Skiing deep powder in Japan with a guide

Hokkaido Japan Guided Powder Skiing

Seven days of guided skiing in the most consistent powder skiing destination on the planet - Hokkaido, Japan!

Coupled with an incredible cultural experience, days are spent chasing powder and nights we chase the renowned Japanese cuisine. Come explore powder skiing & riding on volcanoes and the food and culture of Japan!

Full Trip Price: $5,495

Pay the $250 deposit via this page to secure your spot, then pay the balance 90 days before the trip start date. Pay by check/Zelle to avoid CC fees. See the Inclusions tab for details.

Overview
Itinerary
Prerequisites
Inclusions
Gear

Our 7-day powder skiing safari is based in Furano, on the eastern side of Hokkaido, Japan. This quaint Japanese city is surrounded by incredible backcountry terrain and ski resorts. Options abound as we create unique itineraries each day based on the weather and conditions.

We start in central Hokkaido, then move east to search out the deep powder stashes and incredible cuisine. Our mode of recreation is a mixture of resort skiing, side-country and backcountry skiing and riding and we prioritize whatever mode will yield the deepest turns and the most vertical for each day!

Each day we'll sniff out the deepest conditions Hokkaido has to offer. Some days we opt to ride lifts and optimize the face shots in the resort. We also have a number of "side-country" stashes that provide a lift-assistance to our powder pursuit. Other days we find the deepest turns in Hokkaido by earning them backcountry. Your guide will break trail for you, so don't worry about that!

Beyond skiing, we dive into the food and culture of Japan. After charging hard all day, we recharge our batteries with a relaxing onsen (traditional Japanese hot spring) and delicious local food. Local attractions and traditions are rolled into the mix as well to get a feel for Japanese culture.

Our small group sizes allow us to access more powder skiing and provide a sense of camaraderie as we dive deep in Hokkaido's renowned powder and terrain. We limit out groups to 4 skiers per guide and match their ability levels to ensure you get the snow and terrain you're looking for!

Get ready to experience the thrill of carving through the world's finest snow, surrounded by stunning mountain views and the warmth of Japanese hospitality. Don’t miss out on the skiing experience of a lifetime!

Day 0 - Afternoon arrival in Sapporo. We'll get some sleep at a hotel close to the airport.

Day 1 - We'll pick up everyone at the hotel and make the short drive to Sapporo Teine resort to warm up the legs and get our first taste of Japanese powder skiing! After we finish skiing, we'll head to Furano where we'll base for the rest of the trip.

Day 2 -Based on conditions and the weather forecast, we'll choose options for skiing resort, side-country or backcountry in the amazing mountains around Furano.

Days 3-6 - We'll continue our pursuit for the deepest powder on Hokkaido as we explore the eastern side of the island's multitude of ski resorts and backcountry destinations. Options abound, and our guide team will sniff out the best lines going for each day.

Day 7 - Our last day of powder skiing on Hokkaido! We'll ski a full day before grabbing one last delectable dinner in Furano and returning to our hotel for the night.

Day 8 - We'll drive to Sapporo and drop everyone off at the New Chitose Airport in our private van.

Here are the skills and fitness you'll need for your course:

  • Advanced to Expert Resort Riding Skills - Including off-piste terrain in challenging snow conditions. You should have significant powder skiing experience for this trip!If you are booking a private trip, we can work with the skiing ability of your group to progress in powder skiing - inquire with us for details (info@blackbirdguides.com)

  • Intermediate Touring Experience - Including efficient gear management and skinning, transition technique, with 20+ days of backcountry experience.

  • Strong Fitness - Able to spend a long, active day outside, moving uphill at 1,000’ per hour for durations of 1-1.5 hours between breaks. Participants should be able to hike 8-10 miles, climbing 2,500 - 3,500 vertical feet throughout the course of the day. People with strong fitness typically have a strenuous workout 3-4 days a week

Pricing and Booking

  • Step 1: Secure your spot with a $250 deposit via credit card on our website or pay in full including Credit Card Fees on the site.
  • Step 2: If you paid a deposit, pay the remaining trip balance of $4,700 by check, Zelle or credit card (with fees). We'll send instructions on how to do that following the order confirmation email. Payment in full is due 120 days before the trip start date.
This Trip Includes:
  • 7 Days Ski Guiding with an IFMGA Mountain Guide
  • 7 nights hotel or Airbnb accommodation, double occupancy
  • Pickup and Dropoff at Sapporo (New Chitose Airport, CTS)
  • 3 days Lift Tickets Ski Resorts including Sapporo Teine, at Furano, Asahi Dake and more
  • Private van and daily transportation across the island

Not Included:

  • Airfare to and from Sapporo
  • Meals throughout the trip
  • Lift tickets beyond 3 day's worth
  • Ski equipment needed for the trip

Hokkaido Powder Skiing & Riding Gear Guide

Know Before you go

SKILL LEVELAdvanced Expert
ELEVATION600'-6,000'
LocationHokkaido, Japan
Price/Person $250.00
Private Programs
Duration: 7 Days
View Full Itinerary
Private Programs

Blackbird Mountain Guides offers both scheduled group programs and private programs.

