22nd Jan - 5th Feb 2012
$4,460* including flights/$2,730* land package
Niseko
Niseko is the apre ski capital of Japan. With a wide variety of bars and restaurants you will have a ball both on and off the snow. Made up of 5 resorts, Niseko is big enough to cater for all tastes. Plenty of beginner and intermediate runs are found side by side with off-piste advanced areas. You pretty much guaranteed reliable, day after day powder skiing and riding in classic tree skiing terrain, long groomers and some wide open alpine.
Moiwa
Moiwa is a little known secret and we're happy it's kept that way. Within only 20mins drive from Niseko it's an amazing little powder paradise with two lifts, amazing trees and awesome back bowls. You're sure to fall in love with this hill.
Rusutsu
Located only 40mins around the other side of Mt Yotei, Rusustu is another favourite amongst locals getting away from the Niseko crowds for a few solitary turns amongst the trees. It's modern lift system two mountains and long ridge and tree runs down into gullies will not disapoint even the most seasoned skier.
Furano
Furano is a country town of about 20,000 people with an awesome ski hill. With over 100 bars and restau- rants you be able to experience true Japanese hospital- ity . On the mountain you’ll enjoy some of the best tree skiing in Hokkaido, with easy to access steep faces, mellow glades, and gullies full of hits for skiers and snowboarders. The cold temperatures in Furano keep the 9 metres of annual snow light and dry and when its on, it is quite simply the best. Add to this the distinct lack of crowds and express lifts that take you to the top of 3.5km runs in a little over ten minutes and you have a recipe for leg burning skiing.
Tomamu
Tomamu strikes a cord with all who ride its mountains. With arguably the best in-bounds powder skiing in Hokkaido you’ll be wanting to come back for more. Mt. Tomamu at 1239m, offers skiers and snowboarders a wide variety of runs catering to all abilities. With 11 lifts, Tomamu has some great options. It also offers skiers and boarders an awesome park and off-piste section which is roped off from the rest of the crowd.
Kamui
Kamui is a small ski resort set on its own, 1.5 hours north of Furano. With 7 lifts accessing a network of wide open cruises as well as powder filled trees and gullies, you’ll feel like your riding your own private mountain as crowds here a virtually non-existent. Combine that with one of Japan’s most open ski area policies, and there is enough here to suit every kind of skier and boarder.
Asahidake
Asahidake is one of the most popular touring locations in Hokkaido, due to the easy access to above tree line terrain given by the Ropeway at the bottom of the volcano (top height 1600m) and the fame of the mountain itself, which at 2290m is the highest in Hokkaido. Short hikes are often required along the ridges at the summit and there is the option of hiking around the active volcano. Once at the bottom, all roads lead to the Ropeway but if you do happen to veer off the well groomed runs a short hike may be needed to return to the lift.
Accommodation info
In Niseko you’ll be staying at the lovely Pension Full Note. It is a Japanese-style Bed & Breakfast located in the center of town, with lovely staff and a warm and cosy country style atmosphere. We love this place!
In Furano we are staying at North Country Inn. It is conveniently located between the two sides of the ski hill giving you access by regular free shuttle to the Furano side before anyone else! It has both traditional Japa- nese and Western style rooms with en-suites. Shared onsen style bathing is also available. Facilities include 2 dining restaurants, winery, lounge/bar with satellite TV, rental cars, foreign exchange, wireless internet, souvenirs, common laundry, ski hire, and regular guest shuttle to the ski lifts. |
