Japan – Ski touring Japan
Ski Japan!
We will be running 2 trips in 2019!
Our trips will be led by an IFMGA guide or AMGA ski guide, co-guided by RRA owner Carl Dec and local Japanese ski guide Makoto Takeishi.
The island of Hokkaido is famous for its cold, deep, dry snow and powder skiing! Cold fronts coming out of Siberia mix with moisture as they cross the Sea of Japan. The result is huge dumps of the cold dry fluffy stuff. The terrain in Hokkaido is mostly birch tree glade skiing. On the occasion, when it stops snowing and we can see, there are opportunities to climb and summit some of the bigger mountains and volcanoes.
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- Difficulty – Moderate to difficult | Vert. varies
- Days – 6 days skiing
- Minimum age – 10
- Venues – Hokkaido
- Meets – Sapporo, Japan
- Dates – Jan 19th-26th or Jan 26th-Feb 2nd
1 Person $3200
We will fly into Sapporo, Japan via the New Chitose Airport. We will start our trip based in Sapporo city, sampling some nearby terrain/ski areas just south of town and diving into the culture and food of this wonderful city in the evening. The ski areas of Kokusai, Kiroro and Sapporo Teine are all on our list of possibilities based on weather and snow conditions. Our trip specifically avoids the mega resort of Niseko and stick to smaller, less crowded areas that offer a better, more authentic experience.
We will then travel to the northern part of the island to ski Asahi-dake and other “secret” locations.If conditions line up this lift assisted a ski touring trip. If it is snowing, which is the norm, and we can access untracked snow lift served side country skiing is what we will do. However, in conditions dictate we could be touring to access good snow for a portion of or sometimes all day. Therefore, touring equipment, some touring experience and fitness are mandatory. It is best to come into this trip as an advanced downhill skier, comfortable in single to double black diamond tree skiing (28-38 degrees).
Throughout our trip we will focus on riding the best snow. We will also travel to a few different venues to see different parts of the island. There will be the option to visit a number of hot spring baths or onsens. This is a perfect way to soak your body after a day of deep powder skiing!more detailsItinerary:
Prior Day 1: Saturday – Arrive in Japan, Chitose airport, met by guides, transfer to Sapporo. Transportation included.
Day 1: Sunday – First ski day at Ski Sapporo or Kokusai, Sapporo Teine; Onsen then spend a second night in Sapporo.
Day 2: Monday – Ski again at Sapporo Kokusai or Sapporo Teine; stay Sapporo.
Day 3: Tuesday – Ski Kiroro Mountain off piste, travel to Asahikawa.
Day 4: Wednesday – Ski Asahi-dake, Furano or other backcountry location.
Day 5: Thursday – Ski Asahi-dake, Furano or other backcountry location stay in Asahikawa city.
Day 6: Friday – Ski Mt. Kurodake in Daiseetsuzan National Park or “secret spot” then drive to Chitose for our last night and dinner.
Day 7: Saturday – Return home or extend your stay in Japan to see some sites!
Costs included in the trip:
- Transportation during the week
- Lodging for seven nights
- Breakfast for 7 mornings
- Certified ski guide and Local Guides’ daily wages
Costs not included in the trip:
- Transportation to and from Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
- Lunches and dinners
- Onsen visits
- Lift tickets (which can range from $35-75 USD for a full day ticket, or as little as $4 for a single-trip ticket)
- Gratuity/tips for guides
- Personal AT, telemark or splitboard equipment. (We can help you with the purchase of or rental of gear for your trip.)
Ski JPOW! Photo Gallery
Reviews
FAQ
TripAdvisor 5 Stars
Why Choose RRA? Red River Adventure's online reviews have consistently been excellent. Since 2003 no other company has received such high praise from guests. Land or water our clients rave about the quality of our guides, the depth of their knowledge, their ability to teach and most importantly, how incredibly fun they are.
Still wondering who to book with our past guest comments make the decision easy!
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Your Safety is our number #1 concern
RRA has safely hosted 50,000+ kids and adults on our rafting, climbing, canyoneering, SUP and Ski trips. RRA guides are at a minimum state licensed, insured and hold first aid and CPR certifications. Many of our river guides hold additional certifications in swift water rescue and whitewater instruction. Many, though not all, of our rock, ski and canyoneering guides are AMGA for the terrain they guide.
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Quality Equipment
When running trips quality equipment is paramount. We are proud to be a 'Preferred Guide Partner" of Black Diamond. RRA replaces its equipment on a regular basis. This ensures all the gear required to keep you safe and having fun is in top-notch shape.Back to top
Reputation
RRA has earned the reputation of a professionally ran, top quality guide service. We are a tight knit family run business. Once you adventure with RRA we guarantee you'll be back for more.Back to top
Do I need a reservation
YES! To guarantee space on the trip of your choice, we recommend reservations, especially mid-summer and on holidays and weekends. In order to provide the type of trip the we have become known for we do limit the number of people on our trips and we do fill up. Make a reservation as soon as you have a good idea of when you want to ski or climb with us and you'll avoid disappointment. Feel free to call us about reservations at any time @ 1-877-259-4046 or email.
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About Age Limitations
Age limits are set for each of our trips to be within industry standards and in accordance with our insurance carrier. In some cases the published age is a guideline and people younger may participate. For trips with youth rate pricing we use the following guidelines. Youth Rate = 15 years and younger!Adults = 16 years and up!
