Discover the snow
Skills
Our trips are best suited to advanced and expert level skiers / riders capable of negotiating varied terrain, glades, deep snow… and sometimes less than perfect conditions. That said, we only offer private trips meaning that we are able to tailor each day to suit your group's ability level; this means that we can also offer great ski days's for advanced intermediate level guests looking to begin exploring off piste powder terrain. Unfortunately we do not offer on piste guiding or instruction so if you are a beginner or intermediate level skier / rider we recommend contacting one of the great local ski / snowboard school providers.
Best Time to Ski
Hokkaido is home to some of the most consistent powder conditions on the planet and you can generally expect great snow from Christmas through until mid – March. In many years it can be good earlier but coverage can be an issue meaning that it is often difficult to access the best off piste terrain at that time of year. Later in the season can also be great and coverage is never a problem in March; however the longer days typically bring warmer temperatures and higher freezing levels threatening snow quality particularly at lower elevations.
Through peak season (Christmas until mid-March) you can generally count on great snow across the island with an ever increasing snowpack. The heaviest snowfalls typically come earlier in the winter but the shallower, unconsolidated base can make backcountry travel a bit more challenging. By February the base will be well developed and regular, smaller top-ups of fresh snow mean great skiing and great access for quicker laps with less risk of getting bogged down in deep snow.
Disclaimer: The weather is the weather and unfortunately we don't control it. Even here in Hokkaido you can catch a dry spell or even worse a rain event. Joining Rising Sun for a guided trip is the best way to mitigate this risk as if there is good snow anywhere, we'll find it for you… and if its really not good anywhere we'll give you a full refund or reschedule at no extra cost. Find out more about our Powder Guarantee.
- Guiding
- Ski Rental
- Snowboard Rental
- Safety Equipment Rental
- Airport Transfer
What awaits you
Three Reasons to choose Rising Sun Guides
- Chance to experience some of the worlds best powder and backcountry skiing
- Professional guides available to ensure both your safety and enjoyment throughout your trip
- Range of tours and training on offer guaranteed to improve both your knowledge and enjoyment of skiing.
One of the most unique places in the world
If you are looking for something a little more exciting this year then how about a ski trip to one of the most unique and interesting places in the world? Hokkaido, Japan offers an array of culture, cuisine and of course, some of the worlds best backcountry skiing. With its deep, dry snow, Japan is more than just a ski trip and is the go to destination for those looking for some extreme powder skiing. With a range of backcountry skiing for both small and large groups, the Rising Sun guided trips will give you the holiday of a lifetime, one which you will never forget.
Many options for various levels and requirements
Founded in 2005 by Andrew Spragg, Rising Sun Guides has been developed over the last 11 years to become one of Nisekos most respected backcountry tour operators. This professional guiding operation consists of a dedicated team of both local and international ski/snowboard guides there to ensure you get the most out of your trip. With a range of tours and trips available depending on both your requirements and abilities and the option of renting all the necessary avalanche/touring equipment, the only thing you have to worry is being prepared for some serious powder fun. Choose from either backcountry training, lift assisted day trips, multi day packages to mechanised (cat skiing, snow mobiles or snow bikes) trips. Along with trips and tours you can also book onto an avalanche training course, making sure you are fully prepared for the backcountry.
A range of different hotels and lodgings
Accommodation is based upon your group size and requirements, however there are a range of different hotels and lodgings available depending on your group size and budget. Accommodation can either be booked through Rising Sun Guides or you can organise it independently.
All packages include:
- Door to door or airport transfers included
- Twin/triple room accommodation with breakfast
All packages exclude:
- Lunch, dinner, drinks, shopping, onsen entry fees
- Single room upgrade on request
- Avalanche safety kit and backcountry touring gear (rental available)
- Departure airport transfer not included but will be arranged dependent on your requirements and budget.
