Powder Belt Backcountry Tour

• Full guided & hosted
• Airport transfers with Resort Liner to Furano
• Transfer to Asahikawa Station or Asahikawa Airport
• 6 nights twin share accommodation at Hotel Munin, Furano
• 3 nights twin share accommodation at OMO7, Asahikawa
• 8 days of guiding including an optional cultural experience/transfer day
• All lift passes as required
• Sushi dinner & drinks at Whiteroom Furano HQ/Hotel Munin on arrival day
• Welcome dinner at a local restaurant in Furano
• Farewell dinner in Asahikawa
• Daily buffet breakfast
• Onsen (hot spring) tour
• Whiteroom merch

• Single share accommodation – availability and price on request
• Avalanche gear rental
• Avalanche Awareness Courses – click here for more info
• 10% discount on our Weston and Moment Ski/Splitboard backcountry rentals
• Add on a pre or post tour travel package

• Travel Insurance
  Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our tours and guided packages, and you’ll need to provide your policy details before departure. Your insurance should offer adequate cover for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment, and the specific ski/snowboard related activities involved in your trip. We also recommend ensuring your policy includes cancellation and curtailment cover, in case you’re unable to join your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness or injury.

  Standard travel insurance may not cover skiing/boarding on or off-piste or backcountry touring with or without a guide, so it’s essential to check the details carefully. There are snow-specific providers such as World Nomads (Explorer plan) who cover skiing/boarding on piste and with a guide in the backcountry or Rise + Shield (Wintersports add on), which covers on piste as well as skiing/boarding in the backcountry without a guide.
  
  Please make sure your chosen policy meets your individual needs and covers all aspects of your trip.

NOTE: Avalanche safety gear is compulsory for all our tours. Please advise us upon booking if you have your own gear or will need to rent.

IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?

ABILITY LEVEL: Advanced in powder with 10 days+ of ski touring/splitboarding experience & above.

You must be able to ski/board the whole mountain in all conditions confidently at speed and have advanced ability in powder, through trees in steep terrain and in variable conditions.

Snowboarders in this level are able to keep speed in flat sections by planning ahead as well as hold a solid traverse line and be able to hop up and manoeuvre in a way as to not slow down the group.

You must have a very good level of fitness and be able to tour for around 2-4 hours total per day for up to 1000m (6000ft) vertical.

Ski AT/skins set-up or splitboards are required, no snowshoes. You must have at least 10 days+ touring experience using this equipment.

The idea of these tours is to use the lifts for their vertical bump, smash the easy pow then use our touring gear to go further and further away from the lifts in search of more fresh lines. On some days we will not use the lifts at all – it’s all up to the group and the conditions.

Furano Ski Resort
Furano is a country town of about 20,000 people with an awesome ski hill and surrounding backcountry terrain. With over 100 bars and restaurants, you’ll be able to experience true Japanese hospitality. On the mountain, you’ll enjoy some of the best lift assisted backcountry in the area. From the top lifts we have the option to hike up to the peaks either between the resort, to either side or drop out the back.  Expect 10min to 1hr hikes depending on the terrain we choose.  The cold temperatures in Furano keep the 9 metres of annual snow light and dry and when it’s on, it is quite simply the best. The backcountry here is epic – 900m of fall line vert filled with pillows and fresh lines for days!

Tomamu
Tomamu strikes a chord with all who ride its mountains. With Mt. Tomamu rising to 1239m at its centre we will drop off the back into some wide open bowls and gladded trees the stretch right down to the valley floor. A short hike back to the saddle and back down to the lifts allows us to do this run on repeat. The backcountry to the side of the resort also offers up plenty of opportunity for fun easily accessed terrain. Tomamu also has one of the largest indoor wave pools in the northern hemisphere as well as an onsen to soak your weary bones in.

