Ski in Canada: Canada Magic Tour! New Year in British Columbia

PRICE PER PERSON: FROM € 2.650

(*) Price per person: prices are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking as the travel package is built with hotels whose costs vary over time. The price is per person in a double room occupancy.

Many of You asked this Ski Trip!!! Now you have it

Viaggi Sport takes you to Celebrate New Year‘s Eve Skiing and Snowboarding  in Canada, with this Deal to Jump On!
For the End of the Year we have a Single Date Group Tour, from 27 December to 05 January. You will have dedicated and exclusive our Tour Leader Ski Instructor for the entire Ski Trip!  You will Ski and Snowboard in British Columbia Canada Powder Snow !!! One of the snowiest places on the planet, and we will celebrate together New Year’s Eve in Revelstoke.

OPTION FOR HELISKI ONE DAY OR MULTIDAY !!! ASK US FOR THE BEST DEAL WE WORK WITH ALL THE COMPANIES!

Flights are not included in the price but Ask Us for the best quotes for You!

Here are the Details of the Tour:

CANADA MAGIC TOUR! NEW YEAR IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

TYPESpecial Group Departure with Tour Leader English Speaking.
START27 DECEMBER.
END05 JANUARY.
GROUP 5 skiers or snowboarders + 1 Tour Leader.
PRICEfrom € 2,650 (*) PER PERSON. Price based on 5 Persons Group.
INCLUDED
All Airport / Hotel Transfers at each stage of the tour and All Minivan / Van type transfers with driver (Tour Leader).
Qualified Ski Instructor who will be the Tour Leader for the Group.
Overnight Accomodation in Hotel of Standard Category, Double Room Occupancy with Breakfast Inlcuded.
Skipass for ski days in the lifts of British Columbia / 2 Days of Catskiing (ski and snowboard with snowcat!) with Qualified Alpine Guide and Lunch Included / 1 Day of Ski Touring and Snowboard Backcountry at Roger Pass with Qualified Alpine Guide or Expert Tour Leaders.
Special Assistance Service “Never Alone in Sport” that includes On Site Assistance by tour leader and 24-hour service phone online Assistance from our Office.
Medical and Luggage Loss Travel Insurance.
A Rental Pocket Wifi is available for the group to be always connected with smartphone and tablet.
NOT INCLUDED
Flights to / from Canada
(Ask us for the best quote), Optional Insurances: Travel Cancellation and Accident Coverage during Sports Activities.
Lunches and Dinners.
Extensions to the Travel Program and Extra Activities Travel Program, for example Heliski Single Day or Multi Days, Extra Day Catskiing, Ski with Snowmobile, Extra Day Backcountry Ski Touring.
Single Room Occupancy Surcharge.
Possibility to rent sport equipment on site: skis, boots and equipment.
Road tolls, Parking and Fuel costs for the car during the transfers of the ski trip.
Tips, Personal Extra Costs and All not mentioned in “INCLUDED”.

(*) Price per person: prices are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking as the travel package is built with hotels whose costs vary over time. The price is per person in a double room occupancy.

viaggi sport sci canada

 

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TRAVEL PROGRAM:

For this Canada Magic Tour Ski Trip we turn to Intermediate to Expert Skiers and Snowboarders, who wants the best: for this reason the itinerary will be developed based on the best snow conditions that we will find before departure: you will be guaranteed to be in the Right Place at the Right Time!

However, we can give you some indications on how the Canada Magic Tour will take place:

  • Duration: 10 – 12 days in total (depending on the flight schedule).
  • Stages : We will move with our Van or Suv 4wd from Calgary to Best Ski Snowboard Freeride Spots of Canada : Revelstoke, Kicking Horse, Whitewater Nelson, Kaslo, Rogers Pass, Banff, Lake Louise, Castle Mountain.
  • Catskiing Days and Heliski Day (optional) will take place in Revelstoke, Nelson and Kaslo Area.
  • To find the Best Conditions we will not ski only with lifts: there will be 1 Day Backountry Ski mountaineering / snowboarding or Splitboard with skins or snowshoes at Rogers Pass. There will be 2 Days of Catskiing with Snowcat and

    OPTION FOR HELISKI ONE DAY OR MULTIDAY !!! ASK US FOR THE BEST DEAL WE WORK WITH ALL THE COMPANIES!

WANT MORE INFO ABOUT THIS TRIP? JUST CONTACT US!



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    Canada : Backcountry Ski and Splitboard in Rogers Pass British Columbia.

