Overview
The Niseko Ultimate Powder Tour is a 7 day, 6 night, fully guided small group, luxury powder snow experience. This tour is best suited to advanced skiers and snowboards of all ages looking for the ultimate Japan powder experience. Stay in luxury lodging, eat amazing local Japanese food, relax in a Japanese onsen and experience wonderful Japanese hospitality. Ski and snowboard some of the best powder snow on earth with our world class guides and enjoy the warm and friendly hospitality that Japan is famous for.
Highlights
- Ski and Snowboard some of the lightest, driest, and deepest snow on the planet in Niseko, Japan.
- Explore Niseko’s famous lift accessed deep powder side country with our world class guides and hosts in a small group setting.
- Cat Ski amazing terrain and deep Hokkaido powder (25-31 Jan tour).
- Stay in luxury lodging at Setsu Niseko, winner of the “World’s Best New Ski Hotel 2023.”
- Enjoy the amazing local Japanese cuisine including fresh sushi, sashimi and local soba noodle dishes.
- Relax in a Japanese onsen (hot spring) after your day in the powder.
- Spend time with like minded people, meet new friends, and enjoy the warm and friendly hospitality that Japan is famous for.
Dates and Prices
18-24 January 2026 – US$6,950
Sold Out
25–31 January 2026 – US$7,950 including 1 day of Cat Skiing
Sold Out
Discover Niseko – Japan’s Powder Capital
Located in Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, Niseko is a world class ski area and bucket list destination for any skier or snowboarder. Winter storms make their way from Siberia and pick up moisture crossing the Sea of Japan, dropping a mind blowing average 600 plus inches of light, dry powder snow in the Niseko region every year. Most of this snow arrives in the months of December, January, and February. Comprised of four interlinked resorts – Hanazono, Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Annupuri, the region is considered to be Japan’s powder capital. Our tours are timed to coincide with the likelihood of the best powder snow conditions in the region and to avoid the busier weekends.
Luxury Lodging
You will be staying at Setsu Niseko, recipient of the “World’s Best New Ski Hotel 2023” award. This is a wonderful new luxury hotel with a great mix of contemporary and traditional Japanese design. It is located in Hirafu Village, just a few minutes walk to the center of town. It has four restaurants, public and private onsen, yoga room, spa, and private ski storage. A buffet breakfast is included. There is a private shuttle to take you to the Gondola base, just a few minutes away. Lodging is based on a twin share basis. Single rooms are available with an additional supplement. Please contact us for more information.
Amazing Niseko Terrain
Set against the backdrop of the active volcano Mt. Yotei, this world class ski area comprises of four interlinked resorts – Hanazono, Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Annupuri. Together these four resorts make up Niseko United. With wide open groomed runs, gladed tree runs, night skiing and riding, and of course world renowned sidecountry and backcountry terrain, Niseko is truly an unforgettable experience. Our professional ski and snowboard guides will introduce you to the amazing lift accessed side country through the Niseko backcountry gate system. If conditions are favorable, expect to spend the majority of your time skiing and riding deep powder snow in these sidecountry zones. Expect some short boot packing and hiking to access the best sidecountry powder snow.
Cat Ski Hokkaido Powder (25-31 Jan Tour)
Cat Ski the famous Hokkaido powder on a private resort overlooking the Sea of Japan. You will get 6 to 10 runs skiing and riding gladed old growth Shirakaba forests, wide open bowls, and steep chutes. Enjoy a delicious lunch in a private lodge and share your stories at the end of your day over drinks in the lodge bar. This is likely to be one of the highlights of your stay in Japan.
World Class Guides
Your professional English-speaking guides and hosts for this tour are some of the world’s best. Not only are they great skiers and snowboarders, they are also great people. Your safety is their priority, and they are sure to show you the best that Niseko has to offer. Your tour hosts will be onsite with you 24/7 to assist you with whatever you may need.
Friendly Small Group Setting
We pride ourselves on personalized service in a small group setting. Our maximum guide to guest ratio for this tour is 1 to 4. Each of our Niseko based tours have a maximum of 8 guests. Our experience has shown us that this is the ideal group size to provide a personalized experience and also an opportunity for a fun and rewarding casual interaction within the group.
