you’ll be met by the team and settle into your comfy accommodation. You'll be hosted in the North Bar where you'll meet the lead guide and managers who will run you through the tour, weather and answer and questions.

If you wish to organise rental ski or snowboard equipment, it is advised that you try to arrive with adequate time on the arrival day to be fitted for gear. 

Days 2-4 - On-Snow Days

After a hearty buffet breakfast, you’ll suit up and be issued any avalanche rental gear then the guides willl take you through the safety briefing. We usually spend the first two days guiding you around one of our favourite mountains – Furano. We’ll get our feet and hunt out some powder stashes. After the first day of skiing, the group will celebrate with a delicious Japanese welcome dinner party.

Day tour to Kamui Ski Links. Departing in the morning, the group will spend a day exploring the trees and backside of Kamui. We may stop on the way back to soak in a secluded volcanic onsen. Your guides will take you out in town to experience a delicious meal. Furano is known for its fresh local food.

Travel to Sahoro to enjoy an awesome day of secluded tree skiing and a sneaky road drop! Tonight we will take you out to another of Furano’s many delicious restaurants.

Finish one of the days with an amazing onsen night tour. Ask our guides for their recommendations for dinner – there are some great local restaurants a short walk away or down in town.

Day 5 - Optional Cultural/Rest Day

Rest those legs or head out and hike the peak to ski or ride some of the more hidden areas of Furano. 

Day 6-10: On-Snow Days

Rise early for the drive to Asahidake. Your guides will show you the goods of the highest mountain in Hokkaido, Asahidake 2,290m. The ropeway does most of the hard work taking you to well above the tree line at 1,600m. From there you’ll spend your day exploring the powder-filled ridges and chutes from the lift.

Head to Pippu and get the goods amongst the trees. No crowds here – just you and the powder.

We can organise transport for yourself or the whole group. Or if you’re too tired eat in. It’s all up to you!

Tomamu day tour. Today, your guides will show you around the resort hill of Tomamu with its awesome powder, short hikes and deep north-facing backside. There is some great skiing and boarding to be had here. At the end of the day, you can check out the bizarre indoor wave pool and maybe have an onsen.

Ski your last day in Furano. The group might hit a favourite lines or the guides may take you on a mission into the backcountry. Get those vocal cords warmed up for the all you can drink karaoke dinner party!

Day 11 - Departure Day

After all that it's time to say good bye and transfer to Sapporo and your flight home (or onwards!)

Lodging

Lodging is based in Furano at North Country Inn. It is conveniently located between the two sides of the ski hill giving you access by regular free shuttle to the Furano-side before anyone else! It has both traditional Japanese and Western style rooms with en-suites. Shared onsen style bathing is also available.

Facilities include: 2 restaurants, winery, lounge/bar with satellite TV, rental cars, foreign exchange, wireless internet, souvenirs, common laundry, ski rentals, and regular guest shuttle to the ski lifts.


Furano nightlife

...great authentic restaurants...

...North Country Inn.

2024 Rates, Inclusions & Add-Ons

Inclusions
  • 10 nights twin or triple share accommodation at North Country Inn Furano
  • Daily hot breakfasts & welcome & farewell dinner
  • 8 days of lift tickets (in 6 different resorts)
  • 8 guided days with professional guides
  • Airport transfers & ground transport on guided days
  • Onsen (hot spring) tour
  • 1 rest day (optional free day or cultural experience day)
Add-ons
  • Avo gear rental - 14,500 yen for 9 days
  • Single supplement - 7,500 yen/night
  • Additional guided day in-resort or backcountry if you don't want a rest day
  • Extra nights, other destinations
Not Included

Terms & Conditions of Whiteroom Tours

COVID-19 DEPOSIT AND CANCELLATION POLICY

(Updated 9 March 2022) We understand that due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic you may have concerns about booking a trip to Japan. In response to the current situation Whiteroom will continue to offer flexible and fair booking options. Our goal is to provide you with maximum peace of mind when booking while also ensuring that we keep our wheels turning. In addition to what’s below, we want you to know that we are open to discussion and figuring out what works for all of us, as has always been the case. For all CURRENT bookings made previous to 1 MAR 2022 the following terms and conditions will apply once Japan’s borders open for inbound tourist travel with a compulsory quarantine period of 3 days or less both upon arrival into Japan and upon returning home. For all NEW bookings for the ’22-23 season the following terms and conditions will apply from 1 March 2022.