    Rogers Pass is one of the Best Backcountry Ski Touring Mountaineering in North America.
    But first of all Rogers Pass is a National Historic Site of Canada, given its importance in the history of the Pacific Railway and the Country.

    Rogers Pass (elevation 1,330 m or 4,360 ft) is in fact a High Mountain Pass in the Selkirk Mountains, one the snowiest Mountain Ranges in the world, in the Heart of Glacier National Park. It is used since the end of 19th century by the Canadian Pacific Railway and after the Trans-Canada Highway, as an important shortcut across the “Big Bend” of the Columbia River from Revelstoke on the West to Golden, on the East.

    Being in a National Park there are no Ski Lifts, it is forbidden to Fly with Helicopters and Access to Snow Cats and Snowmobiles: MOTHER NATURE REIGNS HERE! And what a Nature! You will be amazed by the Immensity, the Peaks and the Glaciers, but above all by the Silence in this Magic Place. And of course the snow, that here falls so heavy during the winter season.

    Canada Splitboard Tour

    There are anyway some Important Things to know when Ski and Snowboard Backcountry in Rogers Pass.
    The First fundamental Aspect is that Rogers Pass is NOT a Ski Resort! The Itineraries are not controlled and you are in a very Wild Environment, do not take it easy! We highly recommend, especially if it’s the first time here, to come with a Mountain Guide or Local Tour Leader.
    The Second Rule is Control: to Ski and Snowboard Backcountry in Rogers Pass Area, even for a single day, Registration at the Park Rangers Office is MANDATORY. After that you will get a permit and a stamp to be left in the car: this will be issued to report your presence inside the National Park.
    NEWS FROM THE 2019-2020 SEASON: It has been made MANDATORY to Ski and Snowboard Backcountry in Rogers Pass, in addition to the permit, to perform an Online Test for the Knowledge of the Rules of Attendance in Winter of the Glacier National Park. There are in fact many areas where it is absolutely forbidden to enter and ski, and failure to comply with these provisions is punished very hard by the Canadian Law. Not Joking!

    Viaggi Sport Sci Snowboard Canada Rogers Pass

    In Rogers Pass the Access to the Ski and Snowboard Backcountry Itineraries is often very long and the Distances are large. For this reason, there are here a couple of Refuges or Equipped Huts called “Cabins”. The Cabins are equipped with beds and are heated with wood stoves, but food and garbage must be transported uphill and downhill. This also allow multi-day backcountry ski tours between the Glaciers and the Peaks of the National Park.

     

    From the Base Departure near the Trans Canada Highway, after the compulsory registration at the Park Rangers Office, you start with the skins for endless possible itineraries, by different length and difficulty. Most of the Ski and Snowboard Backcountry Itineraries take place above the forest belt, therefore the Ski and Snowboard Day at Rogers Pass is recommended in case of good weather and visibility.
    If you love skiing and riding into the wild you absolutely have to try Rogers Pass!

    Ski and Snowboard in Canada with Viaggi Sport! 

    WATCH HERE THE VIDEO OF REVELSTOKE SKI AND SNOWBOARD IN ROGERS PASS:

    WANT MORE INFO ABOUT THIS TRIP? JUST CONTACT US!



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      Ski and Snowboard in Canada : Kicking Horse Ski Resort

      Ski and Snowboard in Kicking Horse! Freeride World Tour North America Stage.
      When you think about a Ski Area in Canada, you immediately say: “Hey It’s Big, It’s Huge!!!” and that’s what Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is!
      Located on the Legendary Powder Highway in Canada British Columbia, Kicking Horse with its town Golden, is always our first stop from Calgary on “Canada Magic Tour” : WE LOVE IT !!!

      There’s Sick Terrain here for Freeride and large amount of Fresh Snow, that’s why Kicking Horse is so famous and hosts every year the North America Stage of the Freeride World Tour on the Legendary Ozone Bowl

      The thing that immediately impressed us about this place is, sorry if we are repetitive, but the SIZE!
      The Ski Resort, thanks to inbound add of new zones, extends over several acres along a beautiful Mountain Ridge, the Purcell Mountains, with Alpine Scenery of Steep Chutes and Open Runs, and of course the main dish of Canada, the Woods and Forest for excellent Tree Skiing!

      There are not many lifts, and the one that is used the most is certainly the Golden Eagle Express Gondola and the Stairway to Heaven Quad Chair , that guarantee access to the Kicking Horse Freeride Playground with breathtaking descents that are also quite technical. You walk a bit on the ridge in classic North American Bootpack Style for access to beautiful descents. Don’t underestimate the terrain and the avalanche risk, here is real big mountain, be safe out there!

