Powder Progression Tour

• Ski instruction and guiding
• Workshop on the fundamentals of avalanche safety
• Apres hosting
• Airport transfers with Resort Liner to Niseko
• 5 nights twin/triple share accommodation at Pension Full Note in central Hirafu, Niseko
• 3 nights twin/triple share accommodation at OMO5 Otaru
• 6 days worth of lift passes and instruction/guiding in the Niseko and Otaru regions
• Welcome & farewell dinner party
• Daily breakfast
• Transfer day/cultural day tour
• Onsen (hot spring) tour
• Whiteroom merch
• * For the 29 Jan tour date you will be in Otaru during the famous Sapporo Snow Festival. Your guide will take you for an amazing cultural trip to Hokkaido’s capital Sapporo in the evening where you’ll see spectacular snow and ice sculptures stretching 1.5kms down Odori Park as well as other sites dotted throughout the city. Enjoy concerts and events as well as food vendors showcasing Hokkaido delicacies.

NOTE: All tours are SKI only. If you are a group of 4 or more snowboarders you may request a snowboard guide/instructor on any of the tour dates. Please contact us for more details.

• Niseko accommodation upgrade (price on request)
• Single share accommodation (price on request)
• Avalanche gear rental 
• Ski rental
• Extra nights accommodation & ski days in Niseko/Otaru or elsewhere
• Add on a pre or post tour travel package – click here for more info 

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 on-piste, new to powder to high intermediate in powder

This tour is specifically designed for skiers who are confidently in control at all times of their speed and demonstrate rhythm on moderate black diamond piste trails, can make parallel and carving turns and can ski very well at speed on intermediate runs.

You should be adept at adjusting to the size and length of your turns and are relatively new to the techniques required to ski deep powder. To get the most out of this tour we recommend you have a good level of fitness. Please make an honest assessment of your abilities whilst keeping fitness in mind as to not slow the group down.

Niseko Area (INSTRUCTION)

Niseko United
Boasting the biggest network of trails in the region, Niseko has something for everyone that can easily satisfy anyone’s hunt for powder over multiple days. With long flowing trails to break back in your ski legs there is also plenty of terrain to progress into. The rolling treed areas and open bowls will allow you to get off the beaten track and into some of Japan’s famous powder. With 4 distinct resort areas across the volcano shaped mountain you will be spoilt for choice.

Moiwa
With a more relaxed feel and far fewer people than it’s larger neighbour, Moiwa can be a great option for building some confidence back on the slopes and dipping into some ungroomed off trail terrain. Although smaller in size Moiwa has long been a locals favourite with a mix of wide groomed slopes and open tree islands to explore.

Rusutsu
With wide open trails that are expertly maintained along with hidden powder stashes Rusutsu offers an awesome variety of terrain across its two mountains. Known also for it’s amazing tree skiing, you will have plenty of options for jumping into fresh powder and improving your skills in the perfectly gladed birch tree forests that Japan is famous for.

Otaru Area (GUIDING)

Kiroro
Home to some of the highest snowfall totals in Hokkaido, Kiroro is a vast ski area that has lots of variable terrain for anyone looking to get their Japan powder fix. On a resort guided day expect long runs down from the top of the gondola where you can take advantage of some expert grooming before ducking off the side of the trails into countless tree islands and plenty of powder.

Kokusai
Like stepping back in time to how skiing and riding was in Japan 15 years ago Kokusai offers an off the beaten track experience that few visitors see. Easily accessible from both the Niseko or Otaru areas, this resort is full of perfectly groomed wide trails that are great for ripping fast turns and laps. Mellow tree islands allow for people wanting to get a feel for what tree skiing is all about.

Teine
Teine was home to the skiing events at the 72 Olympics and has plenty of open terrain to explore within the resort. From steep well groomed trails to low angle trees on the edge of the resort boundary, Teine allows for some great turns right above Sapporo city. A run past the old Olympic torch is also a great photo opportunity.

