Ski trip to Japan with a Swiss mountain guide

• Procedure and journey

  • Day 1 - Flight to Japan

    Meeting point in Zurich. From there we take off for our 12-hour flight to the Far East. Enough time to get in the mood, read or watch films.

  • Day 2 - Arrival in Tokyo and onward journey to Nagano

    We land in the Japanese capital in the morning and dive straight into the lively rhythm of Tokyo. We change trains once to get to Nagano and then take the hire bus to our hotel in the Hakuba Valley.

  • Day 3-6 - Hakuba: Powder days between onsen and Japanese cuisine

    We dedicate four full days to freeride and short ski tours with lift support. Depending on the conditions, we stay in areas such as Goryu, Hakuba47, Happo-one, Iwatake, Tsugaike Kogen, Norikura or Cortina. Thanks to our vehicle, we remain flexible and can quickly switch to where the conditions are best.
    In snowfall, we head into the forests, in sunshine to the higher regions with their famous downhill runs. In the evenings, we relax in the onsen and savour delicious Japanese dishes in local restaurants.

  • Day 7 - Travelling day to Hokkaido

    After breakfast, return to Nagano. We reach Matsumoto airport by train and bus and fly directly to the northern island of Hokkaido. From Chitose, another hire bus will take us to the hotel in Niseko in the evening.

  • Day 8-12 - Niseko: endless fresh snow and Hokkaido experiences

    We stay five nights in Japan's most famous ski resort and choose the best destinations in Niseko United, Rusutsu, Kiroro and other regions every day. In good weather, we climb one or two of the impressive volcanoes. On snow days, countless off-piste runs await in birch and alder forests - legendary „sushi powder“.
    There are also relaxing thermal baths and culinary highlights: fresh fish and seafood, vegetarian options and a variety of meat dishes. In the late afternoon of the 12th day, return to Chitose and overnight at the airport hotel.

  • Day 13-14 - Tokyo: Fascinating mega metropolis

    Tokyo combines ultra-modern architecture with tradition, flashy neighbourhoods with tranquil shrines. With an English-speaking tour guide, we discover important landmarks, lively districts and the city's enormous culinary diversity in the late afternoon/evening of day 13 and on day 14. The aim is to experience Tokyo's urban side intensively - without any claim to completeness.

  • Day 15 - Return flight to Switzerland

    After breakfast, transfer to the airport and return flight to Zurich, where we land in the early evening. The perfect time to reminisce about the memories of this trip.

  • Note on flexibility

    The Japanese winter brings a lot of snowfall - ideal for us, but requires spontaneous planning. We decide every morning which programme is optimal. Off-piste skiing is almost always possible, while the actual routes of our tours are always adapted to the current snow and weather conditions.

• Culture, cuisine and special experiences

  Onsen - warmth, tranquillity and regeneration

  After cold powder days, we immerse ourselves in Japan's hot springs. The onsen are far more than just wellness - they are a ritual. Surrounded by snow, steam and silence, tiredness and tension dissolve while body and mind come to rest. A moment of deep relaxation that is an integral part of any winter trip to Japan.

  Food - taste sensations after days in the snow

  Japanese cuisine is as precise as a perfect turn in the powder. Fresh, seasonal and full of depth. Whether it's steaming ramen, savoury curries, tender soba noodles or freshly grilled yakiniku - every meal tells its own story. Here, food is not just nourishment, but culture, hospitality and community around the table.

  Ramen

  Ramen is much more than just a soup - it is one of the centrepieces of Japanese food culture. In a deep bowl, hand-pulled or freshly made noodles meet a flavoured broth that has been simmered for hours. Depending on the region and style, it can be based on miso, soya, salt or pork bones and ranges from light and clear to strong and creamy.

  Ramen is usually served with carefully selected side dishes: tender slices of braised pork, spring onions, bamboo shoots, nori seaweed, a marinated egg or seafood. Each bowl tells its own story - characterised by local ingredients, traditions and the signature of the chef.

  Especially after a long day in the snow, ramen is soul warming in liquid form: nourishing, intense and soothing at the same time.

  Culture & Religion - Encounter with another world

  Japan combines modernity and tradition like no other country. We encounter Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples and centuries-old customs that characterise everyday life. The respectful approach to nature, mountains and snow can be felt everywhere - and gives our trip a special depth that goes beyond skiing.

• Why Japow? - Climate and weather

  Japan's winter climate is a gift for anyone who loves deep snow. On Hokkaido in particular, cold Siberian air masses meet humid sea air - the perfect combination for frequent, intensive snowfall. The result is the legendary Japow: extremely light, loose and deep, often renewing itself over and over again for days on end.

  For skiing, this means regularly fresh conditions, even several days after the last snowstorm. At the same time, the weather remains dynamic: fog, snowfall and wind alternate with clear moments and demand flexibility in the choice of route. Those who embrace this will be rewarded with unrivalled powder days, generous float and playful terrain.

  In the mountains, the snow stays cold and dry for a long time thanks to low temperatures - ideal conditions for freeriding and ski tours away from the groomed pistes.

• Accommodation

  We stay in classic, typical hotels and guesthouses that reflect the character of Japan. The accommodation combines simple, traditional architecture with modern comfort and a quiet, respectful atmosphere. You sleep in comfortable double rooms with en-suite shower and WC.

  We not only experience Japan's winter outside in the mountains, but also its hospitality and way of life in our accommodation.

• Geography, places and cities

  An overview

  Japan stretches from north to south in an elongated island arc and therefore offers very different winter sports environments. Skiing is mainly concentrated on the northern and central islands.