      In the Ski Lift surrounding  there is no village, all life here is  down the valley in Golden, the typical town on the Highway that will warm Welcome You among its Pubs and Restaurants in the most Classic Canadian Style.

      WATCH HERE THE VIDEO OF KICKING HORSE SKI AND SNOWBOARD:

      WANT MORE INFO ABOUT THIS TRIP? JUST CONTACT US!



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        Ski and Snowboard in Canada: The Heliski.

        Helicopter Ski, better known as Heliski, is a type of backcountry freeride skiing and snowboarding that uses a helicopter to access remote areas and slopes of virgin powder snow.
        It all started again in Canada, in the Rocky Mountains, from the vision of Hans Gmoser, an Austrian immigrant who first had the idea of ​​using a helicopter to reach immaculate peaks and valleys and to ski them.
        Heliski is an activity that takes place on pristine snow, on remote mountains, far from the slopes of a Ski Resort. What sets Heliski apart from other types of freeride and backcountry is that skiers and snowboarders are transported by helicopter to the top of these remote peaks. The use of a helicopter allows the skier or snowboarder to quickly reach significant altitudes and spectacular itineraries that would otherwise be difficult to access.

        Viaggi Sport Heliski in Canada Sci Snowboard Freeride Backcountry
        Our Viaggi Sport Heliski Group in March 2018.

         

        Heliski is a truly unique experience: it combines the magical sensation of flying in the high mountains, and the thrill of sliding through the fresh snow, down unspoiled off-piste skiing that otherwise you could never ski. This is why Heliski has become a popular adventure, especially in Canada, attracting more and more skiers and snowboarders every year, whether they are beginners or expert freeriders.
        Heliski can be either single-day or multi-day. As for the Catski, skiers / snowboarders are always assisted by expert Alpine Guides. The safety procedures are very strict and tested: nothing is given to chance!
        The skier will always be followed by one or more guides, usually one at the head of the group (head guide), and one or even two at the tail (tail guide).

        viaggi sport sci canada heliski

        The first day of Heliski (or the single day) always starts with a briefing by the guides on safety and avalanche self-rescue technique and a buried search simulation is always performed. Much importance is also given to how to move near the helicopter during ski unloading. In the following days, skiing starts immediately after breakfast. Generally in Canada the Heliski is done on different terrains: from the forest, which can reach up to 2000 meters here, to the Alpine of glaciers and high mountains, where it is possible to ski on clear days and with low risk of avalanches. With Viaggi Sport you can have different Options of Heliski: from half day with 3 descents to multi-day formulas with overnight stay in a Remote Lodge in the woods or in a Hotel in the Ski Town.

        viaggi sport heliski canada

        Almost all the Heliski Companies we work in Canada are located in Revelstoke Area. All offer first-class standards and services, the maintenance and safety of the machines is obsessive by technicians and mechanics like nowhere else in the world, not even in Alaska. All use small helicopters for 4 people + guide, thus ensuring greater speed and more descents for skiers and snowboarders. And above all, all offer UNLIMITED VERTICAL DROP without limitation and payment of extra meters once on site!
        On a Heliski day you can do 6 to 10 descents, even exceeding 3000 meters in vertical drop. There is always a break for lunch and the pick-up and drop-off at the beginning and end of the day takes place from special hangars and equipped pitches.

        If you like skiing in fresh Powder Snow, Heliski is something you must try at least once in your life: let’s do it with Viaggi Sport !!!

         

        WATCH HERE THE HELISKI VIDEO IN CANADA:

         

        WANT MORE INFO ABOUT THIS TRIP? JUST CONTACT US!



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          Ski and Snowboard in Canada: The Catskiing

          Catskiing, or Snowcat Ski, is the freeride skiing and snowboarding with snow cats, and was born (needless to say) in Canada over 30 years ago, at Meadow Creek in British Columbia.

          Brenda and Alan Drury, a couple of local skiers, had the “stroke of genius” during a winter vacation in Aspen Colorado, and realized that the machines with which they shaped the ski slopes could be an excellent vehicle for the Backcountry Access. However, there was a need for a network of roads or paths wide enough to allow the snowcat to uphill  in order to make the service available for the whole ski season;  the so-called “logging roads” came to aid: these are the roads used by the numerous logging companies to access the valley from the woods, and they were unused during the winter season. So it was that in 1975 the first Catskiing company was born, Selkirk Wilderness, which was followed by many others (only in British Columbia today there are at least a dozen), going up to the present day when Catskiing has spread throughout the world, from Alaska to Japan to Kyrgyzstan and Chile. The growth has been exponential in the last 10 years, also thanks to the numerous media and magazines that have made this way of skiing known to the general public.

