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Trip

Niseko, Japan

Ski & Snowboard

Trip Niseko
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Questions? Let us help! Call us at 1-866-386-1590
Join us for a powder adventure on the north island of Hokkaido, Japan. With legendary snow quality and a seasonal average snowfall of close to 700 inches, we're pretty sure this is where the term "Japow" originated.
 
Japan has long been known to have some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world, and Niseko is one of the major reasons why. Our Niseko ski and snowboard trip package will help you make your Japan dreams come true with epic riding and great culture all from an awesome basecamp - a beautiful and unique lodge located right at the base of Niseko’s largest mountain, and in the middle of Hirafu village. Niseko not only boasts excellent in-bounds riding, but also incredible lift-accessed backcountry (optional, though rest assured no previous experience is needed and your guides will show you the goods). We'll explore Niseko and the surrounding resorts of Rusutsu and/or Kiroro, and find out for ourselves why this is the ultimate ski and snowboard destination.

Please note: This trip is designed and recommended for intermediate and above skiers and snowboarders. See FAQ for more information about ability level requirements.

Already have an Ikon pass? See FAQ for trip discount information.

Get early access to 2025 trips by placing a deposit today! Or join the free waiting list to be notified about the 2025 trips when they are launched to the general public!


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Itinerary
Itinerary
  • 0
    Day number 0
    Optional: Arrive at New Chitose Airport the day before your trip begins and check in to the hotel of your choice. We recommend the Air Terminal Hotel as you will likely arrive quite late. You'll have the evening to relax and explore Chitose before meeting up with the group the next morning. This night is optional - you can stay overnight in Haneda or Narita and fly in on your trip start date, as long as you arrive by 10:00 am.
  • 1
    Day number 1
    Welcome to Japan! For guests arriving to CTS today, please enure your flight arrives no later than 10am local time. Meet at the south end of the arrival terminal, where you'll meet up with your guides and your crew for the week. We will load into a private coach and drive roughly 2.5 hours to our Hirafu accommodations at the Blowhard Lodge. After checking in and meeting our local hosts at the lodge, we'll have a chance to settle in and receive an area overview before heading out for afternoon riding at Grand Niseko Resort up the street. If you prefer, you can also spend the afternoon relaxing at the lodge or exploring Hirafu before our first full day of riding. We will enjoy a group welcome dinner at the lodge around 7pm.
  • 2
    Day number 2
    Meet for breakfast to fuel up and outline the day. For our first day of riding, we’ll head towards whichever Niseko United resort that has received the most snow. The Grand Hirafu lift conveniently located mere steps from our lodge, and you are welcome to stay in the group or explore on your own (though if going out of bounds, you must be with your guide). We’ll identify an optional meeting spot for lunch. You’ll have time to relax in the lodge, grab an apres beverage, or explore Hirafu. We will head out for a delicious dinner in town.
  • 3
    Day number 3
    Repeat! This could be a great day to hike to the top of Mt. Niseko An'nupuri, catch the views of Mt Yōtei and ride untouched powder in one of the back bowls. After an incredible day of riding, make a pit stop at a local onsen (traditional Japanese hot spring baths) to relax your aching muscles on your way back to the lodge. We'll have another group dinner reservation at a fantastic izakaya. As always, you are welcome to join or venture out on your own.
  • 4
    Day number 4
    Depending on the weather we may take a guided tour at Niseko United. We will split into two groups by interest and ability to explore Niseko back and slack country. We'll follow a hard day of riding with small group dinner reservations and finish the night with a round of drinks at Bar Gyu, the tiny and infamous "fridge bar".
  • 5
    Day number 5
    After so much riding, we'll give the group the option to relax. This will be an opportunity to explore Kutchan Town or visit an onsen.
  • 6
    Day number 6
    If the weather looks good, we will get up early today to head over to Kiroro or Rusutsu (about 45 minutes away) for a new adventure. Expect shorter lines and plentiful off-piste options, as well as some of Japan's best tree skiing, at both of these resorts. After a day of riding, we'll head back into Hirafu for small group dinner reservations.
  • 7
    Day number 7
    Wake up early, enjoy a final breakfast at the Blowhard, and bid farewell to our gracious lodge hosts, Gere and Tomo. We will take a private coach into Sapporo. We'll drop our gear off at the hotel and head out to explore the city. Trip 3 (Feb. 4-11) will go to Odori Park to view ice sculptures at the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. The remaining trips will experience a more typical version of the city. You are free to stay with the group or do your own thing, with options including a visit to the Sapporo Beer Museum, shopping in Tanukikoji, a jaunt to the famed Ramen Alley, and/or an excursion to the neon district of Susukino. You'll have the afternoon and evening to explore Sapporo and experience the unique culture of the hub of Japan's North Island.
  • 8
    Day number 8
    Wake up, say "till next time" to your new friends, and head to New Chitose Airport for the journey home. If you'd like to stay longer or add days to explore Tokyo, we are happy to help coordinate this and may have shipping options available for luggage.
Trip Package Includes
  • Seven nights of lodging (based on double occupancy), with shared bathroom
  • Seven breakfasts and one group dinner
  • Suport from two trip leaders/guides
  • Transfer from New Chitose to Hirafu and from Hirafu to Sapporo
  • Four and a half day lift tickets to Niseko United Resort (potentially one day at Kiroro or Rusutsu)
  • One day of optional backcountry guiding accessed via the resort lifts and Niseko Gate System
  • Gift from Oyuki 
  • 20% discount code at evo.com (exclusions apply)
  • 10% Discount on rentals from Rhythm Japan
Not Included
  • Airfare to New Chitose Airport
  • Transfer from Sapporo to New Chitose on final day of trip
  • Travel insurance (we recommend World Nomads
  • Lunches and six dinners
  • Any additional guide or backcountry services
  • Questions? Call or email us
Area Information
The Niseko Area

