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.

• 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

• Avalanche Gear - Come prepared with your own gear or rent from Blackbird