Delicious Japanese Cuisine
Ranging from casual eateries to Michelin-starred fine dining, Niseko serves up everything from traditional Japanese favorites, contemporary Japanese fusion, western style cuisine and of course amazing fresh sushi and sashimi. Don’t forget the locally produced premium Japanese beer, sake and Single Malt Yoichi Whisky. Our guides will introduce you to some of our favorite local restaurants, cafes and late-night bars. You’re going to love the food just as much as the powder.
Wonderful Onsen Hotsprings
The Niseko area is not only famous for its powder snow but also for its onsens, the natural Japanese hot springs that are specially designed to please the eye and soothe the mind. They contain natural mineral water which is both healing and relaxing. There are both public and private onsens available at your lodging at Setsu Niseko. This will very likely become part of your daily routine after a great day skiing and riding Niseko powder.
Warm Japanese Hospitality
While Niseko serves as a powder mecca for skiers and snowboarders from around the world, the friendliness of the local people and warm hospitality remains true to Niseko’s traditional Japanese roots. You will find Niseko to be a safe and friendly destination where traditional Japanese hospitality prevails.
Travel Made Easy
Traveling in Japan can sometimes be challenging. Our pre-departure support offers personalized guidance on flights, travel, visas, Tokyo stopovers, extending your stay, and anything else you may need to make your Niseko experience seamless and stress free.
Who Is This Tour Best For
The Niseko Ultimate Powder Tour is best suited to advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders of all ages looking to experience the amazing side country terrain and deep powder snow that Niseko is famous for. If you are confident making turns off-trail in powder snow and in trees on advanced terrain, this is a good fit for you. If you have questions about the suggested ability level for this tour, please contact us.
What’s Included
- Luxury Lodging
6 nights luxury twin share lodging at Setsu Niseko - Cat Ski
1 day of fully guided Cat Skiing and Snowboarding in the Niseko region including lunch (25-31 Jan Tour) - Fully Guided Skiing and Snowboarding in Niseko
4 or 5 days fully guided skiing and snowboarding in the Niseko region - Professional Guides
Professional English speaking Ski and Snowboard Guides with a maximum guide to guest ratio of 1:4 - Breakfasts
Delicious buffet breakfast at Setsu Niseko - Group Dinner
1 group dinner on arrival and 2 optional group dinner reservations during your stay - On-site Onsen
Access to private and public onsens at your lodging - Airport Meet and Greet
Meet and greet at Sapporo Airport Chitose - Private Transfers
Private group transfer from Sapporo Airport Chitose to your lodging and return - On-site Tour Host
Your tour host will be available 24/7 to assist you with whatever you may need. - Travel Assistance
Pre departure and on route travel assistance and support
Typical Tour Itinerary
Our tour begins with a meet and greet at Sapporo Chitose Airport (CTS). We will meet you at the arrivals area and once the group is assembled, we will travel to Niseko via private transfer (approximately 2.5hrs). Once in Niesko you will get checked into your room at Setsu Niseko. After a short break to get settled and organize your gear in your private ski locker, we will head out for dinner to one of our favorite local restaurants where you will get to know your guides and the rest of your tour group.
You will start the day with a delicious buffet breakfast at Setsu Niseko and meet up with your guides. You’ll then head to the Niseko Gondola just a few minutes away via the private hotel shuttle. From here you will explore the Grand Hirafu and Hanazono resort areas with your guides. We will stop for lunch at an on-mountain restaurant and then in the afternoon ski and ride the best terrain depending on conditions. After a little après to celebrate your first day skiing and riding in Japan you will want to relax in the wonderful onsen at Setsu Niseko. For dinner you are free to explore the many restaurant options just a short walk from your hotel. You may want to finish up the evening with a nightcap at one of the unique local bars such as Bar Gyu.
After your buffet breakfast at Setsu Niseko you will rendezvous with your guides and head up to the Niseko Gondola to explore more of the Niseko terrain. Options could include the Annupuri area or a hike to the “Peak” via the single (pizza box) chairlift. You will stop for lunch at an on-mountain restaurant and then in the afternoon ski and ride the best terrain depending on conditions. After a few optional Sapporo Classics at the end of the day you will want to relax in the onsen at Setsu Niseko, now your regular routine for skiing and riding in Japan. For dinner you are free to explore the many restaurant options just a short walk from your hotel. Then maybe finish up the evening with a local single malt Japanese whiskey or cocktail at Mini Mini.
