{"id":6272,"date":"2025-10-02T09:06:26","date_gmt":"2025-10-02T07:06:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snowder.it\/?p=6272"},"modified":"2025-10-02T09:47:54","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T07:47:54","slug":"japan-in-powder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snowder.it\/en\/japan-in-powder\/","title":{"rendered":"Japan in Powder"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ski Trip between Hokkaido and the Nagano Alps<\/strong><\/p>\n

Among the must-visit destinations for global freeride enthusiasts, Hokkaido has held a podium spot for years.<\/p>\n

Known for its exceptional snow quality, varied forest terrain, and unique cultural setting, it has become an essential stop for any skier in search of powder.<\/p>\n

We had been dreaming for years about that magical northern island of Japan which, for every freerider, means just one thing: snow.<\/p>\n

Lots of snow.<\/p>\n

Finally, in January, the dream came true!<\/p>\n

Who\u2019s coming with me?<\/p>\n

Matteo, Francesco, Francesca, Valentina, and two guys named Luca.<\/p>\n

We decided to do a scouting trip with one goal: to ride the light Japanese powder!<\/p>\n

A two-week journey, first through the mountains of Hokkaido and then into the Nagano Alps, on Japan\u2019s central island of Honshu.<\/p>\n

A ski trip designed to alternate between ski lifts and ski touring, freeriding through forests and carving lines on open slopes, with full immersion in Japanese culture and cuisine.<\/p>\n

Spoiler: mission accomplished!<\/p>\n

And with interest…<\/p>\n

\"Il<\/a>\t
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Il Gruppo<\/p><\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Furano \u2013 First Turns in the Japow<\/strong><\/p>\n

After landing in Sapporo, we rented cars with right-hand drive: Japan tested us right away!<\/p>\n

Despite everything, we made it safely to Furano, a central ski area in Hokkaido known for its accessibility and snow quality.<\/p>\n

Conditions upon arrival were challenging: a snowstorm in progress, driving on the left, a language barrier (English isn\u2019t widely spoken), and a very different culture.<\/p>\n

Still, the setting immediately felt promising.<\/p>\n

Our first ski day in Furano lived up to expectations.<\/p>\n

Using the lifts and then climbing with skins, we ascended a ridge with massive cornices, reaching a secondary summit as the weather worsened.<\/p>\n

It was snowing at the top, but the descent into a valley of sparse birch trees was pure magic: dry, untouched snow, light as cotton candy, easy to navigate, and completely trackless.<\/p>\n

An experience that instantly set the tone for the trip.<\/p>\n

With adrenaline running high, we continued into night skiing, with the slopes lit even after sunset.<\/p>\n

We wrapped up with Korean BBQ\u2014very popular in Hokkaido\u2014which revived us and offered a great alternative to the classic local ramen.<\/p>\n

\"Furano\"<\/a>\t
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Furano<\/p><\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"Furano<\/a>\t
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Furano Night Skiing<\/p><\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Asahidake \u2013 Volcanic Freeride at -22\u00b0C<\/strong><\/p>\n

The cold that preserves the legend: destination Asahidake, the highest volcano in Hokkaido (2,291 m).<\/p>\n

A single cable car takes us up toward the upper slopes.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re met with extreme weather conditions: the thermometer reads -22\u00b0C and strong winds make it impossible to reach the summit.<\/p>\n

We \u201csettle\u201d for a few short ascents with skins up to the active fumaroles\u2014an iconic panoramic spot\u2014and then drop down through wide, skiable forests, with deep, dry snow and faces disappearing in face shots.<\/p>\n

On the way back, Matteo and Francesco launch off avalanche barriers: the sheer amount of snow makes lines possible that would be unimaginable in Europe!<\/p>\n

Dinner is yet another BBQ, which is starting to become an addiction.<\/p>\n

Then off to sleep, fully aware we\u2019ve witnessed something surreal.<\/p>\n

\"Fumarole<\/a>\t
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Fumarole attive – Asahidake<\/p><\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"BBQ<\/a>\t
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BBQ – Asahidake<\/p><\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tokachi-dake \u2013 Skiing, Trees, and Boiling Onsen<\/strong><\/p>\n

We dedicated our last day in Furano to free touring in Tokachi-dake, a volcanic area.<\/p>\n

