Niseko Powder Week - MountainWatch Travel
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Niseko Powder Week

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  • OVERVIEW
  • INTINERARY
  • ACCOMMODATION
  • INCLUSIONS
  • GALLERY
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS
  • REVIEWS

Niseko Powder Week

World-class powder, amazing terrain, an experience incomparable to others! P/P

Discounts available when joining multiple weeks.

8th Feb - 15th Feb, 2025

Nestled on the northern island of Hokkaido in Japan, lies a powder paradise renowned among powder lovers worldwide: Niseko.

With its legendary snowfall, affectionately dubbed “Japow,” Niseko has secured its place as a premier destination for powder skiing, and we’re so excited to be going back to Hokkaido to show you around and chase that world-class powder!

Every winter, skiers and boarders come to this winter wonderland to experience riding through some of the lightest, fluffiest powder snow in the world. What makes it even more spectacular is  the stunning backdrop of Mt Yotei. An active volcano, right in the middle of the valley.

From intermediates who are after those wide open groomers, to seasoned veterans, Niseko offers an unmatched blend of pristine slopes, vibrant culture, and unforgettable experiences, making it a bucket-list destination for powder aficionados, and the perfect place to srat your Hokkaido trip!

Join us as we delve into the allure of powder skiing in Niseko, where each turn is a moment of pure bliss and every run leaves an indelible mark on the soul.

1

Day 01, 8th Feb

Welcome to Hokkaido, the northern island of Japan and home to some of the worlds best powder! Make your way Niseko via coach transfer and check into the hotel. This gives you all afternoon to settle in, relax and if you booked any rentals, now is the time to collect them and get prepped for the week ahead. Once everyone’s checked in, meet your guide and the rest of the group for some drinks, maybe some dinner and to go over the week’s plan of attack.

  • Let your consultant know if you’d like to add an airport transfer from Sapporo to Niseko.
  • Comfortable accommodation Niseko M Lodge, Western Ensuite Room – Twin Share
2

Day 02, 9th Feb

First day riding! A good breakfast at the M Hotel next door is the perfect place to fuel up, and go over the plan for the day. There’s a few different option, but seeing as it’s out first day, we’ll probably use the day to get our bearings, warm up the legs, and to get familiar with the groups abilities and riding level. The goal is always to show you to the best runs, best powder stashes and funnest terrain. Depending on group numbers, we have the option to split the group according to everyones ability, fitness and terrain preference.  

We’ll aim to meet up for drinks after each day riding to go over the day, share photos and go over tomorrow’s plan. Those who want to join us for dinner are welcome to or feel free to explore the town at your own leisure. 

  • Buffet Breakfast at M Hotel
  • Full Day Guiding Niseko
  • Niseko Lift Pass
  • Private Transfers to/from Ski Resorts
  • Comfortable accommodation Niseko M Lodge, Western Ensuite Room – Twin Share
3

Day 03, 10th Feb

Let’s go! With the legs well and truly warmed up we’ll dive deeper into the incredible Niseko Pow! There’s endless treeruns, open bowls and even short hikes accessible all through some of the many Niseko gates. Your guide(s) will be on hand all day to show you to these best areas, all ending up back at the lifts for either lunch, drinks or to go straight back up. The possibilities are endless and we can spend all day on a certain side of the mountain. That leaves tomorrow to explore the other side…

  • Buffet Breakfast at M Hotel
  • Full Day Guiding Niseko
  • Niseko Lift Pass
  • Private Transfers to/from Ski Resorts
  • Comfortable accommodation Niseko M Lodge, Western Ensuite Room – Twin Share
4

Day 04, 11th Feb

A little expedition today, as we’ll drive to the backend of Mt Niseko, to visit one of the funnest little resorts in the valley, Niseko Moiwa. What it lacks in lifts, it makes up for in incredible powder and treeruns. Sharing these runs hardly ever happens as crowds stay away from this awesome little resort. The terrain is not overly big and is serviced by 4 lifts. Most of the groomers are wide, and stay perfectly groomed, perfect for those deep carving turns. For the powder seekers, there are the many fun powder runs through the trees, and there’s some great side country a very short hike away.

After riding we can visit a stunning outdoor onsen, with water coming straight out of the volcano. It’s the perfect way to relax, and regenerate your muscles. 

