Niseko, Japan Resort/Backcountry Package:
- splitboard, telemark, AT
- January 8-24
- Email for interest: jt@thevigroup.org
Want to ski Niseko, Japan?
V.I. has been doing it for nearly a decade making content and
as a result have a relatively low-cost program for a trip available to the
public to ski at resorts and ski tour backcountry terrain in the powder
paradise of Niseko, Japan. This dream trip is a SELF-GUIDED resort and
backcountry ski trip at a price that regular backcountry skiers and split boarders can actually afford. If a local guide is desired, then inquire specifically for booking. Trip
price includes all lodging, airport shuttle, daily trailhead/resort shuttle, morning backcountry & avalanche discussions run by volunteer guest host. The Guest Host also organizes and drives the group vehicle to specific pick-up and drop-off locations throughout the trip.
Lodging?
YHA Niseko Fujiyama Karimpani, or
Old Schoolhouse B&B Hostel to the English tongue. Sleeping arrangement is a
private bunk in a dormitory style room with your group(4-6) or other Vertical
Integration guests. Bunks are curtained for privacy, but ear plugs and/or noise
cancelling headphones are always a good idea. Limited private rooms are also available for single or double occupancy. The private rooms are "japanese style", and require early reservation. Breakfast and dinner are available at the lodge, but are not included in the package price. For a link to check out the lodging on the Snow Japan website, click here.
Transportation?
Transportation is arranged to and from New Chitose Airport
via shuttle bus. A rental vehicle is also included. A V.I.-coordinated Guest Host volunteers to sign for the rental and drives the group vehicle to and from specific ski resorts, specific Niseko backcountry trailheads, and to "night-out" excursions in town at pre-arranged pick-up and drop-off locations and times. The trip's Guest Host will be an internationally licensed driver that has volunteered to handle the group's local shuttle driving. Niseko area
also has taxi and public shuttle bus services as well for any other needs outside the pick-up/drop-off locations and times.
What’s not included?
Airfare. Airline tickets have a wide range of prices and
keeping an eye to the deals ahead of time is key. The arrival airport on
Hokkaido Island is New Chitose Airport(CTS). Also, food, booze, and
onsen(mineral hot spring pools) fees are not included either. Ski resort lift tickets are also not included. Taxi and
bus fare for individual rides outside the program are also not included.
What can I expect?
Niseko in January is among the snowiest places on earth.
Seeing the sun can often be rarer then skiing deep powder in Niseko this time
of year. As always, nature will do as she pleases with the weather, but many
people come to Niseko in January for the high probability of powder snow. Japanese
culture is very neat, punctual, and organized. The food can range from exotic
to mundane. Food at the YHA Niseko is Japanese family style cuisine. Onsen refers to
soaking in mineral hot spring bath pools and is a well-known Japanese custom
that includes some ritual and etiquette that can be a different and sometimes
awkward kind of experience for some. Anyone uncomfortable with gender-separate
locker room nudity may have some fears to overcome to enjoy the relaxing
Japanese custom of Onsen.
Picture Gallery
^Watch a friend go deep!
^YHA Niseko Fujiyama Karimpani.
^Hostel bunks.
^Eat well.
^Niseko powder.
^Tour in the woods.
^Fresh turns in a magical bowl.
^Niseko storm cloudy sunset.