Private programs are simply above and beyond what Blackbird Mountain Guides currently has scheduled. Scheduled courses are not always less expensive. Before booking a trip with Blackbird Mountain Guides, clients are encouraged to review the differences between these types of programs, and to decide what works best for them.

SCHEDULED PROGRAMS

Scheduled Programs have fixed dates, itineraries, objectives, curriculum, and costs. They typically appeal to solo individuals or small groups or who are looking to share the cost of their program with a larger group. Correspondingly, scheduled programs are less expensive for smaller groups (1-2), and they provide the opportunity to meet others with similar interests. If you have a large group (3+), Scheduled programs will often be more expensive. They can fill up quickly, and scheduling flexibility is obviously limited.

Scheduled programs will have advertised dates. All scheduled programs can be run as private programs with private dates/rates as well.

PRIVATE PROGRAMS

Private programs have scheduling freedom. They typically appeal to those who would like some flexibility in planning their own trip or course. In this regard, Itineraries and objectives can be tailored to suit current conditions as well as client goals. Private programs are normally less expensive for larger groups (3+). If you have a small group (1-2) private programs will be more expensive.

Contact us
Full Itinerary
Day 0 - Afternoon arrival in Sapporo. We'll get some sleep at a hotel close to the airport.
Day 1 - We'll pick up everyone at the hotel and make the short drive to Sapporo Teine resort to warm up the legs and get our first taste of Japanese powder skiing! After we finish skiing, we'll head to Furano where we'll base for the rest of the trip.
Day 2 -Based on conditions and the weather forecast, we'll choose options for skiing resort, side-country or backcountry in the amazing mountains around Furano.
Days 3-6 - We'll continue our pursuit for the deepest powder on Hokkaido as we explore the eastern side of the island's multitude of ski resorts and backcountry destinations. Options abound, and our guide team will sniff out the best lines going for each day.
Day 7 - Our last day of powder skiing on Hokkaido! We'll ski a full day before grabbing one last delectable dinner in Furano and returning to our hotel for the night.
Day 8 - We'll drive to Sapporo and drop everyone off at the New Chitose Airport in our private van.

Our 7-day powder skiing safari is based in Furano, on the eastern side of Hokkaido, Japan. This quaint Japanese city is surrounded by incredible backcountry terrain and ski resorts. Options abound as we create unique itineraries each day based on the weather and conditions.

We start in central Hokkaido, then move east to search out the deep powder stashes and incredible cuisine. Our mode of recreation is a mixture of resort skiing, side-country and backcountry skiing and riding and we prioritize whatever mode will yield the deepest turns and the most vertical for each day!

Each day we'll sniff out the deepest conditions Hokkaido has to offer. Some days we opt to ride lifts and optimize the face shots in the resort. We also have a number of "side-country" stashes that provide a lift-assistance to our powder pursuit. Other days we find the deepest turns in Hokkaido by earning them backcountry. Your guide will break trail for you, so don't worry about that!

Beyond skiing, we dive into the food and culture of Japan. After charging hard all day, we recharge our batteries with a relaxing onsen (traditional Japanese hot spring) and delicious local food. Local attractions and traditions are rolled into the mix as well to get a feel for Japanese culture.

Our small group sizes allow us to access more powder skiing and provide a sense of camaraderie as we dive deep in Hokkaido's renowned powder and terrain. We limit out groups to 4 skiers per guide and match their ability levels to ensure you get the snow and terrain you're looking for!

Get ready to experience the thrill of carving through the world's finest snow, surrounded by stunning mountain views and the warmth of Japanese hospitality. Don’t miss out on the skiing experience of a lifetime!

Day 0 - Afternoon arrival in Sapporo. We'll get some sleep at a hotel close to the airport.

Day 1 - We'll pick up everyone at the hotel and make the short drive to Sapporo Teine resort to warm up the legs and get our first taste of Japanese powder skiing! After we finish skiing, we'll head to Furano where we'll base for the rest of the trip.

Day 2 -Based on conditions and the weather forecast, we'll choose options for skiing resort, side-country or backcountry in the amazing mountains around Furano.

Days 3-6 - We'll continue our pursuit for the deepest powder on Hokkaido as we explore the eastern side of the island's multitude of ski resorts and backcountry destinations. Options abound, and our guide team will sniff out the best lines going for each day.

Day 7 - Our last day of powder skiing on Hokkaido! We'll ski a full day before grabbing one last delectable dinner in Furano and returning to our hotel for the night.

Day 8 - We'll drive to Sapporo and drop everyone off at the New Chitose Airport in our private van.