Niseko is located on Hokkaido, the north island of Japan. For this Niseko, Japan ski & snowboard trip package you will fly into the New Chitose Airport in Sapporo and we will make the two-hour drive to one of the snowiest places in the world and your home base for the trip. We will explore the Niseko United resorts as well as avoid the crowds at nearby Rusutsu and Kiroro. This is a perfect trip for powder-seekers - be prepared for heavy snow and low visibility. Hirafu village offers plentiful restaurant and nightlife options to keep us busy on and off the hill. Check out all of our Japan ski & snowboard trip packages for other options.

Trip Planning

Trip Planning

Prepare for Japan
Japan recommendations
FAQ
FAQ
  • Is my trip guaranteed to run?
    Yes, all evoTrip Niseko Japan departures are confirmed to run for 2024.
  • When and how do I meet up with the group?
    Arrive to New Chitose Airport (CTS) by 10am on Sunday (Day 1). If possible, we do recommend arriving the day before the trip starts so you can get some rest (and get ahead of jet lag) before our adventure. We recommend the Air Terminal Hotel if you do arrive the night before, but there are plenty of other options. Any questions, just let us know!
  • Can I choose my roommate?
    Yes. If you have a roommate request, please let us know. By default, we will place two people of the same gender in a room with two beds.
  • Can I book a private room? Will there be a single supplement?
    Yes, though single rooms are first come, first served and subject to availability. Please note an additional cost (known as a single supplement) of $600 will apply. Please check in with Customer Care before booking if this will determine your participation.
  • What if I'm a solo traveler that would like a roommate but none are available?
    If you are a solo traveler that would like a roommate, we do our best to pair you with another solo traveler of the same gender. However, if no roommate option is available and you must be assigned your own room, you will be asked to pay 50% of the single supplement to cover the cost of your room. In this case, as the single supplement is $600, you would be liable for $300 extra. Please note roommates are paired on a first come, first served basis, so the earlier you book the less likely you will be "forced" into a single room!
  • I am a beginner / intermediate / advanced level of skier / snowboarder. Will there be terrain for me?
    We recommend this trip for intermediate and above skiers and riders. More specifically, this tour is best suited to skiers and snowboarders who can link turns in powder snow, can make a variety of turn shapes and can traverse, hold speed and are adventurous when skiing and snowboarding the entire mountain. Familiarity with riding off-piste is highly beneficial on this trip. Please reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions about ability level.
  • What is included in this trip?
    This trip includes: Transportation by private coach from the Chitose hotel to Hirafu and back to the airport. Accommodations at Blowhard Lodge, one night stay at a Sapporo hotel (see trips above). All breakfasts at Blowhard Lodge and one group dinner. Four days of skiing at an area resort. Recommendations for food / drink and entertainment in Hirafu.
  • What is NOT included in this trip?
    Airfare. Most lunches and dinners – we will provide recommendations and help arrange reservations. Taxi rides or any transportation outside of scheduled group travel. We recommend that you purchase travel insurance to protect your flight and belongings as well as cover medical expenses. For travel insurance, we recommend World Nomads. We recommend planning to spend $400-$600 on meals, drinks, entertainment, and gifts.
  • What gear should I bring?
    You can find a complete gear list above. Some people bring more than one snowboard / skis (one for powder, one for all-mountain), this is not a requirement. Bringing two pairs of skis can potentially put your bag over weight and be expensive. There are rentals available at a local snow shop and at the mountain, unfortunately there is not a list of rental equipment available and we cannot guarantee that you will have access to specific sizes or brands. Avalanche safety equipment is required for backcountry riding and rentals are available as well.
  • Are rentals available?
    Yes! Our partners at Rhythm in Niseko can help take care of all your ski and snowboard rental needs. More information on rental inventory at www.rhythmjapan.com/rentals. We are happy to offer guests 10% off rentals booked for their evoTrip. Please use the following link to make your reservation and receive your discount https://tinyurl.com/Rhythm-Rentals
  • What is the backcountry situation? Are there opportunities to go touring?
    Your trip package includes a day of backcountry guiding accessed via the resort lifts and Niseko Gate System. With over 50% of Niseko available by resort-accessed backcountry, Niseko offers a powder experience for everyone. If you are interested in a full day ski or splitboard tour, backcountry day trips can be arranged through our partners at Rhythm for an additional cost.
  • Will we be able to wash our clothes?
    Yes. The Blowhard Lodge has free laundry facilities.
  • I am going to come early / stay longer; can I do something with my gear?
    Japan has an incredible luggage delivery service (Black Cat) that you can take advantage of for about $50. If you arrive early, you can send your snow gear to the lodge from the airport. If you are staying longer, you can have your luggage delivered to the airport ahead of your arrival. We can give you all the information to coordinate this.
