furano snow tours

Furano Powder Tours Providin g ski resort & backcountry tours in  Furano, Hokkaido, Japan

Schedule               7:30 am - Hotel pick up               8:30 am - Arrive at ski location ​               9:00 am to 3:30 pm - All-day ski/snowboard guiding               4:00 pm to 5:00 pm - Onsen               6:00 pm - Hotel drop off   Ski location - Furano, Asahidake, Kamui, Tomamu, Sahoro, Pippu. Backcountry Tokachidake & Furanodake area. Others upon request. 

Explore the stunning ski resorts, off-piste &  backcountry of central Hokkaido's Furano, Asahidake, Kamui, Tomamu, Sahoro, Tokachidake, and other areas with Furano Powder Tours' expert guiding. Enjoy this region's ultimate skiing and snowboarding experience, accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide. 

Guided Day Tours All Season   ( 20 Dec - 1 5 Mar)

¥85,000 to 100,000 per day

- Full-day guiding

- Hotel pickup/drop off

- Onsen include for multi-day bookings

- Private group only  (max 5 people)

3 Day Guiding Package   All Season  ( 20 Dec - 1 5 Mar)

  ¥255,000  total

Reserve 4 days for  flexibility

- 3 days guiding | bonus 1 rest or flex day

- 3 different locations

- Onsen included

5 Day Guiding Package All Season   ( 20 Dec - 1 5 Mar)

  ¥425,000  total

Reserve 7 days for  flexibility

- 5 days guiding | bonus 2 rest or flex day

- 5 different locations

- Airport pickup/drop off addon

About Furano Ski Resort, Off-piste & Backcountry

About Asahidake Mountain - Backcountry Skiing & What to Expect

About Tomamu Ski Resort, Off-piste and Backcountry

Niseko Grand Hirafu - How to successfully ride the peak of Mt. Niseko Annupuri

About Kurodake Mountain

Are you planning a ski trip to Japan? Which is better, Niseko or Furano?

RESERVATIONS

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• PHILANTHROPY
• TRAVEL INSURANCE
• TESTIMONIALS
• WHY CHOOSE LGA?
• TRIP INQUIRY

IWANAI SNOWCAT & FURANO, JAPAN SKI TOUR

Experience The Legendary Deep Snow of Hokkaido, Japan on our Snowcat Powder Ski Tour. Ski The Deepest Snow of Your Life!

Our ultimate powder trip with 3 snowcat days on a private mountain overlooking the coast of Japan. Ski some of the deepest snow on Hokkaido while visiting Iwanai and Furano’s untouched backcountry ski areas. Hokkaido is home to some of the most consistent powder snow in the world and legendary deep Japanese cold powder. Every day we lead our guests on a guided exploration of the resorts and backcountry that surround the Furano and the Iwanai regions. The tour starts in the powder belt of the Furano area. This will be our base as we ski the surrounding ski resorts such as Furano, Asahidake, Tomamu and Kamui. The second part of our trip takes us to Iwanai to enjoy 3 days of snowcat skiing at Iwanai resort. Iwanai is an old ski area off the coast with unparalleled ocean views. Iwanai has some of the longest vertical in Hokkaido, consistent pitch without any flat areas and is steeper than the other resorts. Enjoy a minimum of 6 runs over 1,000 acres of untouched powder! Our guides will show you their favorite spots that year after year have delivered some of the deepest skiing of their lives. A true Japan powder chasing trip!

Location: Furano & Iwanai, Japan

Duration: 10 Days | 9 Nights | 8 Ski Days | 3 Snowcat Days

Skill Level: Strong Intermediate-Expert

Guide to Client Ratio: 4 to 1

Price:  $6200

Trip Dates: Feb 6-15, 2019 – OPEN

• WHAT'S INCLUDED
• THE EXPERIENCE

SAMPLE ITINERARY

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Lift Tickets: All Lift Tickets to Ski around Furano & Iwanai Snowcat Guiding:  10 Hosted days – including 8 guided ski days at the surrounding resorts and backcountry 3 Snowcat Days!  Coaching:  Ski Technique & Backcountry Skills Sessions with Professional Skiers and Guides Airport Transfers:  Private Transfer To/From Chitose Airport Daily Transportation:  Private 4×4 Vans Everyday Lodging:  5 Nights in Furano & 4 Nights in Iwanai  *Based on 2 people per room (twin/double share). Meals:  Daily   Breakfast, 3 Lunches at Iwanai Resort, Welcome & Farewell Dinner Onsen Hot Spring Tour LGA Welcome Gift Bag Scott Scrapper Skis with Marker Alpine Touring Bindings and Skins Backcountry Kits: Scott E1 Patrol Airbags, Avalanche Beacon, Shovel and Probe

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• Lunches: Guests will be able to have lunch at local villages and ski resorts during the week
• All Dinners (except 2) are left open for the group to explore town together or experience the local cuisine with new friends. Recommendations will be provided.
• Alcoholic beverages
• Gratuities for Guides
• Travel & Trip Insurance: We require trip insurance for all trips abroad.  We recommend World Nomads as they are the ultimate in travel protection and global emergencies and evacuations.
• Gear: Skis, Snowboards and Helmet. If you have your own equipment please bring it. Avalanche safety gear is required on all of our tours.

THE RIDING EXPERIENCE

The Furano area lies between the Yubari Mountain Range and the Daisetsuzan National Park and has been the host of many world cup ski races over the years. Open powder bowls, deep tree runs and a wide variety of terrain surround the resort. Within a short drive, our guides will take you to resorts such as Furano, Asahidake, Kamui, Tomamu, and select backcountry zones our team has been skiing for years. When the winds from the mainland of Asia pick up out of the North-Northwest, air rises from the Sea of Japan to form clouds which unleash massive amounts of moisture on the mountains. This, in turn, creates some of the lightest and driest powder in the world. The areas around Furano are known for picking up these large snow falls every year.