Starting from the snow-covered parking lot of Fukiage Onsen, we climbed with skins through valleys and forests\u2014perfect terrain for tree skiing.<\/p>\n

Light snow, well-angled slopes, and spaced-out vegetation allowed for fast, fluid descents.<\/p>\n

After two incredible runs, we soaked in the steaming waters of a natural hot spring.<\/p>\n

A dream.<\/p>\n

Then we moved on to Niseko, staying at the Epic House.<\/p>\n

\"Tokachi-dake\"<\/a>\t
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Tokachi-dake<\/p><\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"Tokachi-dake\"<\/a>\t
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Tokachi-dake<\/p><\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Niseko \u2013 The Forbidden Valley, Mount Yotei, and Extreme Snowfalls<\/strong><\/p>\n

Every night, 30\u201350 cm of fresh snow.<\/p>\n

Niseko, the most famous resort in Hokkaido, welcomed us like this: a constant white room.<\/p>\n

The ski area was partially closed due to excessive snowfall, zero visibility, and strong winds.<\/p>\n

Thanks to GPS map consultation and careful terrain analysis, we identified a remote side valley with about 600 meters of vertical drop: hard to access but offering an exceptional descent, deep in a forest of ancient birch trees.<\/p>\n

Steep, technical, untouched.<\/p>\n

Every turn was an explosion of powder.<\/p>\n

We spent the whole day looping between fun descents and short bootpack climbs\u2014like kids going wild on Christmas night!<\/p>\n

\"Niseko\"<\/a>\t
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Niseko<\/p><\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"Niseko\"<\/a>\t
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Niseko<\/p><\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mount Yotei \u2013 An (Almost) Successful Attempt<\/strong><\/p>\n

The next day, the weather gave us a break: the sun came out, and we decided to attempt the ascent of Mount Yotei (1,898 m), a stratovolcano with a conical shape, often referred to as the \u201cFuji of Hokkaido.\u201d<\/p>\n

We set off at dawn and climbed for hours through dense birch forests, but wind and poor visibility stopped us 400 meters from the summit.<\/p>\n

The descent, however, was spectacular: 900 meters of dreamy snowpack.<\/p>\n

Natural drops, steep sections, pillow lines, and dry powder as far as the eye could see.<\/p>\n

The volcanic and consistent terrain made it easy to spot descent lines even in less-than-ideal conditions.<\/p>\n

Highlight of the day: our mountain guide ended up head-first in the snow after misjudging a bold drop!<\/p>\n

Dinner?<\/p>\n

Of course\u2014BBQ.<\/p>\n

\"Yotei\"<\/a>\t
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Yotei<\/p><\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"Yotei\"<\/a>\t
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Yotei<\/p><\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Rusutsu \u2013 Forests Sculpted by Ice<\/strong><\/p>\n

Final stop up north: Rusutsu, where the ski pass is among the most expensive in Japan, but comes with an incredible lift network featuring heated, covered chairlifts, wooded slopes, numerous steep off-piste lines, and three interconnected mountains.<\/p>\n

The wind had turned the trees into ice sculptures, creating a fairytale landscape.<\/p>\n

After a few runs in tough conditions, we discovered a secluded valley, reached with skis on our backs and skins for the return.<\/p>\n

This was our farewell to Hokkaido, with the deep awareness that we had been incredibly lucky to ski such perfect snow\u2014a privilege hard to forget.<\/p>\n

But before leaving, one last stop in Otaru for some mind-blowing sushi.<\/p>\n

\"Rusutsu\"<\/a>\t
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Rusutsu<\/p><\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"Rusutsu\"<\/a>\t
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Rusutsu<\/p><\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nagano \u2013 Alps, Onsen, and Hot Spring Monkeys<\/strong><\/p>\n

From Sapporo, we flew to Matsumoto and then drove to Hakuba, in the heart of the Japanese Alps.<\/p>\n

On the alpine side, the landscape changes dramatically: taller mountains, fewer trees, and more exposure.<\/p>\n

Heavy snowfall creates accumulations up to 6 meters\u2014houses buried and roads carved through the snow.<\/p>\n

On the first day, the weather was borderline, but we managed to squeeze in a few turns.<\/p>\n

We skinned up to Happo-One (closed due to wind), reaching a sheltered area.<\/p>\n