Here are the skills and fitness you'll need for your course:

  • Advanced to Expert Resort Riding Skills - Including off-piste terrain in challenging snow conditions. You should have significant powder skiing experience for this trip!If you are booking a private trip, we can work with the skiing ability of your group to progress in powder skiing - inquire with us for details (info@blackbirdguides.com)

  • Intermediate Touring Experience - Including efficient gear management and skinning, transition technique, with 20+ days of backcountry experience.

  • Strong Fitness - Able to spend a long, active day outside, moving uphill at 1,000’ per hour for durations of 1-1.5 hours between breaks. Participants should be able to hike 8-10 miles, climbing 2,500 - 3,500 vertical feet throughout the course of the day. People with strong fitness typically have a strenuous workout 3-4 days a week

Pricing and Booking

  • Step 1: Secure your spot with a $250 deposit via credit card on our website or pay in full including Credit Card Fees on the site.
  • Step 2: If you paid a deposit, pay the remaining trip balance of $4,700 by check, Zelle or credit card (with fees). We'll send instructions on how to do that following the order confirmation email. Payment in full is due 120 days before the trip start date.
This Trip Includes:
  • 7 Days Ski Guiding with an IFMGA Mountain Guide
  • 7 nights hotel or Airbnb accommodation, double occupancy
  • Pickup and Dropoff at Sapporo (New Chitose Airport, CTS)
  • 3 days Lift Tickets Ski Resorts including Sapporo Teine, at Furano, Asahi Dake and more
  • Private van and daily transportation across the island

Not Included:

  • Airfare to and from Sapporo
  • Meals throughout the trip
  • Lift tickets beyond 3 day's worth
  • Ski equipment needed for the trip

Hokkaido Powder Skiing & Riding Gear Guide

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Beautiful powder skiing in Hokkaido Japan with Blackbird Mountain Guides
Guided backcountry skiing in the Furano area of Hokkaido, Japan
Beginning a day of backcountry skiing in Hokkaido Japan with Blackbird Mountain Guides
Guided backcountry powder skiing in Hokkaido Japan
Great terrain and deep powder skiing are always on tap in the Furano area of Hokkaido, Japan
Amazing food and culture are always part of our powder ski trips in Hokkaido, Japan
Blackbird skiers and riders celebrate with their guide after a great day of powder skiing in Hokkaido, Japan
An excited skier in snow covered trees in the backcountry of Hokkaido Japan

Epic Reviews From Adventurers

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10 reviews
  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Ready for a trip to pillow town?

    Ok, this was my 2nd hut trip with Blackbird and wow was it amazing. I mean, at 50 if I had done this 25 years ago I am pretty sure my life would have gone in a very different direction.

    First and foremost, Zeb Blaise (owner and lead guide), is an absolute rockstar. He ensured that everyone made it to the lodge no matter how hard the weather and airlines tried to prevent it. He was constantly working to make sure this was an amazing experience.

    While visibility was difficult all week I still think we scored big time. With 5-10cm of fresh every day and a mix of guides and practicum's with local knowledge we were never longing for more. With the ability to self select we were able to choose from skiing bell to bell or a more mellow day but always had fun.

    I could go on about the food being fantastic and the hut's sauna for days but there is only so much room to type.

    Oh yeah, about the pillows... This is probably this best pillow terrain I've ever seen, in person, a magazine or a video part. I mean Mike Lindell would be jealous of this place. A week later and I'm still dreaming about pillow lines!

    The only real question is whether I will return to Snowfall or check out a different hut next winter...

    Jeremy R.
    Verified Buyer
    Snowfall Lodge BC 2025
    Was this helpful?
  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Blackbird Guides - Snowfall Lodge

    In short, a once in a lifetime experience. The perfect balance between comfort (a lodge that is off the grid but has everything you need, including sauna and amazing food) and outdoor adventure (disconnected, epic snow and terrain, unreal views, the list goes on). To top it off, Blackbird guides helps to make the experience as good as it gets. They are professionals at coordinating and communicating plans, as well as true backcountry mountain guides - ensuring a safe experience, while providing education and guaranteeing epic powder turns. I have used Blackbird since they started and will continue to do so. They are at the top of their game. Don't miss this trip, or frankly, any trip Blackbird puts together. If you have the opportunity, GO!

    Greg F.
    Verified Buyer
    Snowfall Lodge BC 2025
    Was this helpful?
  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Incredible hut trip

    Magnificent terrain to explore each day and a beautiful hut to return to each night. Couldn’t have loved this week more!

    Jennifer L.
    Verified Buyer
    Snowfall Lodge BC 2025
    Was this helpful?
  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Another Epic Trip to BC

    Blackbird trips are something special. Amazing terrain, super knowledgeable and fun guides, great guests, and spectacular food. Snowfall had it all, from high alpine & glaciers to super fun tree and pillow skiing. Looking forward to coming back.

    Henning F.
    Verified Buyer
    Snowfall Lodge BC 2025
    Was this helpful?
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