  • Can my dietary restrictions be accommodated?
    Yes! For meals provided by the lodge/evo (breakfasts and one dinner), there will be options available. Gluten Free: It is difficult to avoid gluten in Japan, but it is possible. We recommend that you bring your own soy sauce and some snacks, as you will eat a lot of rice dishes. Being a vegetarian in Japan is easy. We will provide you with a card that will alert restaurants/grocers to your needs and most locations will be accommodating. Halal & Kosher: while there are a limited number of Halal and Kosher restaurants in Japan, there will be many meal options available by avoiding meat. For all dietary restrictions, we recommend that you bring some snacks just in case.
  • Can I (or my partner) come even if I don’t ski or snowboard?
    Yes. The primary activity on these trips is skiing/snowboarding; however, there may be options if you or your loved one does not currently participate. There are English-speaking ski schools in Niseko and you can sign up for lessons and rentals (we can help book this). For folks not interested in learning to ski / snowboard, we may be able to help coordinate other activities, such as visits to a spa, yoga or snow shoeing.
  • I'm ready to book. What next?
    To secure your spot, you can either pay the full amount now or contact Customer Care at 1.866.386.1590 if you prefer to only pay your $1,000 per person deposit. Note that regardless of paying full payment or deposit at time of booking, we will consider $1,000 to be a non-refundable deposit in accordance with our terms and conditions. Full payment is due 60 days prior to departure.
  • What precautions are you taking given the current Covid-19 pandemic?
    While we are optimistic that conditions related to Covid-19 will continue to improve, we are continuing to monitor the situation globally and consider the health and safety of our guests our top priority. We will continue to comply with the latest guidance from the CDC, WHO, and local authorities. If for any reason, evoTrip is forced to cancel your trip, including due to restrictions or conditions related to Covid-19, you will receive the option to either join a future evoTrip or receive a full refund.
  • Should I purchase travel insurance?
    YES! While it is not required, we always recommend purchasing travel insurance for all trips. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement if you are forced to cancel your trip for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to cover medical help, emergency transport, theft and/or accidental damage while traveling. We recommend World Nomads.
  • What if I need to change or cancel my trip?
    We understand the need for flexibility now more than ever. If you cannot or no longer wish to join your scheduled trip, we are offering the option to forward your deposit to a future evoTrip (at no cost) up to 65 days prior to departure date. However, if you need to cancel, the deposit for the trip is non-refundable and cancellations will be subject to a cancellation fee (see policy below). For this reason, we recommend purchasing travelers insurance, which will cover the cost of your trip in extenuating circumstances. All cancellations must be submitted to evo in writing, are effective as of the date we receive them according to our internal records, and will be subject to a cancellation fee as follows (amounts are per person and only apply to amount paid after the $1,000 non-refundable deposit amount): Cancellation 60 days or more prior to trip departure - Non-Refundable $1,000 Deposit charged. Cancellation between 30 and 59 days prior to trip departure - 50% of total booking cost charged. Cancellation less than 30 days prior to departure - 100% of total booking cost charged. Cancellation policy for custom trips may differ from these terms and will be communicated prior to booking. No refunds will be made if you voluntarily leave a trip for any reason after the trip has begun. The same applies if you leave a trip or cannot fully participate in a trip due to injury or illness. Refunds will be at the discretion of the Company if you are involuntarily forced to leave a trip for any reason. No refunds will be made for any accommodation, transport, sightseeing, meals or services not utilized.
  • Is there a discount if I already have an Ikon Pass?
    Yes, if you have an Ikon or Ikon Base pass and would like to join our Niseko trip, we will provide a discount of $250 after booking in the form of a refund. Please let us know after booking if you do not need lift tickets.
Testimonials
Well curated powder experience in Japan. evoTrip really embraces the communal reason why 12 strangers meet to enjoy some snow and culture.
Jessica S.
evoTrip Niseko guest, 2023
Greatest ski trip, Michelle and Joaquin were incredible. The lodge reminded me of the cozy old school ski lodges, run by a fabulous host, Jerry, and his family. The other people on the trip were truly amazing to ski and be with. I hope to again next year. Thanks for everything.
Bruce B
evoTrip Niseko guest, 2023
A lifetime of beauty in one week. Snow, Clouds, Mist, Sun, Culture & Powder.!! Unique lodge with amazing location. Professional tour and mountain guides. Amazing food at lodge and in town. By day two the majority of the group planning for their return.
Michael B
evoTrip Niseko guest, 2023

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