The Sapporo Investment
- 2 guided ski days
- 2 days lift tickets
Southwest Solutions
- 4 guided ski days
- 4 days lift tickets
The Hokkaido Fix
- 7 guided ski days
- 7 days lift tickets
High Earnings
11 day pkg
- 9 guided ski days
- 6 days lift tickets
- 3 dinners
- Onsen's at most accommodations
- All transfers on guided ski days
Not Included:
- We may visit other onsen's than those at the hotels we are staying. Entry fees for these onsen are not included in the trip price
The Hokkaido – Honshu Expedition
- 11 guided ski days
- 11 days lift tickets
- Max 4:1 guest to guide ratio
- Min 6 / Max 10 guests on trip
Backcountry Touring
Includes: Door to door transport and guided ski day
At Rising Sun, backcountry skiing is our specialty and our qualified guides will take you beyond the ski resort boundaries and away from the crowds to find fresh lines and deep untouched snow. In Hokkaido there is snow and mountains everywhere and without the requirement of a chairlift the options are limitless. Much like our lift assisted trips, we aim to be as flexible as possible and will ultimately decide our ski touring destination on the day of the trip based on weather conditions, snow stability and your interests.
Yotei Summit Trips
If you arrive in Niseko and the skies eventually clear, you'll see the dominating peak of Mount Yotei looming nearby and if you like backcountry touring, it will probably be difficult to resist the temptation to stand on top of it. We also love going to the top of Hokkaido's version of Mount Fuji and try to head up there as often as the weather permits. Please let us know if you are interested in summiting Yotei and we will do our best to make it happen while you are here.
Skill Level
All guests should be advanced level downhill skiers / riders capable of negotiating most terrain, variable snow conditions and trees. In terms of uphill experience we can head out with first time ski tourers or experienced backcountry enthusiasts. Please let us know about both your uphill and downhill skill level so that we can plan your day accordingly.
Gear
For skiers, skins and AT skis are required gear so please let us know if you don’t have your own and we’ll get you set up with rentals. Snowboarders can travel on snowshoes if that is your preference however we highly recommend Splitboards as they are lighter and more efficient meaning that you will get more out of your day with us. Both are available for rental if you don't have your own. More information on rental equipment can be found here.
Lift Assisted Trips
Includes door to door transport, avalanche safety kit and full guided ski day. Lift tickets will also be charged for at the time of booking based on the number of guests attending.
Hokkaido is not only blessed with awesome snow but a tonne of great ski areas with lifts to help you access it. Each resort offers something unique and incredible skiing on the right day but with Hokkaido's variable weather and distinct micro-climates, the challenge knowing where to go on any given day. That's why our guides are up early morning discussing weather conditions, assessing snow stability and figuring out where we can find the best, deepest and most untracked snow. Your guide will pick you up from your accommodation around 8am (sometimes earlier depending on destination), advise their top pick for the day and after a discussion of your interests take you for an epic day of skiing / riding at the most suitable location. We leave our day trips as open and flexible as possible to accommodate snow conditions and your input so that most decisions can be made on the day of the trip.
Uphill Travel
These trips are designed to be lift assisted with minimal uphill travel (usually max 20 minute bootpacks) and we can typically deliver high quality trips with great snow. That said, on some days the only way to get good turns is to earn it. Please let us know at the time of booking that you would be willing to go ski touring if conditions dictate. Conversely if you have no interest in walking up hills regardless of conditions then we would like to know that too! Either way you are covered with our powder guarantee.
Locations
We offer lift assisted day trips for guests staying both in the Niseko region (door to door pick up offered from all 5 Niseko base areas) and Furano. We are sometimes able to arrange day trips for guests staying in other areas and/or can meet you for multiple days.
Gear
All guests are required to have an avalanche safety kit (backpack, shovel, transceiver, probe) on all guided trips. Please let us know if you do not have your own and we will provide a kit at no extra charge.
Mechanized Trips
Snow Bikes
Includes: Door to door transport and guided day on snow bikes. Combine a snowmobile with a dirt bike and what you get is a snow bike. Lighter and more maneuverable than a snowmobile, snow bikes are able to sidehill, climb and navigate tight forested terrain unlike anything snow has ever seen. We've got a fleet of brand new Timbersled bikes modified for Hokkaido powder waiting for you so take a day off the skis and come check out what these machines can do.