          With the constant improvement of technology, Catskiing can now fully compete with the most famous (and most expensive) Heliski both in terms of quality and quantity.
          In Canada the Piston Bully 300 snowcats are becoming the industry standard, much more efficient than the old Bombardier that are gradually disappearing. This means that the vehicles are able to climb up steeper slopes and therefore access an even larger terrain and faster, for the happiness of skiers and snowboarders who can ski much more 🙂
          Even the ascents have become much more fun as the snow cats drive in a much more fluid and silent way, providing excellent rest between one descent and another, which in Heliski is not often possible, due to the more accelerated flight and loading / unloading rhythms.

          Viaggio Sci e Snowboard in Canada Catskiing Revelstoke

          Catskiing can be done both on a single day or on several days (multiday formula), such as heliskiing.
          The Security Procedures are very strict and tested: nothing is left to chance! The skier or snowboarder is always followed by one or more certified Alpine Guides, usually one at the head of the group (head guide), and one or even two at the tail (tail guide).
          The first day of Catskiing (or the single day) always starts with a briefing by the guides on the loading and unloading procedures of the snowcat and its maneuvers, on safety and on the avalanche self-rescue technique and a simulation is always performed of research buried in a group with the AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVER. Some companies provide self-rescue equipment by default, others allow customers to bring their own material.
          In the following days, however, if you have chosen the multiday formula, skiing starts immediately after breakfast at the Lodge where you stay. The first drop-off of the day usually takes place near the Lodge. We then head to the farthest parts of the area to then return closer to the Lodge in the afternoon, ending the day no later than 16.00. With some Catskiing companies it is possible to ski to the Lodge with the last descent of the day. You rarely ski the same descent several times, as the vastness of all the areas of Catskiing allows an extreme variety of choice.
          The group is composed as we said by a Head Guide, and one or two Tail Guides that close the group, by the driver of the snowcat and usually by 12 skiers or snowboarders. Almost all the Catskiing companies we operate, they manage 2 or 3 snow cats, therefore a total of 24 or 36 guests per day. For pre-established groups there is also the possibility of renting the entire snowcat for exclusive use in private mode (always with guides), as we did on our trip to Canada in March 2018 and January 2020.

          Viaggio Sci e Snowboard in Canada Catskiing Freeride

          The weather and the snow conditions clearly impose the type of ski terrain on which you will go every day, after a careful analysis and evaluation by the guides. On clear days and with less avalanche danger you can go up to the High Mountain Alpine, while on snowy and cloudy days you will generally ski at lower altitudes in the woods among the trees and glades.
          A fundamental aspect is that Catskiing, unlike Heliski, gives almost 100% probability of skiing. If in Heliski sometimes conditions do not allow, for safety procedures and standards, to be able to take the helicopter in flight, with Catskiing every day even in the middle of the snowstorm it is the good one, and perhaps you still enjoy more!
          A Catskiing run is on average 600 – 800 meters in vertical drop. The snowcat takes about 15 – 20 minutes to ascend, giving skiers and snowboarders enough time to rest their legs before the next descent.
          Some Catskiing companies stop to take a lunch break, others to maximize skiing time provide unlimited snacks, sandwiches and drinks inside the snowcat without the lunch break: we like it better this way!
          The passenger cabin on the snow cat is heated, comfortable and fairly quiet. Skiers and snowboarders often comment that they really appreciate the “social aspect” of ascents on snow cats: you laugh and joke in a much more relaxed way than on a helicopter, and also the guides themselves are the first to have fun with their guests.
          At the top of the uphill, everyone disembarks from the snowcat and helps to unload skis and snowboards (placed outside the cat on special ski racks), so the cat can turn back and start immediately to go down at the bottom of the descent to wait. Most of the Catskiing companies also have a spare snowcat, so in the unfortunate event of mechanical failure, the ski day program can continue without interruption.

          WATCH HERE THE CATSKIING VIDEO IN REVELSTOKE CANADA:

           

          WANT MORE INFO ABOUT THIS TRIP? JUST CONTACT US!



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            Ski in Japan : Japow! New Year in Hokkaido.

