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Japan Powder Adventure
Don’t miss out on JAPOW this winter! Blend five days of social skiing with five days of expert guiding as you explore three incredible Japanese resorts, all while immersing yourself in the country’s rich culture.
What's Included
What’s included
- All ground transfers including bullet train
- 5 days with mountain guides & 5 days social skiing
- 13 nights – a mix of bed & breakfast and half board
What’s not included
- Flights
- Lunches & evening meals
- Ski Passes
- Ski/boot hire
On Snow Experience
This holiday is a fantastic opportunity to explore all that Japanese backcountry skiing has to offer. Staying on the main Japanese Island of Honshu, you’ll be skiing in the northern Nagano prefecture. By basing this trip in multiple different destinations and potentially skiing a different ski area every day (conditions permitting), you will get a full variety of the Japanese skiing experience – world class powder and tree skiing mixed with a wonderful cultural experience. This trip focuses on powder and tree skiing, combined with some touring, and so requires a good level of fitness. This trip is aimed at Advanced (Purple) and Expert (Gold) off piste skiers. If you are unsure of your standard please see our Ski Profile Page.
To see the holiday breakdown, please view the full itinerary guide here (you will receive a more detailed itinerary slightly closer the departure date):
Guides and Ski Club Rep
Alban Donohoe
My first ever experience of skiing was at the age of 14 when I screwed a pair of antique skis to my walking boots and learned to fall down Saddleworth Moor, fortunately it has improved a little since then. I love playing hard and skiing hard with a nice lunch thrown in along the way I look forward to meeting, skiing and enjoying the apres bars with you all.
Find out more about this trip ...
Holiday FAQs
Everything you need to know about Freshtracks holidays.
What is a Freshtracks holiday?
Freshtracks holidays are group ski trips organised by the Ski Club of Great Britain for solo travellers, couples, and friends who want to ski with like-minded people. We offer social skiing, instructional, off piste, and touring holidays. On all holidays, a dedicated Freshtracks Rep will be on hand to make sure the holiday runs smoothly.
Find out more here – Holidays – Ski Club Of Great Britain.
Are single rooms available?
Single room availability will be shown in the "View Dates & Prices" tab on each holiday page, located under the holiday name. If single rooms are available, this will be clearly stated there. If no single room option is listed, unfortunately this means they have already sold out.
Sometimes we can request additional single rooms from the hotel. Please contact [email protected] for more information.
When will I receive my final holiday itinerary and information?
This information is usually sent out 7-10 days before departure. It will include your final itinerary, Freshtracks Rep contact details, and any important information relating to your transfers, flights, and accommodation, depending on what is included in your specific package.
I am unsure of my ski profile. How do I know what profile I am?
Freshtracks holidays use a ski profiling system to ensure you’re skiing alongside members of a similar ability, creating well-matched groups and a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
We recommend reviewing our Ski Profile page and selecting the profile you feel best represents your current skiing. The profiles are there to help us place you on the right holiday, so please choose honestly to ensure you get the most out of your time on the slopes.
If you’ve been on a Freshtracks holiday before, your Rep will give you an official grading at the end of the week. This will be recorded on our system and available to view in your Ski Locker.
Do I need to be an expert skier to join a Freshtracks trip?
No. Freshtracks holidays cater to a wide range of skiing abilities, from early intermediates to advanced skiers. Each trip includes detailed information about the recommended ski level so you can choose the right holiday for your ability.
I'm a solo traveller. Would I be suitable for a Freshtracks holiday?
Absolutely. The majority of Freshtracks guests travel solo – in fact, 85% of our guests last winter were solo travellers.
Our holidays are specifically designed to help you meet other passionate skiers and feel part of the group from the start. Group dining, organised skiing and fun social activities all help to create a friendly, relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, making Freshtracks an ideal choice for anybody travelling alone.
Are lift passes and ski rental included in the holidays?
Ski rental is not included on Freshtracks holidays and is arranged separately. That said, Ski Club of Great Britain members enjoy access to a number of ski hire discounts, which can be found on our Discounts page.
