Powder Progression Tour

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

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.

Getting to Niseko is easy with the included Resort Liner coach transfer, and you’ll be dropped off at the Hirafu Welcome Centre where we’ll transfer you onward to Always Niseko. 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 the tour you will be assisted by your guide to transfer by train to Sapporo’s Chitose Airport, just over an hour away.

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 to the Hirafu Welcome Centre. We will coordinate your transport onward to your accommodation at Always Niseko. That night you’ll meet our team who will run you through the tour, weather and answer any questions you have before arrival night welcome drinks and dinner. (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 ski day): First day of exploring Niseko! For your first 4 days on snow your instructors will take a look at your technique and run you through powder skiing fundamentals, gear setup, stance, turn shape/size, technique and how this affects your speed in powder. At the end of the day, we will all enjoy a traditional Japanese meal and a few drinks.

Day 3: Today we’ll show you how big Niseko is! We’ll hunt out some powder stashes and explore how we move on skis mainly vertically and rotationally and how this affects turn size and turn shape, in various treed areas and powder-filled terrain.

Day 4: It’s time to check out one of our favourites spots – Moiwa Ski Area. We will spend the day carving up their super wide piste, guiding you through the trees and working on those deep powder turns on a variety of pitches and gladed areas.

Day 5: Day tour to Rusutsu Resort. We will spend the day guiding you through the trees and valleys of Rusustu, as well as their very quirky hotel! You should now have a new found confidence when skiing powder and maybe even look to start hitting some of many natural features in Rusutsu. Time to take it to the next level!

Day 6 (Avalanche safety workshop, transfer to Otaru and cultural day): After 4 days of honing your powder skills in the Niseko area it’s time to pack your bags as we head to the historical port city of Otaru. You’ll be joined by a new guide who will introduce you to backcountry safety equipment and run you through a workshop on the fundamentals of avalanche safety, before we start to head further beyond the resorts for deeper powder! Then in the afternoon we will hit the road and enjoy a cultural excursion which may include the Nikka Whiskey Distillery, exploring beautiful Otaru, and visiting the famous canals.

Day 7: Pack your onsen gear and a snorkel as we’ll be heading off to Kiroro today where your guide will show you some deep powder stashes. By now you’ll really be getting the hang of the techniques you need to ski Japan’s deep pow. This powder gem has some awesome terrain and fresh lines all day. An onsen on the way home is also a popular option!

Day 8: Today we’ll visit Kokusai resort, which also consistently receives huge amounts of snow each winter and has some great backcountry options. We’ll finish with a farewell dinner and sample the amazing seafood this area is famous for, to round off your amazing Japan powder experience. The snow festival tour will also include a trip to Sapporo to see the huge ice sculptures, a spectacular event that has been running for over 70 years!

Day 9 (check out and departure day): After an epic week of progression and powder-filled adventure it’s time to say goodbye to your new friends and transfer by train to Sapporo’s Chitose Airport with memories to last a lifetime!