            PRICE PER PERSON:  FROM € 2.600

            (*) Price per person: prices are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking as the travel package is built with hotels whose costs vary over time. The price is per person in a double room occupancy.

            Many of You asked this Ski Trip!!! Now you have it

            Viaggi Sport takes you to Celebrate New Year’s Eve Skiing and Snowboarding  in Japan, with this Deal to Jump On!
            For the End of the Year we have a Single Date Group Tour, from 27 December to 05 January. You will have dedicated and exclusive our Tour Leader Ski Instructor for the entire Ski Trip!  You will Ski and Snowboard in Japan Powder Snow !!! One of the snowiest places on the planet, and we will celebrate together New Year’s Eve in Hokkaido… Culture won’t be missing with a Visit of Sapporo City.
            Flights are not included in the price but Ask Us for the best quotes for You!

            Here are the Details of the Tour:

            JAPOW! NEW YEAR IN HOKKAIDO

            TYPESpecial Group Departure with Tour Leader English Speaking.
            START27 DECEMBER.
            END05 JANUARY.
            GROUP 5 skiers or snowboarders + 1 Tour Leader.
            PRICEfrom € 2,600 (*) PER PERSON. Price based on 5 Persons Group.
            INCLUDED
            All Airport / Hotel Transfers at each stage of the tour and All Minivan / Van type transfers with driver (Tour Leader).
            Qualified Ski Instructor who will be the Tour Leader for the Group.
            Overnight Accomodation in Hotel of Standard Category, Double Room Occupancy with Breakfast Inlcuded.
            Skipass for ski days in the lifts of Hokkaido.
            Special Assistance Service “Never Alone in Sport” that includes On Site Assistance by tour leader and 24-hour service phone online Assistance from our Office.
            Medical and Luggage Loss Travel Insurance.
            A Rental Pocket Wifi is available for the group to be always connected with smartphone and tablet.
            NOT INCLUDED
            Flights to / from Japan (Ask us for the best quote), Optional Insurances: Travel Cancellation and Accident Coverage during Sports Activities.
            Lunches and Dinners.
            Extensions to the Travel Program and Extra Activities Travel Program, for example Ski with Snowmobile, Catskiing, Visit of Tokyo City.
            Single Room Occupancy Surcharge.
            Possibility to rent sport equipment on site: skis, boots and equipment.
            Road tolls, Parking and Fuel costs for the car during the transfers of the ski trip.
            Tips, Personal Extra Costs and All not mentioned in “INCLUDED”.

            (*) Price per person: prices are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking as the travel package is built with hotels whose costs vary over time. The price is per person in a double room occupancy.

            Viaggio Sci Giappone Tour Expert Hokkaido Sci Freeride

             

            1

            Day 1 - 27 December: Sapporo Airport / Niseko

            Arrival at Sapporo Airport where our Tour Leader will take care of pick up of the rental van for the tour. Transfer by van to Niseko for overnight at the hotel. Free meals and overnight stay at the Hotel in Niseko.
            2

            Day 2 - 28 December: Ski in Niseko

            Breakfast at the Hotel in Niseko. Today starts your adventure on the Legendary Japanese Snow! With our Tour Leader and the Group you will Ski the first day in the Niseko Area (skipass included). Free meals and overnight stay at the Hotel in Niseko.
            3

            From Day 3 to Day 9 - From 29 December to 04 January: Ski and Snowboard Tour in Hokkaido

            With our Tour Leader and Local Guide you and the Group will explore and ski the Hokkaido Powder Snow in a tour road trip of the Island with transfers and skipass included and two days of Backcountry Skiing  or Splitboard Snowboard with skins. Overnight at the Hotel or Ryokan (typical family guesthouse) always with Breakfast Included (extra lunch and dinner not included).
            4

            Day 10 - 05 January: Sapporo Airport

            Breakfast at the Hotel in Sapporo. Transfer with van from your Hotel to Sapporo New Chitose Airport, in coicincidence with your scheduled flight to home. End of the Ski Trip in Japan.

             

            WANT MORE INFO ABOUT THIS TRIP? JUST CONTACT US!



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              Ski in Japan : Hakuba and Japanese Alps

              Today we want to take You to an Area of ​​Japan a little less known for skiing than the Hokkaido, Hakuba and the Japanese Alps.