TOUR PRODUCTS

  • DEPOSIT: A 20% non-refundable deposit is required upon booking. This deposit is fully transferable to a future tour till August 31, 2022.
  • FINAL PAYMENT: A non-refundable final balance will be due by October 31, 2022. Failure to make this payment will result in the cancellation of your tour.

GUIDING AND INSTRUCTIONAL PRODUCTS

  • DEPOSIT: A 20% non-refundable deposit is required upon booking. This deposit is fully transferable till 60 days prior to the start date.
  • FINAL PAYMENT: A non-refundable final balance will be due 60 days prior to your start date. Failure to make this payment will result in the cancellation of your booking.

GENERAL TRAVEL PRODUCTS

  • DEPOSIT: A 20% non-refundable deposit is required upon booking. This deposit is fully transferable to a future booking till 60 days prior to the start date.
  • NOTE: other suppliers may request a higher deposit percentage or specific amount and these amounts may be non-refundable. Supplier terms and conditions will be outlined on your quote confirmation if they are stricter than our own.
  • FINAL PAYMENT: A non-refundable final balance will be due 60 days prior to your start date, or 5 days from booking confirmation if booking is within 60 days. Failure to make this payment will result in the cancellation of your booking

COVID-19 EXCLUSIVE POLICY

If a travel ban is in effect restricting travel to Japan or to and from your home country or if it is mandatory to quarantine either upon arrival into Japan or when returning to your home country for 4 or more days in either instance the following terms and conditions will apply unless third party supplier terms and conditions are stricter (you will be advised of this upon booking):

Up to 60 days prior to your start date:

  • 100% of payments made are transferable to the following year.
  • Or you may also cancel and receive a refund less 10% of the total booking (this amount can be reclaimed in the form of a credit on a future booking)

30 – 59 days prior to your start date:

  • 50% of payments made are transferable to the following year.
  • Or you may also cancel and receive a refund less 50% of the total booking (10% this amount can be reclaimed in the form of a credit on a future booking)

Less than 30 days prior your start date:

  • 25% of payments made are transferable to the following year.
  • Or you may also cancel and receive a refund less 75% of the total booking (10% this amount can be reclaimed in the form of a credit on a future booking)

Back-to-back cancellations:

  • If we are holding only a deposit and are forced to cancel your trip two seasons in a row, that amount will become entirely non-refundable and non-transferable.
  •  

RIGHTS RESERVED

We reserve the right to cancel trips at any time due to unsettling political, social or environmental events, in which case the same transfer/refund options we’re offering for COVID will apply. We additionally reserve the right to cancel due to inadequate client registrations, at which time we will offer a refund in full.

EXCLUSIONS

We cannot offer refunds for missed reservations, early departures, inclement weather/extreme avalanche danger, snow conditions, or force majeure events beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, and are not responsible for additional expenses incurred in preparing for the trip (e.g. airline tickets, visa application fees, equipment purchases, etc).

RATE & PRICE VARIATION

All prices on this website are based on Japanese yen rates which are then converted to your chosen currency based on mid market rates. Whiteroom reserves the right until final payment has been received in full, to vary prices and rates in the event of changes in currency exchange or price increases made by our suppliers or airlines.

Final payment is required in the currency chosen at the time of booking confirmation. The total amount due will be calculated using the exchange rate on that day. This means that any increase or decrease in the exchange rate will affect the total of your package and final due amount of your package. Whiteroom Tours is not liable for any price increases. Only payment in full will lock in the exchange rate.

If you plan to make the full payment at the time of booking or before the final due date you must notify your consultant who will recalculate using the mid market rate on that day.

If your booking has increased in price due to an exchange rate fluctuation and you do not pay the increased price your booking will be subject to cancellation. Please note that cancellation charges will apply. All prices are subject to availability & can be withdrawn or varied without notice. Airline taxes remain subject to change at all times until payment has been received in full and your tickets have been issued.

QUOTATIONS AND VALIDITY

All prices quoted are valid at time of quote. All quotes are subject to confirmation of the components at time of booking. All components of your quote are subject to availability at time of booking request. The prices listed are based on the costs and exchange rate at the time of quoting. Whiteroom Tours reserves the right to alter these prices at any time due to exchange rate fluctuations, rate change by a supplier or consultant error.

