The Central Hokkaido Explorer is a 7-day, 6-night guided experience through one of the snowiest regions on earth. Based in Furano, we travel daily in search of the best conditions, combining world-class powder skiing with authentic Japanese culture. From quiet mountain zones to local cuisine and natural hot springs, every detail is designed to create a seamless and unforgettable winter experience.

1. Transceiver, Shovel and Probe are essential and included in this tour

2. Travel insurance is compulsory for this tour

3. Accomodation is dependent on availability at time of booking

4. Tour price is based on a minimum group size of 4 people. A supplement will be applied to all persons if minimum group size is not met. Supplement = AUD $500 P/person

On arrival in Furano, you’ll be met by an Alpine Backcountry Guides team member. We offer pickup from either the train or bus station, with specific arrangements confirmed in advance with our admin team. From there, you’ll be transferred to your private accommodation in Furano or Kitanomine, where you can settle in and prepare for the week ahead.

In the evening, you’ll join the group for a welcome dinner at one of Furano’s excellent local restaurants. This is a chance to meet your guides, run through the plan for the coming days, and ensure all gear is dialled for the tour.

Travel Note: If arriving via New Chitose Airport (CTS), we recommend booking a flight that lands no later than 3:00pm, allowing enough time to transfer to Furano. The Hokkaido Resort Liner bus is a reliable and convenient option and can be pre-booked in advance.

Your first day on snow is designed to introduce you to the terrain, snowpack, and rhythm of skiing in Central Hokkaido. Based on current weather and conditions, we will select the best available zone for the day — with Asahidake Onsen (approximately 90 minutes from Furano) often serving as an ideal starting point.

From lift-accessed terrain to short sidecountry tours, the day offers a balanced introduction to the region’s unique landscape and snow quality, while allowing the group to settle into the pace of the week.

This is a sample plan only, and all objectives are chosen each morning based on the latest weather and avalanche forecast to ensure the best possible skiing.

After a full day in the mountains, the group will return to accommodation to relax, recharge, and prepare for the days ahead.

Over the following days, the group will explore a wide range of local resorts and backcountry zones, with each day planned around current weather, snow conditions, and the group’s preferences. Central Hokkaido offers an exceptional variety of terrain, from quiet lift-accessed zones to expansive backcountry objectives.

Possible locations include Sahoro, Tomamu, Mt. Racey, the Tokachi Range, the Yubari Mountains, Furano Resort, Kamui, Asahidake, and many more hidden areas in between. Rather than following a fixed itinerary, your guide will make daily decisions to ensure you are skiing the best available snow.

These decisions are informed by over 40 years of combined guiding experience in the region, alongside ongoing monitoring of weather systems, snowpack, and terrain options. This flexible approach is key to consistently finding high-quality skiing throughout the week.

At the end of Day 6, the group will come together for a celebratory dinner in downtown Furano, hosted by Alpine Backcountry Guides, a chance to reflect on the week and enjoy one final evening together.

On your final day, we aim to make the most of the conditions with a half day of skiing before departure, allowing for a final taste of Hokkaido’s renowned snow.

To facilitate this, we recommend planning your onward travel for the afternoon or evening. Following skiing, we will arrange transfers to your chosen departure point, including Asahikawa Airport, Furano Station, or Asahikawa Station.

Please ensure you send your onward travel details to our team in advance so we can coordinate logistics accordingly. You can do this by emailing:
admin@alpinebackcountryguides.com