Ski Club of GB Rental Discounts
Please note that inclusions differ by holiday when it comes to lift passes, so it’s important to check the Essential Info tab beneath the holiday title, as well as the "What’s Included" and "What’s Not Included" sections at the top of the holiday overview page.
I have a group flight included. How do I check in?
For Freshtracks holidays that include group flights, it is not possible to check in online beforehand. You simply need to turn up to a manned check-in desk with your passport on the day, where you will be checked in and issued with a physical boarding pass.
Make sure you read the full travel information in the Travel tab and, once you have booked, keep an eye out for your final information document. This will provide further details on your baggage allowance.
If flights are included, can I bring a ski bag?
Ski carriage cannot be pre-booked and is payable at the airport.
We are ATOL and ABTOT protected so you can book with confidence knowing your money is secure.
Our holidays are a great way to meet and ski with other members of a similar ability to you.
Have questions? Call now and talk to our friendly team of holiday experts on 020 8410 2022.
Ready to Book?
Prices include
13 nights B&B, traditional hotels, twin share rooms, transport during trip, bullet train, 5 days with mountain guides & 5 days social skiing
Prior to booking, please ensure you have the correct ski profile for the holiday. See our profiles here.
| Start date | End date | Ski Profile | Peak Experience | Availability | Price | Deposit |
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Book with confidence - the Ski Club is ABTOT and ATOL protected
Hakuba TokyuHotel
Shiga Koken Prince Hotel East Wing
Hotel Taizan, Myoko
Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda
You’ll be spending 13 nights in various Hotels within the Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen and Myoko areas. All accommodation are on twin share basis. Please see the full breakdown of accommodation below:
- 4 nights B&B in the Hakuba Tokyu Hotel – Hakuba Tokyu Hotel
- 3 nights Half Board in the Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel East Wing – Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel
- 5 nights B&B in the Hotel Taizan, Myoko – Hotel Taizan, Myoko
- 1 night at the Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda – Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda
For more information regarding the holiday itinerary, please click here.
For further information on any of the accommodations featured on this trip, we recommend browsing their individual websites to get a feel for where you’ll be staying. Should you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch — call us on +44 (0)20 8410 2022 or email [email protected].
Ready to book?
Travel Information
There are no flights included in the package, but a bullet train ticket will be provided to Tokyo. Please see the recommended British Airways flights below:
Outbound
30th January 2027 London Heathrow LHR to Tokyo Haneda HND Departing 1140 – Arriving 31st January 1025 // BA5
Inbound
13 February 2027 – Tokyo Haneda HND to London Heathrow LHR Departing 1315 – arriving 1920 London Heathrow LHR // BA6
You may book any inbound flight that best suits your schedule, as you will be staying overnight at the Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport Hotel, but this is a good base option.
Outbound
1st Leg – 30th January 2027 Manchester MAN to London Heathrow LHR Departing 0805 – 0910 // BA1385 (British Airways)
2nd Leg – 30th January 2027 – London Heathrow (LHR) to Tokyo Haneda (HND) Departing 1140 – Arriving 1025 on 31st January// BA5 (British Airways)
Includes a 2 hour 30 minute layover in London Heathrow
Inbound
1st Leg 13th February 2027 Tokyo Haneda (HND) to London Heathrow (LHR) 0935 – 1535 // BA8 (Operated by British Airways)
2nd Leg 13th February 2027 London Heathrow (LHR) to Manchester (MAN) 13th January 2027 1720 – 1825 // BA1382 (Operated by British Airways)
Includes a 1 hour 45 minute layover in London Heathrow
You may book any inbound flight that best suits your schedule, as you will be staying overnight at the Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport Hotel, but this is a good base option.
Transfer Information
Outbound – For the outbound transfer, the coach will depart at approximately 1130, so please ensure your flight arrives no later than 1030.
Inbound – For the return, you will be staying at the Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport Hotel the night before, and will make your own way to the terminal on 13th Feb, so you are free to book any flight out of Tokyo Haneda.
If you require further information, please feel free to contact the Freshtracks team on 020 8410 2022, or simply email us on [email protected] .
