Ski Japan - "Japow 2027"
Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan
7 Nights in Shared Luxury Ski House
Dates to be Announced Jan/Feb 2027
Hokkaido is an island in the northern reaches of Japan and is notoriously famous for the heaps of champagne powder that fall there every winter season. This plethora of light weight powder makes for some of the finest skiing and snowboarding in the world. One of the most popular ski resorts in Hokkaido is Niseko United; home to 4 separate resorts that are all interconnected. Ski one or ski them all. In addition, I will be taking the group to nearby ski resorts such as Rusutsu and Kiroro which are smaller more intimate hills with less people but still awesome skiing and boarding. When the day is done you will want to soak in one of Japan's famed hot spring onsen's to reset your body and mind. Soooo relaxing.
I have been skiing Japan since 2012 and fell in love with not just the quality of snow but all that is great about Japan. The country is tourist friendly with great food and more affordable prices compared to the skiing back in N America. (In my opinion).
Please join me for some powder sking Japan style. Email [email protected] right away to reserve your spot.
-Mike Gerken
Accommodation: 7 nights lodging w/breakfast and transportation
Estimated Price $1400 to $1800
Includes
Airport RT Transfer: I'll pick you up at the New Chitose Airport (CTS) in the van along with the others and drop off off on check-out day.
Rental Van: I will take us to the markets, rental shop, restaurants and to and from the ski resorts. If you want to borrow the van you must have an International Drivers License to drive in Japan and I will need a copy of it prior to allowing you on the list of drivers.
Food: Breakfast will be included and cooked by Chef Gerken. Unless you are like me eating nuts and power bars on the lifts expect to pay $25-$30 for lunch on the mountain and more for eating dinner out. For those who are wore out from the day on the hill, dining at home is a great option.
Guide Service: Although I am not a professional guide, I do know the mountains well and can show you thoroughly around the "in-bounds" and "side-country" terrain and point you in the right direction to where the secret stashes of pow are. If you want to hire pros and head out to backcountry, let me know and I can set you up. After more than a dozen years skiing Japan I have it dialed in. Let me take the worry away and let me to show you a good time.
Additional Info
Lift Tickets (not included): Price range from $40-$80 per day. Lift tickets will be purchased by the individual on as need basis. Pre-buying can be tricky because you do not know how many hours per day or how many different resorts you want to ski per day. The costs very depending on what you are in the mood for. I suggest buying on a per day basis. The cost savings for multi-day passes are not vast. Contact me to discuss.
Airport: New Chitose Airport (CTS) is 20 minutes from the city of Sapporo and about 2 hours away from Niseko. This will be the airport you will fly into with connecting flights from all over Japan such as Haneda and Osaka. Airfares will vary of course depending on where you are traveling from. Contact me direct to assist with your flights. Visit This Link for more travel info. Taking the train is possible but I find flying more convenient.
Ski Lessons: Each resort has highly qualified instructors operating out of reputable ski schools. Let me know what you want and I can set it up for you.
Skiing/Boarding: Skiing or riding in large groups is usually very difficult. Break off and ski in small groups with those that suit your speed and needs. Or go it solo. As they say, "there are no friends on a powder day". Regardless, we will meet up at the end of the day and drink saki and tell stories of our conquests.
Taxi: Taxis are available for those looking to go out to the bar scene. If not staying out too late, I can drive you.
Rental Gear: There are some reputable places to rent demo powder skis/boards or your basic downhill gear. Contact me and let me know what your needs are. You may find that renting will be easier than hauling your gear to Japan.
Luggage Service: If you want to tour Japan but not have to haul your bags around, Japan has reliable, fast and affordable luggage service.
Typical Day's Itinerary
I wake up bright and early to check the snow conditions for the day and then cook a hot breakfast of eggs, bacon, toast and pancakes. If there is a fresh layer of snow on the ground the bus will leave no later than 0800. I can drive the van to the base of the other resorts but skiing to them is possible. We will play this by ear. On powder days, I don't dally. This is why Niseko is famous and one must get out on the hill early for fresh tracks. Skiers can choose to ski together or go-it-alone. Every time I have tried to ski as a group it ends up breaking off into small groups within one run. It is not feasible to go as a group. Everyone will have different abilities and want to ski at different terrain at varying paces including myself.
We will arrange to meet at a prescribed time for lunch and then head back to the house or grab a beer for Apres at the end of the day. Once back at the house, more beer, wine, snacks and tales of the day on the hill.
The bus will leave for a restaurant in the early evening or we will cook at home. Once again, we will play it by ear. I usually do not stay out late so getting up early for more pow is easier.
On occasions, after skiing, we can take the van to one of the famed natural hot springs known as an Onsen. Soak in the mineral rich water to relieve the aches from the skiing. The Onsen has rules and etiquette that should be strictly adhered to. Read more here.
Each day will be a repeat of the first. I can offer advice on side activities if anyone needs a break from the hill.
