The Japow Experience
Take the guesswork out of your Trip, our local guides have you covered.
Embark on the ultimate JaPow experience!
Experience true Hokkaido and discover the bottomless powder that the region is famous for on expertly led tours by local guides.
Whether you’re new to riding pow or feel at home in the backcountry, there’s a TRIP for you.
Japow Experiences
for Everybody
Our JaPow packages are designed to show you why Japan’s snow is so famous all across the world – get ready for the face shots! If you‘re an intermediate rider, you will be introduced to deep powder techniques within the resort boundaries before heading through Niseko’s iconic gate system. Advanced riders can dive straight through the gates in search of the deepest powder, before exploring Rusutsu, Kiroro, and Moiwa. And for those who prefer to earn their turns, our expert guides will lead you to the finest snow in Niseko’s remote backcountry daily. Embark on the ultimate BC adventure with us this winter!
Our Recommended Japow Experience
Accommodation
7 nights stay at one of our
accommodation partners.
Guiding
1 day of resort guiding, and 2 days of lift-accessed backcountry guiding in Niseko United, and 2 days of lift-accessed backcountry guiding at neighboring resorts.
lift passes
3 days of All Mountain lift passes for Niseko United & 2 days of passes for other visited resorts.
Rental
5 days of premium gear rental.
Private Airport Transfer
Return transfer from New Chitose Airport to your accommodation.
FROM
¥840,000
Based on 2 PAX
This could be you...
Day 1
It’s go time! When you land at Sapporo's New Chitose Airport, your private transfer will be waiting to take you to Niseko. Take some time to get settled into your hotel, before making your way to Rhythm Hirafu for your gear fitting. If you’re lucky, it might even be happy hour at our Rhythm & Beans cafe – the perfect time to grab your first Sapporo Classic of the trip.
Day 2
First day on the hill… don't worry, we’ll ease you into it with our Niseko United Resort Tour. Your guide will meet you at your hotel or on snow with your lift tickets ready to go. Today, your guide will take you to all the best pow spots within the Niseko United Resort. In the process you’ll have some time to get your ski legs back and as our guides are all fully-qualified instructors they will be able to offer you some powder riding tips if needed.
Day 3
Let’s head out the gates! Today we will make a beeline for wherever the conditions are best on the day. Your guide will meet you with your avi pack and go through a safety briefing with all the avi gear before you get started. The typical areas that we aim to explore via Niseko’s famous gate system are either the Backbowl or Osawa bowl of Annupuri, or depending on the snow we might head for the North Face & Hanazono facing East Ridge.
Day 4
Building off yesterday's adventures, we’ll be heading back out the gates. We usually switch it up from the day before and make our way out into the backcountry through different areas, meaning you get the chance to experience as much of the Niseko United backcountry as possible!
Day 5
Adventure day! Time to jump in the car and head off to either Rusustu, Kiroro or Moiwa Resort. One of our favourite resorts in the area is Rusutsu, a quirky resort only 30 minutes by car from Niseko, known for it’s fun tree skiing and valleys of deep pow. With 14 lifts and 3 gondolas spread out across three valley peaks, Rusutsu is a must see for all guests visiting Niseko.
Day 6
Rinse and repeat. For your second-day trip, we recommend including a day trip to Kiroro Resort! Another local favourite, Kiroro Resort is located an hour north of Niseko and is famous for having the lightest and driest powder in the area. With a similar backcountry gate system as Niseko, Kiroro is sure to provide deep days for powder hunters. It’s also important to finish off the tour in traditional Hokkaido style with a visit to a local onsen at the end of the day – your muscles will thank you!
Day 7
This one is totally up to you. You’ll be free to independently explore all of your new favourite spots or just take the day off and relax.
Day 8
Before you know it, it’s time to head home. When you checkout of your hotel you can leave your rental gear there and we will arrange the pick-up for you, zero hassle. Take some time to enjoy your last breakfast and enjoy the final views of beautiful Mt Yotei before you’re picked up in your private transfer to head back to Sapporo New Chitose Airport.
useful information
When is this Trip operating?
The JaPOW Experience is operating from mid-December until mid-March.
Japan is blessed with the best powder conditions in the world, however, the most consistent and deepest snow is generally found in January and February.
Early season there are often some powder days, however, there is no guarantee when the tap will turn on and at what point we can access certain BC zones. In March when spring arrives our guides will be ready to take advantage of the clear skies and stable conditions to get out into the backcountry, touring.
To discuss when will be the best time to visit based on your goals, please reach out to our team.
Who is this Trip for?
Ability level: all of our JaPOW riders must be at least a level 5 or above. We can cater the powder experience to your level, however, if you are not a strong intermediate rider, the zones you can visit will be more limited.
Age: riders must be 14 + to enter the backcountry zones, and if under 18 they must be accompanied by an adult.
Discipline: mixed groups of skiers and boarders can ride together on The Japow Experience, however if there are riders within your group who are an intermediate level and new to powder we would recommend adding some lessons to your Trip. Lessons will focus on your powder technique before you head out into the backcountry and are single discipline only.
Exclusions
- Flights: international and domestic flights are not included in the package.
- Travel Insurance: not included.
- Daily transfers to the resort: daily transfers are not included, but are often offered by your accommodation provider*.
- Meals: lunch, dinner, snacks, and apres are not included for the duration of the Trip.
- Others: onsen tickets and other entertainment.
*Availability & frequency is dependent on your accommodation provider.