Our snowcat days will take place at an old ski area off the coast of Japan. This area boasts some of the longest vertical in Hokkaido with consistent pitch and is steeper than other resorts. Enjoy a minimum of 6 runs over 1,000 acres of untouched powder.

This is an advanced guided tour where we spend the majority of our time off-piste in the lift accessed side/backcountry of each resort, skiing the birch trees of Japan and the open bowls. After skiing a full day of powder and a relaxing soak in the onsen, you’ll get to enjoy some of Hokkaido’s delicious food and lively bars. What makes our trips different- we ski powder every day and if it means we have a road trip to ski the best snow, we go! There is nothing like skiing or snowboarding in Japan and our team is ready to take you there!

THE CULINARY EXPERIENCE

Enjoy daily breakfasts at the hotel with a wide variety of food and traditional Japanese Breakfast items. Our welcome and farewell group dinners are one of our guests favorite times on the trip as we get to experience a couple of our favorite restaurants in the area. The last night is always a fun time to celebrate and enjoy one last cheer’s before the trip ends. The hotels have easy access to all of the nearby restaurants and bars during the week so you can taste the incredible cuisine the area offers. The growth of the area over the last couple of years provides ample selection of small independent coffee shops, restaurants, breweries and sake bars. Visitors have every chance to dive into the local cuisine like never before.

Japan, home of amazing fresh sushi, seafood, and delicacies from the sea as well as its traditional dishes of soba, udon, yakitori, curry and more. The seafood quality is known around the world but we bet after trying some of their local specialties you will leave with a whole new respect for Japanese cuisine. Sample a wide variety of local and regional cuisine, from Wagyu beef, Yakitori BBQ cooked on the table, Shabu-Shabu, Bakeries & Coffee Shops, incredible curries, and of course no trip to the Japanese isles is complete without a warm and hearty fresh made soba noodle bowl.

THE LODGING EXPERIENCE

Our hotel partners welcome you with friendly service and an unmatched experience that you will never forget. Our location is ideal to access several ski areas in the region with our private 4×4 vans so our groups are always skiing the best conditions that day. The hotel is walking distance to a wide variety of restaurants, shops, and bars.

La Vista Furano Hills In the heart of Furano, within a 10-minute drive of Furano ski area you will find the brand new La Vista Furano Hills 3.5-star hotel being built in 2019. Guests will stay in comfortable twin rooms and access to free WiFi, daily breakfasts. Enjoy easy access to soak in a rooftop hot Japanese Onsen. It’s a great way to relax after a day of skiing powder. The hot onsen water rises from deep underground and contains a blend of many different minerals that are nutrient rich. Enjoy buffet breakfasts  of Japanese and western dishes daily .

Iwanai Hotel To be announced….

ARRIVAL DAY

Fly into New Chitose Airport (CTS) – You should arrive the day prior to the trip start date and spend one night in Chitose. Arriving the day before the trip allows room for any flight or luggage delays as well as gives you time to relax and adjust to the local time before the trip starts.

DAY 1 – WELCOME TO JAPAN! TRANSFER DAY

Le Grand Adventure Tours welcomes you to Japan! We can arrange to pick you up at the hotel you are staying at or you can meet us at the airport if you land the same day at 1pm. Once we pick-up everyone we will have a 2-2.5 hour drive in our private 4×4 vans and will arrive between 3-4pm in Furano. Settle into your comfortable room and prepare for the the ski week ahead. We will meet for a relaxing welcome reception to meet and get to know the new crew for the week. The evening offers your first chance to explore, dine or relax at the hotel with new friends.

If rentals are needed, we can arrange snow equipment for the week through our partnership with Scott Sports. We will have a selection of powder skis with touring bindings to choose from. There will also be the brand new Scott E-1 Patrol Backpack and avalanche kits available for rent for guests during the trips. Both items can be rented for the duration of your trip to save you time and money. If you wish to rent ski/snowboard equipment please let us know so that we can coordinate your rental.

DAY 2 – 5: FURANO

On the first day, we will be exploring Furano ski area. We’ll be hunting out some powder stashes and warming up for the week ahead. Celebrate an awesome first day on the mountain enjoying a cold beverage, an onsen and trying one of the many restaurants in town with the group at our Welcome Dinner.

Over the course of the next 4 days in Furano, our guides will take you to some of the more hidden places as well as the classic resorts in the area. Ski Asahidake’s volcanic flanks, the open bowls of Tomamu, the secret stashes in Kamui, and the deep untouched areas around Tokachidake. Guests will be skiing some of the classic lines as well as open bowls and perfect birch trees these resorts are known for. Lots of easy side country lines to ski so we can maximize our vertical and number of runs. Incredible views of the surrounding mountain ranges and on a clear day you can see the fumaroles from the volcanic peaks in the distance.

Every day is a new adventure, a new ski resort, a backcountry peak with untouched powder and experiencing what skiing in Japan is all about. Finish your days soaking in an onsen, exploring the town, trying something new to eat and meeting other people from all over the world. If conditions permit we have the option to ski tour into the Tokachidake mountains where our guides will spend the day taking guests for a ski tour through untracked powder, long open bowls and endless terrain options– one of the most scenic mountain ranges with loads of fresh skiing.