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 to the Hirafu Welcome Centre where you’ll be met by our team and then checked into Full Note. That night we’ll host you in the Half Note Bar where 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 ski day)

First day of exploring Niseko! For your first 4 days on snow your instructors will take a look at your technique and run you through powder skiing fundamentals, gear setup, stance, turn shape/size, technique and how this affects your speed in powder. At the end of the day, we will all enjoy a traditional Japanese meal and a few drinks around the fire.

DAY 3

Today we’ll show you how big Niseko is! We’ll hunt out some powder stashes and explore how we move on skis mainly vertically and rotationally and how this affects turn size and turn shape, in various treed areas and powder-filled terrain.

DAY 4

It’s time to check out one of our favourites spots – Moiwa Ski Area. We will spend the day carving up their super wide piste, guiding you through the trees and working on those deep powder turns on a variety of pitches and gladed areas.

DAY 5

Day tour to Rusutsu Resort. We will spend the day guiding you through the trees and valleys of Rusustu, as well as their very quirky hotel! You should now have a new found confidence when skiing powder and maybe even look to start hitting some of many natural features in Rusutsu. Time to take it to the next level! 

DAY 6
(Avalanche safety workshop, transfer to Otaru and cultural day)

After 4 days of honing your powder skills in the Niseko area it’s time to pack your bags as we head to the historical port city of Otaru. You’ll be joined by a new guide who will introduce you to backcountry safety equipment and run you through a workshop on the fundamentals of avalanche safety, before we start to head further beyond the resorts for deeper powder! Then in the afternoon we will hit the road and enjoy a cultural excursion which may include the Nikka Whiskey Distillery, exploring beautiful Otaru, and visiting the famous canals.

DAY 7

Pack your onsen gear and a snorkel as we’ll be heading off to Kiroro today where your guide will show you some deep powder stashes. By now you’ll really be getting the hang of the techniques you need to ski Japan’s deep pow. This powder gem has some awesome terrain and fresh lines all day. An onsen on the way home is also a popular option!

DAY 8

Today we’ll visit Kokusai resort, which also consistently receives huge amounts of snow each winter and has some great backcountry options. We’ll finish with a farewell dinner and sample the amazing seafood this area is famous for, to round off your amazing Japan powder experience. The snow festival tour will also include a trip to Sapporo to see the huge ice sculptures, a spectacular event that has been running for over 70 years! 

DAY 9
(check out and departure day)

After an epic week of progression and powder-filled adventure it’s time to say goodbye to your new friends and transfer by train to Sapporo’s Chitose Airport with memories to last a lifetime!

Enjoying great powder in japan while getting tips to improve riding. The guides have a very strong knowledge of the terrain and able to read our skill levels quickly and find a suitable area for us to enjoy powder.

– Wei Chen 2020

I think the thing that stood out to me most was the incredible team that Whiteroom have. When we first arrived Yu met us with a huge smile, friendly nothing is a problem attitude and was incredibly welcoming and helpful throughout our whole stay. Kieron was great she always asked about our day, made us feel at home and provided great service.

Even when I went down to the office to sort out a bus transfer Kate phoned around for me, recommended a cheaper ski pass rate than we were going to get and sorted everything out effortlessly. I commented to a friend how nice it was that everyone at full note called us by our names, this again an example of what stood out and a reflection of Whiteroom service and brand. An impressive business and service example for others to follow.

Nate (Guide) was a fantastic guide he always went out of his way to ensure we were getting the most out of the tour. His willingness to help out by dropping us off places, recommendations and follow up were brilliant. The pics and videos he took will be treasured. He always followed up on requests, kept us up to date, read the group well and went the extra mile. Fantastic instruction and guiding.

– Wayne Goodman 2020

Excellent! Thoroughly enjoyed the powder progression tour. Nate was a great instructor, explained technique in a way that I could really understand & I think I will remember. He took good care of us, was kind and really went above and beyond to make sure we all had a fun time, including the restaurants, onsens etc. Nate was very patient and good fun to ski with, thank you

– Grace Bickmore 2020

Loved the guides, you were both fantastic and were great company.

Your knowledge of the mountains was amazing and you looked after us very well.

