Looking Back at Our 2018 Japan Group Trips
It's been a bumper year for group trips to Hokkaido. Two trips with the Warren Smith Ski Academy provided expert tuition on powder techniques. A trip with the editor and readers of Telegraph Ski & Snowboard Magazine and finally our very own Niseko Powder Week were both focussed on searching out the best of Hokkaido's powder stashes for the groups.
Warren Smith Ski Academy Japan Powder Camp in Furano
The conditions on this year’s Warren Smith Ski Academy at the end of January didn’t disappoint. Returning to Furano after years in Niseko, it was a welcome departure for the untouched powder and authentic Japanese experience.
We partnered with the prestigious ski academy to provide all the travel and lodging arrangements for the Powder Camps, consisting of two groups of up to 36 skiers each week, expertly coached and guided by the Warren Smith Ski Academy team. The camp itself was five days, with a warm-up day to start followed by free ski days at the end to develop the newly learned powder skills. Discussions are in place for the 2019 camp, so register your interest with us now to avoid missing out as spaces fill fast!
Telegraph Ski & Snowboard Magazine Japan Reader Trip
We were excited to be approached by the Telegraph Ski & Snowboard Magazine to work together on their Japan Reader Trip in 2018. Editor Henry Druce travelled to Hokkaido in February 2017 to do a recce on the resorts with Ski Safari’s Kenji Matsuzawa, confirming that it was the perfect fit for the adventurous and powder hungry group of skiers and snowboarders.
Following a similar itinerary to our Hokkaido Explorer Safari over 10 days, the group visited Niseko, Kiroro, Rusutsu and Furano - even managing to sneak in a bluebird day at Asahidake. Considering how experienced and well-travelled the group were, we were delighted to hear from many how it was the best snow and trip they’ve ever had!
Ski Safari Hokkaido Powder Week
The common misconception of Japan is how expensive skiing there is. Our idea behind the Niseko Powder Week is to offer a great value package for skiers and snowboarders to sample the best of Niseko, hosted by Ski Safari’s Niseko local, Kenji Matsuzawa, and guides from our partners at Whiteroom Tours.
Our group of four skiers and one snowboarder were treated to a bluebird day on the first day, a rarity in Niseko in February and perfect for getting to know the mountain and finding ski legs again. The days which followed included guiding, night-skiing, a Sukiyaki (hot pot) group dinner, onsen visits and even cat-skiing on the final day in resort with fresh powder following a storm cycle! We’re looking to run a similar trip in 2019, so do let us know if you would be interested.