DAY 6-9 – IWANAI SNOWCAT

Our guides will be transferring the group from Furano to Iwanai and we will ski nearby where conditions are looking best for the day. We will arrive in Iwanai that evening and rest well for the next few  Snowcat days at  Iwanai  Resort.  Iwanai is an old ski area off the coast with unparalleled ocean views. Iwanai has some of the longest vertical in Hokkaido, consistent pitch without any flat areas and is steeper than the other resorts. Enjoy a minimum of 6 runs each day over 1,000 acres of untouched powder! Lunch will be included and provided to us at their lodge each day.

DAY 10 – DEPARTURE DAY

Enjoy the rich breakfast buffet at the hotel and one last soak in the onsen before we transfer to the airport.  On the final day of the tour, our guides will transport you back to the airport where you can catch a flight home or enjoy a night in the next city.

NOTE: This itinerary is an example. The tour may be altered to adjust for weather and conditions. Our guides will plan the tour around the conditions to make sure you have the best trip possible.

BOOKING YOUR TRAVEL

Please reserve your tour with lga & get trip confirmation before booking flights., arrival & departure details.

You should arrive the day prior to the trip start date and spend one night in Chitose.  If you’re able to find a flight that lands the day of the Tour Start Date and will be able to meet by our 1pm pick-up time, that works as well. Flight time from the West Coast of the United States to Japan is approximately 10-16 hours depending on if you book a direct flight or a flight with stops. Your flight will cross over the international date line.

Departure is around 8am to New Chitose Airport (CTS) Please do not schedule your departing flight before 1pm.  On the final day of the tour, we will transport you back to the airport where you can catch a flight home or enjoy a night in the next city. If your departure flight differs from this, we would be happy to advise you with transfer and/or hotel options if needed. We can offer advice and suggestions if you need any assistance. Please give us a call or send us an email for more information.

HOTELS BEFORE & AFTER YOUR TRIP

Arriving the day before the trip allows room for any flight or luggage delays as well as gives you time to relax and adjust to the local time before the trip starts. You will need to reserve a night at a nearby hotel in Chitose, we have provided our favorite options for you to select from:

• ANA Crowne Plaza Chitose   via free airport transfer
• Best Western Plus Hotel Fino Chitose   via taxi
• JR Inn Chitose   via train transit from airport
• Hotel Route Inn Chitose Ekimae   via taxi

RECOMMENDATIONS

We suggest you bring your own ski and backcountry gear if you have it. A ski with roughly a 100mm to 110mm is the best option. If you want to bring a wider pair of skis please feel free or we can rent these if needed. We highly recommend bringing or renting a touring set up as this will allow the group to really ski a wide variety of areas. (not mandatory)   Having this as a daily set up allows us to find the best snow on the resort, quick laps in the sidecountry or going a little deeper into the backcountry. There are also options for ski touring days if the groups wants. If you have a new pair of touring bindings (Dynafit, Plum, Marker, Salomon, etc) and are comfortable skiing a wide variety of terrain on them, please feel free to bring them. Always bring extra layers, good gloves, 2 goggles if you have them or extra lenses, winter clothes for after skiing and a down jacket. If you want to experience the best snow in the world, you need to be prepared with good gear, as it can get cold. We will be in the mountains so bring clothes that will keep you warm in a wide variety of conditions.

SCOTT SPORTS DEMO SKIS

Through our partnership with Scott Sports we will have a selection of Scott Scrapper powder skis with Marker alpine touring bindings with skins to choose from. 

BACKCOUNTRY SAFETY GEAR

Avalanche safety gear is required on all of our tours. If you have your own equipment please bring it. We have Scott E-1 Patrol Backpacks including a beacon, shovel and probes available for your use.

ALL ABOUT JAPAN

Weather & mountains.

For the most accurate weather please check the Niseko and  Furano  Weather Online  a few days before your trip. It’s not unusual to receive 30cm to 50cm+ (12 to 20″+) of snow overnight! Many storms will drop upward of 100cm’s plus or basically 3 feet every couple of days. We will guarantee you get the most out of your ski holiday as we have a wide range of activities that we can add to the trip in case there are down days due to snow storms or weather.

The terrain in Japan varies somewhat between resorts and the different islands but generally the major Japanese resorts are not as high and steep as their counterparts in Europe and North America. The abundance of powder in Japan is a result of the Siberian snow stream, the largest example of lake-effect snow in the world. High pressure over Siberia and low pressure over the Western Pacific leads to a constant flow of cool air across Japan. As this chilled, dry air flows over the Japan Sea it attracts moisture and becomes overly-saturated. This air hits the mountain ranges of the Northern Alps and Japan is blanketed with powder snow. These cyclical weather patterns last for weeks, guaranteeing regular dumps of the lightest and fluffiest powder imaginable. Ultimately one must always understand the snowpack as it can change rapidly in the mountains and is safest to travel into the backcountry with a guide.

An onsen is a natural thermal hot spring. Onsens are usually dedicated as either male or female baths and are full nudity baths (there are small modesty towels you can use.) Make sure you wash and rinse off your body before you get into the water and follow all the rules. A word of warning – if you have tattoos you may not be allowed to enter. However, if you are a foreigner and the tattoos are not particularly obvious then you will generally be OK.

Japan is mostly a cash based society. We will make regular stops at the 7-11 ATM’s as they are one of the few that accepts US cards, a  lot of ATMs in Japan do not accept international cards. Some larger restaurants and bars will probably accept international credit cards (non-Japanese), a lot of smaller restaurants, bars and convenience stores will only accept cash.

Japanese is the native language of Japan. The amount of English that is spoken varies considerably in Japan.