Confirmation
If you book this holiday, you will be contacted via email once it is confirmed to run, and then you can go ahead and book your flights.
Once the holiday has been confirmed, please send your flight details (flight numbers, arrival and departure time) to the Freshtracks Team via email to [email protected].
Ready to book?
What You Need to Know
Ski Hire/Equipment
Although hiring locally is possible, we strongly recommend that you bring your own kit with you on this trip, as we will be visiting multiple resorts and moving around throughout the trip and it can make logistics difficult. We recommend bringing touring equipment for this holiday.
You would like to explore rental:
If you are interested in rental, please follow the advice below: (please also feel free to contact us if you have any queries or concerns)
We recommend Woodys Rental for your Japan Powder Adventure, allowing you to use the same skis throughout the trip and return them in Nagano before your bullet train journey.
The Hakuba branch is located in the Happo-One area, just a one-minute walk from the Happo Gondola and around a 10-minute walk from the Hakuba Tokyu Hotel (or a short shuttle/taxi ride).
At the end of the trip, the Nagano branch is conveniently located just two minutes from Nagano Station. After coach drop-off at the East Exit (Yumeria Bus Park), simply walk through the station to return your equipment before boarding the bullet train.
We recommend contacting Woody’s Rental to confirm availability and suitability of equipment before booking.
Reps
30th Jan – 13th Feb 2027 : Alban Donohoe
Instructors/Guides
Hakuba : Evergreen Backcountry Guides
Shiga Kogen & Myoko : Canyons Guides
Insurance
It is a condition of booking that you have valid and adequate snowsports insurance. It is your responsibility to ensure your policy provides cover for all the activities that you participate in during your holiday.
The policy of insurance should provide cover for personal injury, death, medical and repatriation costs in the countries which you intend to visit, together with cover for loss of baggage and valuables, personal liability, delay, cancellation, curtailment, missed departure and legal expenses. The policy should also include cover against losses caused by the effects or consequences of Covid-19.
Due to the type of holidays that you will be booking with us, we also advise that your policy should include skiing off-piste without a guide. Please note, insurance premiums must be paid at the same time as booking in order for the package holiday or single service cancellation cover to be effective. It is also advised to keep your insurance details with you while you are on your holiday. If you choose to travel without adequate insurance cover, we will not be liable for any losses howsoever arising, in respect of which insurance cover would otherwise have been available.
Travel
Passport – Check your passport is in date and valid for travel by checking the entry requirements for your destination country – you can see these here: Foreign travel advice – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Japan – The visa waiver system was reactivated from 11 October, which means that short-term visitors with British citizen passports no longer need to obtain a visa prior to travelling. This includes those coming for business, tourism, and to visit family and friends. Visas are still required for long-term stays and other purposes; please consult your nearest Japanese Consulate for guidance and how to apply.
Off Piste Safety
When venturing off piste, it is compulsory to wear an avalanche transceiver. These can be provided by the Ski Club and should be worn by every person on every all mountain, off piste and touring holiday. Anyone joining these holidays will also be required to bring their own backpack, shovel and probe.
Terms And Conditions Of Skiing With The Club.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Any Member wishing to ski/snowboard with a Ski Club Group, in any of the resorts where the Ski Club is represented, agrees to do so under the following conditions:
- You appreciate that the Ski Club Rep is a volunteer with no formal qualifications as an instructor or mountain guide.
- You also appreciate that no other member of the group undertakes any obligations to you concerning your safety for which you remain solely responsible.
- You must ensure that your equipment is in good working order before setting off for the day and that you are suitably clothed for the proposed itinerary and all possible weather conditions.
- You must decide whether or not a particular run or route is within your competence.
- You must ensure that you are properly equipped for that day. If you are skiing off piste you must have a shovel, probe and transceiver, and know how to use them. If you are using a Ski Club transceiver, it is your sole responsibility to know how to use it.
- It is your sole responsibility to ensure that you are suitably insured for the activities intended to be undertaken.
Ready to book?
