Hokkaido Explorer Tour

IN ASAHIKAWA

OMO7

Set in the heart of Hokkaido’s second-largest city Asahikawa, OMO7 is a modern hotel that allows easy access to the range of mountains that ring the city. The rooms at the hotel are large with comfortable twin beds, a seating area with a flat-screen TV and a well-appointed en suite bathroom. The hotel also boasts a large Sauna/Onsen area with two steam rooms in the basement. The lobby area leads on to the hotel’s restaurant that prides itself on its amazing breakfast buffet serving both Western and local Japanese essentials to get your day started, the waffle station is a particular favourite. Facilities also include a large bar and lounge area and a ski tuning and waxing station beside the hotel ski shop. There are countless bars and restaurants just a short walk from the hotel, allowing you to experience all of what Asahikawa has to offer.

IN FURANO

HOTEL MUNIN

Your lodging in Furano is at the boutique Hotel Munin, within easy walking distance of local dining and nightlife in Kitanomine. Munin hosts well appointed rooms, a buffet breakfast, convenient drying room, comfortable lounge, and a rejuvenating onsen just perfect for unwinding after a day exploring Furano’s legendary dry powder. Your stay here will ensure a special Japanese experience!

IN OTARU

OMO5

OMO5 opened in January 2022 and is the perfect spot to base yourself for your stay in Otaru. Located in an area with many historical structures and buildings, this city-tourism hotel consists of two buildings: the south wing, a renovation of the former Otaru Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the north wing, designed for functionality and design. OMO5 Otaru offers two types of guest rooms, standard and superior.

The “Standard” rooms are new and functional with modern furnishings and are located in the new wing. The “Superior” rooms are slightly larger with higher ceilings and are located in the renovated Chamber of Commerce building. Walk out the hotel’s front door and you are right in the heart of the historical district of Otaru with the canals and warehouse district close by as well artisan’s studios, cafés, a sake brewery, and a variety of restaurants and bars.

IN NISEKO

AlWAYS NISEKO

This stylish 104 room hotel is designed for the intrepid traveler who seeks the ultimate experience balanced with always the best in value. From the fresh-faced hipster to the seasoned powder hound, this property delivers on the Niseko adventure without compromising on comfort.

Boasting a great in-house bar and lounge area, high speed WiFi throughout, easy access to Hirafu Village and clean and comfortable twin/king bed rooms. It’s only a 10-minute walk to Hirafu Village, and provides a free guest shuttle to the lifts.

SINGLE UPGRADE OPTION AVAILABLE – Price & availability on request

Day 1 (arrival and check-in day): Upon landing at Asahikawa Airport you’ll be transferred by coach to the door of OMO7, your accommodation in Asahikawa city. That night we’ll host you in the Hotel bar where you’ll meet your lead guide(s) who will run you through the tour, weather and answer any questions you have. (NOTE: If you wish to organise rental equipment it is advised that you seek advice from your consultant as there are limited rental shops in Asahikawa)

Day 2 (first snow day): We will most probably ease you into it with a short trip over to Pippu a small but fun resort with no one around and super light dry power. On your return that night the guides will take you out in town for a welcome dinner all together to get to know your tour buddies better.

Day 3: Depending on conditions we may rise early to either ski Kurodake or Asahidake the highest mountain in Hokkaido at 2290m. The ropeway does most of the hard work taking us to well above the tree line at 1600m. From there you’ll spend your day exploring the ridges from the lift.

Day 4 (transfer & ski day): A short drive to the south is Kamui Ski Links where will spend a day exploring the trees and backside of Kamui. That afternoon on the way south to Furano, we may stop in a little known mountain onsen to soak in the therapeutic mineral waters.

Day 5–6: New zone – new terrain! Your guides will show you around one of our favourite mountains – Furano. You’ll get to see the hike the peaks enjoy some wide open bowls and sweet powder filled tree runs. The next day we may take you to Sahoro, a fun resort full of secluded tree skiing and a sneaky road drop! Tonight we will take you out to one of Furano’s many delicious restaurants.

Day 7 (transfer & cultural day): Time to check out and take the scenic transfer from Furano to Otaru. As it is a 3-4 hour drive this is usually your rest day. We’ll stop in Sapporo on the way to enjoy Hokkaido’s capital, including the Sapporo Beer Hall or the Snow Festival as time and conditions allow. If the snow is dumping and you’ve had a rest day previously we can ski a few resorts on the way – Teine, Kokusai or Tomamu . That night you check into OMO5 and enjoy some of the freshest sushi in Hokkaido.

Day 8–9: Each day in Otaru you will start with an awesome breakfast before jumping into the van for a short drive to whichever resort is getting the goods – Kokusai, Kiroro or Teine. At night we’ll wander along Otaru’s canals, and dine in one of it’s great seafood or BBQ restaurants and sample some of the local beers.

Day 10: Today you’ll check out of Otaru and drive over the pass to Niseko. 9 times out of 10 you’ll ride the epic backcountry of Kiroro or Rusutsu on the way, but if the weather isn’t cooperating this is a great down day where we will head to the Yoichi Whiskey Distillery and check out the snow covered coast line. If you’ve already had a rest day we’ll ensure you’ll ride one of the many resorts in the area.

Day 11–12: On one of these days your guides will show you around the massive Niseko United ski area. We’ll hunt out some powder stashes, hike the peak and drop into the back bowls for some leg burning fall line skiing the to finish a soak in a local onsen. Whatever resort we didn’t get to do as we transferred from Otaru to Niseko, we’ll hit up today. This could be Rusutsu, Kiroro or Moiwa. On your last night the guides will host a traditional Shabu Shabu or Nabe Hot pot dinner at Full Note.

Day 13 (check-out and departure day): Time to check out and say goodbye to your new friends and transfer to Sapporo’s Chitose Airport for your flight home with memories to last a lifetime! If your flight departs late in the day there is even a chance to get a few more turns in!