  • Buffet Breakfast at M Hotel
  • Full Day Guiding Moiwa
  • Moiwa Lift Pass
  • Private Transfers to/from Ski Resorts
  • Onsen Visit
  • Comfortable accommodation Niseko M Lodge, Western Ensuite Room – Twin Share
5

Day 05, 12th Feb

It’s a rest day… or, if you want to chase more powder, a day to book in one of the many available activities in Niseko. Where you want to visit the Japanese Sea near Iwanai, maybe go touring up an active volcano, or get some incredible fresh tracks by cat skiing. Maybe you just want to relax, jump in an onsen, get a massage or visit a spa. There’s something to do for everyone and either your guide, or travel consultant can help you book these in.

  • Buffet Breakfast at M Hotel
  • Comfortable accommodation Niseko M Lodge, Western Ensuite Room – Twin Share
6

Day 06, 13th Feb

Rusutsu, one of our all time favourite resorts to visit, not just because of the quirky hotel with indoor merry go round, or the groomers zig-zagging through the snow covered theme park. No mainly because of the incredible terrain, playful tree runs and amazing powder! Rusutsu is a resort like no other, with endless inbound powder stashes and some of the deepest in resort days our staff has ever ridden! Rusutsu is a resort not to miss and only a short (30min) drive from Niseko.

On the way home we can stop at a stunning onsen, with incredible views towards Mt Yotei from their outdoor bath. 

  • Buffet Breakfast at M Hotel
  • Full Day Guiding Rusutsu
  • Rusutsu Lift Pass
  • Private Transfers to/from Ski Resorts
  • Onsen Visit
  • Comfortable accommodation Niseko M Lodge, Western Ensuite Room – Twin Share
7

Day 07, 14th Feb

It’s the last day riding and what we do today depends on the group. There’s the option to ride around Niseko, revisit everyone’s favourite runs of the week and send it just that little bit harder than before. Or… If everyone is up for one more adventure.. We can jump in the car early, and drive to Kiroro. Kiroro is on the way to Otaru, close to the ocean and you can expect the light, dry powder Japan is famous for. Kiroro features two peaks of pristine dry powder snow with runs for everyone from intermediate to well advanced. With high-speed lifts, amazing in bounds, it would be a shame to miss this incredible resort.

Back in Niseko we’ll all head out for a final dinner, on us. Celebrate the week had, to incredible powder, amazing new friends, and lifelong memories made!

  • Buffet Breakfast at M Hotel
  • Full Day Guiding Kiroro
  • Kiroro Lift Pass
  • Private Transfers to/from Ski Resorts
  • Comfortable accommodation Niseko M Lodge, Western Ensuite Room – Twin Share
8

Day 08, 15th Feb

After an epic week freeriding in the world-class Niseko powder, it’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers and guide. If Niseko is your last stop, please let your consultant know if you’d like an airport transfer. If you’re joining us in Furano, we’ll load up the van in the morning and drive you there. There might be an option to ski at a local Sapporo resort, or stop by Sapporo to visit the Ice Festival.

 

 

Please Note: the above itinerary is only an example of what each day can look like. Together with your guide you’ll decide each day where to ride depending on snow and weather forecast. You’re free to join for as long or short as you want and can explore the resorts on your own as you choose.
To find out exactly what’s included please check the inclusions tab above.
  • Niseko M Lodge
    M Lodge Niseko offers high-quality service, clean facilities, and comfortable lodgings- all within an easy distance from bars, restaurants and the slopes.
    An alternative to boutique hotels and luxury townhouses, the M Lodge Niseko provides guests with simple, well furnished en-suite rooms which include a comfortable bed, desk area, and a large refrigerator and kettle.

    Benefit from access to clean communal microwave facilities, as well as all of the amenities you have come to expect from the M Group—including complimentary WiFi, secure internal ski and snowboard storage areas, easy access to the in-house restaurant, Momiji Japanese Restaurant & Sake; and all of the assistance their friendly, attentive team of Japanese and English speaking staff can provide.
    Features
    • 7 Nights Western Room with Ensuite- Twin Share
    • Daily Breakfast at M Hotel
    • 1x Dinner included
    Niseko M Lodge
    M Lodge Niseko offers high-quality service, clean facilities, and comfortable lodgings- all within an easy distance from bars, restaurants and the slopes.
    An alternative to boutique hotels and luxury townhouses, the M Lodge Niseko provides guests with simple, well furnished en-suite rooms which include a comfortable bed, desk area, and a large refrigerator and kettle.