BOOKINGS

When you have advised Whiteroom Tours that you wish to go ahead with a booking we will then seek confirmation from our suppliers. If there is no availability for some/all of your components we will advise you of this & offer an alternative where possible. The alternative product offered may be a different price. Prices will be adjusted accordingly.

By making a payment on a booking you agree to these terms and conditions as outlined on this page.

ITINERARY

The itinerary supplied with your final documents represents the products & services that will be supplied & supersedes any previous arrangements or understanding, whether written or oral.

TOURS & ABILITY

Whiteroom Tours reserves the right to remove a client from any tour if he or she is of an ability not suited to that tour. No refund will be due for any unused portion of the tour. The client takes full responsibility for the self-categorisation of their ability based on the descriptions provided on the Skier/Rider Level tab on each tour page.

PROFESSIONAL FEES

Whiteroom Tours charges the following non-refundable fees. These professional fees are in addition to any fees which may be charged by airlines, accommodation providers, transfer suppliers or any other supplier.
¥5,000 Booking Amendment: charged per amendment once a booking has been confirmed.
¥20,000 Booking amendment inside 14 days: charged per amendment for changes inside 14 days of departure.
¥5,000 Late payment: charged per week for any final payments not received by the due date.

RESPONSIBILITY

Whiteroom Tours acts only as an agent for the companies (Principals) providing or offering the means of travel, accommodation and other services and as such has no control over any services or products provided by these Principals. All bookings made are subject to the booking terms and conditions under which these services are provided. The Company and its Principals reserve the right, without liability or right of compensation, to prohibit or restrict any activity, or cancel or alter any service or itinerary component, without notice. Whiteroom Tours will not be held responsible for the inability of the Principals to comply with any special request relating to age, medical conditions, physical ability or disability, dietary requirements, allergic conditions, smoking or non-smoking accommodation.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Whiteroom recommends purchasing travel insurance when you pay your deposit as that way you may be covered for accidents that prevent you from travelling as well as for your holiday.

PRIVACY

Whiteroom Tours collects information about you in order to book components of your travel package. You authorise Whiteroom Tours to provide this information to suppliers who require this information before they will provide products or services to you.

BOOKING FORM

A booking form is required for each passenger booked to travel. For group bookings, it is the responsibility of the person whose name holds the booking, to ensure that each member of their group is aware of the booking conditions and completes and returns a booking form. Booking forms are required at the time of booking deposit or flight reservation. The information provided on your booking form is essential for your booking details and travel arrangements. This information is required for your booking to proceed. Whiteroom Tours will not book any component of your travel package without receiving a signed booking form from you.

REFUNDS

If you are eligible for a refund once a booking has been cancelled, the balance less any non-refundable amounts and cancellation fees will be forwarded to you upon receipt of the refund from the supplier or airline. Whilst Whiteroom Tours will endeavour to get your money to you as soon as possible, some refunds can take up to 12 weeks to process.

LIABILITY

Your safety is Whiteroom’s number one priority. However skiing and snowboarding are sports that are hazardous and have inherent risks of injury and/or death. By travelling with Whiteroom you voluntarily agree to assume all risks of injury or death that may result from skiing or snowboarding. As such you agree to hereby release Whiteroom Tours and their employees and agents of any obligation to advise you in relation to the dangers obvious or not, inherent in the sport. You accept that you will participate in such sport(s) of your own free will and never at the direction of Whiteroom Tours and/or their employees and agents. You voluntarily take full responsibility for any damage or injury to myself or which you may cause to others.

JAPANESE ACCOMMODATION

Some Japanese properties may differ from those encountered in Western ski resorts. Whilst hospitality and service levels often surpass Western standards, rooms generally have less furniture & hanging/storage space. Ensuites are generally smaller and some are of a modular design. Some Japanese properties also allow smoking in common areas & some guest rooms. Traditional Hotels or Ryokans often have rooms with Tatami Matt flooring and futon beds. Some rooms will not have ensuites and instead will have shared bathing in segregated bath houses or onsens. We will inform you of these cultural differences and you may be pleasantly surprised by how easily you can adjust to the Japanese way of life. If not please request a western style accommodation.

WAIVER

If you are participating in a Whiteroom Tour or are being guided by Whiteroom you will be required to read and sign our wavier before participation. Failure to do so will result in you not being able to accompany our guides on any activity.