Tokachidake
Tokachidake is a major volcanic peak within the Daisetsuzan National Park, standing at 2,077 metres. It has some of the best backcountry touring terrain in Hokkaido with easy access from a central road that takes you to the highest drivable point in Hokkaido. Their is something here for everyone with wide-open bowls, magical Japanese birch and spruce forests or steep chutes – one aptly named TGR. Nearby Furanodake is the most popular touring area with 3 main ridges easily accessible from the road giving you an expansive area in which to tour and ski. There are always fresh to be found in this zone and our guides know it better than most.

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. You’ll hike out along the ridges at the summit and into an expansive area offering chutes, alpine bowls, massive pillows and epically deep powder. If the conditions are right we’ll also hike up past the steaming fumaroles to the peak proper and ski down through the aptly named gates of hell chute to the valley below. Once at the bottom, all roads lead to the Ropeway and we put it on repeat.

Kamui Ski Links
Kamui is a small ski resort set on its own, 1 hour north of Furano. Although it is small it offers us protection from the wind on those howling days as well as offering up some enjoyable backcountry terrain straight off the back. The beautifully spaced birch forests will delight as well as the consistently deep dry powder. If you’re up for it there is an little know onsen on the way home which is renowned for its healing properties.

Tokachi Sahoro Resort
Sahoro is a resort full of surprises. A short hike from the gondola is Mt Sahoro proper where we’ll drop into some great tree skiing terrain some of which pulls us back to the lifts and some heads away from the resort in the valleys surrounding. This place is a favourite of ours and it’ll sure put a smile on your dial!

Asahikawa Area
Being based at Asahikawa for the final 3 nights gives us easy access to a variety of terrain, from the smaller Pippu ski resort to the unique lift accessible terrain of Kurodake. There are a multitude of other options in the area but we’ll keep specifics between you and us on the day!

This itinerary is an example. The tour will be run largely by the weather and each day will fit around where the best conditions are. This is the beauty of such a tour.

DAY 1
(arrival and check-in day)

Upon landing at Sapporo’s Chitose Airport you’ll be transferred by Resort Liner coach service to Hotel Edel Warme where you will be met by our team and taken to Munin. You’ll be free for the rest of the day to go for a quick ski, get fitted for your rental gear or just relax and settle in. That night we’ll host a sushi dinner and drinks, and you’ll meet our team who will run you through the tour, weather and answer any questions you have

(NOTE: If you wish to organise rental equipment it is advised that you try to arrive with enough time on the arrival day to be fitted – seek advice from your consultant)

DAY 2
(first snow day)

First day on the mountain. Your guides will warm up those legs in the backcountry of Furano. We’ll start to push wide to hunt out some fresh powder and ensure all our touring gear is working. Celebrate your awesome first day with a delicious meal in one of the many great local restaurants in Furano at our Welcome Dinner Party.

DAY 3

Day tour to Tomamu. Here we will spend the day guiding you through the trees and bowls of Tomamu. The north bowl collects the light dry powder of the region and with an easy 20-30 minute tour back out to the resort we’ll make quick work and get loads of backcountry laps in here.

DAY 4

Today we step things up a notch and head towards the stunning Tokachidake area for turns in the alpine. From the highest drivable point in Hokkaido you have one of its biggest National Parks and an expansive backcountry touring zone in which to explore. Expect 3-5 epic runs in one of the 4 zones in the area with a relaxing onsen to finish off what will be an epic day in the mountains!

DAY 5

Time to hit Furano’s backcountry again, but this time we head to a few spots others rarely visit. Lines into the valleys, out to nearby peaks, or out into the shaded back bowls are all on offer.

DAY 6

Today we’ll head south to Sahoro, home to some great tree skiing, short fun tours into nearby bowls and glades, and even drops down to a road pick up. That night we’ll wander through Furano, and dine in one of its great restaurants and enjoy a local beer at the brewery.

DAY 7 
(transfer day)

It’s time to head north towards Asahikawa for the following 3 nights, and those who are keen have the option to ski/ride on the way with a day tour to Kamui Ski Links. Another great resort with epic backcountry straight off the lift and short hikes back to the resort. We may also split the group so those with sore legs can head out and enjoy some cultural day activities on the way instead!

