The Japan ski trip has earned itself an iconic place in the minds of North American skiers and snowboarders. If you’ve been skiing or riding long enough, eventually Japan will come calling.
There's a whole set of expectations that come with classic Japan ski trips. Powder and food are the big ones, with light fluffy waves evoking childhood ski films followed by bowls of steaming ramen and convery-belt sushi. We think of picturesque onsens, ancient alleyways in quiet mountain villages, and a culture with an entirely different relationship with the mountains.
We think of a lot of things, but the reality is, when we think of the quintessential Japan ski trip, we often think of Niseko.
On the flip side, experienced backcountry riders will appreciate the fact that you can get about twice as much powder skiing in if you are with a seasoned local who knows where they’re going instead of poking around solo, hoping to accidentally find the goods. For our evoTrips, we partner with Rhythm Japan because of their guides’ extensive knowledge of the backcountry out of the gates at Niseko.
Important: You should always carry an avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe when travelling in avalanche terrain and know how to use them. Backcountry travel requires an acceptance of the risks involved (avalanches are not the only danger) and implies a willingness to take responsibility for educating oneself about these dangers and ways to mitigate them. We recommend that backcountry travelers hire a qualified guide and take a certified Avalanche Level One class or the equivalent, and practice the skills they learn there regularly with their partners.
As an international resort town, there are no shortage of rental options in Niseko, and all of them cater to the exact type of snow Niseko is known for. Head down to our friends at Rhythm and tell ‘em we sent you. Trust us, your day five legs will thank you.
Rhythm Base, Niseko
Located just 100 meters from the Hirafu Gondola, this store is home to the most extensive selection of ski and snowboard gear in the Niseko region. Rhythm Base also offers a full range of shop services, a coffee shop, custom boot fitting and more. Learn More>>
Rhythm Main St, Niseko
Located in the heart of Hirafu, this store stocks over 7,000 rental skis and snowboards from top brands. In addition, Rhythm Main St. offers a full range of shop services, a coffee shop, and custom boot fitting. Learn More>>
✔ Deepest powder of your life
✔ Comfortable, high end accommodations
✔ Incredible food
✔ Fun nightlife
✔ Incredible cultural experiences
The only question left is: what’re you waiting for?
If the thought of organizing flights, transfers, hotels, lift tickets, rentals, and the whole shebang puts you in a state of crippling anxiety and you just don’t know where to start, we get it. International travel is a beast, and when you add in snowsports to the equation, the logistics only get trickier.
That’s why we put our heads together, talked to our local friends, organized a list of vendors, and assembled the ultimate Niseko ski and snowboard trip!
Vaun is a modern-day explorer who thrives on creating meaningful, transformative experiences for others in the outdoors. Hailing from the misty landscapes of Redmond, Washington, he has sought adventure in the world’s most exciting locations, from Vail and Jackson Hole to Japan and Australia in both his professional work as a guide and his personal explorations.
When he’s not out carving remote peaks, chasing waves or fly fishing, Vaun leverages his background in Business and Marketing to enrich experiences in action sports. His goal is always to create unforgettable memories with wonderful people, wherever he is on the journey.
Zack Sklar is a nature and travel writer based in Western Washington. He has spent most of his life living in various ski towns across the Mountain West, but his passion for mountains has led him across the globe.
In between backyard explorations of the Cascades, he’s spent extended stints abroad, chasing untracked lines and untold stories from Chamonix to the Japanese Alps. He can be reached at zacksklar.com.