Monthly Archives: April 2016

Skiing in Japan Making an Unforgettable Experience

Japan Ski and Snowboard Tours The people of Japan are an incredibly polite race. With that said, it is important to respect and embrace their culture while there. You know what they say, “When in Rome, do what the Romans do”. It’s a bit of a cliché, but holds true for every traveller. Aside from that aspect, Japan is known for great places to ski! Here are some travel tips when in Japan. Travel Tips and What You Need to Know The Famous Onsens The term onsen is the Japanese term for hot spring. Mind you, there are many onsens … Continue reading →

On Tour with Whiteroom – Daisetsu Backcountry

Our guests enjoying the view towards Kurodake peak and beyond. Japan is well known for some of the driest powder in the world, and with the northern island of Hokkaido’s generally consistent low temperatures, it can stay that way well after a new snowfall. Many of the ski resorts across Hokkaido sit below 1300 metres, yet the powder is still amazing. Imagine what lies in wait for those who decide to venture higher? We’ve been there, and our Daisetsu Backcountry Tour allows us to share it with you. The Hokkaido backcountry… home to fresh lines, dry powder and no crowds. … Continue reading →

On Tour with Whiteroom – Niseko Explorer

Hiking the peak of Mt Niseko-Annupuri rewards you with great alpine and gladed powder runs. If you’d love to visit the powder capital of Japan, while seeing more of the surrounding areas and avoiding the crowds, our Niseko Explorer Tour is for you. With 7 nights in Niseko and 3 nights in Otaru, we keep things flexible to make sure you get as much powder as possible! You’ll spend 9 days exploring resorts in the Niseko and Otaru area, with our team of experienced guides who know all of the best spots. We’ll take you into terrain few know about … Continue reading →

On Tour with Whiteroom – Central Hokkaido (Part 2)

Asahidake on a bluebird day is one you’ll never forget. Continued from part 1 DAY 6 It’s off to Asahidake (Mount Asahi) for a backcountry adventure. With one ropeway (cable car) and plenty of powder we’ll be exploring this active volcano for the best lines. Our guides know Asahidake well, so we’ll make sure you get to the best terrain and avoid the flat spots. You can read more about Asahidake here. Deep powder is the name of the game at Asahidake. The view to Asahidake on a clear day from the access road. DAY 7 We head to Tomamu … Continue reading →

On Tour with Whiteroom – Central Hokkaido (Part 1)

Furano has plenty of great tree runs and hidden areas we’ll take you to. Everyone who travels to Japan for skiing or riding is no doubt looking for some great days riding deep powder, but here at Whiteroom Tours we also want to give you a good taste of Japanese culture. Our Central Hokkaido Tour offers you a chance to explore the rural areas of Hokkaido and visit a range of mountains. Each tour we run has a varied itinerary, as our goal is to chase the best fresh powder each day. Running for 9 days in total, with 7 … Continue reading →

The Lure of Asahidake

The northern island of Japan, Hokkaido, is renown for some of the best quality powder snow in the world. It’s no surprise then that Asahidake (Mount Asahi), the tallest peak in Hokkaido at 2291 metres (7516 ft), draws a lot of interest from skiers, snowboarders and snowshoers from near and far. Located at the northern end of the Daisetsuzan National Park, plumes of steam serve as a daily reminder that the mountain is an active volcano, with the last determined activity being back in 1739. The biggest point of interest for many is that this is no ski resort; you … Continue reading →

8 Tips for Skiing and Snowboarding in Hokkaido, Japan

Planning your first snow trip to the Land of the Rising Sun? If so, here are some helpful tips that the crew at Whiteroom Tours have uncovered during our time in Japan. 1 – Low Light Goggle Lenses All of that legendary Japanese powder equals a lot of days under cloud in low light.  Sure, you’ll have some bluebird days too, but more often than not you’ll experience patchy and changing light conditions.  Low light goggles will help you read the terrain better when everything around you is white on white.  While you’re at it, bring a spare pair too.. … Continue reading →

Things we do in life to fulfil our desires- Part 2- A leisurely stroll down the Americas to the Argentinian Andes

Two weeks in a beaten up Van, well over twenty hours in the air, hopping about on cheap red-eye connections, 20 bottles of vino, & almost 30hours on a coach, just to achieve one goal. The hunt for South American champagne powder! Admittedly, the Argentinian bus system is one of the most comfortable bus rides available anywhere on earth, but the figures needed to chase your dreams can be- in hindsight- astounding. This tally has nothing to do with our endless search- before this particular adventure- for the best powder on earth, that has taken us, as a duo, to … Continue reading →

Things we do in life to fulfil our desires- Part 1

You know those things you do in life that to anyone else but you, just doesn’t make a single iota of sense? You know those avocations; when the driving passion to play lawn bowls is just too much to bear, you simply had to convert your backyard into that beautifully manicured pitch of grass & cancel your job at Krispy Creme Donuts post haste so you had the time to roll your balls around it. Maybe the husband or wife was the only thing standing between you and your workout regiment to finally capture that gold medal from the Extreme … Continue reading →

Break out the brews and boards, Big white is open for business!

Due to the below season average temperature and all the white stuff that has come early this year, Big White has opened a small part of its ski hill until more snow finds its way to the ground! Everyone hopes this is a sign of things to come. Well who wouldn’t? I will just say now, I am excited, and down like brown town! Unfortunately I missed opening weekend, on the count of being stuck 4,029 Km away in Toronto for the next couple of weeks, until I make my way back to the mountains of BC. Kelowna will soon … Continue reading →