A few forest runs, then a forced retreat.<\/p>\n

Better to seek comfort in an Onsen.<\/p>\n

Men on one side, women on the other: everyone naked.<\/p>\n

Ah… Japan!<\/p>\n

\"Nagano\"<\/a>\t
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Nagano<\/p><\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"Nagano\"<\/a>\t
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Nagano<\/p><\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Shiga Kogen & Cortina \u2013 Authentic and Crowded Japan<\/strong><\/p>\n

The next day, driven by the desire to explore less-traveled areas, we headed to Shiga Kogen\u2014a small resort frequented exclusively by Japanese skiers.<\/p>\n

We discovered a different Japan, where freeride is surprisingly accessible: empty slopes, no tourists, and abundant off-piste terrain right off the chairlifts.<\/p>\n

Simple, authentic, perfect skiing.<\/p>\n

The following day in Cortina (Hakuba), we found textbook conditions: deep snow piling up to the lift cables, pillows, and still untouched lines.<\/p>\n

Crowds were heavier, but with a bit of exploration, we still found fresh powder.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Luca and Francesca\u2014satisfied after their snow feast\u2014went to see the monkeys soaking in the hot springs.<\/p>\n

\"Cortina\"<\/a>\t
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Cortina<\/p><\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"Shiga<\/a>\t
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Shiga Kogen<\/p><\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hakuba 47 \u2013 Incredible Freeride<\/strong><\/p>\n

For our final ski day, we went full throttle and chose Hakuba 47, Japan\u2019s Big Mountain\u2014famous for its wide, steep slopes and almost no vegetation.<\/p>\n

After an initial phase of exploring the permitted areas (WARNING: access to \u201cNO GO\u201d zones is strictly monitored; trespassing can result in your ski pass being revoked and a hefty fine!), a weather window opened, allowing us to reach a secondary peak that turned out to be absolutely insane.<\/p>\n

Four runs on untouched terrain, with snow so deep it swallowed entire skiers.<\/p>\n

While skiing these open slopes, to the astonishment of our mountain guide, we spotted what looked like crevasses\u2014but since we weren\u2019t on a glacier, they turned out to be \u201cwhale mouths.\u201d<\/p>\n

Matteo and Francesco took full advantage, launching into wild jumps and vanishing into the white powder.<\/p>\n

Stable snowpack and good visibility framed the day perfectly.<\/p>\n

It felt like Alaska\u2014but it was Japan.<\/p>\n

Feelings?<\/p>\n

Unforgettable.<\/p>\n

\"Hakuba<\/a>\t
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Hakuba 47<\/p><\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"Hakuba<\/a>\t
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Hakuba 47<\/p><\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tokyo \u2013 From Powder to Urban Jungle<\/strong><\/p>\n

Final stop: Tokyo.<\/p>\n

After six hours of driving, we enjoyed twelve hours in the capital.<\/p>\n

Futuristic districts, street food, arcades, animal caf\u00e9s (yes, even owls).<\/p>\n

It was the perfect contrast to the wild nature of the past few days.<\/p>\n

Then, sadly, it was time to head home.<\/p>\n

\"Tokyo\"<\/a>\t
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Tokyo<\/p><\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"Tokyo\"<\/a>\t
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Tokyo<\/p><\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Final Thoughts: Japow, Between Legend and Reality<\/strong><\/p>\n

An epic ski trip that exceeded every expectation.<\/p>\n

Freeride, culture, food, friends\u2014and a quantity of snow we\u2019d never seen before.<\/p>\n

Japan is another world: fascinating, strict, absurd, yet generous like few others.<\/p>\n

The consistency of snowfall, the quality of the snowpack (cold, dry, light), the variety of terrain, and the ability to alternate between resorts, backcountry, and ski touring make this country a must on every serious ski mountaineer\u2019s r\u00e9sum\u00e9.<\/p>\n

Of course, you have to adapt: language barriers, strict resort rules, extreme weather, and a very different organizational culture.<\/p>\n

But it\u2019s worth it.<\/p>\n

Japan isn\u2019t just a place where it snows a lot.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a place where snow is revered, and every turn in the powder feels like a small ritual.<\/p>\n

For those seeking adventure, unconventional lines, and cultural immersion, it remains one of the most captivating destinations in the world.<\/p>\n

And the powder?<\/p>\n

Legendary.<\/p>\n

The true Japow.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ll be back.<\/p>\n

\"Face<\/a>\t
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Face Shot<\/p><\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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