





Our Hokkaido ski and snowboard tours focus on riding untracked powder and experiencing the very best of Japan’s snow culture. Guided by an IFMGA guide, RRA owner Carl Dec, and local Japanese ski professionals, these trips deliver unparalleled skiing and snowboarding experiences. With deep, dry snow, unique terrain, and a blend of Japanese hospitality, this is the trip of a lifetime.
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult | Vertical varies
Duration: 6 days skiing / 7 nights lodging
Minimum Age: 10
Location: Hokkaido
Meeting Point: Sapporo, Japan
Incredible trip to the north island during January, 2020. Carl and Mako are highly experienced mountain guides, and we skied the best terrain, while always knowing we were prepared and looked after. If you like deep powder skiing, this trip is for you. They selected the best venues, handled all the various details and complications of an equipment-intensive ski trip flawlessly. Logistics were seamless. We learned so much about Japanese culture, and about skiing from Carl and Mako. I can’t imagine doing this trip without Red River. 5 stars.
January 2020
Trip Advisor
Seamless booking. Carl was helpful to get me setup with the BEST guide, I mean superb . My first time back country skinning and then riding deep powder, I was so thankful that TY my guide was calm, patient , knowledgeable , picked me up when tired, very positive and given all the tips to help me thru the challenges. Will book again ! If you request TY you’ll be set for a spectacular day going at the pace you choose! I learned so much thanks red rivers!
March 2025
Google Reviews
Out of random coincidence, Sam had led me up a trail last year and strongly suggested I take this course, which was AWESOME! The experience and passion she and Jake bring to getting humans back safely and stoked is unparalleled. And the resources they walk you through and make available are profound. Can’t recommend Red River and these two strongly enough. If you’re serious about backcountry, this is an absolute must. I also really liked the small class size. Made a big difference. Looking forward to practicing my beacon finding at the resort.
January 2025
Google Reviews
Sam was a fantastic guide and instructor. Very skilled at building our skills in the backcountry!
February 2025
Google Reviews
This trip is designed for skiers and split-boarders who want to experience Japan’s legendary powder with expert guides handling the logistics. You don’t need to be an expert skier, but you should be very comfortable on ungroomed terrain and ready for full days outside
It’s perfect for:
Sunday (Arrival):
Arrive in Sapporo via New Chitose Airport (CTS) at around 7 pm, where our guides will meet you. Transfer to Otaru, our base for the first half of the week.
Monday – Wednesday (Otaru Base):
Ski Kokusai, Kiroro, Sapporo Teine, and other nearby areas. Evenings we enjoy Otaru’s food, culture, and nightlife.
Thursday – Saturday (Asahikawa Base):
Transfer north to Asahikawa City. Ski Asahi-Dake, Kamui Ski Links, Furano, and “secret” backcountry spots — often the highlight of the trip!
Daily Routine:
7:00 AM – Breakfast, trip briefing, weather check
8:00 AM – Depart for skiing
3:30 PM – Wrap up skiing, visit local onsen, après, return to hotel
6:30 PM – Après at the hotel or in town
7:30 PM – Dinner at a local restaurant
Sunday (Departure):
Breakfast and transfer to New Chitose Airport (CTS).
Included in the Trip:
Not Included:
Red River Adventures will provide if need:
A full equipment list will be emailed at time of reservation. Here’s a preview.
What you should pack:
January and February. January, affectionately known as “Japanuary” snows continue into February, building base depths and providing the powder days that make Hokkaido famous.
We prioritize untracked snow and will utilize lifts to access it when possible. If the sidecountry and the resort adjacent, as well as the backcountry, are tracked out, we will ski our pure backcountry spots.
Days typically see us skinning 2000’ to 4000’.
No, we do not manage avalanche risk with airbags. We use terrain to mitigate the risk of avalanches.
Not required, but familiarity with your touring setup is strongly recommended.
Absolutely — splitboarders welcome.
Yes! Siberian storms consistently dump meters of cold, dry powder across Hokkaido.
Expect authentic Japanese dining, local nightlife, and daily visits to relaxing onsens.