DAY 8 

After a hearty breakfast at OMO7 it’s time to check out the famed Asahidake. Everyone has heard of it and if you time it right it is truly an awesome experience. Think volcano, fumaroles (steam vents), steep chutes, some of the deepest and lightest powder you’ll have ever experienced and loads of backcountry to explore off the lift. Finish that off with a soak in one of the local onsen and you’ll be in heaven! We’ll head into the city for dinner and drinks and make the most of being situated close by to the many great restaurants and bars.

DAY 9 

Being based in Asahikawa means we have plenty of options, from small to medium sized resorts and plenty of backcountry options too. With a good weather window today we may decide to visit Kurodake, a mountain where you’ll be very happy to have a guide! This imposing peak at the northern end of the Daisetsuzan range features extensive cliff bands and rock formations which stand in stark contrast to most of the terrain you will see across Hokkaido. A true day of adventure for the team as we explore our favourite lines at this unique spot and wrap up the tour in the city with our Farewell Dinner!

DAY 10
(check-out and departure day)

Time to check out and say goodbye to your new friends and transfer to either the nearby Asahikawa Airport, or Sapporo’s Chitose Airport (train/private transfer) for your flight home with memories to last a lifetime. If your flight departs late in the day there is even a chance to get a few more turns in!

Seb (guide) is a clear master of his trade; within 1-2 hours on our first ski day he settled all internal concerns about the trip. His guidance was clear, caring and not overbearing. As a former guide, ski patrol and NOLS branch operations manager I was thoroughly impressed. One of my aims with this tour was to learn specifics about backcountry skiing **in Japan**. There are differences to the Canadian Rockies and Montana mountain ranges. My objective was wonderfully fulfilled. I learned a few things that will help keep me safe in the backcountry in Japan and raise my level of enjoyment here. Thank you!

– Howie Nordström 2026

Clearly they (guides) take the safety of their groups very seriously, but also the enjoyment of participants. They were great at reading the room and splitting up the groups when required, and I think their professionalism and experience was evident by the end of the very first run. It was also really nice to see on occasion their co-operation between the different Whiteroom guides and other groups to make sure everyone was having as good a time as possible!

– Jane McNamara 2026

The guides were the highlight, but I also think the tour was really well structured and we had enough of an idea of what to expect going in while also having enough flexibility for the guides to make sure we were getting the best experience. Really great experience overall.

– Tom 2026

I really valued the adventure aspect of the trip which was facilitated by our guides. The guides also “read the room” well. I never felt pushed, but I never felt like I was missing out on anything either. And the guides found top quality snow every day. And the thought put into the dinner reservations was extremely good… the food was fantastic every night.

– Chris Adnams 2026

The tour was well run with an excellent group of clients – different ages and similar skiing or boarding experience, all keen to ski/board hard and have some fun. The guides were relaxed, yet professional, simply great people and fun to be with, on and off mountain (Brian’s not a bad DJ for the drives!!). The snow performed well, with fresh tracks everywhere…. which was the ultimate highlight.

– Glen Archer 2025

The trip was perfect. The guides found us great snow, interesting places to ski, and helped us experience the Japanese culture. We had a mixed skiing ability group which can make it difficult for guides. Brian and Josie adjusted for this challenge. We couldn’t have asked for better guides! They quickly picked up on our groups wants and needs. After a couple of days, they felt like members of group. Five stars to them!

Every one of my friends has reached back to me to say how glad they were that they were invited! 

– Rik Dayvie 2025

Timmy and Greg were exceptional guides. Highly recommend the Furano/Whiteroom experience.

– Tara Ziegler 2024

Wow! We were blown away by the knowledge of our guide (Alistair). He did the perfect job of balancing stoke and avalanche safety. If you’re on the fence about booking with Whiteroom, do it!

