Skiing Japan: Alpenglow’s First Season in Hokkaido

Isaac Laredo recently returned from an unforgettable ski season in Japan, guiding multiple trips across some of Hokkaido’s most iconic terrain. From Niseko to Furano, each adventure delivered a unique blend of powder, cultural immersion, and camaraderie, making this one of the most memorable years yet.

A Season Defined by Contrast

Laredo’s first trip of the season, a five-day excursion in Niseko, was unlike any he had experienced before. Known for its bottomless powder, Niseko instead saw the longest high-pressure period in years—12 consecutive days without snowfall. Despite the lack of fresh accumulation, the group still found excellent skiing. Surface facets, creative route choices, and a memorable descent into Mount Yotei’s crater ensured that every day delivered. While the trip lacked the legendary Japow, the crew walked away saying it was one of their best experiences in Japan, thanks to the rare opportunity to ski in sunshine with ocean views and perfect visibility.

Classic Japan: The Open Enrollment Itinerary

The next adventure followed the established eight-day open enrollment format, moving through Otaru, Furano, and Sapporo. This group included skiers who had visited Japan before but never for leisure, making it their first time truly immersing themselves in the experience.

They were greeted with a spectacular start—high-quality snow, clear views of Mount Yotei, and the perfect mix of backcountry and resort skiing. Storm skiing in Sapporo, untouched lift-access powder in Furano, and microclimate touring in the Daisetsuzan range provided a well-rounded showcase of Japan’s terrain. Each day ended with the full cultural experience: onsens for recovery and carefully selected local restaurants offering everything from yakiniku to fresh sushi.

Hitting the Jackpot

Laredo’s third trip, the first open enrollment group of the season, was a dream scenario for powder hunters. The conditions were perfect—nonstop snowfall, deep turns, and no shortage of fresh tracks. The crew experienced everything from lift-access backcountry to long, sustained powder laps in the birch forests of Furano. One of the highlights was dropping in from a ski resort summit, skiing through classic Japanese scenery with wide-spaced trees and just the right amount of wind-blown sassafras poking through the snow.

The final leg of the trip was capped off with an izakaya-style farewell dinner—sashimi, yakitori, fresh Hokkaido crab, and the kind of storytelling that only happens after a week of deep powder and shared adventure.

The Evolution of Skiing in Japan

Looking back on the season, Laredo noted a few key differences compared to previous years.

Best conditions ever: The second and third trips were among the best he had ever guided, with consistently deep snow, excellent stability, and manageable winds.

More skiers, more strategy: Japan’s popularity continues to rise, meaning finding fresh tracks requires deeper terrain knowledge. This year, strategic use of ski touring gear allowed for untouched lines daily.

A complete experience: More than just the skiing, what sets Japan apart is its full-spectrum experience—powder by day, onsens by evening, and incredible food throughout.

The Value of a Guide in Japan

Reflecting on the season, Laredo emphasized how much a well-planned, guided trip can enhance the Japan experience. Navigating Hokkaido’s microclimates, knowing where to find the best snow, and avoiding lift-line chaos make all the difference.

“Even in high-pressure periods, we were skiing great snow every day,” he noted. “Meanwhile, I’d talk to people at the resort who were struggling with icy conditions. That’s the difference a guide makes.”

Beyond the skiing, logistics can be a challenge for travelers unfamiliar with Japan’s cultural and language barriers. A dialed itinerary, local knowledge of onsens and restaurants, and seamless transportation all add to the experience, ensuring guests focus on skiing rather than stress.

Japan: A Must-Visit for Any Skier

Laredo firmly believes Japan belongs on every skier’s list. The combination of unbeatable snow, a welcoming culture, and world-class food make it unlike any other destination.

“I was there for over a month, and every single day, I skied high-quality powder,” he said. “There aren’t many places in the world where you can say that.”

For those considering a trip to Japan, the message is simple: go. Whether it’s the iconic tree skiing, the onsens, or the late-night ramen after an all-time powder day, the experience is guaranteed to be unforgettable.

Want to join us in Japan? Click here for the expedition overview.