Japan Powder Adventure
This itinerary is intended as a guide to give an overview of the trip, and some fine details may be adjusted slightly. This trips skiing is structured with five days of social skiing and five days of guided skiing , with your exact breakdown confirmed closer to the time by your Ski Club Rep.
30th January 2027
Depart the UK and travel to Tokyo Haneda Airport. For all our travel information advice please go to the travel tab on this page. (Flights are not included in this package)
31st January 2027
Arrive into Haneda Airport Terminal 3 ; your rep will meet you and take you to your private coach. Departing at 11:30 with a lunch stop en route, you’ll arrive at the premier chalet-style Hakuba Tokyu Hotel, nestled in the serene Wadano Forest at around 18:00 where you will spend four nights on B&B basis.
31st January – 4th February 2027 – Hakuba
Spending just under four days on snow in Hakuba, your guide and rep will take you to whichever resort conditions are best – with Hakuba Happo-One and Hakuba Cortina among the closest and most popular in the valley.
4th – 7th February 2027 – Shiga Kogen
After checking out of the Hakuba Tokyu Hotel on 4th February, you’ll have one last morning on the slopes before your transfer departs at around 16:00. Arriving at the Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel East Wing at approximately 18:30, dinner will be served at the hotel that evening. The Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel is a premier, ski-in/ski-out alpine hotel located at the base of the Mt. Yakebitaiyama Ski Area in Japan’s Nagano Prefecture.
Over just under three days on snow in Shiga Kogen on a half-board basis, your guide and rep will ensure you make the most of the vast terrain on offer. After a final morning on the slopes, your transfer departs at around 17:00 for Myoko – the last stop on your Japan adventure.
7th – 12th February 2027 – Myoko
Arriving into Myoko for the final stop on your Japan adventure, you’ll spend five nights at the Hotel Taizan on a bed and breakfast basis. With four days on the mountain ahead, Myoko saves perhaps the best until last – famous for its extraordinary snowfall of over 13 metres each winter, deep powder and traditional hot spring Onsens that provide the perfect end to a day on the slopes.
12th February 2027 – Bullet Train: Nagano – Tokyo
After an incredible adventure across 3 different areas it is now time to head back to Tokyo. For this journey your baggage will be transported in a van direct to your airport hotel, while you travel on the Bullet train from Nagano Railway Station to Tokyo station and you will depart the hotel at approximately 0900.
You are free to explore Tokyo in the afternoon, before making your own way to the Hotel Villa Fontaine Haneda Grand a short walk away from the airport. Please note breakfast and dinner are not included at this hotel.
13th February 2027
After an incredible powder adventure with the Ski Club of Great Britain, it’s time to check out of the Hotel Villa Fontaine Haneda Grand and make your own way to the airport for your flight home.
If you have any further questions regarding the itinerary for this holiday, please don’t hesitate to contact a member of the Freshtracks team via email at [email protected], or call us on +44 (0)20 8410 2022.
More mountain facts lifts · season · features
Lift network
Season
Features
One of Japan's largest resorts, Hakuba is most renowned for its premium powder and exceptional vertical.
Hakuba is home to three fantastic main ski areas. Happo-One is the largest of these, covering 52km of pistes, including the 1998 Olympic ski racing pistes. Hakuba 47/Goryu is around half the size but a fun ski area and Iwatake has access to 50km of further slopes, but a much smaller vertical. Traditional guesthouses are the order of the day in terms of accommodation and as you might expect, the food is fantastic and there are numerous hot spring onsens to unwind in at the end of the ski day.
Beginner
Fast lifts- Intermediate
- Resort Activities
Advanced- Aprés
Snow- Value
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fantastic variety in the valley with 10 ski areas
- Great snow record and access to some of Japan’s best powder
- Authentic Japanese experience and great food
Cons
- Language barrier can be an issue
- Driving between ski areas is required and this can be tricky in snow
- Off piste skiing is very heavily regulated, hire a guide for the best access
Menu
Early Intermediate (Blue) 
Intermediate (Red) 
Advanced Intermediate (Silver) 
Advanced (Purple) 
Expert (Gold) 
Aspirer (Red) 
Intermediate (Silver)