- Min. 2 guests to operate at listed price
- Max. 5 guests per trip
- Pickup @ 8:30am
- Return approx. 12-1:30pm
- Afternoon departures available on request
Snowmobiles
Includes: Door to door transport and guided backcountry snowmobiling. Join us for an epic day of snowmobiling in Hokkaido's incredible backcountry terrain. Trips will be tailored to your group's ability level but good fitness, strength and athleticism are a must – particularly when the snow is deep.
- High powered 600+cc snowmobiles
- Minimum 2 to operate at listed rate
- Maximum 5 guests per trip
- Minimum 13 years old
- Approximately 3 hours on the machines depending on your fitness
- Pick up at 8:30am
- Return between 12 & 1:30pm
- Afternoon / evening departures available on request
Cat Skiing
Includes: Door to door transport, Guided Ski Day, Lunch & Avalanche Safety Kit. Join us for an epic day of cat skiing in the Shiribeshi mountains. Located about 30 minutes from Niseko, our cat ski operation offers access to great ski terrain that you will have all to yourself when you step out of our cat. With no competition for the goods, we have all day to lap up pow runs. On most days, we are able to do about 8 runs but this does depend on snow conditions and ability level.
- Pick up at 8am from your accommodation
- Avalanche safety kit included
- Lunch included
- Vertical drop is approximately 200 meters per run
- Typical trip returns between 4-5pm
- Minimum age 13 years old.
- Minimum 4 to operate at listed rates
- Maximum 10
- Private charters available
The Sapporo Investment
Check out the snowiest major city on the planet and the incredible ski areas that surround it. This trip fits best at the end of your visit to Hokkaido. Highlights: Steep powder skiing on the doorstep of the world's snowiest major city
Sapporo is the gateway to Hokkaido and since you will most likely need to fly in and out of nearby New Chitose Airport, we highly recommend investing some time to check out the world class skiing here. Sapporo's local resorts offer some of the steepest lift served terrain in Hokkaido as well as unique backcountry touring options. Added bonuses include the opportunity to check out the sights, sounds, restaurants and nightlife of the city. This trip fits best at the end of your stay in Hokkaido but can also be arranged at the start of your trip.
Day 1: Early morning pickup and departure for guided skiing en route to Sapporo. Stay Sapporo.
Day 2: Guided skiing in the Sapporo region. Stay Sapporo.
Day 3: Airport transfer and fly home
Southwest Solutions
An epic 8 day package that will take you the best skiing in Southwest Hokkaido. This trip starts in Niseko visiting a number of areas within reach of Hokkaido's biggest and most famous resort before wrapping up with a couple of days in the Sapporo region. Highlights: 8 Days / Based in Niseko and Sapporo / 1 hotel change / Mix of lift access and backcountry touring.
We may not be able to solve world's problems but we do have answers to your powder requirements. There's a reason that Japan's most well known ski area is Niseko. Simply put, it snows alot here. Or more accurately it snows alot across the region of Southwest Hokkaido where Niseko is located. Staying in Niseko not only offers great access to the Niseko United ski area but it is also positioned within day trip reach of a number of other great ski areas and backcountry zones.
The trip itinerary shown here includes 4 skiing days based in the Niseko area followed by 2 days in the Sapporo region with 4 guided ski days along the way but this trip can easily be extended or shortened with more or less guided days included in the price.
Optional: Book accommodation in the Niseko area independently. There are lots of options in this area and most providers speak English making it relatively easy in comparison to the rest of Hokkaido. Or keep it simple and leave the accommodations to us.
Day 1: Arrive and transfer to Niseko
Day 2: Niseko region guided skiing. Options include Niseko, Rusutsu, Moiwa, Kiroro, and backcountry touring.
Day 3: Unguided skiing in the Niseko region.
Day 4: Niseko region guided skiing. Options include Niseko, Rusutsu, Moiwa, Kiroro, and backcountry touring.
Day 5: Unguided skiing in the Niseko region.
Day 6: Early morning departure for Sapporo region guided skiing. Evening transfer to Sapporo hotel.
Day 7: Sapporo region guided skiing. Stay Sapporo.
Day 8: Airport transfer and fly home.
The Hokkaido Fix
An epic road trip to Hokkaido's best ski resorts and backcountry zones. Itineraries can be customized to meet your group's requirements, skiing interests and appetite for powder. Highlights: 9 Days / Hokkaido Road Trip / Customized focus on lift access or backcountry touring.