We will start the day with breakfast at Setsu Niseko. If your tour includes a Cat Ski day then we will take a 45 minute drive to the northwest coast of Hokkaido for a day of Cat Skiing and Snowboarding. You will get ready in the Cat Ski lodge, do a safety briefing with your guides and then you’re on your way by 9am. Around 10:30am you will have a snack and coffee or water, then lunch around 12:30pm. We typically get 6 to 10 runs in for the day. You will finish up around 3:30pm after which time you can relax in the private lounge at the lodge and enjoy the après before heading back to Niseko. For tours without a Cat Ski day we will be exploring more Niseko sidecountry as conditions allow. For dinner we will make a reservation at one of our local favorite Izakaya restaurants. You are welcome to join the group for dinner or make your own dinner plans.
Breakfast again at Setsu Niseko, then you will head up to the Niseko Gondola with your guides. If conditions are favorable, we will head out of the Niseko gate system to explore more great sidecountry areas such as the East Ridge, Miharashi and Strawberry Fields. We will stop for lunch at an on-mountain restaurant and then in the afternoon ski and ride the best terrain depending on conditions. By now you know the drill, après onsen, dinner. Tonight, you are free to explore the many great restaurant options just a short walk from your hotel, then perhaps a nightcap at one of the local bars.
You’ve got the routine down by now, breakfast, gondola, ski and ride great powder. Depending on conditions, today could include another hike to the Peak, exploring sidecountry terrain accessed by the Annupuri gates, or even a run down the Back Bowl if the weather is favorable. We will have lunch at an on-mountain restaurant then spend the afternoon skiing and riding the best snow available to us. We will finish the day with a little après followed by…you guessed it, a relaxing onsen. We will make dinner reservation at one of our favorite local restaurants and you are welcome to join the group for dinner and celebrate a great week skiing and riding powder in Japan. Alternatively, you are welcome to make your own dinner plans.
Today is the day to say goodbye to Niseko. After breakfast you will check-out of your room at Setsu Niseko and say goodbye to your guides. Our private transfer will transport you back to Sapporo Chitose Airport (approximately 2.5 hrs) where you can connect with your onward travel back home.
Why Book With Us
JAPOW is your premier North American provider of luxury ski and snowboard tours and custom ski and snowboard travel to Japan. With authentic knowledge and genuine passion we are your Japan ski and snowboard travel experts. Our mission is to provide you with the best Japan ski and snowboard experience possible….that’s it.
We first traveled to Hokkaido more than 15 years ago and were instantly blown away by the amazing snow, the friendliness and hospitality of the Japanese people, and of course the wonderful food. While a lot has changed since then these three things remain constant in Niseko.
If you are new to Japan or a first time traveler, making your way in this amazing country can sometimes be challenging. We know that your time is valuable so we take the guesswork out of your travel plans and make your Japan powder skiing and snowboarding vacation a stress free, unforgettable experience.
Don’t take our word for it, check out our 5-star Google Reviews.
Tour Exclusions – What We Leave Up to You
- Flights
We offer travel assistance for your flights to Japan however we leave the booking to you. Check out our Traveling to Japan page for more useful information. - Some Lunches and Dinners
We will typically meet as a group with your guide for lunch. Your guide will suggest a suitable lunch venue on the mountain. Lunch is included on your Cat Ski day and we include one group Welcome Dinner with your tour. We have two other optional group dinners at some of our favorite local restaurants throughout the week, and three nights where you are welcome to explore the many restaurant options in Niseko. - Travel Insurance
We require that all our guests carry suitable travel insurance to cover any delays, loss or injury whilst on this tour. - Ski and Snowboard Equipment
We expect that you will want to bring your own equipment however if you would like to travel with your own boots and rent some high quality powder skis or a snowboard we can include that for you. Please contact us for more information.
Why Should I Book This Tour?
In addition to all that powder snow, the luxury lodging, the amazing local Japanese cuisine, our world class guides, the natural onsen hot springs, and the friendliness and hospitality of the local people makes this a unique destination and truly unforgettable Japan ski and snowboard experience.
- All that amazing Niseko powder snow
- Luxury lodging
- Hokkaido Cat Skiing
- Amazing local Japanese cuisine
- Natural onsen hot springs
- Our world class professional guides
- A truly unique destination
- The friendliness and hospitality of the local people
- An unforgettable Japan ski and snowboard experience
We can’t wait to share this amazing destination with you.