Day 1 :
Meeting at New Chitose Airport (Sapporo). Transfer to Niseko (2,5h). Free afternoon to walk around, chill out or ski a few hours at Niseko United domain. Welcome dinner at 7:00 pm offered by TUC followed by a short briefing.
Day 2 :
Full day of skiing. We will explore some of the best runs of Niseko United complex.
Day 3 :
Possible climb to Mount Niseko An'nupuri to enjoy the views of Mount Yotei and multiply the options of the off-piste descents. A thermal bath to recover before dinner can make you experience heaven on earth.
Day 4 :
If the weather allows it, an additional local guide will be with us to discover the best secrets of the Niseko United complex. Option of 2 groups according to different technical levels or other reasons can be made to enjoy the day even more.
Day 5 :
We move to a different ski area: Kiroro or Rusutsu (45') to test other spectacular off-piste runs with fewer skiers that in Niseko. Return to Niseko for dinner.
Day 6 :
Up to the group to stay in Niseko United or return to Kiroro or Rusutsu.
Day 7 :
Last but not least ski day in Niseko United. Transfer to Sapporo to spend the night.
Day 8 :
Organized tranfer to the airport. Trip back.
Included:
Six days TUC mountain guide.
One extra local guide day.
Breakfast and accommodation at hotel: six nights in Niseko + one night in Sapporo on the way back.
Welcome dinner in Niseko.
Transportation: New Chitose airport (Sapporo) – Niseko and back.
Transportation to the different ski areas.
Six days ski pass
Not included:
Flights or transfers prior to the start of the program.
Entry fees to thermal baths, museums, or visits not included in the program.
Individual transfers out of program.
Dinners or meals during the program.
Dinners or meals of the guide / guides.
Rent gear in case of need
General Information:
Each member of the group must be in possession of a mountain accident insurance valid for Japan.
Freeriding is an extraordinary pass time but it involves risks. Each member of this journey takes full responsibility of what could happen.
The mountain guide reserves the right to modify the program depending on weather conditions, weather, group factor or any other cause that in his opinion may be decisive.
Trip advices:
Don't forget the avalanche rescue kit: DVA, shovel and probe
Due to the huge amount of snow that usually falls in Hokkaido, we recommend that you travel with 100mm width freeride skis, 110 or plus is even better.
It is necessary that our skis carry "Touring" bindings + skins. The touring ski equipment with "pin" binding system is perfectly valid. This will take us to places where other skiers can’t go.
The Hokkaido weather at this time of the year is likely to really low temperatures and heavy snow. Prepare your clothes accordingly.
If you have any doubts about the needed equipment don’t hesitate to contact us.
For the outdoor activity that you plan to be successful it is very important that it accommodates to your level, both physical and technical. Here we present some guidelines so that you can get an idea of what your level is according to the programs we propose. However, we recommend reaching to us so we can help you personally and adapt the program to your conditions.
Ski touring & Freeride
TECHNICAL level
- 1 = Beginner. Never ski toured before. Is a regular ski resort skier that occasionally goes off-piste. Black runs are not a problem for its level.
- 2 = Starter. Has experienced ski touring, climbing with skins (skinning). Is familiar with all the ski touring gear. Capable of uphill kick turning on not very steep terrain. Knows how to place and use ski crampons. Ski climbs safely through all kinds of snows on a trace. Skies down efficiently on ungroomed terrain, even on steep but wide slopes.
- 3 = Intermediate. Regular touring skier, . Trained on the basic techniques of skinning and uphill kick turn. Can change directions on slopes of 35º. Able to place ski crampons and crampons in an autonomous way. Skies down effectively on all kinds of ungroomed terrain and steepness.
- 4 = Advanced. Masters the technique of skinning on slopes up to 40º - 45º. Moves safely with skins on steep and icy slopes. Basic knowledge of mountaineering, use of crampons and ice axe as well as rope work. Skies down safely on every snow condition and steepness.
- 5 = Very advanced. Extensive experience in touring and mountaineering ski. Moves effectively changing direction on all kind of terrain, even on exposed places. Very good skier on every snow condition and steep terrain, as well as in exposed passages. Goes frequently on one-day or multi-day ski tours, spending the nights in huts. Familiar using the ice axe and crampons on all types of mountain domain. Knowledge and training on rope work, protection and self-arrest.
FITNESS level
- 1 = Able to ascend 600 meters of elevation gain skinning for 3 hours carrying a light backpack of about 5 kg.
- 2 = Able to ski tour for 4 or 5 hours overcoming 800 meters of elevation gain with a backpack of about 5 kg at a 300 meters an hour pace.
- 3 = Able to accomplish 5 to 7 hours routes and 1000 meters elevation gain with a backpack of about 7 kg at a 300 meters an hour pace.
- 4 = Able to succeed on alpine routes of up to 8 hours and 1200 meters of elevation gain with a backpack of about 8 kg at a 400 meters an hour pace.
- 5 = Able to carry out alpine routes of more than 8 hours long and between 1500 and 2000 meters elevation gain with a 10 kg backpack at a 400 meters an hour pace.
