Powder Belt Backcountry Tour

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 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.

Getting to Furano is easy with the included Resort Liner coach transfers, as you’ll be dropped close by to Hotel Munin. Please ensure you check with your consultant before you book your flights so that they line up with the available transfer times.

At the end of your tour you will be transferred to Asahikawa Airport.

Please ensure you check with your consultant before you book your flights so that they line up with the available transfer times.

Once you’ve booked onto the tour you will receive our Trip Info Brochure packed with loads of useful information to help you plan your trip to Japan.

Day 1 (arrival and check-in day): Upon landing at Sapporo’s Chitose Airport you’ll be transferred by Resort Liner coach service to Hotel Edel Warme where you will be met by our team and taken to Munin. You’ll be free for the rest of the day to go for a quick ski, get fitted for your rental gear or just relax and settle in. That night we’ll host a sushi dinner and drinks, and you’ll meet our team 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 try to arrive with enough time on the arrival day to be fitted – seek advice from your consultant)

Day 2 (first snow day): First day on the mountain. Your guides will warm up those legs in the backcountry of Furano. We’ll start to push wide to hunt out some fresh powder and ensure all our touring gear is working. Celebrate your awesome first day with a delicious meal in one of the many great local restaurants in Furano at our Welcome Dinner Party.

Day 3: Day tour to Tomamu. Here we will spend the day guiding you through the trees and bowls of Tomamu. The north bowl collects the light dry powder of the region and with an easy 20-30 minute tour back out to the resort we’ll make quick work and get loads of backcountry laps in here.

Day 4: Today we step things up a notch and head towards the stunning Tokachidake area for turns in the alpine. From the highest drivable point in Hokkaido you have one of its biggest National Parks and an expansive backcountry touring zone in which to explore. Expect 3-5 epic runs in one of the 4 zones in the area with a relaxing onsen to finish off what will be an epic day in the mountains!

Day 5: Time to hit Furano’s backcountry again, but this time we head to a few spots others rarely visit. Lines into the valleys, out to nearby peaks, or out into the shaded back bowls are all on offer.

Day 6: Today we’ll head south to Sahoro, home to some great tree skiing, short fun tours into nearby bowls and glades, and even drops down to a road pick up. That night we’ll wander through Furano, and dine in one of its great restaurants and enjoy a local beer at the brewery.

Day 7 (transfer day): It’s time to head north towards Asahikawa for the following 3 nights, and those who are keen have the option to ski/ride on the way with a day tour to Kamui Ski Links. Another great resort with epic backcountry straight off the lift and short hikes back to the resort. We may also split the group so those with sore legs can head out and enjoy some cultural day activities on the way instead!

Day 8: After a hearty breakfast at OMO7 it’s time to check out the famed Asahidake. Everyone has heard of it and if you time it right it is truly an awesome experience. Think volcano, fumaroles (steam vents), steep chutes, some of the deepest and lightest powder you’ll have ever experienced and loads of backcountry to explore off the lift. Finish that off with a soak in one of the local onsen and you’ll be in heaven! We’ll head into the city for dinner and drinks and make the most of being situated close by to the many great restaurants and bars.

Day 9: Being based in Asahikawa means we have plenty of options, from small to medium sized resorts and plenty of backcountry options too. With a good weather window today we may decide to visit Kurodake, a mountain where you’ll be very happy to have a guide! This imposing peak at the northern end of the Daisetsuzan range features extensive cliff bands and rock formations which stand in stark contrast to most of the terrain you will see across Hokkaido. A true day of adventure for the team as we explore our favourite lines at this unique spot and wrap up the tour in the city with our Farewell Dinner!

Day 10 (check-out and departure day): Time to check out and say goodbye to your new friends and transfer to either the nearby Asahikawa Airport, or Sapporo’s Chitose Airport (train/private transfer) 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!