Overall Rating

Hokkaido Explorer Tour

Hokkaido Explorer Tour4.5/58
Hokkaido Explorer Tour4.5 out of 5 based on 8 reviews
  • Recommend
    100%
  • Would Revisit
    88%
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Hokkaido Explorer Tour Enquire
Price p/p From price based on twin/double-share option per person for first & last group tour for 2023-24 season.
Base/invoice currency is in Japanese yen inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 3,585

FULLY GUIDED & HOSTED TOUR
12 Nights - 10 Ski Areas - 10 Days Skiing/Riding

Location: Japan | Tour Focus: Guided | Terrain Focus: Off-Piste, Sidecountry
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Price p/p From price based on twin/double-share option per person for first & last group tour for 2023-24 season.
Base/invoice currency is in Japanese yen inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 3,585
Chase the best conditions and snowfall in the side country at Hokkaido's best ski areas. Based in the city of Asahikawa, then Furano, Otaru & Niseko.
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Future rates & dates are currently not yet available for this operator. Click here to enquire.
Custom Booking Period
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Custom Booking Period: Jan 01 - Mar 20, 2024
Min Days: From 5
Price: Enquire
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Hokkaido Explorer Tour

The Hokkaido Explorer Tour heads to the best Hokkaido ski areas from 4 base areas: Niseko; Otaru near Sapporo; and Furano and the city of Asahikawa in Central Hokkaido. Designed for upper advanced to expert skiers and snowboarders who are keen to get into the sidecountry and backcountry of each resort, the Hokkaido Explorer Tour will show you all the best ski areas in Hokkaido. With only one rest day, you will be on the move and hunting for powder. 

With the Hokkaido Explorer Tour, you have the option of joining one of the fixed date group tours, or if you have your own group you can go on a customised private tour to suit your group's needs (you can make a booking request for a quote here).

The Hokkaido Explorer Tour includes 3 nights in Hokkaido’s second largest city, Asahikawa. Staying in OMO7, a sleek modern hotel in the heart of the city, you’ll get to experience life in a Japanese city, and good access to Asahidake, Kurodake, Kamui and Pippu. At night your guide will show you around the sights and take you to some of the cities coolest bars and restaurants.

From Asahikawa you’ll head south to Furano and the modern Hotel Munin. Furano is one of our favourite mountains for its fall line skiiing, powder filled bowls and easy backcountry hikes. You’ll also head over to check out the the southern resorts of Tomamu and Sahoro. At night you’ll get to sample some of the great local food the area is famous for as well as stopping at some great onsens to soak weary bones at the end of each day.

From Furano the group will head through Sapporo to Otaru, famed for being the snowiest place in Hokkaido where you’ll ski or ride Kokusai, Teine and Kiroro. Along the way you’ll have a cultural excursion in Sapporo, checking out Ramen Alley, the Sapporo Beer Factory, crazy Japanese shopping and games arcades, and wandering the snowiest city in Japan.

The last or first stop on this powder road trip is Niseko! Many people give this place a bad rap but it is fun, like Whistler is fun, big mountains, loads or terrain and a cool aprés scene. With 12-20 metres of snow each season and some of the best guides in the business, you’ll be taken to where the snow is best and the crowds are virtually non-existent.

This is an advanced-expert guided tour where the lifts are used to access the sidecountry of each resort in search of fresh & deep Hokkaido powder! There is the option for some touring to get even better powder but if you're looking for a road trip with a lot more touring, check out the Powder Belt Backcountry Tour.
 
If you would like to book this trip or have any questions, you can make a booking request here.

Ability

This tour is for upper advanced and expert riders in powder only. You must be able to ski/board the whole mountain in all conditions confidently at speed and have advanced ability in powder, through trees in steep terrain and in variable conditions. 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. You must have a very good level of fitness.

Groups are split up into ski/board/ability levels and some groups we will be doing some hiking (traversing/bootpacking) to get the goods. Skins or split-boards are not specifically required but bringing your touring gear is encouraged.

If this tour isn't quite the right fit, check out the summary of other WhiteRoom Tours.

Itinerary

This is an outline of the itinerary which may occur in reverse direction.
Tour 1 - Niseko to Asahikawa
Tour 2 - Asahikawa to Niseko
Tour 3 - Niseko to Asahikawa
Tour 4 - Asahikawa to Niseko 

DAY 1

Upon landing at Asahikawa Airport you’ll be transferred by coach to the door of OMO7, your accommodation in Asahikawa city. That night the guides will host you in the hotel bar where you’ll meet your lead guide(s) who will run you through the tour, weather and answer any questions you have. (NOTE: If you wish to organise rental equipment it is advised that you seek advice from your consultant as there are limited rental shops in Asahikawa)

DAY 2

The guides will most probably ease you into it with a short trip over to Pippu a small but fun resort with no one around and super light dry power. On your return that night the guides will take you out in town for a welcome dinner all together to get to know your tour buddies better.

