You haven't really tried off piste until you've been to Japan, they say it is like floating on air and they aren't wrong - light & fluffy powder, fresh tracks every time, you won't get bored!!
Now the question is where to go.
Hakuba is known for its epic backcountry and if powder is the name of the game for you with a real cultural experience, then this is the place to go!!
On the other hand there is Niseko- the most famous resort of Japan. It is much more international. Here is where you will find luxury accommodation and more polished infrastructure.
We will leave it in your hands to decide which is best but below is a little snapshot of what ALS Ski can organise for you!
FROM TOKYO TO NISEKO
An adventure in Japan: begin your holiday at the Mandarin Oriental, and indulge in the luxury it has to offer, enjoying afternoon tea and gourmet dinners. By day, wander through Tokyo or take a guided tour, visit the museums, the Tsukjii Fish Market, the Tokyo Sky Tree and much more, all of which ALS can organise for you. Take advantage of the spa and the impeccable service.
After a luxurious stay in Tokyo, head up into the mountains to a beautiful apartment in the Hotel Shiki, Niseko, or a private rental apartment. The lift pass includes access to four interlinking resorts with endless wide, perfectly groomed pistes, powder bowls and tree runs. Once you are tired of the pistes, we can arrange guides to for ski touring and backcountry skiing. After skiing, there are plenty of Michelin starred restaurants, cosy apres bars, authentic Japanese food and also more Western options.
With transport and activities organised for you, all you have to do is enjoy the city and the snow!
HAKUBA
However, if Niseko does not appeal to you, from Tokyo you can also travel to Hakuba. Hakuba has a slightly different vibe. It is much bigger than Niseko and you have to be prepared to catch a shuttle bus to sample all of the 11 ski resorts in the valley, all unified under one pass. Hakuba is home to excellent backcountry skiing, with good opportunities for skinning and hiking up the mountains. With vast sections of ungroomed piste, Hakuba is not as polished as Niseko, and might be recommended to the more experienced skier. Yet, although the slopes might not be so luxurious, the hotels certainly are. Stay in the Hotel Hakuba Springs and pamper yourself after a long days skiing, or, alternatively we can find you a private villa.
