Ski Holiday in Japan | Ski touring and freeriding in the legendary ‘Japow’ with a Swiss mountain guide
Forget everything you thought you knew about deep snow. This ski touring trip is a powder experience in a league of its own: In birch forests buried under metres of snow, we’ll find the finest ‘Japow’ – Japanese powder snow – and enjoy a unique skiing adventure together in a country with a fascinating culture.
Hakuba & Hokkaido, Japan
Highlights
Japan offers a powder experience in a league of its own. Every winter, the legendary ‘Japow’ transforms the mountain landscapes of Hokkaido and Hakuba into a playground of feather-light deep snow. Amidst snow-covered birch forests, volcanic landscapes and unique runs, we experience freeriding and ski touring at the very highest level. At the same time, we immerse ourselves in a fascinating culture: hot onsen, authentic ramen bars, vibrant cities and a level of hospitality that is second to none.
Ski trip Japan
This skiing trip takes you to Japan’s snowiest regions and combines freeriding, ski touring and culture into an extraordinary winter adventure. During the trip, we’ll explore the two major winter sports regions of Hakuba and Hokkaido, experiencing two different facets of the Japanese winter.
During the first part of the trip, we’ll be staying in the Hakuba Valley in the Japanese Alps. From our hotel, we can reach numerous ski resorts offering a wide range of options for freeriding and short to medium-length ski tours. Depending on the weather and snow conditions, we’ll use the ski lifts to help us ascend or set off on tours to scenic summits and volcanic slopes. Thanks to our car, we’ll remain flexible and can head wherever the conditions are best at any time.
We then travel to the northern island of Hokkaido. Here, what is arguably the world’s most famous powder region awaits us. Around Niseko, Kiroro, Rusutsu and other areas, we’ll find countless opportunities for deep-snow runs through sparse birch forests and across open volcanic slopes, always with varied terrain. If conditions are right, we’ll climb one or more of the region’s impressive volcanoes and enjoy long descents through the snow-covered winter landscape.
But Japan is so much more than just the finest powder snow. After our days on the slopes, we immerse ourselves in a fascinating culture. We relax in traditional onsen – hot springs that have been part of Japanese culture for centuries and are synonymous with rejuvenation and relaxation. We discover authentic restaurants and ramen bars and experience the famous Japanese hospitality. Amidst modern metropolises, Buddhist temples and centuries-old traditions, we encounter a country that uniquely blends contrasts. It is precisely this blend of legendary powder snow, culinary delights and cultural encounters that makes the trip an experience that goes far beyond skiing. We stay in carefully selected hotels with twin rooms and travel comfortably within Japan by train, plane and private transfers. This allows us to experience the country’s diversity, all perfectly organised.
Procedure and journey
We’ll meet at Zurich Airport. From there, we’ll set off together on our roughly 12-hour flight to the Far East.
We arrive in the Japanese capital in the morning and are immediately swept up in the lively rhythm of Tokyo. We then travel by train to Nagano – with just one change – and take a hire bus to Hakuba Valley and our hotel.
We’ll spend four full days freeriding and going on short ski tours with lift access. Depending on the conditions, we’ll be heading to areas such as Goryu, Hakuba47, Happo-one, Iwatake, Tsugaike Kogen, Norikura or Cortina. Thanks to our vehicle, we remain flexible and can quickly head to wherever the conditions are best. When it snows, we head into the woods; when the sun is shining, we head to the higher regions with their famous runs. In the evenings, we relax in the onsen and enjoy delicious Japanese dishes in local restaurants.
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.
We’ll be staying for five nights in Japan’s most famous ski resort, choosing the best runs each day in Niseko United, Rusutsu, Kiroro and other areas. Weather permitting, we’ll climb one or two of the impressive volcanoes. On snowy days, countless off-piste runs through birch and alder forests and the so-called legendary „Sushi Powder“ await us.
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.Tokyo combines ultra-modern architecture with tradition, and vibrant neighbourhoods with tranquil shrines. Accompanied by an English-speaking tour guide, we’ll explore the city’s famous landmarks, lively districts and enormous culinary diversity in the late afternoon/evening of the 13th day and on the 14th day. The aim is to experience Tokyo’s urban side to the full.
After breakfast, we’ll be transferred to the airport for our return flight to Zurich, where we’ll land in the early evening. The flight is just the right length to reflect on the highlights of this trip.
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.
The famous Japow: Climate and snow in Japan
Japan is one of the snowiest regions in the world. In Hokkaido in particular, cold air masses from Siberia meet moist sea air, resulting in regular snowfall. The result is the legendary ‘Japow’ – extremely light, dry and deep powder snow that is constantly replenished throughout the winter.
For us, this means excellent conditions for freeriding and ski touring. Thanks to the low temperatures, the snow stays cold and loose for a long time, whilst the varied weather conditions constantly open up new possibilities. Those who are flexible in their approach will be rewarded with exceptional powder days and unforgettable runs.
Accommodation
During our trip, we’ll be staying in carefully selected, traditional hotels and guesthouses. The accommodation combines Japanese hospitality with modern comforts and offers the ideal retreat after eventful days in the snow.
We’ll be staying in comfortable twin rooms with en-suite shower and toilet, allowing us to experience not only Japan’s winter in the mountains, but also the country’s unique atmosphere and way of life. Whether in Hakuba, Hokkaido or Tokyo – our accommodation is part of the travel experience and helps us to get to know Japan in an authentic way.
Geography, places and regions
Japan spans several climate zones and therefore offers a wide variety of winter sports destinations. For our trip, we’ll be focusing on the two areas of the country with the heaviest snowfall and the most exciting attractions: the Japanese Alps on Honshu and the island of Hokkaido in the north.