DAY 3

Depending on conditions we may rise early to either ski Kurodake or Asahidake the highest mountain in Hokkaido at 2290m. The ropeway does most of the hard work taking us to well above the tree line at 1600m. From there you’ll spend your day exploring the ridges from the lift.

DAY 4 (transfer & ski day)

A short drive to the south is Kamui Ski Links where you will spend a day exploring the trees and backside of Kamui. That afternoon on the way south to Furano, you may stop in a little known mountain onsen to soak a therapeutic mineral onsen.

DAY 5 – 6

New zone – new terrain! Your guides will show you around one of our favourite mountains – Furano. You’ll get to enjoy some wide open bowls and sweet powder filled tree runs. The next day the guides may take you to Sahoro, a fun resort full of secluded tree skiing and a sneaky road drop! On night 5 the guides will take you out to one of Furano’s many delicious restaurants.

DAY 7 (transfer & cultural day)

Time to check out and take the scenic transfer from Furano to Otaru. As it is a 3-4 hour drive, this is usually your rest day. You'll stop in Sapporo on the way to enjoy Hokkaido’s capital, including the Sapporo Beer Hall or the Snow Festival. If the snow is dumping and you’ve had a rest day previously, you can ski a few resorts on the way – Teine, Kokusai or Tomamu. That night you'll check into Otaru Grand Park and enjoy some of the freshest sushi in Hokkaido.

DAY 8-9

Each day in Otaru you will start with an awesome breakfast before jumping into the van for a short drive to whichever resort is getting the goods – Kokusai, Kiroro or Teine. At night you’ll wander along Otaru’s canals, and dine in one of the great seafood or BBQ restaurants and sample some of the local beers.

DAY 10

Today you’ll check out of Otaru and drive over the pass to Niseko. 9 times out of 10 you’ll ride the epic backcountry of Kiroro or Rusutsu on the way, but if the weather isn’t cooperating, this is a great down day where the group will head to the Yoichi Whiskey Distillery and check out the snow covered coast line. If you’ve already had a rest day we’ll ensure you’ll ride one of the many resorts in the area.

DAY 11-12

On one of these days your guides will show you around the massive Niseko United ski area. The guides will hunt out some powder stashes, hike the peak and drop into the back bowls for some leg burning fall line skiing and then finish the day with a soak in a local onsen. Whatever resort you didn’t get to do during the transfer from Otaru to Niseko, you’ll hit up today. This could be Rusutsu, Kiroro or Moiwa. On your last night the guides will host a traditional Shabu Shabu or Nabe Hot pot dinner at Full Note.

DAY 13 (check-out and departure day)

Time to check out and say goodbye to your new friends and transfer to Sapporo’s Chitose Airport for your flight home with memories to last a lifetime! If your flight departs late in the day there is even a chance to get a few more turns in!

Lodging

In Asahikawa you'll stay in the OMO7 Hotel, which is a modern hotel near the restaurants and bar district. Breakfast is fantastic and there are facilities such as a public hot bath, communal lounge and equipment waxing.

In Niseko you’ll be staying at the lovely Pension Full Note. It is a Japanese-style bed & breakfast inn with a warm and cosy country atmosphere. We love this place for its location in the centre of town, lovely staff and comfort.

In Furano you will be staying 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 dining restaurants, winery, lounge/bar with satellite TV, rental cars, foreign exchange, wireless internet, souvenirs, common laundry, ski hire, and regular guest shuttle to the ski lifts.

In Otaru you will be staying at the Grand Park Otaru. This hotel offers amazing views of the coast and views up to the hills.

2023/24 Rates, Inclusions & Add-Ons

535,000 to 565,000 JPY / Person depending on tour date

About Rates:

Accommodation

  • 3 nights twin/triple share accommodation at Full Note Pension in Central Hirafu (Niseko)
  • 3 nights twin/triple share accommodation in Furano at Hotel Munin
  • 3 nights twin/triple share accom at OMO5 Otaru
  • 3 nights twin/triple share accom at OMO7 Asahikawa
Group
  • 6 to 1 max client to guide ratio
  • 6-10 people max per tour. 4 person minimum
Inclusions
  • 12 nights twin or triple share accommodation
  • Daily cooked breakfast & 2 dinners (welcome & farewell)
  • All lift passes
  • Fully guided & hosted
  • Airport transfers with Resort Liner & ground transport
  • Onsen (hot spring) tour
  • Sapporo cultural day trip
Add-ons
  • Single share accommodation
  • Avalanche gear rental
  • Tokyo stopover/Kyoto cultural side trip
  • Accom upgrade for Niseko - price on request
  • Extra nights accom & ski days in Niseko/Furano
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.