  Hokkaido in the north is the country's powder mecca with cold, dry snow and enormous precipitation. It is home to well-known regions such as Niseko and Furano, which are famous for their deep snow, wide slopes and volcanic landscapes.

  On Honshu, the main island, are the Japanese Alps with well-known areas such as Hakuba and Nagano - ideal for ski touring, freeriding and varied alpine terrain.

  Further south on Shikoku and Kyushu skiing only plays a minor role, as the climate is much milder. For winter sports enthusiasts, this means that the further north you go, the deeper the snow and the greater the adventure.

  Honshu - the main island

  Tokyo feels like a glimpse into the future. Endless underground networks, fully automated shops, bright neon facades and intersections where thousands of people cross at the same time. Tiny bars, Shinto shrines and quiet gardens where time stands still are hidden between the tower blocks. Particularly surprising are the small izakayas, vending machine restaurants and night markets where you can eat around the clock. Tokyo is loud, fast and fascinating - a radical contrast to the alpine tranquillity that awaits us later in the mountains.

  Hakuba is a true paradise for freeriding and freetouring in the Japanese Alps. Deep, light powder meets extensive backcountry terrain with countless downhill options - from open bowls to atmospheric forest lines. Thanks to good infrastructure, lifts, backcountry gates and easily accessible ascents, tours can be combined elegantly and efficiently, while alpine peaks such as Shirouma or Happo-One offer spectacular panoramas. In Hakuba, adventure, powder skiing and ski touring merge into a unique mountain experience.

  Nagano is located next to Hakuba on the main island of Honshu and is one of the most important mountain regions in Japan. The area is characterised by high peaks, deep valleys and a long winter sports tradition, which came to international attention in 1998 with the Winter Olympics. In addition to skiing, we encounter a deeply rooted mountain and temple culture, hot onsen and authentic regional cuisine.

  Hokkaido - northernmost island

  Hokkaido is one of the world's outstanding destinations for freeriding and freetouring. The northernmost island in Japan inspires with extremely dry, deep powder and huge, unspoilt backcountry areas. The terrain ranges from gentle volcanic flanks to steep couloirs and opens up countless lines as well as long, alpine descents. With well-developed ski areas, backcountry access, soothing hot onsen and uncomplicated logistics, tours can be planned in a relaxed manner, while peaks such as Asahidake or Yotei-zan form an impressive, wild backdrop.

  Sapporo, the island capital of Hokkaido, is a Mecca for gourmets. The original Sapporo ramen in spicy miso broth is famous. We also visit a local brewery and enjoy a yakiniku dinner together at the end of the trip, where marinated lamb is grilled directly at the table.

  Furano is located in the centre of Hokkaido. Here we experience a more creative side of Japan. The Japanese curry is particularly well-known: a thick, flavoursome sauce that is very different from Indian varieties.

  Niseko is located in the south-west of Hokkaido at the foot of the volcanic Mount Yōtei and is considered the centre of Japanese snow culture with exceptionally high snowfall. The region combines wide powder slopes, sparse birch forest and hot onsen in the immediate vicinity. Culinary delights await us with a vibrant mix of seafood cuisine and traditional dishes - from hearty specialities to fine noodle variations.

   

• Requirements

  • Solid ski touring technique
  • Safe downhill skiing technique in open terrain and in different types of snow
  • Stamina for tours with an ascent of around 1000 metres
  • Endurance for descents totalling 3000 metres in altitude - even in heavy or variable snow
  • Experienced splitboarders are welcome

• Price and services

  • CHF 5600.- for the entire trip for 4 or more participants
  • 500 CHF will be charged additionally for less than 4 participants.
  • Small group up to a maximum of 6 guests per mountain guide

   

  Includes:

  • Hotel Overnight stay
    • 5 nights in Hakuba in a cosy hotel in a double room with shower/WC and breakfast
    • 5 nights in Niseko in a modern hotel in a double room with shower/WC and breakfast
    • 1 night in Sapporo in a hotel in a double room with shower/WC and breakfast
    • 2 nights in Tokyo in a hotel in a double room with shower/WC and breakfast
  • All transfers from Nagano and Sapporo are by hire bus
  • All journeys by train and underground
  • Private shuttle transfer to and from the hotel in Tokyo
  •  City tour in Tokyo

  Exclusive:

  • Arrival and departure at the airport
  • Flight Zurich - Tokyo and Sapporo - Tokyo - Zurich (from CHF 1200.-)
  • Flight Matsumoto - Sapporo (from CHF 150.-)
  • Flight baggage incl. ski bag and hand baggage
  • All lunches, dinners and drinks (approx. CHF 50 per day)
  • Day tickets for ski lifts (approx. CHF 45.- per day)
  • Entrance fees for spas and sights
  • Single room supplement (if room sharing is possible)
  • Travel cancellation insurance

  Cancellation costs:

  • As we have high fixed costs, special cancellation fees apply for this trip. Travel insurance is recommended.
    • Cancellation up to 180 days before departure: CHF 1500.-
    • Cancellation up to 60 days before departure: 80 % of the tour price
    • Cancellation 59 to 0 days before departure: full tour price

• Material and equipment

  Ski equipment

  Freeride or touring skis with a centre width of at least 100 mm and body length have proven their worth. The snow is often very loose and even on moderate slopes, wide skis offer more stability and flotation.

  Avalanche airbag - taking it on the plane

  Carrying an airbag is permitted, but is subject to special regulations and must be registered at check-in.

  We have put together a detailed packing list for you.

   

Impressions: Ski trip Japan