Hokkaido Storm Chaser
A Guided and Hosted Ski and Snowboard Trip for the side-country powder hound
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View trip dates
2026 Trips
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view pricing
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Group trip pricing
Early-bird price until August 31: ¥499,000 (≈US$3,350) per person
Price from September 1: ¥529,000 (≈US$3,550) per person
Private trip pricing (book the trip out exclusively with you and your buddies)
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CANCELLATION POLICY
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RESERVE A PRIVATE TRIP, JUST FOR YOU AND YOUR BUDDIES HERE
DATES DON'T LINE UP? SEE OUR FULL LIST OF TRIPS BY DATE HERE
DATES DON'T LINE UP? SEE OUR FULL LIST OF TRIPS BY DATE HERE
The Deets
The Hokkaido Storm Chaser is a 7-day guided off-piste ski road-trip that hits 6 different Hokkaido ski resorts for each of the 6 ski days. We base out of two main hubs--the ski town of Furano and the port-side town of Otaru. Where we go each day isn't set in advance; it depends on where the weather report is indicating the best pow will be.
Our guides will take you to the best possible in-bounds and lift-accessed side-country powder.
Aside from taking our guests to the best possible pow, we'll also guide you to the most delicious food-joints in town. We make dinner reservations nightly for our group--the restaurants are chosen for their authenticity, deliciousness, local specialties, and the ability to meet variable price-points. Depending on conditions, you can expect to ski out-of-bounds about 70% of the time. If you're not into skiing off-piste/out of bounds/side-country, this trip probably isn't for you. Please see our Skier Experience Level page here for an idea of what skill level this trip is aimed at. |
HOKKAIDO STORM CHASER IN PHOTOS
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Day 1: Meet and Greet There are two options to meet the group:
Day 2-3: Storm Chase Furano Area Days 2-3 are spent skiing the best possible resorts on any given day including Furano, Tomamu, Sahoro, Asahidake (if conditions permit), and Kamui Ski Links. The exact date we ski any one of these resorts depends on conditions and will be determined based on the upcoming forecasts and recent snow reports. Day 4: Storm Chase Furano Area/Transfer to Otaru After our third ski day in the Furano area, we transfer bases to southern Hokkaido, saying farewell to our Furano based guides. The drive to Otaru can take 3 - 4 hours depending on road conditions, so we always plan on departing Furano by 2pm. Transported by our friends at Social Bus, we land in the quaint port-side town of Otaru and are greeted by our guides specializing in this region. Mostly undiscovered by ski-travellers, Otaru provides lots of interesting ski options as well as nightlife and après opportunities. Day 5-6: Storm Chase Out of Otaru Following the format of the first 3 days, your guide will select the best possible options to ride out of the Japow buffet of Sapporo Kokusai, Teine (site of the 1998 winter Olympics), and Kiroro with a possibility of exploring the utterly untracked and tiny hills of Tenguyama and Asari if conditions are favorable. Day 7: Final Day of Skiing and Drop-offs On day 7, the group snags one last day of skiing before heading to CTS airport for the drop-off. With all the logistics to be done, the ski day ends slightly early, between 1:00-2:00pm. Drop off is at CTS Airport at 5:00pm. For more details and ideas for final day logistics, check out our Logistics Page. Included:
Not Included:
All of our accommodations include free access to hot springs
On the Hokkaido Storm Chaser you will stay in western-style modern, clean accommodation which is centrally located and walking distance to downtown amenities. This makes a quick nightcap or a local karaoke session a breeze. The hotel rooms are quite spacious by Japanese standards and the large daily buffet breakfasts feature Hokkaido specialties with both Japanese and western options available. Furano Hotel: La Vista Furano Hills Hot Springs Otaru Hotel: Dormy Inn Premium
Getting there
See more on arriving logistics here
Getting back
Note that the ending point is different from the starting point on this trip!
See more on departing logistics here
Equipment Rentals
More details on Rental gear info, Logistics pro tips, Where to meet at AKJ airport etc. below
This trip includes large daily buffet breakfasts which are served at each accommodation. The cost of dinner is not included, however daily dinner reservations at a variety of authentic Japanese restaurants is included. At Japan Ski Tours, we think that skiing is about more than just skiing--especially when you're in a country famous for its food culture. As a company operated by guides who have years of experience living in Japan, we're excited to guide you to the best possible food in the evenings. Our criteria for selecting restaurants are:
The culinary highlights of the trip are Yakiniku (grilled Japanese BBQ) and high quality sushi in the port-side town of Otaru. For an exact description and pictures of each meal type, as well as a note on dietary restrictions, see our food page above. |
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