TOURS
7 nights + 7 days riding = $4199
OVERVIEW
Stealth Backcountry Tours has found the least crowded zone on the island, central Hokkaido. Unlike the Niseko area, we are able to access a number of different resorts which are yet to be “Resortified” and overrun by foreign tourists. Translation: no lift lines and untracked powder days after a storm cycle.
INCLUDED
7 nights lodging
7 days of lift tickets or access to side country
Daily guiding (Japanese local guides)
4:1 client-to-guide ratio
Western Breakfast daily
Sapporo beer on draft at the lodge
Beacon, Shovel, Probe provided
Gentemsticks (10) to demo
All daily ground transportation
Airport pickup and drop off
NOT INCLUDED
Airfare (Sapporo Airport)
Lunch and Dinner
Lessons to meet SBT skill level requirements
ADD-ONS
Professional photo packages
Custom transportation (e.g. Special arrival day)
2024 DATES
December 30th - January 6th
January 6th - January 13th
January 13th - January 20th
January 20th - January 27th
January 27th - February 3rd
February 3rd - February 10th
February 10th - February 17th
February 17th - March 2nd
Typical DAY
Breakfast
7:15am - 8:00am: Discuss where to ride
Ride/Ski
8:15am - 4:00pm: Full day of powder
Onsen
4:30pm - 6:30pm: Relax in the natural hot springs
Dinner/Night
7:30pm: The best sushi, yakitori, soba, or ramen
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What airport do I fly into?
The main airport for international flights to Hokkaido is Chitose/Sapporo. For our North American guests, flights will land in Narita or Haneda airports (Tokyo), layovers typically are 90 minutes or so, and then the 2 hour flight to Chitose.
Where are you located?
Our lodge the Powder Dojo is a 2 hour drive from Chitose/Sapporo airport in the “Belly Button of Hokkaido”. The town of Furano is popular in the summer for its lavender and flower fields but come winter it's a real life snow globe. Our lodge is a 5 minute drive to Furano ski area.
What’s the weather like?
Come Japanuary, the cold Siberian winds blow across the Sea of Japan and gather copious amounts of moisture before heading inland and unloading the ever so famous Japow. Unlike most places in the world, Japanuary is as consistent as it gets, after all that's why we are here.
The sun rarely comes out so yellow, rose or clear goggle lenses are the preferred call. We suggest having a back up pair as well. A face mask or neck warmer/buff are highly recommended too.
What should my ability be?
We suggest that skiers and snowboarders are advanced and comfortable riding the deepest of days at their local resort. The perfectly spaced white and silver birch trees make for the best tree runs of your life and give shelter from the storms. We will be hiking to and from the various side country zones at each resort so strong cardio is preferred.
What board or skis should I bring?
We suggest bringing your favorite powder board or skis, to float effortlessly through the deepest driest snow of your life. New this year, we are ambassadors of Gentemstick Snowboards and will have 10 different models for you to choose from. If you don’t want to lug a board bag across the world, just bring a pair of bindings and we will put you on some of our favorites. Please contact us prior to reserve your model of choice.
What if I don't like sushi?
Not everyone likes raw fish, however Hokkaido is home to some of the best seafood in the world. If sushi isn't your thing there are multiple options from amazing ramen, crab legs, amazing curry dishes, western style breakfasts, etc. You won’t starve in Japan as the quality and freshness is unparalleled.
What is an Onsen?
An onsen in short is a natural hot spring and synonymous with Japanese culture.
Onsen water has been believed to have a multitude of healing properties basically since time began, and is packed full of minerals that are thought to be good for your skin, circulation and general health. There really is nothing more relaxing or therapeutic than lying back in a hot bath after a long day of riding/skiing– especially when you’re surrounded by falling snow.
What Backcountry Gear should I bring?
We expect all guests to wear avalanche transceivers daily when traveling into the resort side country zones. We suggest a backpack, beacon, probe, and shovel. If you don’t own some of these we can provide them for you. Please let us know prior to your arrival what additional gear you need.