John Makens, USA
If you call yourself a snowboarder and you have never been riding powder in Hokkaido...Well need we say more? We call it DEEP WEEKS POWDER SAFARI because the snow is sooooo deep and light. Riding powder in Hokkaido should be on your bucketlist. But Japan is so much more than just a snow trip, it is a cultural trip and an explosion of fantastic experiences from the food, the architecture, the landscapes, the people and the overall feeling that you get from just being in this amazing island of Japan.
Our main goal is to show you some of the best spots to ride pow in the Hokkaido island, but also to show you some of Japan’s rich culture and history.
Our program also offers a very flexible schedule to allow us follow the best snow and weather conditions on the island on any given day. Obviously the Island has a lot more to offer than what we can possible cover in 6 days of riding or even in 2 weeks, but we will show you some of the secret spots that you would never find on your own. Come ride with us!
We will move around in mini vans and with our flexible schedule comes the possibility of change of accommodation on a daily basis so we advise you to travel light. Accommodation will be both classic private Japanese tatami style during the trip and western styled rooms(subject to change). We will go to the onsen(hot spring bath) every day after riding and before we head out for dinner together. The last night of the trip you will be in a nice hotel at the airport with onsen to enjoy a last night before flying back home early in the morning.
During the 6 days of riding you will experience the famous powder of Japan. 5 of the days we will be riding lift accessed terrain in resorts with some hiking and 1 day is reserved for either a Snowshoe, Cat or sled accessed day of riding.
DAY 1:
GROUP PICK UP 2PM @ New Chitose Airport in Sapporo, Japan. Important everyone respect this.
If you cannot get a travel plan to arrive before 2pm we suggest you arrive the night before and we can help you book a hotel at the airport for extra cost.
Depending all arrivals are going as planned we will go for a classic Japanese Onsen followed by welcome dinner in a traditional Japanese kitchen restaurant.
DAY 2-7:
On a typical day after breakfast we will drive to the resort of the day usually we will be within a 30-45min drive to where we plan to ride. Lunch is on mountain restaurant(not included) After a day of riding we will go to a local traditional Japanese onsen(hot spring bath) before we go for dinner(not included). Change of accommodation is possible on a daily basis and you will of course be notified in due time. This is all part of the adventure and this gives us the freedom to chase the best conditions for your trip. Remember you are here to ride pow;-)
DAY 7:
DROP OFF around 6-8PM @ New Chitose Airport in Sapporo. Where you will be checked into a nice hotel twin room and enjoy a last onsen and nice dinner(not included) before your flight departure early the next morning.
DAY 8:
Don’t be late for your flight;-) Make sure you order your wake up call at the reception. Ask your guides for help and advice if needed.
Your guides speak English, German, French, Norwegian, Swedish and Danish.
Average January temp from -12 to -4°C depending elevation, wind and distance from ocean. So layer up. Bring a facemask!
Beacon, Shovel & Probe is a must have on all our trips and a minimum knowledge of use is good to have. But we will run a few beacon clinics during your trip. If you don't own this you can rent from us. Book in advance!
You will receive an equipment packing list shortly after your deposit has arrived in our account.
Some useful phrases:
arigatou (thanks)
arigatou gozaimasu (thank you very much)
sumimasen (exuse me)
ohayougozaimasu (good morning)
konnichiwa (good afternoon)
All of the above program is subject to change and weather conditions
7 Days accommodation with breakfast
5 Days Skipass & 5 Days riding with private guide in group of max 6
1 Day Snowshoe, Cat Boarding or Sled accessed riding with guides
- Private return airport transfers
- Beacon Search clinic and basic backcountry skills training
- Daily hosting by Vistas Tours guide to restaurants and bars
Flights
Personal insurance
Off piste insurance/ Mountain Rescue insurance
Lunch and dinners
Yoga Classes
Massages;-)
Equipment hire
If you wish to combine your trip with some days in Tokyo or Sapporo let us know and we can help you plan the trip.
Possibility to rent powder boards and ABS bags through us.
Ask for prices and equipment list
HOKKAIDO is the magical powder island just north of the mainland of Japan that you probably already heard of. The annual average snowfall is between 8-11 meters and trust us when we say that this is a powder heaven, we are actually convinced that this place was created by the powder gods and we are excited to invite you to our unique DEEP WEEK POWDER SAFARI sessions.
This week is for intermediate to experienced riders that want to ride powder.
This is NOT for beginners...
Let us show you around this snowy island we like to call Japowadise. We will show you all our secret spots.
By Plane
Fly to New Chitose Airport (CTS) in Sapporo, Japan.
Get ready to ride powder, trees, powder and lots of powder!
THIS COULD BE YOU...
VISTAS TOURS require that guests have at least intermediate level powder skills. If you have any concerns or doubts about your ability give us a call and we can give you a better idea of what level we expect from guests.
- Guests will need to be in good physical condition. Consider following a conditioning program to prepare for your trip.
- If you are unable to keep up with the group you may be asked to sit out and will not be reimbursed for any missed time riding or skiing.
- Weather and snow conditions are impossible to predict so guests must be prepared to ski or ride anything.
- If you have never skied powder or shy away from it at your local resort, this is not the place to learn.
- If you have any questions or concerns about your ability please call us to discuss prior to booking.
- In order to prepare your body for maximum performance during your trip with VISTAS TOURS and reduce your chances of fatigue or injury, we recommend you undertake a stretch and strengthening program 4 to 6 weeks prior to your trip.
Booking Procedure
Registration is done via emails and/or our booking forms to collect your personal details, insurance information and medical history.
