The Two Regions
- Otaru & Kiroro · a warm-up day at Sapporo Kokusai, then touring days in the coastal ranges, with glades and bowls above the sea
- Asahikawa & Furano · three days in the interior, resort or backcountry depending on weather and snow
Hokkaido Backcountry + Resort Ski Week, Japan
backcountryski-resort
From USD 4,200 per person
- DURATION
- 8 days / 7 nights
- GROUP SIZE
- 3-6 participants
- Destinations
- Otaru, Asahikawa
- NEXT DATES
- Jan 24 – 31, 2027Jan 31 – Feb 7, 2027
Updated October 2026
8-day guided ski trip in Hokkaido, Japan: backcountry and resort days around Otaru, Kiroro and Asahikawa with certified local guides. Jan–Feb 2027.
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Hokkaido, Japan: Backcountry + Resort Ski Week
An 8-day guided ski trip in Hokkaido, Japan, split between two regions: the coastal ranges around Otaru and Kiroro, then the interior mountains around Asahikawa and Furano. Days mix resort skiing, lift-access backcountry and ski touring, chosen each morning around the weather. Guided by certified local guide Akihiro (Aki) Tachimoto with the Esnativa host team on the ground.
PriceUSD 4,200 per personLift passes not included
Duration8 days / 7 nightsOtaru & Asahikawa
Dates 2027Jan 24–31 · Jan 31–Feb 7Two departures
Group3–6 guests2 certified guides
LevelIntermediate to advancedGroups matched by ability
Accommodation & Meals
- Nights 1–3: hotel in Otaru
- Nights 4–7: accommodation in the Asahikawa area
- Daily breakfast included. Dinners are not included: we go out together as a group and book the restaurants. Plan on about USD 35 per dinner and USD 10 per lunch.
- Double or twin rooms. Wi-Fi in the accommodation.
What's Included
- 7 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- 2 certified guides on every ski day, plus the Esnativa host team
- 1 private van for the group during the trip, including the move from Otaru to Asahikawa
- Daily briefings on weather, snow and plan, and 24/7 host support
- Restaurant reservations and day-to-day logistics
Not Included
- International flights
- Lift passes (bought locally; cost depends on the resorts chosen each day)
- Airport transfers (arrival at CTS and departure from AKJ)
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and personal expenses
- Gear rental and backcountry safety kit (available as add-ons)
- Travel insurance and optional experiences
Terrain & Level
- Resort skiing, lift-access backcountry and powder touring, adjusted daily
- Tree skiing, glades and open bowls in the coastal and interior ranges
- For intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders. Groups are matched by ability.
Gear & Guiding
- Bring your own setup or rent resort and powder gear as an add-on
- Beacon, shovel and probe kits available to rent
- Certified guides with years of experience in Hokkaido's terrain and storm cycles. All on-mountain decisions are made by the guide team.
- Plans change with conditions only with the group's agreement and always under the guides' direction.
Best Time to Go
January to mid-February is typically the most consistent period for light powder in Hokkaido. Both 2027 departures fall in that window. Conditions vary from year to year.
Arrivals & Departures
ARRIVAL
CTS — New Chitose Airport (Sapporo)
Land in the morning on Day 1 and meet your Esnativa host at 5 pm. Airport transfer not included.
Land in the morning on Day 1 and meet your Esnativa host at 5 pm. Airport transfer not included.
DEPARTURE
AKJ — Asahikawa Airport
Depart after breakfast on Day 8; book flights after 11:00 am. Airport transfer not included.
Depart after breakfast on Day 8; book flights after 11:00 am. Airport transfer not included.
What Guests Say About Japan
5.0 ★ on Google · 59 reviews
I had a wonderful experience this February touring Japan with Esnativa! Agus and Niki went out of their way to make sure we all had a great time! Great groups, great skiing, great food!
What a wonderful time I had guided by Agus in Hokkaido, Japan … he helped book all my accommodations and made sure I was well fed, he found us deep powder on the daily to ski to our hearts' content.
Lucky enough to ski with Esnativa in South America and Japan. These guys are pros. … Itinerary is very well thought out having to take into consideration what the mountains are offering.
What guests say about Esnativa
5.0★★★★★59 reviews on Google
“From start to finish, the trip planning, coordination, logistics, and powder hunting were all handled flawlessly. The guides were top-notch, making every day both safe and unforgettable.”
“The wind and weather were tricky during our visit, but the guides knew exactly where the good snow was hiding. Highly recommend!”
“Luc was very knowledgeable about the resort terrain… He was patient, friendly and made us feel safe in the off piste terrain. He was able to get us into some fresh snow days after the storm.”
Day 1 – Arrival in Hokkaido & Otaru
Land at New Chitose Airport (CTS) in the morning and make your way to Otaru (airport transfer not included). Meet your Esnativa host at 5 pm at Hotel Sonia, check in, gear check and a first group dinner with the guide team (dinners not included).
Day 2 – Resort Skiing at Sapporo Kokusai
Warm-up day at Sapporo Kokusai: lift-access powder laps and short sidecountry tours as conditions allow. Back in Otaru for a local seafood dinner.