Hakuba & the Japanese Alps
In the first part of our trip, we’ll be exploring the Hakuba Valley in the Japanese Alps. The region rose to prominence following the 1998 Winter Olympics and offers an ideal mix of freeriding, freetouring and alpine terrain. Vast slopes, snow-covered forests and numerous ski resorts mean we can find the best conditions every day.Hokkaido: Home of the Japow
The second part of the trip takes us to Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island and the heart of the world-famous powder culture. Around Niseko, Rusutsu and Kiroro, countless opportunities for freeriding and ski touring await us. Volcanic landscapes, sparse birch forests and the legendary, feather-light ‘Japow’ make for unique days on the slopes.Tokyo: A world away from the mountains
To round off our trip, we’ll spend two days in Tokyo. The world’s largest metropolis offers a fascinating contrast to Japan’s snow-capped mountains. Amidst futuristic skyscrapers, traditional temples, bustling markets and excellent restaurants, we’ll once again immerse ourselves in a completely different side of the country.This combination of the Japanese Alps, Hokkaido and Tokyo makes the trip particularly varied and allows us to get to know Japan both as a skiing destination and as a cultural region.
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
- Stamina for a long descent.
- 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.
Bergschaft tours and courses are conducted in German as standard. However, our mountain guides speak good English, as do many of the participants. If you speak English, you are of course very welcome. Depending on the tour, it may be worth asking us in advance whether the guide and the group are comfortable speaking English.
Impressions: Ski trip Japan
Here’s how you can join us for ski touring and freeriding in Japan:
- 16 - 30 January 2027, Saturday - Saturday, 15 daysNur noch 5 freie Plätze
Mountain guideCHF 5600.-
As Private Tour on your desired date with your group:
As Voucher give your favourite as a gift:
Frequently Asked Questions about Ski Holidays in Japan
Why is Japan considered one of the best freeride and powder destinations in the world?
Japan receives enormous amounts of snow every winter. Cold air from Siberia absorbs moisture over the Sea of Japan and discharges it over the mountains of Hokkaido and Honshu. This creates the famous ‘Japow’ – extremely light, dry and deep powder snow that is unique in the world and thrills even experienced freeriders.
Which skis are best suited to the snow in Japan?
For Japan, we recommend wide freeride skis with a waist width of at least 105 mm, ideally 110–120 mm. The legendary ‘Japow’ is extremely light and often very deep. With narrow touring skis, you’ll sink in much more and miss out on a lot of the fun. It’s important to have freeride skis with touring-compatible bindings so that we can make the most of both lift access and ski touring.
Should I bring my own skis, or can I hire equipment there?
We recommend bringing your own equipment as sports luggage. That way, you’ll be using your usual set-up right from the start and can make the most of those powder days. Taking your skis and ski boots on a plane is straightforward and, with many airlines, is already included in the 23 kg free baggage allowance. Although high-quality hire equipment is available in Japan, the selection may be limited depending on the region and time of year. We’d be happy to advise you in advance on choosing the best setup for the legendary Japow.
What is the relationship between using the ski lifts and ski touring?
We make targeted use of the existing infrastructure to spend as much time as possible in the best snow. We often use the lifts to help us get up the mountain before spending a further 1 to 3 hours ascending on our skins. This allows us to reach remote slopes and untracked runs far away from the hustle and bustle. Depending on the weather, snowfall and conditions, the focus on individual days may be more on freeriding or ski touring.
Do you need a visa to visit Japan?
Swiss nationals and most EU citizens do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. A valid passport is sufficient. As entry requirements may change, we nevertheless recommend that you check the current regulations again shortly before your trip. We’ll be happy to help you with this and provide further information.
How cold does it get when ski touring in Japan?
In Hokkaido in particular, temperatures can drop to between -10 and -20 °C due to cold air masses from Siberia. However, with the right clothing, this is perfectly manageable. We recommend the ‘layering’ approach, a warm down jacket for breaks, as well as high-quality gloves and a spare pair for long days in the snow.
Do you speak Japanese? How do you get by when you’re there?
As a Bergschaft guest, you don’t have to worry about a thing. We organise the trip on the ground in collaboration with local partners and take care of transfers, accommodation, restaurants and the daily itinerary. This means you can focus entirely on the experience and relax whilst enjoying Japan.
Is this trip also suitable for ski tourers who have never been to Japan before?
Absolutely. For most participants, this is their first trip to Japan. Thanks to our local experience and the small group size, we’ll be with you every step of the way. What’s important is that you enjoy skiing in deep snow, are open to a different culture, and are willing to embrace the unique aspects of the Japanese winter.
How challenging is off-road driving?
A large proportion of Japan’s best runs wind through sparse birch forests. It is therefore important that you already have experience of freeriding or ski touring off-piste and are able to move confidently in deep snow. The forests are generally much more open than many forest runs in the Alps and offer a unique skiing experience with plenty of flow and countless possibilities. As well as good skiing technique, a solid level of basic fitness is essential, as we’ll be covering a lot of vertical distance in deep snow every day. Anyone who enjoys long powder runs and varied terrain will find Japan a real treat.
What happens in the event of bad weather or heavy snowfall?
Flexibility is part and parcel of a Japanese winter. Thanks to our vehicle and the wide range of ski resorts and touring options, we can decide each day where the best conditions are. It’s often the days when it’s snowing that offer the best powder. If the weather is unfavourable at higher altitudes, we usually find excellent conditions for unforgettable runs in the sheltered birch forests.
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