– Yuhan Wei 2019

The tour was amazing. The snow just got better and better each day. Mike (guide) was a total champion and all round top bloke. His mountain knowledge was exceptional and he was able to find us the best skill-appropriate conditions day in – day out. He was very clear in his communication on where and what to do and never strayed too far ahead where we were unable to find him. The only down side of him going first were that he got the first tracks, but someone needed to show us the way! The lodge team were fantastic, with yummy food and clean facilities. The lodge is looking a bit worn, and beds on the hard side, but is well suited to providing a great experience. Thanks again and I will be booking more tours in the future.

– Chris Johnston 2019

Great guide. Mike (guide) was really in tune with what we (the snowboarders) were looking for. Keido (consultant) was really responsive with booking and general questions. Everything worked really well – made the trip very easy.

– Matthew Crompton

Loved – Good group of people and down to earth guides. Flexibility of tour to move to the better powders locations. Learning to ski in powder = want to do more. The more the guides spend with the group showing them the local area, cuisine and attractions, outside of skiing, adds to the experience. Highlights – Snow conditions in Moiwa and Rusutsu . Our group and JAPOW! (and being able to ski it eventually/sort of). Improve – Not much to say, maybe, leave earlier in morning for first runs of the fresh stuff 🙂

– Kristian Dunn 2018

I was travelling by myself on this trip and had never been to Japan before. Greg from Whiteroom tours and the staff at Full Note Pension really put the stoke into every day.

Greg took our group to mountains where the conditions were mint for each day. I don’t think we did a groomed run at any time during our stay. It was always backcountry and trees and somehow we’d pop out at the bottom of each lift (which never had lines). Epic.

My powder technique definitely improved from being challenged in more difficult terrain and from Greg’s instruction. He was super approachable and I felt safe everywhere we went.

Full Note Pension totally catered for my vegetarian diet. Tomoko even made a separate welcoming and farewell dinner for me. She even drove me to the supermarket so I could buy broccoli. Haha what a legend! Yu Kondo did not allow me to lift a finger haha. He carried all my luggage and made sure I had everything I needed. Excellent manager.

If I could afford this trip each year, I would do it…and bring a mass of my buddies. It’s definitely worth it. The pension is in a great spot and is beautiful, the guides are super friendly and challenge you, you visit various onsens with a cold beer and the guides drive you everywhere. All you have to think about is waking up to freshies and having an epic day riding.

– Meg Hamilton 2016

Everything was amazing! I have never enjoyed snowboarding as much as being on this tour. Greg was an awesome guide – very encouraging and helpful. Full note was great – clean and spacious. I will definitely be making a whiteroom guided tour an annual thing. Thankyou so much!

– Ashley

Guides were really great, so helpful with my skiing technique, a wonderful experience overall, so glad i booked the otaru extension, the extra couple of days on different mountains was a perfect way to finish my trip. Thank you

– Amanda

Best couple of weeks of snowboarding I’ve had! Greg was awesome! The staff at the fullnote were excellent, but sharing bathrooms etc is not my thing, I will look to stay in separate accommodation next time. Consider expanding your options on that front. I’ll be back for the Explorer next year!

– Brendon Wilson

Greg shared lots of great hint’s and tip’s to aid my boarding during the first few days when condition weren’t great. As soon as there was some fresh snow Greg took to the best resorts and best conditions. Also felt safe within his supervision in the back country. Showed us spot’s we’d never find on our own. The best part had to be the 3 day add on to Otaru, lovely city, great meals and most of all we got some all time conditions at Kiroro, Kokusai then Sapporo-Teine. Everyday better than the last, giving us a great end to the trip. Cheers for a great tour and looking forward to an explorer tour in the future!!! Cheers

– Neil

Hi Paul, Hope you’re well. Just thought id drop you an email with regards to the Progression Tour 28/1-4/02. Wow, what an awesome time I had. Not sure how to draft such a response but here goes:

👍🏼 – Greg Overall is a true asset to your organisation. His instruction, advice, inspiration and patience was unbelievable and his mountain knowledge had us in the goods every time. And not to mention he is a stand out guy, great banter, plenty of laughs and good value. Considering id only had 5 days on snow in the past 25 years, by the trips end i was riding lines i never thought i would.