              Last January, after a Tour in Hokkaido we decided to spend a few days there and it was the DEEPEST skiing days of the Season! It hasn’t stopped snowing for five days, maybe too much we would say 🙂
              Five long days of no-stop snowing ; guess we have seen the sunlight for about half an hour: what do you say, did we have fun?

              viaggi sport alpi giapponesi sci snowboard
              Our car should be down here… somewhere…

               

              Geographically, the Japanese Alps are one of the largest Mountain Ranges in Japan, and are located on Honshu Island, the Main Island of Japan, same of Tokyo, so you don’t have to take another flight to get there. It’s located about 4 hours drive from Tokyo and are well served by a network of highways and railways.

              viaggi sport mappa alpi giapponesi
              Japanese Alps Map

              Unlike Hokkaido, the terrain here reminds us our home mountains; though the comparison with the Alps for us  seems a little bit forced (we would have called them “Japanese pre-Alps”). However some peaks reach even more than 3,000 meters elevation and some mountains are really worthy of the name, an example above all is the Hakuba Valley Range.

              Viaggio Sci Giappone Tour Expert Hakuba
              Hakuba Mountain Range

              In fact it is not so true that this place is unknown: in the Japanese Alps there are more than 500 Ski Resorts, in memory of the boom that even here in the 80s and 90s knew the Winter Sport. Do you remember the 1998 Nagano Olympics? Well, it was here in the Japanese Alps.

              viaggi sport olimpiadi nagano 1998
              Nagano Olympic Games 1998 Logo

               

              The size of the Ski Resorts is not big on average. These are mostly small areas with 4-5 lifts, except perhaps Hakuba and Nozawa Onsen, the largest and most crowded. Ski lifts take us back to when we were children, another paradox of Japan, where you can still find gondola lifts with hand-closed doors and single-seater chairlifts without a safety bar … also this is an experience that is not expected from one of the most technological countries of the world, this a joke you could tell friends at home.

              Viaggi Sport Alpi Giapponesi seggiovia monoopsto
              Japan, one of the few places in the world where you can still experience the thrill of an 80’s single-seater chair lift. Photo by www.powderhounds.com

               

              As we wrote for the Hokkaido Ski Trip -> HERE <-, even in the Japanese Alps the best time for ski and snowboard is from mid January to mid February.
              And as for Hokkaido you have to pay close attention to driving on icy and snowy roads, choose the correct itinerary based on many factors, the places and the right period: therefore relying on an Organized Travel is the best choice for You.

              At this point, we know, the doubt becomes atrocious: Hokkaido or Japanese Alps?
              So even here it depends on many variables. As variables are now Winters all over the world: tracing certainties is really difficult.
              Last winter the Japanese Alps saw a lot of snow, with storms that lasted even whole days (we caught one for five days), but the previous winter according to the “locals” did not go very well, as it went better in Hokkaido.
              Usually folks say that in Hokkaido it snows more than in the Japanese Alps, we don’t feel like confirming or denying … it could have been true until 10 years ago, today no more, maybe it will be next winter, who knows ?

              viaggi sport tateyama pass neve
              Anyone who says it doesn’t snow in the Japanese Alps should take a ride in spring at Tateyama Pass.

              Certainly in the Japanese Alps the temperatures are not as cold as those of Hokkaido, and a full sunny day can bring, especially if we are at low altitudes, to very spring snow within a few hours. Okk, maybe the snow won’t be the Cold Smoke of Hokkaido, but we assure you that in a run I guess I counted at least 16 consecutive faceshots, then I got bored and I no longer counted, I had the mask misted 🙂

              viaggi sport sci alpi giapponesi
              Faceshot Party on Japanese Alps

              Hakuba with its ski resorts is the best known place. Is competing with Niseko for the palm of Japan’s number one ski resort. It is also the most developed of all with fast and modern systems, divided into small distinct areas: the main ones are Happo One and Hakuba Cortina, so called to replicate the famous Dolomite resort, but with a very bad aesthetic result. Here beautiful woods even steep and many Backcountry and Ski Touring options.
              In Hakuba, a stage of the Freeride World Qualifier was hosted in January 2017 (after it was Freeride World Tour stage) for the first time ever on the Asian Continent. Freeride ski and snowboard pros and champions from all over the world gathered here to challenge each other. Very popular place, crowded,  but it is absolutely worth spending at least one day.

              viaggi sport travis rice hakuba freeride world qualifier
              Freeride Snowboard Champion and Pro Travis Rice at the Freeride World Qualifier in Hakuba in January 2017

              Moving away from Hakuba there are many other Ski Areas that are worth discovering, but we don’t want to tell you more ;-).
              Just keep in mind that with a little luck and with the good group you will never forget your skiing and snowboarding days in these places.

              viaggi sport alpi giapponesi sci snowboard giappone hakuba
              We know a place lost in the Japanese Alps where it never stops snowing …

              Typical of these areas are the numerous Thermal Hot Springs, the so called Onsen. You will find them everywhere. What’s better than a Relaxing Thermal Bath after a ski day???
              They also made one for monkeys: don’t miss this show!