– Alex Godin 2023

The snow conditions weren’t great at the start, but the guides did what they could with the conditions, and once we got a dump, we were riding great snow for the rest of the week. I really enjoyed the variety of resorts and terrain, and finding great lines straight away, but still with the adventure of heading into the unknown. There were many highlights as a result of the varied terrain and conditions, but the best single run was probably from the high ridgeline at Furano in deep pow and the best single day was probably Kamui as a result of conditions and a relaxed fun day.

– David Colls 2020

I am very happy with our guiding team. They worked hard to find good places for us to ski and I understand it was a challenging task as it was warm and no new snow coming for the whole week… They made everything they could to keep us positive and make our stay rememberable. Their communication was very good, as was the safety awareness.

– Daniel Soors 2020

They (guides) were very nice and it felt like they did everything to find good snow for us. It felt like they were keeping track of snow conditions and safety. They found very nice restaurants in the evening for us.

– Lars Matsson 2020

What an epic skiing adventure…and what a beautiful Country!!

This tour offers an excellent mix of the best of everything you’d expect when seeking a super exciting JAPOW experience……excellent resort skiing, run after run of guided ‘out-of-bounds’ trecks to secret and untracked areas, challenging Alpine Touring days where you (and your guide and mates) have an entire section of a huge mountainside and/or volcano to yourself……I could go on and on and on.

Then there’s the culture, the food and the Japanese people……’beautiful’ is the only single word to describe all three! I cannot talk this tour and Whiteroom Tours up enough (our guide Sam…a professional at all times, a super knowledgeable guy and and very very cool dude; and General Manager Emily and her team…always there to help or answer any question promptly…a really nice bunch of people).

In summary, I found Whiteroom Tours did an impeccable job to ensure the experience you seek is as perfect as one can be, the natural beauty of Japans landscape and its people is absolutely unique, and the powder is simply insane 👌👌👌👌👌

– Martin Phipps 2019

The guides were great. Super knowledgeable friendly and professional. They picked interesting and various terrain every day.

There was never any concerns for safety yet they allowed me the freedom to pick my own lines. 

Honestly, I can not think of a single thing you could do to make this trip better.

PS I never fill out this type of questionnare. I am very impressed with this tour therefore I felt compelled to fill this out. Great job!

– Alex Keylin 2019

IN FURANO

HOTEL MUNIN

Your lodging in Furano is at the boutique Hotel Munin, within easy walking distance of local dining and nightlife in Kitanomine. Munin hosts well appointed rooms, a buffet breakfast, convenient drying room, comfortable lounge, and a rejuvenating onsen just perfect for unwinding after a day exploring Furano’s legendary dry powder. Your stay here will ensure a special Japanese experience!

IN ASAHIKAWA

OMO7

Set in the heart of Hokkaido’s second-largest city Asahikawa, OMO7 is a modern hotel that allows easy access to the range of mountains that ring the city. The rooms at the hotel are large with comfortable twin beds, a seating area with a flat-screen TV and a well-appointed en suite bathroom. The hotel also boasts a large Sauna/Onsen area with two steam rooms in the basement. The lobby area leads on to the hotel’s restaurant that prides itself on its amazing breakfast buffet serving both Western and local Japanese essentials to get your day started, the waffle station is a particular favourite. Facilities also include a large bar and lounge area and a ski tuning and waxing station beside the hotel ski shop. There are countless bars and restaurants just a short walk from the hotel, allowing you to experience all of what Asahikawa has to offer.

Getting to Furano is easy with the included Resort Liner coach transfers, as you’ll be dropped close by to Hotel Munin. Please ensure you check with your consultant before you book your flights so that they line up with the available transfer times.

At the end of your tour you will be transferred to Asahikawa Airport.

Please ensure you check with your consultant before you book your flights so that they line up with the available transfer times.

Once you’ve booked onto the tour you will receive our Trip Info Brochure packed with loads of useful information to help you plan your trip to Japan. 

View our full Terms & Conditions here.