Niseko PSO: Powder, Sushi, Onsen
February 9 - 16, 2011
| Feb 9 | Arrival to the Chitose airport in Hokkaido |
| Feb 10 | Visit the world famous Sapporo Snow Festival |
| Feb 11 - 15 | Skiing in Niseko (5 days) |
| Feb 16 | Departure |
Niseko saw snow falls at their resorts this last winter reaching a whopping 16 plus meters of total snow for the season. With that amount of precipitation it has quickly become one of the powder capitals of the world. The Niseko area has been a well-kept secret for some time and as a powder ski destination most North Americans overlook it.
Japan is a cold snowy place and gets meters of snow. Hokkaido is the northern most island in Japan. Looking at its position geographically and its weather patterns, low pressure systems sweep down from Siberia crossing the Sea of Japan and unload its moisture on Hokkaido. It is one of the snowiest places on earth. You would think that being an island its snow would be heavy, but it is light and dry. Angel dust or diamond dust is what the locals call it. In essence you come to Japan for several reasons -- to ski powder, eat great food and sushi, soak in natural hot springs and visit a unique culture. This is Japan.To start the trip, we will travel to Sapporo for the Sapporo Snow Festival, a spectacular event not to miss.
For skiing, we are based in the resort town of Niseko. Niseko has several ski resorts that when joined with an all mountain ski pass provide impressive skiable acreage. There are several backcountry gates that provide access to some great slack country skiing and it will be our aim to use these backcountry gates whenever possible. Expect variable weather in Niseko and be prepared for snow. It can snow for days on end. There are several on mountain lunch spots that offer superb Japanese food at reasonable prices. (Western food is available as well)
One of the great aspects of the trip is that our Niseko accommodation has its own natural hot springs on site. The hot springs themselves are fantastic, not just for the soaking experience, but for the integration into the Japanese onsen culture. Onsens are separated for men and women, which takes away all barriers associated with mixed bathing and turning it into more of a spiritual experience (for more on onsens and onsen etiquette, click here or here ). There is no better way to relax after a day of powder skiing than with a hot soak from a natural spring.
Aside from the onsen the Japanese take pride in their food. It is one of the highlights of the trip. The Green Leaf Hotel has beautiful Japanese food with the option of a western meal as well. At times you have no idea what you’re eating, but you know it’s been prepared just right. Being on the bus loop, we can also travel into town and dine at the many fine restaurants the resort has to offer. The Green Leaf is a ski in/ski out hotel that sits right on the slopes of Niseko Village, which with its own hot springs gives us the perfect location for our ski days.
daily overview
Feb 9 Arrival day. Plan to arrive in the Sapporo/Chitose airport, and take the train to the KKR Hotel in Sapporo.
Feb 10 Day 1. In the morning we visit the world famous Snow Festival in Sapporo, and in the afternoon we take a shuttle to Niseko.
Feb 11 - 15 Days 2 - 6. The next 5 days are skiing the 4 resorts of Niseko on an all mountain ski pass. We have the option to either ski the in bounds terrain that Niseko has to offer or tackle the out of bounds terrain when the gates and weather permit. Either way, we finish with a hot spring soak to soothe the body before dinner.
Feb 16 Departure day. We take an early shuttle back to the Sapporo/Chitose airport. Plan your departure for later in the day.
PRICE
$4200/each for 4 people
$3800/each for 5 people
$3600/each for 6 or more people
Trip includes:
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Does not include:
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PLEASE NOTE: |
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