              Viaggi Sport Giappone Sci e Cultura Nagano Snow Monkeys
              Nagano Snow Monkeys: the Macaco’s Hot Springs

              E anche raggiungere le città di Kyoto e Tokyo per qualche giorno di visita culturale alla fine del viaggio sci è molto più comodo rispetto ad arrivarci dall’ Hokkaido.

              Una nota poi sulla sicurezza : a differenza dell’ Hokkaido il terreno qui è da vera montagna, con tutti i rischi che ne conseguono. Da valutare attentamente il pericolo valanghe sopratutto in periodi di grandi sbalzi termici e di vento, scegliere i giusti pendii ed essere equipaggiati e preparati all’ autosoccorso.

              Che dire, così come il mio primo viaggio in Hokkaido mi ha lasciato senza parole, questi cinque giorni che ho trascorso sulle Alpi Giapponesi sono stati indimenticabili : il nuovo affascina sempre, e dopo 3 viaggi in Hokkaido non vedo l’ ora di ritornare qui nelle Alpi Giapponesi.
              Sicuramente posso consigliarlo a chi è già stato una volta a sciare in Hokkaido e vuole provare un posto diverso, sciisticamente più divertente, anche per gli snowboarders che non vanno molto d’ accordo con i piattoni 🙂

              Even reaching Tokyo or Kyoto cities for a few days of Cultural Visit at the end of the ski trip is much more comfortable than coming from Hokkaido.

              A note about the Mountain Safety: unlike Hokkaido the terrain here in Japanese Alps is real mountain, with all the risks that follow. To assess carefully the avalanche danger especially in periods of great temperature changes and wind, choose the right slopes and be equipped and prepared for self-rescue.

              What can we say, just as our first trip to Hokkaido left us speechless, these five days we spent in the Japanese Alps have been unforgettable: the new always fascinates, and after 5 trips to Hokkaido we can’t wait to come back here in Japanese Alps.
              Surely we can recommend it to those who have already been skiing in Hokkaido once and want to try a different place, more fun from a skiing point of view, even for snowboarders who do not get along very well with the flat 🙂

               

              TRAVEL WITH VIAGGI SPORT!

              WANT MORE INFO ABOUT THIS TRIP? JUST CONTACT US!



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                Ski in Japan : Hokkaido the Powder Factory

                Many of you already know it, some have been there, many talk about it … And too many would like to go there !!!

                Hokkaido, Island of Japan in the far North, almost on the border with Siberia, has become a Powder – Mecca in the last 10 years.
                It was “discovered” by Skiers Jp Auclair and Chris Benchetler around 2008, who, attracted by the amount of snow and the very playful terrain, decided to film important Ski-Movies there, then returning every year.

                chris benchetler sci giappone

                Since then, Hokkaido has been attracting Ski and Snowboard Freeride enthusiasts from all over the world, with its famous snowfall every winter. Also complicit bad winters in all Hemispheres (from the Alps to Canada to the southern hemisphere, we have all experienced periods of no snow in alternate phases), this small island has been able to hold on, thanks to the Siberian currents that bring Cold and Snow, and has earned the title of “Powder Factory”.
                And in fact it is not uncommon to feel like the child protagonist of Wolly Wonka in the Chocolate Factory, but that this is all covered in white!

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                Willy Wonka and the Factory … OF POWDER 🙂 Japow !!!

                 

                Let’s try to Answer some Curiosities and Questions about the Ski and Snowboard Trip in Hokkaido, from the Experience of our past Ski Trips ince 2011.