In general Japan is one of the safest countries in the world to travel around. This is due largely to one of the lowest crime rates in the world and the incredible hospitality of the Japanese people.

Check out our General FAQs section. Here you will find answers to your general questions.

DO I NEED TRIP INSURANCE?

Trip Insurance is Not Included – We require trip insurance for all trips abroad. Protecting your trip & safety is our priority.  We recommend World Nomads as they are the ultimate in travel protection and global emergencies and evacuations. They provide rescue and coverage designed for ski trips where other travel insurance options may not cover or rescue with skiing involved. This policy will cover you in case of any medical and personal accidents that could occur prior to or during your trip. This will also cover you if you have to cancel your trip for any reason or if your baggage gets delayed or lost.

DO I NEED TO TIP OUR GUIDES?

Gratuities for your guides are not included in your trip price. We recommend tipping 7-10% of your trip price for the guide team. US Currency is preferred, however, local currency is also greatly appreciated. Unless you want to tip separately, guides will divide tips amongst themselves. Please tip your guides at your discretion, based on the overall trip experience provided by our team.

WHAT IS THE BOOKING PROCESS?

Contact LGA Tours via our website or telephone and an LGA representative will be in touch with you. After we confirm availability and confirm trip details, you will be provided a booking link to reserve your trip. Once you book the trip, a guest confirmation letter is immediately sent out. In the confirmation letter you will find a link to complete your guest profile form online as well as a link to your liability release that you will need to complete. If you make a reservation more than 90 days prior to the trip, a deposit is due at the time of booking. If you reserve your trip less than 90 days prior to the departure, the full balance is due at the time of booking. One week prior to the trip start, you’ll receive an email containing your trip start meeting location reminder and any last-minute information that you’ll need to know before you go.

CAN I RESERVE MY TRIP WITH A DEPOSIT?

Yes, you can reserve your trip with a Deposit for all Multi-Day Tours lasting 24 hours or longer. If you seek to reserve a spot on a Tour more than 90 days prior to the Date of Departure, the deposit amount is $1000. For Private Group Tours the Deposit amount is fifty percent (50%) of the Tour Price. Within 89 days or less prior to the date of departure, the full amount is due at time of booking.

WHEN IS THE FINAL PAYMENT FOR THIS TOUR DUE?

Final payment is due no later than 90 days prior to departure, or 7 days from booking confirmation if booking is within 90 days.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY?

Le Grand Adventure Tours cannot be held responsible for snow and/or weather conditions. Trips cannot be canceled or amended on the basis of snow and weather conditions. No refunds, reimbursements or discounts will be granted if, for any reason, client misses the tour, fails to join the tour, leaves the tour, is dismissed from the tour, or cannot fully participate in the tour. Any refunds will be at the discretion of Le Grand Adventure Tours if you are involuntarily forced to leave a tour for any reason. Travel Insurance is required on our trips to avoid the financial risks related to cancellations, involuntary early departures, medical reasons or any other travel related problems.

WHAT IS THE GROUP SIZE?

We like to guide small group tours to ensure you have a great experience. Groups are typically between four to eight people. Private groups range anywhere from 6-16 people.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME?

Ski/Snowboard Gear: Skis/Snowboard, boots, poles Goggles Helmet

Misc/Recommended: Backpack Avalanche Transceiver Shovel/Probe Touring Gear and Skins Packable Puff (We can assist with some gear, please feel free to contact us)

Après Clothing: You will be in the mountains for a week so please bring warm clothing for when you’re not on the slopes.

Travel Requirements: Current Passport Credit card, cash and/or traveler’s checks ID or driver’s license Medical insurance cards Prescriptions or other medications Important phone numbers Proof of Travelers Insurance

Niseko, Japan

Happy customers., best guides ever.

These guys are as good as it gets. Full dedication to stoke as well as safety. We detoured our original location to chase the powder and it paid off in spades. Jeff & Jeff have the inside knowledge, contacts, and hunger for finding the best conditions and THEY DELIVER. Start to finish they were there for every need and want. I will truly never forget this adventure and highly recommend Le Grand Adventure Tours. A Huge thank you to their team! --James L.

The Holy Grail…

Jeff and Jeff are absolute all stars. These guys are not only technical masters of their trade, but they have the hunger desire and willingness to go hunt for POW that you’re looking for! All in all we couldn’t have asked for a better trip, because of the amazing snow of course and the incredible country, food and culture of Japan, but most of all because of these two legends. Thanks a ton guys, can’t wait till the next go around! -- Nick P.

Simply the best!

I have been fortunate enough to travel all over the world and I find that the location is important but not as important as the people you meet. We were blessed enough to have both with our trip to Japan and it is for one simple reason, Le Grand Adventure. Our guides went above and beyond to make our experience a memorable one. We had the most fun and rode the best POW. Thank you, Le Grand for showing us a country you love so much. --Reid H.

This is an absolute unbelievable adventure. If you want to ski big pow and are also looking for an incredible cultural experience, this is the trip for you. I’ve skied my entire life (last 18 years in Colorado as well as 3 years in Switzerland / Austria) and this was by far the best ski adventure I have ever taken. Some of the most memorable and best runs of my life. In addition to the incredible snow and terrain, Jeff and Crystal are true professionals both on the Mountain and off. This trip was butter smooth thanks to Le Grand Adventure Tours. A bucket list item for sure! --Ryan P.

The Japan trip with Le Grand Adventure Tours was absolutely amazing and blew us away!!!!

Special thanks to Jeff and Crystal for making all of the necessary arrangements that allowed us to explore the many different areas on Hokkaido and, most importantly, chase the incredible powder (on some days this was literally over our heads!), which is simply amazing! LGAT provides the very best in guide service, with the primary focus on safety and skiing quality terrain! We would have been totally lost without them! We will be back in 2017 and beyond! --Spencer N.

