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Is my trip guaranteed to run?
Yes, these trips are guaranteed to run! Regardless of which trip you book, please wait to finalize travel plans until you receive a confirmation email from evoTrip.
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I'm ready to book. What next?
To secure your spot, you can either pay the full amount now or contact Customer Care at 1.866.386.1590 if you prefer to only pay your $1,000 per person deposit. Note that regardless of paying full payment or deposit at time of booking, we will consider $1,000 to be a non-refundable deposit in accordance with our terms and conditions. Full payment is due 60 days prior to departure.
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When and how do I meet up with the group?
Arrive to New Chitose Airport (CTS) by 10am on the first day of your trip (Day 1). If possible, we do recommend arriving the day before the trip starts so you can get some rest (and get ahead of jet lag) before our adventure. We recommend the Air Terminal Hotel if you do arrive the night before, but there are plenty of other options. Any questions, just let us know!
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What skill level is required for this trip?
We recommend this trip for intermediate and above skiers and riders, with select departures (noted below each date) being designated for advanced and expert only skiers and riders. More specifically, the intermediate and above tour dates are best suited to skiers and snowboarders who feel comfortable on most blue runs, and can link turns in powder snow, can make a variety of turn shapes and can traverse, hold speed and are adventurous when skiing and snowboarding the entire mountain. Familiarity with riding off-piste is highly beneficial on this trip. For intermediate and above departures, a mix of skill levels (including advanced and above) are welcome. Please reach out to
[email protected] if you have any questions about ability level.
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Can you tell me which trip dates will be at which lodge?
BLOWHARD LODGE: Jan. 11 – 18 Advanced & Expert, Feb. 2 – 9 Intermediate & Above, Feb. 9 – 16 Advanced & Expert, Feb. 23 – Mar. 2 Intermediate & Above. HAKUUNSO LODGGE: Jan. 19 – 26 Intermediate & Above, Jan. 26 – Feb. 2 Advanced & Expert, Feb. 2 – 9 Advanced & Expert, Feb. 16 – 23 Women's Intermediate & Above.
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Can I choose my roommate?
Yes. If you have a roommate request, please let us know. By default, we will place two people of the same gender in a room with two beds.
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Can I book a private room? Will there be a single supplement?
Yes, though single rooms are first come, first served and subject to availability. Please note an additional cost (known as a single supplement) of $850 will apply. Please check in with Customer Care before booking if this will determine your participation.
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What if I'm a solo traveler that would like a roommate but none are available?
If you are a solo traveler that would like a roommate, we do our best to pair you with another solo traveler of the same gender. However, if no roommate option is available and you must be assigned your own room, you will be asked to pay 50% of the single supplement to cover the cost of your room. In this case, as the single supplement is $600, you would be liable for $300 extra. Please note roommates are paired on a first come, first served basis, so the earlier you book the less likely you will be "forced" into a single room!
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What is included in this trip?
This trip includes: Transportation by private coach from the Chitose hotel to Hirafu and back to the airport. Accommodations at Blowhard Lodge or Hakuunso lodge, one night stay at a Sapporo hotel (see trips above). All breakfasts at Blowhard Lodge or Hakuunso Lodge and one group dinner. Four days of skiing at an area resort. Recommendations for food / drink and entertainment in Hirafu.
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What is NOT included in this trip?
Airfare. Most lunches and dinners – we will provide recommendations and help arrange reservations. Taxi rides or any transportation outside of scheduled group travel. We recommend that you purchase travel insurance to protect your flight and belongings as well as cover medical expenses. For travel insurance, we recommend World Nomads. We recommend planning to spend $400-$600 on meals, drinks, entertainment, and gifts.
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What gear should I bring?
We will send out a comprehensive recommended gear list before your trip. Please let us know if you have any questions around recommended equipment.
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Are rentals available?