                HOW TO ARRIVE ?
                You can choose to fly from Tokyo to Sapporo International Airport, the capital of Hokkaido Prefecture and famous for the 1972 Winter Olympics. The flight is short, about 1 hour. This is also the best choice to take advantage, at the end of the ski snowboard trip, to do at least one day in Tokyo to visit the city. But if you really don’t care, you can also fly directly to Sapporo from your city (depending on airline routes).
                From Sapporo then you move to the island of Hokkaido by car, paying attention to very important details, such as driving on the right, the icy roads and the international driving license necessary for driving.

                viaggio sci giappone aereo pokemon blog

                 

                ALONE OR IN GROUP ?
                We really advise against arriving unprepared in these areas.
                So why not rely on professionals and leave with no stress? Many want to make this trip every year but find it hard to find someone to follow them. The solution is our Group Travel, designed for skiers and snowboarders at the same level and with a small group (small group = great fun :-)), but above all with an expert and prepared Tour Leader who will follow you from the start of the ski trip, and will take care of the whole organization of the Travel on site.

                For those who want to move independently, or already have their own group and want to leave free, we have the option of the Independent Free Travel: leave as and when you want, together we build the itinerary and the content of the journey. Thanks to our advice and the help of our collaborators on site you will never be alone!

                Our Local Guides can take you on Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Tours, Snowmobiling and Catskiing with the Snow Cat: you will not get bored!

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                Little Group = Big Fun … Our Travel Philosophy

                 

                WHAT ABOUT THE MOUNTAINS AND THE TERRAIN?
                Talking about mountains in Hokkaido is perhaps a bit exaggerated, especially for us that are used to the Alps. In Hokkaido you can ski on altitudes that rarely exceed 1,000 meters above sea level. The highest mountain is Asahidake, at 2,290 meters, a volcano that can also be skied and ridden with skins.
                In Hokkaido you can ski mainly in the woods and the slopes are very gentle, rarely exceeding 40 degrees: if you are a steep lover  go elsewhere :-). This is compensated by the abundance of snow in one of the most playful skiable terrains on the planet. Fun is guaranteed with natural jumps and pillows immersed in the Powder.

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                “Surfing” the mellow Powder Slopes of Hokkaido

                WHEN TO GO ?
                January and February are the months for Hokkaido. Before it is not advisable as the terrain may not yet be completely covered. And already after February spring makes itself felt. In March it is still possible to ski, indeed it is a good period but only for backcountry ski touring or splitboard on the numerous Volcanoes of the Island (Asahidake, Kurodake, Yotei, etc …). January is the perfect month, but also the most popular and crowded.

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                In January in Hokkaido it snows … SERIOUSLY !!!

                 

                WHERE TO GO?
                Hokkaido is divided into two large areas. The Sapporo Area and Central Hokkaido.
                The first, the Sapporo Area is the best known, busiest and the one where it snows the most. Here we find the districts of Niseko, Rusutsu, Kiroro and Sapporo Teine. Niseko is by far the best known and most developed, but also the most crowded. Moving North in about 3-4 hours by car, you arrive at the most characteristic area of ​​Central Hokkaido. Much less crowded than the previous one, with colder temperatures but with less rainfall. We absolutely recommend you to spend at least 3 days in this area! Here we find the ski areas of Furano, Asahidake, Tomamu and Kurodake. And do not miss a day with the skins in the Daisetsuzan Tokachidake National Park, the largest National Park of Japan, better accompanied by a Guide.

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                Central Hokkaido Asahidake Ropeway and its active Volcano of 2291 meters: the Highest Peak of Hokkaido

                 

                WHAT TO DO? LIFT OR BACKCOUNTRY?
                Year after year more and more people are practicing Freeride Ski and Snowboard, and more and more are choosing to spend a week in Hokkaido hunting for Powder. If your intention is to ski only with lifts, well you can be a little disappointed, because competition is high, especially in the most famous areas such as Niseko, Rusutsu and Furano. But you just have to put the skins on to leave everyone behind and find your own private corner of Untracked Powder Snow. You are warned!

                Viaggio Sci Giappone Tour Expert Snowboard Backcountry in Hokkaido Tokachidake Mountain
                Snowboard Backcountry in Hokkaido Daisetsuzan Tokachidake National Park

                 

                ONLY SKI ? NO!
                The good thing of a Ski Trip in Japan is that unlike many other places, there is also History and Culture there. Therefore it would be really a waste to dedicate exclusively 10 days to skiing. A visit to the of Sapporo City, perhaps during the Snow Festival time to admire the imposing snow sculptures, or get lost in the glittering and hyper-technological neighborhoods of Tokyo, or enter the workshop of a craftsman, or attend the Tea Ceremony … Also these are the memories that will make your Ski Trip in Japan unforgettable!

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                Japan is not just skiing: visit Tokyo Asakusa Temple

                 

                Watch the video of our ski trip in Hokkaido here:

                 

                 

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