I will be using them again!

I wanted to go ski the legendary deep powder of Hokkaido, Japan. It wasn’t one of the banner years on record but we still managed some incredible skiing by doing a little storm chasing. It added some extra adventure to the trip and gave us a chance to see another part of the island. The guides are top notch, incredibly accommodating and on their game. I would highly recommend using Le Grand. They provide a more intimate and personalized experience than many guide outfits. --Darren C.

ImageQuest Japan Trip was out of this World.

The snow in insanely deep and the culture is wicked cool all over Hokkaido. The guides are extremely intelligent and some of the coolest dudes you’ll ever meet (Jeff Roberson and Jeff Easter). It was a blast taking photos of all the action as well. I couldn’t recommend this trip enough to anyone out their looking to have the best ski trip of their lifetime. Do it! -- Ryan L.

The pictures and videos do not do it justice.

Jeff and his team took care of us everyday and made sure we experienced as much as we could on our trip. We had a mix of conditions from sunny days to one of the deepest days skiing-ever! They know a lot of spots that are on the mountain, off the mountain, and in the backcountry. We did some touring everyday and we were rewarded with incredible views, deep snow, and no crowds all day. Fresh powder every day! Will be going back to explore more areas with them. --Todd A.

Second year in a row working with Jeff

He is knowledgeable, caring, and a great mountaineer. Went this year and last to Hokkaido Japan. aka land of ‘Japow’. was as good as it gets and made even better by Jeff and company. They dealt with challenges with grit and an even keeled approach. Always honest and forthcoming, they were excellent. I will use them again and recommend them highly. --Gil A.

Deepest snow of my life!

We searched for deep powder everyday and the guides did a great job of finding the best snow for us. Japan never disappoints and the private vans add a nice touch which allows us to travel to ski the best snow in the area. --James E.

The best trip I have ever been on.

The entire trip was dialed in from the minute we landed to the time we left. 10 days of exploring Japan, finding the deepest snow everyday, the cultural sights, and food were incredible. Can’t wait to go back! --Dan M.

St. Anton & Ischgl Austria Ski Tour

Furano-Otaru Japan Powder Explorer Ski Tour 10 Day

Tohoku-Aomori-Otaru, Japan Powder Ski Tour 10 Day

Furano-Iwanai Japan Ski Tour 10 Day

Guided Japan Tours

We offer a wide range of guided ski and snowboard tours across the Hokkaido and Tohoku regions.

• Powder Progression Tour
• Sky to Sea Powder Tour
• Central Hokkaido Tour
• Southern Hokkaido Tour
• Hokkaido Explorer Tour
• Inter Island Explorer Tour
• Tohoku Powder Tour
• Powder Belt Backcountry Tour
• Yuki Yama Backcountry Tour
• Tohoku Backcountry Tour
• Hokkaido Backcountry Tour

Private Guiding

Join us for private day and multi day guiding across Hokkaido and Tohoku.

• Hokkaido Region Guiding
• Tohoku Region Guiding

Custom Packages

• Powder Discovery

Private Lessons

Visit multiple resorts with us in the Niseko Area and Central Hokkaido region.

• Niseko Area
• Central Hokkaido

Avalanche Courses

Take your next steps into the backcountry - safely.

• Avalanche Awareness (2 Day)
• Backcountry Avalanche Avoidance (4 Day)
• Terms & Conditions
• All Enquiries
• (AUS) +61-3-9639-0372
• (JPN) +81-136-55-6646
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Whiteroom is your Japan snow travel & tour specialist

Come with us… and experience the deep dry powder, amazing culture and endless adventure that is Japan.

Check out more details on our Tours, Guiding and Instruction options below, or fill in our enquiry form and we will get in touch to help you create the best trip possible.

GUIDED TOURS

Amazing multi-day tours with highly experienced and qualified guides. You’ll see all of our favourite spots, and share adventures (day and night!) with people who love the magic of deep powder as much as you.​

PRIVATE GUIDING

We offer private guiding for individuals and groups, with bases in Niseko and Furano . Resort powder guiding, lift assisted touring, and full backcountry touring for those who want to earn their turns!

POWDER DISCOVERY

Hunt out new zones and fresh tracks with our expert instructors who know exactly where to find the best hidden powder stashes within the resort boundaries. See the best of the Niseko and Central Hokkaido areas with us.

PRIVATE LESSONS

Our qualified instructors based in Niseko and Central Hokkaido will get you up to speed so you can make the most of your time in Japow! We also offer transport and lessons at nearby ski resorts.

Whiteroom is an IATA registered travel agency with over 16 years specialising in Japan snow holidays . Let us take care of all your travel needs when you book one of our tour, guiding or instructional products. Our knowledgeable travel consultants can arrange transfers and unique accommodation options to create your perfect travel package.

10% off selected tours!

All dates and prices for our 2023/24 Guided Japan Tours are now finalised and places are filling up fast! We’re also taking 10% off on selected dates for most of our tours.

SALE ends JUNE 30th . (discount applies to new bookings only)

Privately guided holidays are the best way to ensure that you have the flexibility to customise your experience however you want, with the security of having a qualified guide with you to show you the best spots!

At Whiteroom, we are passionate about empowering backcountry enthusiasts to make informed decisions. That is why we offer certified Avalanche New Zealand accredited Avalanche Training courses in Australia and Japan.

Let us show you some of the deepest and driest snow in the world. Japan’s powder snow is renown for it’s low moisture content, and many of our clients have shared their deepest days ever with us.