By completing the registration form and paying the deposit, you are entering into a legally-binding agreement with VISTAS TOURS.
*If you begin the booking process less than 90 days prior to the trip start date, payment in full is required to secure your spot.
*All guests are required to read and sign a standard insurance waiver. The backcountry is exciting, exhilarating and can be unpredictable. We strongly urge our guests to listen carefully to their trained guides.
Reservations & Payment
Reservations are considered tentative until we receive a 50% deposit of the total trip cost. Full payment is required 90 days before your arrival at trip destination. Payment is due in full if your reservation is made within 90 days of your arrival at trip destination.
Cancellation
If you must cancel your reservation, we require written notice. If we receive cancellation notice more than two months(60 days) before the trip date, your balance will be refunded less a EUR 500 administration fee per person. Additionally, you will be responsible for any non-refundable travel insurance fees. If we receive cancellation notice less than two months before your trip date, the entire balance is non-refundable unless you can fill your spot.
COVID-19 Cancellation Terms & Conditions
If you cannot leave your home country or enter in to the country of your booked trip due to COVID-19 and decide to cancel between day of booking 60 days prior to the start of your tour date, the following terms and conditions will apply. If travel bans are lifted, the normal term and conditions will apply (see above).
Option 1: Receive a full refund minus 20% of your tour price (or up to a maximum of 300 EUR)
Option 2: Move your booking to the following season without any cancellation fees.
Cancellation between 60 days to your trip start date, the following conditions will apply (normal term and conditions).
– Cancellation between 60 and 30 days before the trip will result in a 50% cancellation fee.– Cancellation within 30 days of the trip will result in a 100% cancellation fee.
COVID-19 Terms & Conditions
The following information on entry and re-entry requirements is from 2021/22 and represents a time of heightened travel restrictions. Most countries have since loosened restrictions and requirements. We are simply leaving this information here in case of a resurgence of the pandemic and a return to tighter restrictions.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
While entry requirements are country-specific, the overall trend is that proof of full vaccination is required for entry to most countries. For this reason, we are very strongly encouraging all clients to get vaccinated. Some countries are additionally/alternatively requiring proof of a negative PCR test result received within a specific timeframe (e.g. 72 hours or 3 calendar days) prior to your flight’s departure. There are obvious risks to relying only on a negative PCR test result, and in the event of related complications, your trip may be jeopardized.
RE-ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Your home country may have re-entry requirements, such as a negative PCR test result received within a specific timeframe. It is your responsibility to research and understand these requirements, and to budget any additional time that may be required in-country to meet them. Increasingly, testing facilities are being set up in international airports, which may be a solution so long as you plan enough time to secure your result before or between flights. While we will not be able to schedule testing prior to your departure, we will work with our partners to obtain and distribute information on available testing options/facilities before you book your flights.
Regardless of your vaccination status, the following terms and conditions apply to ALL 2022/23 BOOKINGS
VISTAS TOURS IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR:
Travel Documents
It is your responsibility to make sure that your passport, visa (if required), and any other travel documents, such as proof of COVID-19 vaccination and/or negative PCR test result—as required by the destination country—are in order before departure.
Health Requirements
It is your responsibility to determine your own medical and physical health/capability or other qualifications or suitability for participating in a trip. Any medical problems or physical/mental concerns of note must be disclosed in our Booking Form In the case of any significant problems or concerns, we will require that a doctor formally clears your participation.
Insurance
We recommend that our guests carry trip cancellation/interruption insurance and emergency evacuation insurance as a precaution against unforeseen events including but not limited to adverse weather, flight delays/cancellation, injuries, illnesses, and other factors that may disrupt their adventures. Depending on the carrier, trip insurance is typically a fraction of the cost of your trip. Some homeowner insurance policies include travel or trip insurance.
Given that almost all of our trips occur in remote locations where there are extremely limited emergency resources and substandard medical facilities, medivac insurance is strongly recommended (and required by our partners in some cases). Your insurance should cover the costs of your emergency medical care including search and rescue, onward transportation between medical facilities, and ideally, repatriation back to your home country for specialized care. It is also important that you double check that the insurer covers “extreme sports” activities such as backcountry skiing, snowboarding and ski mountaineering.
Rights Reserved
We reserve the right to cancel trips at any time due to unsettling political, social or environmental events, in which case the same transfer/refund options we’re offering for COVID will apply. We additionally reserve the right to cancel due to inadequate client registrations, at which time we will offer a refund in full.
Exclusions
We cannot offer refunds for missed reservations, early departures, inclement weather/extreme avalanche danger, snow conditions, or force majeure events beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, and are not responsible for additional expenses incurred in preparing for the trip (e.g. airline tickets, visa application fees, equipment purchases, etc).
Force Majeure
Except where otherwise expressly stated in these terms and conditions, we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of contractual obligations are prevented or affected by "Force Majeure" (that is: any event which VISTAS TOURS or partners could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid). Such events may include: war, threat of war, terrorist activity, civil unrest, natural or man-made disaster, pandemic, epidemic, adverse weather, avalanche, fire, and all similar events that fall under the legal term “Act of God.”
Photos & Video recordings
By booking a trip with us, you give our guides, volunteers and partners full permission to photograph and/or video record your participation, and further give VISTAS TOURS full permission to publish any photographs or video recordings taken of you for any promotional purpose.
Click below to get in touch and book this Dream Trip and don't hesitate to call or email if you have any questions.
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CHECK OUR POWDER SAFARI CONCEPT IN JAPAN