Powder Progression Tour

The Powder Progression Tour from Whiteroom is an instructional based tour for skiers that concludes with deep powder guiding.

Based in Niseko for the first four days, the instructors will help you to improve your powder skiing whilst exploring the mountains of Niseko United, as well as surrounding resorts such as Moiwa and Rusutsu. The itinerary is flexible and the instructors/guides will have you chasing the best conditions at each of the ski areas.

You will then transfer to Otaru with one of the backcountry guides who will introduce you to backcountry safety equipment and run a workshop on the fundamentals of avalanche safety, before you head further beyond the resorts for deeper powder. Ski areas close to Otaru include Kiroro, Sapporo Teine and Sapporo Kokusai.

This tour has been designed to maximise instruction time, with only 4 spots for each tour date. This way those who are new to the techniques required to ski Japan’s deep snow can build confidence to make the most of their time in Hokkaido. You may have ridden some powder on piste or on top of compacted off-piste but you may have never ridden the bottomless powder that is common in Japan. Your instructors will structure your learning so that you gain confidence and progress away from the groomers to experience the deep fresh snow and terrain you have always wanted to conquer.

With years of powder instructing behind them, the instructors have found that often simple technique correction and confidence building will unlock the secret to powder skiing/riding. You and your instructors will analyse and then improve your technique and build on what you have learnt through goal setting and skill development.

By the end of the tour, the aim is that you will have progressed from piste to powder and a whole new world will have opened up.

If you have any questions or want to double check availability, you can make a booking request. 

Ability Level

The required ski ability is advanced on piste and new to powder. This tour is specifically designed for skiers who are confidently in control at all times of their speed and demonstrate rhythm on moderate black diamond piste trails, can make parallel and carving turns and can ski very well at speed on intermediate runs. You should be adept at adjusting to the size and length of your turns and are relatively new to the techniques required to ski deep powder.

To get the most out of this tour we recommend you have a good level of fitness. Please make an honest assessment of your abilities whilst keeping fitness in mind as to not slow the group down. If you are unsure about your ability please make an enquiry.

New friends to hang with......

..quality lodging....

....and you get to do lots of this!!

Pension Full Note

In Niseko you’ll be staying at the lovely Pension Full Note. It is a Japanese-style bed & breakfast located in the centre of Hirafu, the main village of Niseko, with lovely staff and a warm and cosy ski lodge vibe. It has a sunken lounge, fireplace, long communal table where the group has the Shabu-Shabu welcome dinner party and daily breakfast. Rooms are twin or triple share with shared bathroom facilities on the lower floor and sinks and toilets on every floor.

More information on Pension Full Note

If shared facilities aren’t for you there are plenty of accommodation options close by. Please enquire for upgrade options and pricing. 

Typical Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival and check-in day
Upon landing at Sapporo’s Chitose Airport you’ll be transferred by Resort Liner to the Hirafu Welcome Centre where you’ll be met by the team and then checked into Full Note. That night you'll be hosted in the Half Note Bar where you’ll meet the lead guide and managers who will run you through the tour, weather and answer any questions you have. (NB: If you wish to organise rental ski equipment it is advised that you try to arrive with enough time on the arrival day to be fitted – seek advice from your consultant)

Day 2 (first ski day)
First day of exploring Niseko! For your first 4 days on snow your instructors will take a look at your technique and run you through powder skiing fundamentals, gear setup, stance, turn shape/size, technique and how this affects your speed in powder. At the end of the day, you will all enjoy a traditional Japanese meal and a few drinks around the fire.

Day 3
Today the instructors will show you how big Niseko is! They’ll hunt out some powder stashes and explore how you move on skis mainly vertically and rotationally and how this affects turn size and turn shape, in various treed areas and powder-filled terrain.

Day 4
It’s time to check out one of our favourites spots – Moiwa Ski Area. You will spend the day carving up the super wide piste, you'll be guided through the trees and work on those deep powder turns on a variety of pitches and gladed areas.

Day 5
Day tour to Rusutsu Resort. You will spend the day being guided through the trees and valleys of Rusustu, as well as their very quirky hotel! You should now have a new found confidence when skiing powder and maybe even look to start hitting some of many natural features in Rusutsu. Time to take it to the next level!