With many resorts in Hokkaido and Tohoku receiving up to and above 20 metres of snow during winter, one trip to Japan is never enough.

COVID 19 POLICY

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE

We understand that due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic you may have concerns about booking a trip to Japan. In response to the current situation Whiteroom will continue to offer flexible and fair booking options. Our goal is to provide you with  maximum peace of mind  when booking while also ensuring that we keep our wheels turning.

Why Travel with Whiteroom?

JAPAN’S TOP RESORTS AND DESTINATIONS

CUSTOM ITINERARIES AND PERSONALISED TRIP PLANNING

ACCREDITED GUIDES AND INSTRUCTORS

OVER 15 YEARS EXPERIENCE OPERATING IN JAPAN

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS FOR ALL GUEST PREFERENCES

UNIQUE SKI TOURS AND POWDER ROAD TRIPS

We take two things very seriously – safety on the mountain, and getting the most from each day. With qualified and experienced guides from all corners of the globe, we’ll show you some amazing places and get you deep into that famous Japanese powder.

GUIDED JAPAN TOURS

Join us for private day and multi day guiding across Hokkaido and Tohoku, or create a custom package.

AVALANCHE COURSES

Take your next steps into the backcountry with our NZMSC accredited 2 day and 4 day courses.

Melbourne ~ Niseko ~ Furano

AU: +61-3-9639-0372

JP: +81-136-55-6646

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SLEEP BREATH

Snow ", our passion.

Ken McBride, founder of Furano Snow Tours has been living and snowboarding in Japan for 15 years. Born on the slope of Mt Hutt ,Methven NewZealand and growing up surfing and skateboarding in Sydney, Australia he eventually ended up in Japan. A move motivated by his passion for the snow and a curiosity to discover all aspects of his mother's country, Japan.

If your passion is skiing/snowboarding and you want to know what skiing in Hokkaido is all about then join us for a snow tour of a life time.

We will chase the snow for fresh powder, soak in the rejuvenating onsens (hot springs) and enjoy our time at local Japanese restaurants where few tourists go. The true Japan ski experience!

OUR MISSION

To share with people our love for powder skiing/snowboarding and life in this unique region of Japan. Our focus is creating personalised snow tours catering to your skill level, interests and goals.

Call Us 

+81-80-6056-5556, [email protected].

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Furano Snow Tours

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Furano Snow Tours - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

Furano Snow Tours

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Furano Snow Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Snowmobile Tour -The Straight-

Challenge Your Limits!

Full Throttle on the Long Straight Course!

Furano, surrounded by the Tokachi and Yubari mountain ranges, presents a vast, snow-covered landscape of breathtaking beauty. The endless expanse of snow is a sight to behold. As you gaze into the distance, the towering peaks of the Taisetsu Mountains offer a majestic backdrop. Experience the thrill of unknown speed, with the accelerator wide open in this winter wonderland!

Relax and Savor the Winter Nature on a Leisurely Course!

Hokkaido, Japan

Furano .

A bilingual guide

  An experienced guide with exceptional knowledge of the area and a background in cartography.

Living in Hokkaido year round, Ryan speaks English and Japanese, catering to both international and Japanese speaking clients.

Fully customizable private tours

Fully customizable to meet your group's specific needs. Day trips from Furano, or multi day tours to other, lesser known areas. 

All tours are private so you can experience the best conditions with the people you choose. We only offer private tours as this consistently leads to the most client satisfaction .

Catering to all abilities

Specialists  in adventurous ski touring, including ski mountaineering but can cater to all abilities. People often claim 'Hokkaido is flat', but that is only if you don't know where to look!

From the more popular areas to the lesser known, we have a large and always increasing basket of destinations on offer.

Amazing food, culture and powder

Hokkaido is the food basket of Japan. With so much farming around Furano, the local restaurants hold a high standard.

Hokkaido consistently receives the best snow on Earth. The prevailing weather systems from Siberia deliver large quantities of cold, dry powder. It has to be skied to be believed.

Where do you want to go?

  All tours are private and fully customizable. Whether it be one of our suggested frameworks or a destination you have in mind.

“At the top I turned and I couldn't see so I figured it was safer if I didn't turn.”

- John "Willy" Williams, New Zealand

• Access & Map
• Book A Holiday
• Property Investment

Furano Ski Resort  

powder snow heaven for skiers and snowboarders

What’s New for 2022-23

FREE ski lift passes for all kids 12 years old or younger

Furano Winter Events

Day trip to other resorts (Kamui / Tomamu / Asahidake)

Furano property investment opportunities

– Quick links for Furano winter information –

Airport Transfers

Equipment Rentals & Ski Wax

Ski & Snowboard Lessons

Local Tours

Onsens (hot springs)

Kids Care & Baby Sitting

Furano Evening Shuttle Bus Time Table

Furano Sanso

6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 1 Queen / 4 Single Beds 2 Bathrooms

Orchid Furano Unit 3

Setsurin Unit 2

4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 4 Single Beds 2 Bathrooms

Yama no Oto B

6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 2 Single / 2 Queen Beds 2 Bathrooms

Shimogoryo House

4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Quees / 2 Single Beds 2 Bathrooms

Accommodation Online Booking

Holiday houses and apartments

Category Search

Sight search, area search.