    Benefit from access to clean communal microwave facilities, as well as all of the amenities you have come to expect from the M Group—including complimentary WiFi, secure internal ski and snowboard storage areas, easy access to the in-house restaurant, Momiji Japanese Restaurant & Sake; and all of the assistance their friendly, attentive team of Japanese and English speaking staff can provide.
    Features
    • 7 Nights Western Room with Ensuite- Twin Share
    • Daily Breakfast at M Hotel
    • 1x Dinner included

INCLUDED

  • Comfortable Accommodation at M Lodge. Western Room with Ensuite (Twin Share)
  • Daily Breakfast at M Hotel (next door)
  • 5 Days All Mountain Guiding
  • 2 Day Niseko Lift Pass
  • 1 Day Moiwa Lift Pass
  • 1 Day Rusutsu Lift Pass
  • 1 Day Kiroro Lift Pass
  • Private Mountainwatch Transfers
  • Rest day for Activities
  • 1 Group Dinner

EXLUDED

  • Flights
  • Airport Transfers
  • Lunch + Dinner
  • Travel Insurance
  • Rentals or Add-ons

EXPERIENCE + GEAR

This tour is for the higher intermediate to experienced skier/boarder. Niseko is a great all-round resort, but our goal is to find as much powder snow as possible. We can cater this tour to anyone, but to make the most of your holiday we recommend having some powder riding experience or at least the desire to learn. Having multiple guides on hand means we can split the group up if need be and you can join them for as long or short as you want.

Groups Terms and Conditions

DEPOSIT: A NON-REFUNDABLE deposit for all bookings is required within 5 days of your confirmation to secure your booking, otherwise your reservation may be automatically cancelled. Some properties may a require deposit payment inside the standard 5 days and an increased deposit to secure the booking. Payment of a deposit indicates acceptance of these conditions. Tour leaders are responsible for checking all travel dates and arrangements are correct at time of confirmation. If there is a discrepancy Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch must be notified immediately. Subsequent changes may incur amendment and/or cancellation fees.

PAYMENTS: Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch will accept payments by the following methods. Credit card, or direct deposit into our bank account. Agent payments can be made via direct deposit. Please note: there is a 1.5% charge when paying with Visa or Mastercard.

PRICES
All quotes are in Australian dollars unless stipulated otherwise and are subject to change prior to us accepting your booking request. Prices are based on the quoted itinerary including where applicable, coach transportation, economy class airfares, rail travel, multi-share accommodation, resort lift passes, rental equipment, instructors, etc. Prices are also subject to change in accordance with the following provisions.
Note: coach, airline, and rail fares are subject to change without notice at any time prior to full payment. All government taxes and charges imposed by suppliers beyond the control of Liquid Snow Tours/Mountainwatch (including ticketing fees and airline fuel surcharges) are payable by you and are subject to change. If there are any increases in such taxes or charges, or if you request any itinerary changes or the number or mix of passengers changes prior to you making payment in full, which increases the price of your booking, we reserve the right to change the price at any time by giving you notice. You must pay the additional charges prior to the date of your departure.
Unless otherwise stated, the cost of travelling to or from departure points, flights, visas, airport taxes, port taxes, city taxes, items of a personal nature, laundry, additional beverages and consumables are not included in the tour price.
Exchange rates are subject to change without notice (based on currency fluctuations) until final payment has been processed. Once a booking has been made on your behalf, your booking is subject to deposit and final payment being made by due dates as outlined on your statement or your booking may be cancelled.

Cancellation within 30 days prior to departure will incur a 100% cancellation fee. No allowance or refund can be made for unused meals, accommodation, transport, vehicle rental, equipment hire, lift tickets, or any other unused package components once travel has commenced. If a person or persons cancel from Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch booking, they and the remaining people in the booking will be liable for the additional accommodation costs that result from the cancelling persons.