Yes! Our partners at Rhythm in Niseko can help take care of all your ski and snowboard rental needs. More information on rental inventory at www.rhythmjapan.com/rentals. We are happy to offer guests 10% off rentals booked for their evoTrip. Please use the following link to make your reservation and receive your discount https://tinyurl.com/Rhythm-Rentals
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What is the backcountry situation? Are there opportunities to go touring?
Your trip package includes a day of backcountry guiding accessed via the resort lifts and Niseko Gate System. With over 50% of Niseko available by resort-accessed backcountry, Niseko offers a powder experience for everyone. If you are interested in a full day ski or splitboard tour, backcountry day trips can be arranged through our partners at Rhythm for an additional cost.
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Will we be able to wash our clothes?
Yes. The Blowhard Lodge and Hakuunso Lodge both have free laundry facilities.
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I am going to come early / stay longer; can I do something with my gear?
Japan has an incredible luggage delivery service (Black Cat) that you can take advantage of for about $50. If you arrive early, you can send your snow gear to the lodge from the airport. If you are staying longer, you can have your luggage delivered to the airport ahead of your arrival. We can give you all the information to coordinate this.
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Can my dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes! For meals provided by the lodge/evo (breakfasts and one dinner), there will be options available. Gluten Free: It is difficult to avoid gluten in Japan, but it is possible. We recommend that you bring your own soy sauce and some snacks, as you will eat a lot of rice dishes. Being a vegetarian in Japan is easy. We will provide you with a card that will alert restaurants/grocers to your needs and most locations will be accommodating. Halal & Kosher: while there are a limited number of Halal and Kosher restaurants in Japan, there will be many meal options available by avoiding meat. For all dietary restrictions, we recommend that you bring some snacks just in case.
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Can I (or my partner) come even if I don’t ski or snowboard?
Yes. The primary activity on these trips is skiing/snowboarding; however, there may be options if you or your loved one does not currently participate. There are English-speaking ski schools in Niseko and you can sign up for lessons and rentals (we can help book this). For folks not interested in learning to ski / snowboard, we may be able to help coordinate other activities, such as visits to a spa, yoga or snow shoeing.
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Should I purchase travel insurance?
YES! While it is not required, we always recommend purchasing travel insurance for all trips. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement if you are forced to cancel your trip for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to cover medical help, emergency transport, theft and/or accidental damage while traveling. We recommend World Nomads.
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What if I need to change or cancel my trip?
We understand the need for flexibility now more than ever. If you cannot or no longer wish to join your scheduled trip, we are offering the option to forward your deposit to a future evoTrip (at no cost) up to 65 days prior to departure date. However, if you need to cancel, the deposit for the trip is non-refundable and cancellations will be subject to a cancellation fee (see policy below). For this reason, we recommend purchasing travelers insurance, which will cover the cost of your trip in extenuating circumstances. All cancellations must be submitted to evo in writing, are effective as of the date we receive them according to our internal records, and will be subject to a cancellation fee as follows (amounts are per person and only apply to amount paid after the $1,000 non-refundable deposit amount): Cancellation 60 days or more prior to trip departure - Non-Refundable $1,000 Deposit charged. Cancellation between 30 and 59 days prior to trip departure - 50% of total booking cost charged. Cancellation less than 30 days prior to departure - 100% of total booking cost charged. Cancellation policy for custom trips may differ from these terms and will be communicated prior to booking.
No refunds will be made if you voluntarily leave a trip for any reason after the trip has begun. The same applies if you leave a trip or cannot fully participate in a trip due to injury or illness. Refunds will be at the discretion of the Company if you are involuntarily forced to leave a trip for any reason. No refunds will be made for any accommodation, transport, sightseeing, meals or services not utilized.
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Is there a discount if I already have an Ikon Pass?
Yes, if you have an Ikon or Ikon Base pass and would like to join our Niseko trip, we will provide a discount of $250 after booking in the form of a refund. Please let us know after booking if you do not need lift tickets.