Day 6
Today includes an avalanche safety workshop, transfer to Otaru and cultural day. After 4 days of honing your powder skills in the Niseko area it’s time to pack your bags as you head to the historical port city of Otaru. You’ll be joined by a new guide who will introduce you to backcountry safety equipment and run you through a workshop on the fundamentals of avalanche safety, before you start to head further beyond the resorts for deeper powder. Then in the afternoon you will hit the road and enjoy a cultural excursion which may include the Nikka Whiskey Distillery, exploring beautiful Otaru, and visiting the famous canals.

Day 7
Pack your onsen gear and a snorkel as you’ll be heading off to Kiroro today where your guide will show you some deep powder stashes. By now you’ll really be getting the hang of the techniques you need to ski Japan’s deep pow. This powder gem has some awesome terrain and fresh lines all day. An onsen on the way home is also a popular option.

Day 8
Today you’ll visit Kokusai resort, which also consistently receives huge amounts of snow each winter and has some great backcountry options. You’ll finish with a farewell dinner and sample the amazing seafood this area is famous for, to round off your amazing Japan powder experience.

The snow festival tour will also include a trip to Sapporo to see the huge ice sculptures, a spectacular event that has been running for over 70 years.

Day 9
After an epic week of progression and powder-filled adventure it’s time to say goodbye to your new friends and transfer by train to Sapporo’s Chitose Airport with memories to last a lifetime!

NOTE: This itinerary is an example. The tour will be run largely by the weather and each day will fit around where the best conditons are. This is the beauty of such a tour. This itinerary may change depending on snow and weather conditions. Your guides/instructors will always try to get you into the best conditions on the day possible. 

2024 Rates, Inclusions & Add-Ons

395,000 JPY / Person

Jan 29 tour (Sapporo Snow Festival) - 430,000 JPY/Person

About Rates:

• base currency is Japanese yen inc consumption tax - convert to your currency here
• prices are based on twin or triple-share room
• 4 people max per tour (4 to 1 max client to guide ratio). 3 person minimum.
• if you want a private customised tour you can request a quote here
• this tour is for skiers only - if you are a group of 4 or more snowboarders you can request a snowboard guide/instructor on any of the tour dates - please enquire for more details.

WHITEROOM TOURS TERMS & CONDITIONS

Currency All payments to Whiteroom Tours are in Australia Dollars (AUD)
Rate & Price Variation:Whiteroom Tours reserves the right until final payment has been received in full, to vary prices & rates in the event of changes in currency exchange or price increases made by our suppliers or airlines. If the cost of any service increases due to exchange rate fluctuations, tax changes, price increases or any other reason, you are required to pay the increase when notified by us. If you choose not to pay the increased price you may choose to cancel the booking. Please note that cancellation charges will apply.

Whiteroom Tours is not liable for any price increases. Rates quoted are correct for each product at time of quoting; however these rates may change prior to your final payment date. All prices are subject to availability & can be withdrawn or varied without notice. Airline & airline taxes remain subject to change at all times until payment has been received in full & your tickets have been issued. Whiteroom Tours reserves the right to correct prices & rates in the event of consultant error.

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 or printing. Whiteroom Tours reserves the right to alter these prices at any time. Please contact Whiteroom Tours for up-to-date prices and dates.

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.

Deposit:By making a payment on a booking you agree to Whiteroom Tours booking conditions.

A deposit of 20% of the total booking value is required for guiding only bookings. All other bookings require a minimum deposit of $600.00 per person within 7 days from booking confirmation. Some properties may require an additional deposit to secure the booking as outlined on your quote or advised by your consultant. All deposits are non-refundable once received. Whiteroom Tours will/may/might forward deposits to suppliers to secure accommodation & or services. Payment of deposit acknowledges acceptance of all booking conditions.

Final Payment:Is due no later than 60 days prior to departure, or 7 days from booking confirmation if booking is within 60 days. Should airlines impose ticketing time limits, fare withdrawal, fare or tax increase, full payment of fare & taxes may be required before this time. Failure by the client to pay the outstanding balance by the due date may cause the auto-cancellation of the booking whereupon the deposit paid by the client shall be forfeited. Final documents will not be released until the booking is paid in full. Late payment fees may be incurred on your booking.

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.

Payment Options:By making a payment on a booking you agree to Whiteroom Tours booking conditions.