– The two days we had at The Zoo were definite highlights of the trip, fresh tracks all day both days to the point where we couldn’t be assed to do another lap on the second day, our hearts were keen but our bodies weren’t.

– Moiwa stashes ran a very close second (or third) to The Zoo – Staff at Full Note were great, friendly, great breakfasts to get the day started and cold beers to round out the day

– Happy not to have spent more than the 1 day at Niseko. Maybe conditions help dictate this but even on my additional 9 days i only rode there 1 other day.

– Tim, Viv and Ronan in the office were great, assisted in getting my Niseko-Asahikawa journey sorted and most valuable to my last few days got me on a ride to Kiroro for my last day. After a couple of lean days locally and a lay day the powder at Kiroro that day was awesome, great day to finish riding.

– Yu-san driving me down to Kutchan Station on my departure day.
Overall, a solid trip with great staff, legend guide and with only 3 of us in our group no complaints. One of the other guys in my group and another who i met on the following tour are looking at booking again for next year (leave pass from wifey permitting) and tacking on a few additional days afterwards on the provisos Greg will be guiding us 😜. The girl (Lisa) who won the trip and ‘bunked’ my additional nights at Full Note i took out for lunch on her first day……thinking she should have taken me to lunch. 😜

Congratulations on a well tuned operation, thanks to all involved and i would happily recommend Whiteroom to friends and family for future trips. Keep me posted as to when 2018 dates will be available.

Cheers Rob

Hi Paul/Graeme,
Just wanted to say thanks to Whiteroom for an awesome couple of days guiding in Japan last week. Leonie was a brilliant guide. She took us to places we would never have discovered on our own, found some great snow for us and was a lot of fun to spend the days with and passed on some really useful local knowledge. Couldn’t have asked for more.
I will definitely be recommending Whiteroom to friends and will be using you again on future trips.
Cheers

Ben

Hi Paul
Thank you for organising this tour. All went well. I did progress my powder skiing, I had never imagined that it would be so much fun. Hard to get back to skiing on Aussie snow.

I can’t praise Leonie enough, she was a good teacher, very organised and helpful, a lively personality. Adam fitted the same picture, I did not ski much with him, but he also was considerate and helpful.

Thanks again

– Hanne

Very helpful before trip. Great guides. Recommended.

– Rose Maher

IN NISEKO

PENSION FULL NOTE

In Niseko you’ll be staying at the lovely Pension Full Note. It is a Japanese-style Bed & Breakfast located in the centre of town, with lovely staff and a warm and cosy ski lodge vibe. It has a sunken lounge, fireplace, long communal table where we have our Shabu-Shabu welcome dinner party and daily cooked breakfast. Rooms are twin or triple share with shared bathroom facilities on the lower floor and sinks and toilets on every floor.

If shared facilities aren’t for you there are plenty of accommodation options close by which we can upgrade you to whilst still feeling a part of the tour.

UPGRADE OPTIONS AVAILABLE – Price & availability on request

IN OTARU

OMO5

OMO5 opened in January 2022 and is the perfect spot to base yourself for your stay in Otaru. Located in an area with many historical structures and buildings, this city-tourism hotel consists of two buildings: the south wing, a renovation of the former Otaru Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the north wing, designed for functionality and design. OMO5 Otaru offers two types of guest rooms, standard and superior.

The “Standard” rooms are new and functional with modern furnishings and are located in the new wing. The “Superior” rooms are slightly larger with higher ceilings and are located in the renovated Chamber of Commerce building. Walk out the hotel’s front door and you are right in the heart of the historical district of Otaru with the canals and warehouse district close by as well artisan’s studios, cafés, a sake brewery, and a variety of restaurants and bars. 

Getting to Niseko is easy with the included Resort Liner coach transfer. You’ll be dropped off at the Hirafu Welcome Centre where you’ll be met by our team and transferred to Full Note Pension or alternative accommodation. 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 the tour you will be assisted by your guide to transfer by train to Sapporo’s Chitose Airport, just over an hour away. 

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 / COVID Policy here.