Day 3 – Backcountry Near Otaru or Kiroro
Touring day in the coastal ranges outside Otaru or around Kiroro, skiing glades and bowls with views of the sea. The guides pick the zone based on snow and wind.
Day 4 – Backcountry Near Otaru or Kiroro, Move to Asahikawa
A second touring day near Otaru or Kiroro. After skiing, transfer by private van to the Asahikawa area.
Day 5 – Skiing Around Asahikawa or Furano
First day in the interior. Resort or backcountry around Asahikawa or Furano, chosen by the guides based on weather and snow.
Day 6 – Skiing Around Asahikawa or Furano
Another day in the Asahikawa and Furano area. The plan follows the storm cycles and visibility: lift-access powder on stormy days, touring when it clears.
Day 7 – Last Ski Day Around Asahikawa or Furano
Final ski day in the Asahikawa or Furano area, resort or backcountry depending on conditions. Last group dinner together (not included).
Day 8 – Departure from Asahikawa
Breakfast, then make your way to Asahikawa Airport (AKJ). Book flights after 11:00 am. Airport transfer not included.
Optional
Double twin room
Day 1
Optional & Extras
Japanese plug adapter (Type A/B, 100V)
Recommended
GPS/watch with altimeter
Optional
Passport and printed travel documents
Required
Travel insurance with ski and backcountry coverage
Required
Padded ski bag or hard case
Recommended
Boot bag or travel backpack
Recommended
Duffel bag or suitcase (70–100 L)
Recommended
Credit/debit card and some Japanese yen
Recommended
Phone and charger
Recommended
Energy bars or snacks
Recommended
Sunscreen SPF 30–50 and lip balm with SPF
Recommended
Blister care (Compeed, Leukotape, moleskin)
Recommended
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Recommended
Ziplock bags or small trash bag
Recommended
Ski lock
Optional
Camera or GoPro
Optional
Extra goggles (for storm days)
Optional
Heated gloves or hand warmers
Optional
Back protector
Optional
Lodge & Après-Ski Clothing
Lightweight towel (optional – some onsen provide them)
Optional
Underwear and sleepwear
Recommended
Snow boots (for walking in town and at resorts)
Recommended
Comfortable clothes for the lodge
Recommended
Toiletries & personal medication
Recommended
Travel-size first aid kit
Recommended
Earplugs
Recommended
Ski & Safety Equipment
Helmet
Required
Touring skis or splitboard
Required
Climbing skins (pre-cut and tested)
Required
Touring bindings
Required
Ski or snowboard boots (compatible with your setup)
Required
Adjustable ski poles
Required
Goggles (low-light and sunny lenses)
Required
Backpack (30–40L, with ski/snowboard carry system)
Required
Avalanche beacon (3-antenna, with fresh batteries)
Required
Shovel (metal blade)
Required
Probe (minimum 240 cm)
Required
Ski crampons (for firm or windy ridges)
Recommended
Headlamp (with spare batteries)
Recommended
Pocket knife or multitool
Recommended
Thermos (0.5 L)
Recommended
Water bottle or hydration system (min. 1 L)
Recommended
Small repair kit (ski straps, duct tape)
Recommended
Technical Clothing
Insulated gloves or mittens (for descents)
Required
Lightweight gloves (for touring)
Required
Base layers (top and bottom – merino or synthetic)
Required
Insulating mid-layer (fleece or light puffy)
Required
Down or synthetic insulated jacket (for rest breaks)
Required
Waterproof & breathable shell jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
Required
Waterproof shell pants or bibs
Required
Warm hat / beanie
Required
Neck gaiter or buff
Required
Ski socks (2–3 pairs, wool or synthetic)
Required
Sunglasses (with UV protection)
Recommended
Technical T-shirt (for layering)
Recommended
Sun cap or lightweight hat
Recommended
Extra insulation layer (for very cold touring days)
Optional
Hokkaido
No. Airport transfers on arrival (CTS) and departure (AKJ) are not included. In-trip transport is by private van, including the move from Otaru to the Asahikawa area.
Hokkaido conditions can change fast with storms, wind and visibility. The guides adapt the daily plan to find the best skiing while keeping safety first, and changes are made with the group's agreement.
Two certified guides on every ski day, led by local guide Akihiro (Aki) Tachimoto, plus the Esnativa host team for logistics and daily briefings. All on-mountain decisions are made by the guide team.
You can bring your own setup or rent. Resort and powder gear rental and beacon, shovel and probe kits are available as add-ons; let us know when you book.
Arrive at New Chitose Airport (CTS) near Sapporo on the morning of Day 1; you meet your Esnativa host at 5 pm. You depart from Asahikawa Airport (AKJ) on Day 8; book flights after 11:00 am. Airport transfers are not included.
Upcoming Departures
Jan 24 – 31, 2027
Open
8 days
Akihiro Tachimoto
Jan 31 – Feb 7, 2027
Open
8 days
Akihiro Tachimoto
Experience Hokkaido Backcountry + Resort Ski Week, Japan
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY
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