First session: February 8 - 15, 2025

Second session: February 15 - 22, 2025

Best Suited For:

Intermediate to expert powder skiers and snowboarders who are also adventurous travelers.

Expert
Intermediate
Dining
Spa

Don't take our word for it.

"Simply put, The Southern Hokkaido Guided Ski Trip is an experience that's equal parts powder & culture without the typical hassles."

Pricing Details

$4,181.94

per person based on double occupancy (single occupancy price: $6,277.53)

incl. taxes, excl. airfare and based on double occupancy

20% deposit due at time of booking (non refundable); final payment due September 23, 2024.

Meet your Japan Expert. Tench Coxe has been booking epic ski vacations for 18 years.

Coxe Tench

Tench Coxe

Tench Coxe has been with Ski.com since 2006
Call Tench Coxe
800-908-5000 ext 3653
Contact Tench to learn more

"Niseko's slopes offered something for everyone, and our personal ski guide for our group of 4 helped us find the powder stashes and explore multiple resorts in the area. Booking with Ski.com made the whole experience stress-free and let us focus on enjoying the slopes, après-ski activities, Japan’s incredible cuisine and exploring Tokyo after the skiing portion."

Wendy S., Japan 2024 Guided Trip Participant

Trip Details

7 nights of luxury and powder in Japan


Round-trip transportation between the New Chitose Airport (Sapporo) and Niseko.


7 nights of lodging in Niseko at luxury property Setsu


6 days with English-speaking, local ski and snowboard guides in Niseko in groups of only 4-5 people. Choose between Rusutsu, Kiroro, Niseko and Moiwa each day based on ideal snow conditions, with access to side country terrain.


Breakfast daily, one traditional Japanese dinner, welcome reception and farewell reception.

room at setsu niseko of hirafu
setsu niseko lobby

About Setsu Niseko

Setsu Niseko was awarded the prestigious title of the "World's Best New Ski Hotel" at the World Ski Rewards in 2023. The hotel offers an exemplary collection of 190 luxury hotel suites encompassing a beautiful synthesis of Japanese design with contemporary luxuries, to create a strong ‘sense of place’ and deep rooted respect for the surrounding alpine landscapes.

Nestled between Mount Yotei and Mount Annupuri, this resort provides breathtaking views and from a perfectly central location in Hirafu.

Top Amenities Include:

  • Short walk or shuttle to the lifts
  • Onsite onsen (hot spring)
  • Private onsen
  • Rikka spa
  • Yoga studio
  • Onsite ski rental shop
  • 6 onsite restaurants
  • Bar/lounge
  • Business center
Reserve Your Spot
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About Southern Hokkaido

Southern Hokkaido is home to the world-famous "Japow." Receiving 600+ inches of snow on average per season, Southern Hokkaido is truly the powder paradise it’s rumored to be. But it’s not only Hokkaido's powder that’s the best in Japan; for expert skiers and riders, nothing competes with Niseko, Rusutsu or Kiroro's off-piste side country skiing.

Located 62 miles from bustling Sapporo, Niseko is quite convenient for both international travelers and city site-seers, which is why we base our Japan Tour there. The resort is close to Rusutsu and Kiroro ski resorts, and the stunning Mt. Yōtei or “the Mt. Fuji of Hokkaido."

What to Expect

Travel

Depending on whether you're traveling from eastern or western North America, the flight to Japan can take anywhere from 11 to 14 hours. Once you've arrived in Tokyo, you're only a two-hour domestic flight away from Sapporo. We have relationships with the airlines and can add flights to your trip, sometimes with a discounted fare, or you're welcome to make those arrangements yourself.

Terrain

Generally, the ski terrain you can expect in Southern Hokkaido, Japan is lower angle, often with perfectly spaced Japanese Oak trees and blanketed by an average of 600" annually. Much of the guided skiing is in the side-country and requires varying amounts of traversing. Because of this, it’s common for us to try to separate skiers and snowboarders into separate groups.

Culture

Southern Hokkaido is the best for uninitiated travelers. English is widely spoken, especially in Niseko, due to the prevalence of Australian skiers. There are still plenty of traditional Japanese restaurants and cultural and culinary attractions, including onsens (hot springs) soaks (a perfect way to restore and relax before or after your day on the mountain) and local Japanese whiskey and sake tastings. Learn more.

Our Guides

With many seasons under their belt and several working with Ski.com and our skiers, our Niseko-based ski guides provide the highest level of safety, knowledge and fun. These highly certified, seasoned, professional guides understand local storm cycles and constantly monitor the weather to determine the best resort to ski each day. If your ski day is not in Niseko, your guide will pick you up at the hotel in their private van.

Equipment

Niseko receives 600" of snowfall annually, so powder skis (101+ mm) are highly recommended. If you don’t have a ski like this in your personal quiver, we can arrange for you to rent the perfect pair to ensure the best possible experience in Japan. Backcountry packs, with beacon, probe and shovel are required and available for rent, as most of the guided skiing takes place in uncontrolled, off-piste zones.

What to Pack

Temperatures in Hokkaido in January range from 12°F to 28°F, so it's imperative to dress appropriately. In addition, since it snows so much in Hokkaido during the winter months, stormy conditions and strong winds are often present. Boot heaters, hand warmers and face protectors, like Buffs, are highly recommended. Our best practice is to come prepared with several layers you can use depending on conditions. See our full packing list.

Frequently asked questions

Flights, lunches and five dinners. To maximize flexibility, lift tickets also aren’t included. Niseko is on the Ikon Pass, Rusutsu is on the Epic Pass and day tickets range from $50 to $75 depending on the resort.

Yes. The total cost for one person in a single room is $6,277.53.
Although, Niseko, Rusustu and Kiroro have an incredible array of groomed intermediate and beginner runs, this particular trip is curated with intermediate to expert powder lovers in mind.
There will be a Ski.com rep meeting you at the airport. Airport ground transportation is included in this trip. Your Mountain Travel Expert, who will book your entire trip for you (a complimentary service offered to all Ski.com customers for all trips), will take care of the details and provide you with proper documentation so you know where you're going and when you need to be there.
Yes. Laundry appliances include a combined washer/dryer and ironing facilities.
The guides are English speakers and they will take four to five people per group, which will be determined on the first day based on ability. Unless the group comes in knowing each other, we separate snowboarders and skiers due to the traversing that's sometimes required. If you have your own group of four to five, we can organize the experience so you have your own guide.
Cancellations must be received in writing. The 20% deposit due at the time of booking to confirm the trip is nonrefundable. Final payment is due by September 23, 2024. 100% penalty if cancelled within 138 to 1 day of check in. 20% penalty if cancelled up to 139 days prior to check in. Trip cancellation insurance is highly recommended.

You have options to book!

  • Option 1) Fill out the form at the bottom of this page, hit submit and a Mountain Travel Expert will be in touch with you ASAP to reserve a spot.
  • Option 2) Call our Japan Expert Tench Coxe at 844-831-9317 ext 3653 and he'll get you all set up.

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