ACCOMMODATION: Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch reserves the right to substitute and confirm alternative accommodation of a comparable or superior standard if necessary should that described in the proposal not be available. Your consultant will communicate any possible changes prior to deposit payments being received.

NOT INCLUDED: All other costs, apart from those detailed in a quote/invoice, are at the clients’ own expense eg: passport and visa fees, inter-airport transfers, meals or any other items including those of a personal nature unless otherwise stated. If flight or other travel delays lead to missed connections, Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch cannot be responsible for train fares, taxis or other extra expenses.

RESPONSIBILITY: Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch acts only as an agent for the companies or persons (principals) providing or offering the means of travel, accommodation and other services (the principals’ services) and bookings are made subject to the terms and conditions under which the principal’s services are provided. Accommodation, flights, transportation and any other services are subject to availability at the time of booking. The principals reserve the right to change the prices of their services without notice. Confirmations and invoices are subject to re-issue if incorrect through error or omission and the passenger accepts liability to pay the correct costs for services. Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch reserves the right to cancel or withdraw any tour or passenger booking or to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of a Tour or passenger booking. This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of NSW, Australia.

LIABILITY: To the extent permitted by law, neither Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch nor anyone on its behalf can be held liable for any alterations, act or omission on the part of the service providers/principals for any consequential, loss, death, injury, accident, delay or damage occasioned to any person or their belongings (including baggage) in connection with the tour or holiday offers supplied by Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch whether or not such loss, injury or damage is due directly or indirectly to any default, negligent act, misrepresentation, breach of duty, or omission of the travel operator, their respective representatives, servants, contractors or agents. Matters outside the control of Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch may affect the services offered and Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch will not be responsible for any such matters. Programs, offers, tour prices, services and conditions are current at the time of publication of promotional material are subject to change without notice due to unforeseen circumstances, including increases in operating costs. Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch will not accept responsibility or liability for any traveller who contravenes the law or regulation of any country visited. Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch strongly advise against the use or possession of prohibited drugs in foreign countries and warns travelers that if found to be involved in the use or possession of illegal drugs on a Liquid Tours tour or travel package, we reserve the right to discharge the traveler from a tour. This is a zero tolerance policy.

FORCE MAJEURE: Except where otherwise expressly stated in these booking conditions, neither we nor any Third Party Supplier can accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our or the Third Party Supplier’s contractual obligations is prevented or affected by or you otherwise suffer any damage or loss as a result of force majeure. In these booking conditions, ‘force majeure’ means any event which we / the supplier of the service(s) in question / the Third Party Supplier could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events may include, whether actual or threatened, war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, epidemics, fire and all similar events outside the control of the party concerned.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: We require all travellers to have travel insurance. Please ask your travel consultant about our comprehensive policies or click HERE for an online quote

CLICK HERE TO
ENQUIRE NOW

FAQ

You will be in very capable hands throughout this tour with our professional guides. Our local guide(s) have spent a lot of time riding around Japan so know the mountains very well and will be able to show you around all the best spots. Our guides will also be around to greet you on your arrival and be around to help you with anything you need when back at the hotel. We’ll make bookings at the best restaurants for those that want to join us for a great night out!

All the rooming is two queen bedrooms, twin share, shared with other members on the tour.
We aim to allocate rooms to guests of similar ages and genders.
Breakfast is included. Wifi is also freely available.

Approximately 2-4 weeks prior to your departure you will receive detailed information on your trip which includes your travel vouchers, airline and airport transfer information (if applicable), information on the respective resort, etc. Since this year we also have our head office in Queenstown so there will always be someone around to help in case of an emergency.

We can also add in airport transfers. If you don’t have your own skis/snowboards or just prefer to travel without, we can arrange rentals in Myoko.
Why not extend your stay at the resort or better yet, join us in Nozawa for week 2 of the freeride weeks.

We require all group members to have travel insurance when joining our tour. We strongly recommend arranging travel insurance at the time of booking, so you are covered against cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness or accidents. We can arrange a quote for travel insurance so please contact your agent for further information or click here for an online quote. If you are using your own insurance please ensure it covers you for ski/snowboarding. Keep in mind Mountainwatch is in no way or form responsible or liable for anything that happens during your trip.