TEL：0167-23-3388

• Furano!The perfect place to play your heart out in every season!
• Winter Activities

Big snowy mountain area 'Hokkaido Powder Belt'

Ski, Snowboard, Teremark and backcountry skiing and any other snow sports. For untouched powder lovers, Furano is also a great base to discover other resorts, ski hills or backcountry mountains in the central Hokkaido area, with Kamui, Tomamu and Asahidake all within day-trip distance

Snowshoes Trekking

Trek through the beautiful natural surrounds on a pair of snowshoes. Wearing and walking with snowshoes is an experience in itself, add to this the incredible nature and you have the mix for a fun tour. Each tour is accompanied by one of our professional guides who will take you through the winter wonderland that is Furano and Rokugou. If you’re lucky enough you might happen upon deer or foxes as you wander over the mountains and hills. Drinks and snowshoes are provided.

Snow activities

Take time out to experience some snow based adventure such as hot air ballooning, ice hole fishing, snow mobile touring, snow shoe touring and snow tubing.

Hot Air Balloon(Free Flight)

Rise up to 1000m and float over Furano and close to the Taisetsusan Mountain Range. Everyone should have this experience at least once in their lifetime. At this altitude you'll often see diamond dust, which makes it appear as though thousands of diamonds are flying around you. On a clear day the views stretch over the fields and over many of the snow covered peaks.

Dog sledding

Dog Sledding is an incredible experience for anyone. The dogs are jumping and rearing to take you around the course at some top speeds and they will be bounding up and down ready as soon as they see the sled put into position for a run. The dogs are beautifully well kept animals that enjoy the rides as much as the guests and trainers.

Ice Hole Fishing

Try your luck fishing for pond smelt. You can deep-fry your catch and some local mushrooms right there on the ice as you fish. It's always an experience to tell your friends about. Your guide will help you drill through the ice & relax in the beautiful surroundings, sitting on the lake fishing. It is not uncommon to see deer, foxes and other wildlife.

Furano Ski Festival

The Ski Festival is one of the biggest events in Furano’s winter season. Held at Furano ski area at the base of the Kitanomine Zone, the festival has many events, including a fireworks display and outdoor bazaar. Everyone is welcome to enter this event and try for the prize. This festival brings warmth and laughter to Hokkaido’s cold winter. Big air competitions and a fireworks display are held on the Saturday night with warm drinks, hot food and beer and wine flowing around the festival. Kids are kept entertained with an array of events and games. There is even a massive snow castle where you can slide down on the ice slides from the top of the castle back down to the bottom.

Snow Night Fantasy 'Furano Kan Kan Mura'

Located in front of the New Furano Prince Hotel, the Kan Kan Mura is home to a snow dome and ice bar which has been made using 2000 blocks of snow, and the longest Snow Tubing course in Japan (201m long) The pathways have snow sculptures and illuminations on the way for an enjoyable walk too. Snow rafting and Hot air Ballooning is also available! Open from the end of December until early March (depending on snow conditions)

Whiteroom Furano - Guiding & Backcountry Tours

We are currently only able to book guiding tours for guests who have already booked accommodation with Samurai Snow. 

Experience one of the Snowiest Places on Earth

Whiteroom Tours was founded on the principle of creating tours that are fun, adventurous and allow you to experience each destination from a local’s perspective.

Each resort offers up loads of terrain that you wouldn’t even know about if you didn’t have a guide. If you are after a great day being shown all the best in-bounds powder and backcountry lines then this is the product for you.

Their guides can take you on a local’s tour of the resorts throughout Hokkaido, showing you all the best powder stashes and hidden lines.

Each resort offers up loads of terrain that you wouldn’t even know about if you didn’t have a guide.

Resort Powder & Backcountry

Enjoy the best in-bounds powder and lift-accessed backcountry at any ski resort in Hokkaido. I

Intro to Backcountry Touring 

Learn the basics of touring technique and equipment to get you out into the backcountry safely.

Lift Assisted Backcountry

Let the lifts do all the work for you, then after a short boot pack or skin deep untracked powder awaits.

Backcountry Touring

Get those skins and get away from the lifts and the crowds. Our guides will tour you through some of Hokkaido’s best backcountry touring terrain.

2023 / 24 Prices

• Peak  - 1 January to 29 February
• Off Peak  - 20 to 31 December and 1 to 6 March
• Spring  - 7 to 31 March
• Pricing shown is per day / per guide

Price includes:

• Your own qualified guide
• Furano Accommodation pick-up/drop-off (7:30-8am / 4-6pm) and transportation to the resort or backcountry area of your choice
• Flat rate – maximum of 6 clients per guide.
• 7 people and above 2 guides needed

Not included:

• Avalanche Safety Gear (beacon, shovel, probe and backpack)
• Lift passes
• Ski/SB equipment
• Assurances on the days weather
• Accommodation pick up from areas other than Niseko/Furano. Extra charges will apply for additional travel.

NOTE: If you booked a certain ski resort and the lifts are shut that day we will offer up another resort. If all available resort options are closed we will try to reschedule another day (if available), or offer you a full refund

Central Hokkaido Ski Resorts

Furano ski area.

Furano isn’t a ski town, it’s a country town that happens to have its own ski area.

Things are changing as word gets out how good the ski area and it’s backcountry is but it’s still relatively quiet most days and when we take you down into town you’ll experience an authentic Japanese night scene with lots of restaurant and bar options.

On the mountain you’ll enjoy some of the best tree skiing in Hokkaido, with various backcountry access points leading you to steep faces, glades, and gullies full of fresh pow.

The cold temperatures in Furano keep the 9 metres of annual snow light and dry and when its on, it is quite simply the best. Add to this the distinct lack of crowds and express lifts that take you to the top of 3.5km runs in a little over ten minutes and you have a recipe for leg burning skiing and boarding.

Furano is where Whiteroom began so be given a special locals welcome while you stay here.

