Powder Hunting in Hokkaido

If you've not yet tried skiing in Japan, it might be time you did! Read on to see why...

In December, Japan specialist Andrea Selig made a brief pit stop in Tokyo before heading up to Niseko.

"Tokyo remains an eye-opener for me, even after 15 years of living there! With only a day to spend in the city, a whirlwind tour included some favourites: Shibuya Crossing, Omotesando and the Meiji Shrine, zipping across the city by subway to Asakusa for the famous Senso-ji Temple and finishing off with the bright lights of the Akihabara electronics district."

"An easy 1.5 hour flight from Tokyo Haneda to Sapporo Chitose followed by a 2 hour drive, the conditions on the slopes of Niseko were excellent with plenty of cover to venture into the trees."

"Niseko has changed a lot in the last few years, with property developments, new restaurants, lift upgrades and skier numbers increasing as a result! New this year, Aya Niseko offers luxury accommodation at the base of the Family Pair Lift and Odin Place is a brand new complex with restaurants, cafés and shopping. In Hirafu, the King Hooded Lift #3 has been extended to start lower down the mountain and upgraded to a 4-seater. In Niseko Village, the beginner terrain has been expanded with two new lifts and a 1.2 km run.

"A day trip to Rusutsu was a personal highlight, completely escaping the holiday crowds to lap dry and fluffy, waist-deep powder."

"The skiing and riding in Hokkaido is, of course, the main draw. But the food comes a very close second!"

In January, company founder Richard Rice, a massive fan of skiing in Japan, enjoyed another visit to Hokkaido. He was there to sample the backcountry experiences we are increasingly offering our customers.

"These are the days that unlock the potential of the mountains and become the highlight of any trip, and you don’t necessarily have to be an expert skier or boarder to enjoy them."

"Asahidake in central Hokkaido is a small resort with a big reputation. The ski area has just one lift, its famous ropeway. But with access to steaming fumeroles, vast views (on a clear day) and acres of untracked powder, one lift is all you need... well, maybe a guide, touring skis and safety equipment too!"

Richard also checked out Kiroro which has introduced a number of programs allowing guests to ski off-piste terrain under the direction of a ski instructor or backcountry guide, either using the lifts, or a snow-cat - ideal for first-time powder skiers.

Check back soon for details of the off-piste and backcountry ski experiences we'll be offering in Japan next winter - something that should be on every skier and snowboarder's to-do list!

On his final stop in Niseko, Richard met up with Ski Safari customers Iain and Peter who were deep in the Hokkaido powder...

Two intrepid Ski Safari customers, Iain and Peter, were happy pioneers of our newly created January Hokkaido Powder Week. January is powder month, being historically the snowiest of the year, and it didn’t disappoint. They were there to explore Niseko and the neighbouring backcountry with the assistance of Ski Safari Japan Manager Kenji and guide Paul. This is the perfect way to ski Japan - with local knowledge and an experienced guide, you can pick and choose where to ski each day based on the weather, snow conditions and ability of the group, ensuring access to the best possible snow at all times!

Peter and Iain thoroughly enjoyed the local cuisine and nightlife Niseko had to offer too, including a lively meal at an izakaya in Kutchan Town with Richard.