Some trips are priced on a per person basis regardless of age.
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Which Trip to Choose
We are thrilled to have the ability to offer such a wide variety or trips. We also realize that this can create confusion. We are a fantastic resource and look forward to helping you choose the trip that is perfect for you and your group. Please feel free to call or email with any questions you might have, we love to help. Often after a brief conversation with one of our staff the the answers become clear.
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What to Bring
Red River Adventures tries to make your trip with us as easy as possible!
We will clearly outline what we will provide and let you know what you need to bring.
Generally all necessary group equipment for you to take part in our trips is included.
Please NOTE! Skis, ski boots, poles, ice climbing boots and personal clothing are NOT included in the cost of trips.
Rentals are available and RRA will assist you in reserving any gear you might need.
We will provide trip specific lists to assist you in bringing the right things.
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What Risks Are Involved
Red River Adventures has an unblemished safety record. We personally screen and train our employees vigorously each year. Our Climbing, skiing and Canyoneering guides are highly trained and many, though not all, are AMGA certified. Our trips take place in rugged, remote "wilderness" settings. You should be in good general health to participate.
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Charter and Group Rates
Red River Adventures offers a group rate discount of 10% to groups of 10 or more. Additional rates reductions are available for school, club, church, or special-interest groups on some trips. We are happy to, when ever possible, customized trip lengths and itineraries. Please contact us for help in arranging your charter trip or for group rate information.
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What To Pack
Red River Adventures will provide:
- Beacon
- Probe
- Shovel
- Pack
Full AT set ups are available to rent through our partnership with Black Diamond.
RRA will help co-ordinate rental in advance.
Ski Touring (recommended)
- Shell – Jacket/pants (soft shell or gortex little to no insulation)
- Insulating layer – Down or synthetic puffy coat
- Mid Layer – Synthetic or wool zip shirt
- Base layers: Synthetic, wool or silk bottom, underwear and top
- 2 pairs of gloves
- Hat or hats
- Buff
- Wool or synthetic ski socks
- Helmet
- Google & Sunglasses
- Bottle/thermos for hot tea
- Sunscreen
- Handwarmers/Toe warmers
General
We are always available to answer any questions you may have. A complete packing list will be emailed prior to your trip.
Reservations
Option #1 - Most of our Adventures can be booked by clicking the "Book Now" button for the trip you want.
Option #2 - For those trips that do not open a calendar Call 1-877-259-4046
or Email us through our Contact Page
Reservations are HIGHLY recommended! Many dates sell out far in advance!
A refundable deposit of 1/3 or 1/2 of the trip total is due to guarantee reservation.
Cancellations
Full and Half Day Trips
- A refundable deposit of 1/3 of trip total is due to guarantee reservation.
- Balance is due 7 days prior to departure.
- Changes to trip type, numbers or date are FREE prior to 7 days before departure.
- Cancellation 7 days prior to departure subject to a $25 fee.
- Cancellation between 7 days and 48 hours prior to departure are subject to a $10 per person or $25 minimum fee.
- Cancellations, in part or full, within 48 hours of departure receive NO REFUND.
Dolores and multi-day Fisher Towers trips
- A refundable deposit of 1/3 of trip total is due to guarantee reservation.
- Balance is due 7 days prior to departure.
- Changes to trip type, numbers or date are FREE prior to 7 days before departure.
- Cancellation 7 days prior to departure receive a full refund less a $25 fee.
- Cancellation between 7 days and 48 hours prior to departure forfeit the deposit amount.
- Cancellation, in part or full, within 48 hours of departure receive NO REFUND.
International trips and clinics
- A refundable deposit of 1/2 of trip total is due to guarantee reservation.
- Balance is due and will be charged 45 days prior to departure.
- Cancellation 45 days prior to departure receive a full refund less a $50 fee.
- Cancellation between 45 and 30 days prior to departure will forfeit the deposit amount.
- Cancellation, in part or full, within 30 days of departure receive NO REFUND.
General
RRA reserves the right to cancel any trip due to weather, insufficient bookings or any other circumstances beyond our control at anytime. RRA will make every effort to reschedule the date. Bookings that are unable to be rescheduled or are cancelled by RRA will receive a full refund.
Weather
Weather is part of the dynamic environment in which we operate. We may experience conditions that you do not consider ideal. If we determine that conditions are suitable for the activity you have booked and you instead wish to cancel/discontinue the trip, we will, whenever practical, end the trip at your request with no refund. If conditions are such that RRA deems it unwise to continue, we reserve the right to alter the itinerary, which may include, but may not be limited to, shortening of route or length of trip. We may also change venue or cancel the remainder of your trip. If, at time of cancellation, the trip is less than 1/2 complete, we will charge 50% of trip fee. If the trip is between 1/2 and completed, a full trip fee is charged.Alcohol
Full and 1/2 Day Raft Trips: Alcohol or drugs are not to be consumed before or during trips. No refund will be given to those drinking alcohol or using drugs prior to a scheduled trip. Multi-Day Raft Trips: Alcohol or drugs are not to be consumed before or during time on the river. No refund will be given to those drinking alcohol or using drugs prior to river time. Alcohol may be consumed, in camp, on multi-day trips. Climbing/Canyoneering trips. Alcohol or drugs are not to be consumed before or during trips.