Tomamu strikes a cord with all who ride its mountains. With arguably the best in-bounds powder skiing in Hokkaido you’ll be wanting to come back for more.

Mt. Tomamu at 1239m, offers skiers and snowboarders a wide variety of runs catering to all abilities. With 11 lifts, Tomamu has some great options.

It also offers skiers and boarders an awesome park and off-piste section which is roped off from the rest of the crowd. However it’s Tomamu’s backcountry which makes it special.

Kamui Ski Links

Kamui is a small ski resort set on its own, 1 hour north of Furano. With 7 lifts accessing a network of wide open cruisers as well as powder filled trees and gullies, you’ll feel like your riding your own private mountain as crowds here a virtually non-existent – unless school kids on the beginner lifts count.

Combine that with one of Japan’s most open ski area policies and there is enough here to suit every kind of skier and boarder.

Asahidake is one of the most popular touring locations in Hokkaido, due to the easy access to above tree line terrain given by the Ropeway at the bottom of the volcano (top height 1600m) and the fame of the mountain itself, which at 2290m is the highest in Hokkaido.

Short hikes are often required along the ridges at the summit and there is the option of hiking around the volcano. Expect chutes, alpine bowls, massive pillows and epically deep powder. Once at the bottom, all roads lead to the Ropeway.

Tokachi Sahoro Resort

Sahoro is a resort full of surprises. From short fun shots between the lifts to full vert tree runs down to the road, it’ll sure put a smile on your dial! It’s well protected and is a good option when the weather has come in.

A quiet mountain and a good option when the storms are coming in. Plenty of trees to ski through, good pitch and no people off-piste. This is a great mountain when everywhere else is busy or clapped out due to low vis or high winds.

Book Whiteroom Furano - Guiding & Backcountry Tours

You can book  Guiding in the Niseko & Otaru Region  OR  the Central Hokkaido Region  through the Booking Portal. 

Please ensure that you select Central Hokkaido Region for Whiteroom Furano Guiding & Backcountry Tours.

We are currently only able to book for guests who have already booked accommodation with Samurai Snow.

If you submit a booking request and have not already booked accommodation with Samurai Snow, we will do our best to respond to your enquiry but this will not always be possible.

Booking Process

Please follow the steps below to book your lessons.

1) Click on the red "Book Now" button below and the booking window will open in a new tab in your browser

2) Add all of the lessons that you require to your shopping cart. 

3) Click on the "Next" button at the bottom right of the page

4) Enter your personal details (all fields with an * are mandatory) and click on the "Proceed to Checkout" button at the bottom of the page

5) On the "Checkout" page, click on the green "Add New Group Member" button and add the names of each person in your group you joining the tour, one by one

6) Assign the Group Members to each Lesson by clicking on the "Select Group Member" dropdown list under the Assign Group Members header and selecting the Guests to join the tour

7) Click on the red "Send Inquiry" Button at the bottom right

8) We will contact you by email with payment instructions once your booking request is confirmed.

Required Information

You will need to have the following information to hand for each lesson you would like to book:

• Date  - the date you would like the tour to take place
• Duration  - the number of consecutive days of tours you would like to book
• Number of People  - the number of tour participants
• Powder Riding Skill  - ideally all participants should be a reasonably similar ability level
• Backcountry Gear  - all participants must have Beacon, Shovel, Probe & Pack - can be hired for any participants that don't have their own gear
• Destination Request  - where you would like the tour to take place
• Accom & Room Number  - the name of your accommodation and your room number

Book Now    Terms & Conditions

Payment & Cancellation Terms

• Full payment via the booking portal is required to complete the booking

Cancellation

• 45 days or more prior to the lesson date: 25% cancellation fee
• Within 45 days of the lesson date: 100% cancellation fee
• "Cancellation" includes changes that reduce the overall value of the booking.

* Refunds are made in Japanese Yen. The amount that you receive in your home currency may differ from the amount you paid in your home currency due to exchange rate fluctuations.

Resort Information

Samurai Snow offers accommodation in a choice of 8 different ski resorts.

If you have not yet decided on your preferred ski resort, please check out our Japan Ski Resorts page , which has a wealth of information on the ski resorts that we offer.

Niseko and Hakuba are the largest ski resorts each with multiple villages to choose from.

You can search for accommodation in all of the villages within Niseko or Hakuba by selecting “Niseko – Any Village” or “Hakuba – Any Village” OR you can search by village, for example “Niseko – Hirafu or Hakuba – Happo One.

More information on each Niseko and Hakuba village can be found on our village guide for each ski resort:

• Niseko Villages Guide
• Hakuba Villages Guide

Room Availability Information / Booking

The light blue bar at the top of the page shows the price and availability status of the accommodation ( Available OR Enquire for Availability ) for the stay dates listed.

When changing the stay dates, be sure to click the Update button to get the price and availability status of the new dates.

Where a discount is on offer, the pricing shown has the discount already applied.

Checking Availability

If the availability status is “ Enquire for Availability ” you can check availability by clicking on the “Enquire Now” button and submitting the accommodation enquiry form.

Please ensure you select “ I/we would like to Check if this accommodation is available ” in the first field of the form.

We will respond to you via email to confirm the availability status within 24-48 hours.

To proceed with booking the accommodation, click on the “Book Now” button and submit the accommodation enquiry form.

Please ensure you select “ I/we would like to Book this accommodation ” in the first field of the form.

Within 24-48 hours, we will send instructions to you on how to pay the deposit required to secure the booking.

The price of bookings is fixed in Japanese Yen but you can pay in your home currency.

Furano Snow Tours

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

FURANO SNOW TOURS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)