Our guides make calls on which resorts will be visited based on the best conditions. Calls can be made even the night before if there’s some unexpected weather conditions to be taken advantage of. Our lay day is also decided by the guides based on the weather conditions.

Most days we offer full-day guiding to give you the best experience possible. Of course, you don’t have to stay with the group and you are free to explore some further terrain, hit the powder stashes our guides have shown, or head back to town to enjoy the onsen or beer at your own leisure. Please make sure to tell the guide before heading off.

The Japan Freeride Weeks are open to everyone, whether you’re traveling solo, with mates or with your family. The Freeride Tours are most suitable for intermediate and above skiers and snowboarders. Because of our guide to guest ratio we can always split the group up when needed and meet back at the pub for Après drinks or lunch.

In advance of the tour we collect information relating to guests’ skiing/boarding levels, and the type of terrain they prefer to tackle. This information assists us in allocating guests into subgroups of usually 6-10 people. We aim to have guests of similar abilities teamed together to maximize the experience on the slopes. We’ll always aim to start and finish the day as a group and have the space during the day to split up if need be. It’s all about your experience and we want to make it as enjoyable as possible!

Our guides are on hand to assist with any queries/advice, they will be with you throughout the tour staying at the same accommodation. We also aim to set up a Whatapp or Facebook group chat to each other during our time in NZ. At the end of each day, we have a catch-up with the group to go through the day’s adventures, share photos and outline the next day’s plan of attack.

You will be in very capable hands throughout this tour with our professional guides. Our local guide(s) have spent a lot of time riding around Japan so know the mountains very well and will be able to show you around all the best spots. Our guides will also be around to greet you on your arrival and be around to help you with anything you need when back at the hotel. We’ll make bookings at the best restaurants for those that want to join us for a great night out!

Our guides make calls on which resorts will be visited based on the best conditions. Calls can be made even the night before if there’s some unexpected weather conditions to be taken advantage of. Our lay day is also decided by the guides based on the weather conditions.

All the rooming is two queen bedrooms, twin share, shared with other members on the tour.
We aim to allocate rooms to guests of similar ages and genders.
Breakfast is included. Wifi is also freely available.

Most days we offer full-day guiding to give you the best experience possible. Of course, you don’t have to stay with the group and you are free to explore some further terrain, hit the powder stashes our guides have shown, or head back to town to enjoy the onsen or beer at your own leisure. Please make sure to tell the guide before heading off.

Approximately 2-4 weeks prior to your departure you will receive detailed information on your trip which includes your travel vouchers, airline and airport transfer information (if applicable), information on the respective resort, etc. Since this year we also have our head office in Queenstown so there will always be someone around to help in case of an emergency.

The Japan Freeride Weeks are open to everyone, whether you’re traveling solo, with mates or with your family. The Freeride Tours are most suitable for intermediate and above skiers and snowboarders. Because of our guide to guest ratio we can always split the group up when needed and meet back at the pub for Après drinks or lunch.

We can also add in airport transfers. If you don’t have your own skis/snowboards or just prefer to travel without, we can arrange rentals in Myoko.
Why not extend your stay at the resort or better yet, join us in Nozawa for week 2 of the freeride weeks.

In advance of the tour we collect information relating to guests’ skiing/boarding levels, and the type of terrain they prefer to tackle. This information assists us in allocating guests into subgroups of usually 6-10 people. We aim to have guests of similar abilities teamed together to maximize the experience on the slopes. We’ll always aim to start and finish the day as a group and have the space during the day to split up if need be. It’s all about your experience and we want to make it as enjoyable as possible!

We require all group members to have travel insurance when joining our tour. We strongly recommend arranging travel insurance at the time of booking, so you are covered against cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness or accidents. We can arrange a quote for travel insurance so please contact your agent for further information or click here for an online quote. If you are using your own insurance please ensure it covers you for ski/snowboarding. Keep in mind Mountainwatch is in no way or form responsible or liable for anything that happens during your trip.

Our guides are on hand to assist with any queries/advice, they will be with you throughout the tour staying at the same accommodation. We also aim to set up a Whatapp or Facebook group chat to each other during our time in NZ. At the end of each day, we have a catch-up with the group to go through the day’s adventures, share photos and outline the next day’s plan of attack.

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