Direct deposit – you will find Whiteroom Tours banking details on your statement. You must include your booking # and booking name on any direct deposit. Failure to correctly identify your payment will delay our ability to recognise it & lead to delays in processing.

Cheque – Cheques will not be accepted within 10 days of booking departure and incur a $10 processing fee.

Credit Card – Please contact us to pay by credit card. We accept VISA, Mastercard or AMEX. VISA or Mastercard attract a 2.5% surcharge. AMEX 3.5%.

Payments from outside of Australia: if you pay directly into our account from an overseas institution you are required to cover any applicable fees. This is usually a fee on your end and a $30 fee when the funds land into our account. If we have been charged any fees for accepting such transactions these fees will be passed on in full.

Cancellations by the traveller:Any cancellations must be received in writing. Minimum fees are:

• Up to 60 days prior to departure – full deposit will be forfeited.
• Between 30 and 59 days of departure – 50% of total paid will apply.
• Within 30 days of departure – 100% of total paid will apply.
• Whiteroom Tours cannot be held responsible for snow conditions. Holidays cannot be cancelled or amended on the basis of snow conditions. • No refunds will be made if you voluntarily leave a tour for any reason after the tour has begun. Refunds will be at the discretion of Whiteroom Tours if you are involuntarily forced to leave a tour for any reason. No refunds will be given for any accommodation, transport, sightseeing, meals, services or any component of the tour not utilised. Please note these conditions apply to Whiteroom Tours land content only.

Cancellations by Whiteroom Tours: Whiteroom Tours reserves the right to cancel any tour before it is confirmed to run. A tour is confirmed to run once it has reached the minimum participants required as defined by Whiteroom Tours. This applies to all tours. Whiteroom Tours reserves the right to cancel any tour prior to departure, including a confirmed tour, due to circumstances beyond our control. If this occurs you will be given the option of changing to another tour or receiving a full refund. Whiteroom Tours is not responsible for any incidental expense you have incurred as a result of your booking. If you choose and alternative tour and it is at a lower value than your original tour you will be refunded the difference. If the alternative tour is of a higher value then you will pay the difference in price.

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.

$30.00 Booking Amendment: charged per amendment once a booking has been confirmed.
$100.00 Booking amendment inside 14 days: charged per amendment for changes inside 14 days of departure.
$50.00 Late booking: charged for bookings made inside 21 days of departure.
$30.00 Late payment: charged per week for any final payments not received by the due date.
$50.00 Travel document re-issue: charged per person in addition to supplier re-issue fees.
$50.00 Additional administration: such as special receipts or invoices for claiming deductions etc.

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: Travel insurance is highly recommended for all holiday packages. We recommend you take our travel insurance upon booking and paying deposit, to cover you for cancellation fees in the unfortunate event of a cancellation.

Transfers:Any transfers missed or not utilised by the client are non refundable. The cancellation policy of each service provider will determine whether a missed transfer can be moved to an alternate time/date. Whiteroom Tours reserves the right to amend departure times & service providers at our discretion. You will be notified by Whiteroom Tours should this occur.

Airfares: Can be purchased through Whiteroom Tours as part of your travel package. The conditions for the purchase of the airfare will be dependent on the airline & airfare that you are booked on and will be advised to you by Whiteroom Tours at time of quotation and confirmation. All fares quoted remain subject to availability at time of booking. Price may vary until fully paid and ticketed.

It is the passenger’s responsibility to:

• Ensure correct spelling of names for persons travelling is advised to Whiteroom Tours at time of booking on the booking form & correctly shown into your itinerary.
• Provide Whiteroom Tours with flight details for any flights not booked with Whiteroom Tours & ensure these details are shown correctly into your itinerary.
• Advise Whiteroom Tours of any changes to the above supplied flight details & ensure that these details are shown correctly into your itinerary. Whiteroom Tours will not be held liable for any missed connecting flight, transfer, accommodation or any other service due to incorrect supply of flight information. 

Frequent Flyers:If you are a current member of a Frequent Flyer program, we will require your membership number for entry into your booking. You should still retain your boarding passes and other receipts such as car rentals and hotel documents to ensure that all points are accurately credited to your account by the travel provider. Whiteroom Tours cannot be held responsible for copies of airline tickets/accounts once you have travelled. Not all airfares booked will accrue Frequent Flyer points. Please check with your consultant at time of booking or with your Frequent Flyer provider.