March 28, 2020: In response to global uncertainty in light of the COVID-19 situation, JST has relaxed our cancellation policy to protect our guests in the event that the world doesn't stabilize in time for winter season! Have a look at our updated COVID-19 booking policy here.  

Hokkaido Storm Chaser
​A Guided and Hosted Ski and Snowboard Trip for the side-country powder hound
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• 7-days, 6 ski resorts, 2 bases, 1-to-4 client ratio
• Best for Strong Intermediate to Advanced level riders/skiers
• ¥310,000+tax (approx US$2,900)​
• ​Earlybird 10% OFF until August 31: ¥279,000 + tax per person

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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--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 take you to the best possible food. Our guides 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. 

• Itinerary
• Included
• Lodging
• Gallery
• Food
• Logistics

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Day 1: Meet and Greet
There are two options for where to meet the group:

1. Meet at the Asahikawa AKJ airport at 1:30pm or
2. Meet at the Natulux Hotel Furano at 5:15pm, accessed on your own or by the Resort Liner Bus with service from CTS airport

​Day 2-3: Storm Chase Furano Area
​Days 2-4 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.  

Day 4: Storm Chase Furano Area/Transfer to Otaru
After our third ski day in the Furano area, we transfer bases to southern Hokkaido. After a 2.5 hour drive, we land in the quaint port-side town of Otaru. Mostly undiscovered by ski-travellers, Otaru provides lots of interesting ski options as well as nightlife and apres options. 

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 Niseko, 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. 
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Day 7: Final Day of Skiing and Drop-offs
On day 7, the group snags one last day of skiing in before heading to CTS airport for the drop off. With all the logistics to be done, the ski day ends slightly early at 1:00pm. You have a few options here depending on your timeframe; either fly out of CTS airport on a late flight or get dropped off at your hotel of choice in Chitose City, located right next to CTS airport. 

more on the itinerary

​Included

• All lodging. Our lodging is based on shared twin rooms
• All lift tickets at 6 different resorts for each of the 6 ski days
• Our guides will navigate you to the best off-piste/side-country powder possible on any given day. 
• Daily breakfast featuring western and Japanese options 
• All transportation beginning with an airport pick up at Asahikawa Airport (AKJ) near Furano. More details on the pickup/drop off can be seen on our Logistics page here 
• Daily dinner reservations at restaurants that serve different types of Japanese cuisine (participation optional but highly recommended!)
• English speaking guides take you to the best stashes in the region on any given day 

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Not Included

• International flights to/from Hokkaido
• Any rentals of ski, snowboard gear or avalanche safety equipment ​
• Guided backcountry skiing isn't included in this trip. If you would like a day of guided backcountry, please contact us and we'd be glad to recommend a company that specializes in this service
• Avalanche safety set including backpack, beacon, shovel and probe--available to rent during the checkout process
• Lunch, dinner, drinks and snacks are at your own discretion for this trip

more on inclusions

Lodging

​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. While rooms are considered standard size in Japan, they would be viewed as small by western standards. The daily breakfasts feature some Hokkaido specialities with both Japanese and western options. 

• Pricing and occupancy are based on shared twin rooms. This means that you will be sharing your room with another person in the group and yes, you will have separate beds! 
• If you'd prefer to have your own room, please select this option during checkout. Single rooms are often times unavailable, but if they are, the hotel will charge an extra 12,000JPY-20,000JPY per night depending on the season. 
• Each room has its own private toilet and shower 
• Our hotels serve a western-style breakfast every morning and also feature a lounge for a laid back après-ski

more on Lodging

At Japan Ski Tours, we think that skiing is about more than just skiing--especially when you're in a country famous for its culinary delights. As a guide company run and 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: ​​

• We choose restaurants based on what food is regionally famous in the area and personally tested for authenticity by locals and our guides.
• We understand that not everyone has $70+ to spend on a meal--that's why we choose restaurants which meet a variety of price points, usually between $10-$40 per dinner not including drinks. 

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On this trip we typically indulge in Shabushabu, Yakiniku, Teppanyaki, Sushi, traditional Soba noodles, and Tonkatsu. For an exact description and pictures of each meal type, as well as a note on dietary restrictions, see our food page below.

more on food

Getting there
There are two options of where to meet the group. 
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1. Meet at Asahikawa Airport (AKJ) at 1:30pm on day one of your trip
2. Fly into Sapporo's CTS Airport and catch the 2pm Resort Liner bus to Furano, arriving at 5:15pm

​Getting back
This trip ends with a drop off at Sapporo's CTS airport at 5pm on the final day.  Alternatively, guests can choose to get dropped off at a hotel of their choosing in the Chitose City area, just 15 minutes from the airport. 

​The best and easiest hotel option is the Air Terminal Hotel which is located inside the CTS airport but it's a bit pricey. Lower cost options with free airport shuttle buses are abundant and start at about ¥5,000 per night.  

more on logistics

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2021 Dates

January: 2-8, 6-12, 12-18, 16-22, 22-28, 26-Feb 1

February: 1-7, 5-11, 10-16, 14-20, 20-26, 24-3/2

​March: 2-8

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