Brett's Itinerary for Japan February 2017
Brett's Plan for FEB 2017
My Flights are booked on JAL:
Outbound: Depart SYD Wed 01 Feb 2017 09:15, Arrive CTS Wed 01 Feb 2017 20:40
Inbound: Depart CTS Mon 20 Feb 2017 15:35, Arrive SYD Tue 21 Feb 2017 07:15
My plan for 2017 is to visit many different Ski areas, centred around Sapporo with http://skilasjapan.com/silky-powder-adventure-tour.
This trip will be powder riding focussed with mostly Slack Country riding each day. Slackcountry is slang for "easy-to-reach backcountry", the off-piste area just beyond the fences and ropes of a resort's boundaries.
Its worth reading over the FAQ about this tour - https://skilasjapan.com/silky-powder-adventure-tour/frequently-asked-questions/
My Skilasjapan tour includes:
- 14 nights in 3-star (or above) hotel accommodation with daily breakfast (shared
twin room):
Sapporo (10 nights), Rusutsu Resort (4 nights)
- 14 days ski pass (skiing in at least 4 different resorts)
- All airport and resort transfers, city transfers, guided tours of ski areas, welcome dinner, taxes.
Full Itinerary
Week 1: Sapporo
Day 1: Upon arrival at New Chitose Airport (Sapporo’s International Airport) you will be driven to your hotel in the heart of Sapporo. You can then take a gentle stroll around the city to stretch your legs after the long journey. This first day will allow you to rest and recover, as well to start exploring this fascinating city.
Day 2: You will be so stoked by the sheer amount of snow that you will not want to rest for long! You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and taken to the nearby snowy mountains (we will pick the best resort based on snow conditions – we want you to experience the deepest powder around! See Details of Sapporo ski resorts section for a list of the resorts to be visited) Your guide will help you find the freshest, deepest tracks for some memorable shredding. Depending on your ski/snowboard level and your needs, your experienced guide will show you around the resort slopes, help you through your first deep powder snow experience, point out to you the best side-country routes for you to get maximum enjoyment out of the incredible snow and terrain, or simply be a fun freeride partner to share all the good times in the snow together. See the SPA Frequently Asked Questions section for more information on skiing ability, guiding etc.
After an ecstatic day on the hill you will be driven back to Sapporo, before enjoying Skilas’ famous Welcome Dinner: a huge feast of tasty fresh local specialities (seafood, sushi, noodles, tempura etc.) washed down with unlimited drinks. That night could be a good time to explore Sapporo’s bustling nightlife – but not too late as there is plenty more powder to enjoy the next day!
Sapporo Kokusai
A rare and beautiful Hokkaido Sunset
Days 3-7: A further four days of deep powder skiing awaits you! We will take you to the best ski resorts around Sapporo (3 or 4 different resorts depending on conditions and preferences) to enjoy the super-deep, silky smooth products on offer in this magical land. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy the Japanese hot springs (onsen) if you want to try this traditional Japanese pastime!
Hot springs overlooking the night skiing
Another day in powadise!
Day 8: The last day in Sapporo provides you with several options:
1) Rest your hard-working powder legs and relax in the city;
2) Keep powering through with another ski day in the powder – we do warn you in advance that it gets highly addictive! (additional charge to be paid locally);
3) Do some sightseeing or shopping (additional charge to be paid locally).
Week 2: Rustusu / Niseko Ski Resorts, Western Hokkaido
Rusutsu Supernatural!
The Rusutsu Side Country Park
Day 9: Goodbye Sapporo! Time to move into the mountains and get even closer to the sublime white stuff. We take you to Rusutsu Resort – arguably the best ski resort in Hokkaido for tree skiing – for a 4-night stay. Your hotel will be at the foot of the slopes so you can ski when you want; anytime from the first lift opening in the morning straight after breakfast right through to the end of the incredible night skiing. The resort has various food options both on and off the slopes to suit all tastes.
Niseko Grand Hirafu
Days 10-13: Ski, ski, ski! Our guide will show you the best powder stashes in and out of resort. We can also optionally take you for a day tour of Niseko ski resort, Rusutsu’s famous neighbour (local supplement charge applies). Why not stay longer in Niseko?
Day 14: Unfortunately your time in Japan is coming to an end… After a final night back in Sapporo, you will be transferred back to New Chitose Airport for your flight home – taking some incredible memories, photos and videos away with you.