This tour de Hokkaido starts in Niseko with a few days chasing the best powder in this region before heading to Central Hokkaido. Weather permitting we'll spend some time in the alpine of the Daisetsuzan range at places like Asahidake and Tokachidake or if its dumping and alpine visibility is limited we'll settle for some of Hokkaido's best top to bottom skiing at places like Furano, Kamui and Tomamu. The trip will wrap up in Sapporo with steep, powder skiing at places like Teine, Kokusai or Kiroro.
Shown below is one possible itinerary along with associated pricing but there are a lot of different ways to ski Hokkaido and this trip can be longer or shorter, visit more/less areas, take a different route etc. Just let us know about your group, skiing interests, how much time you have and we'll put together a custom itinerary that fits your requirements. Please inquire for more information.
Day 1: Arrive and transfer to Niseko
Day 2-4: Niseko region guided skiing. Transfer to Central Hokkaido on Day 4.
Day 5-7: Central Hokkaido guided skiing. Transfer to Sapporo on Day 7.
Day 8: Sapporo region guided skiing.
Day 9: Airport transfer and fly home
Central Rewards
Already been to Niseko and keen to focus attention on Central Hokkaido? Check out areas like Furano, Kamui, Asahidake and backcountry touring in other parts of Hokkaido's highest mountains – the Daisetsuzan's. (6 days) Contact LUEX for detailed information.
High Earnings
Visit some of Hokkaido's most remote locations and best backcountry zones. These trips are designed to be backcountry touring focussed and we'll hopefully put skins on every day but we'll still be positioned within reach of ski resorts of the weather isn't suitable for touring or the lift accessible powder is too good to pass up. Highlights: Remote Locations Across Hokkaido / Backcountry Touring Focus
Join us for an epic backcountry ski adventure to untracked lines across the island of Hokkaido. Over the course of this trip, we'll move locations regularly and stay in some of Hokkaido's less travelled areas. Weather permitting, we'll aim to head into the backcountry and put skins on for at least some portion of all days but we'll still be positioned within reach of ski resorts in case conditions aren't well suited to touring or we're keen from some lift accessed skiing. In general though accommodation locations have been selected for their proximity to awesome backcountry touring zones… and not listed below to help them remain off the beaten track.
Itinerary (11 day pkg)
Day 1: Arrive and transfer to Niseko
Day 2: Niseko region guided skiing
Day 3: Niseko region guided skiing and transfer to undisclosed location.
Day 4: Guided ski day.
Day 5: Guided ski day and evening transfer to our next location.
Day 6: Guided ski day.
Day 7: Guided ski day and evening transfer to our next location.
Day 8: Guided ski day.
Day 9: Guided ski day and transfer to Sapporo.
Day 10: Guided ski day in the Sapporo region.
Day 11: Airport transfer and home.
The Rising Sun Summit Series
Pricing varies. Please inquire for information and quotation.
This is a select set of specialty trips to unique areas designed for experienced backcountry enthusiasts. Highlights: Anything you want! Backcountry touring focussed
This set of trips is geared towards experienced backcountry tourers looking to climb spectacular peaks in remote locations. These are one-off trips that we will work with you to design. Potential options include an extended trip in the Daisetsuzan range, a visit to Rishiri island, overnight hut trips or something else that you and your group is particularly interested in. If you are interested in these trips, we highly recommend planning your trip for March when we have a well developed snowpack, longer days and more stable weather. These are all important factors that will contribute to successfully achieving our objectives.
Please inquire for more information
The Hokkaido – Honshu Expedition
An epic 13 day trip travelling from Hokkaido all the way to Tokyo. Trip will operate from Jan. 8 – 20, 2017. Highlights: 13 days / Ski your way from Hokkaido to Honshu
If you’re looking for a trip that does it all, then look no further. The Hokkaido – Honshu express will start with 4 days in Southwest Hokkaido before we cross the Tsugaru strait to Northern Honshu. Once on Japan's main island, we will make our way through the Tohoku region and ultimately down to the Japan Alps. Along the way, we’ll stop off to ski powder every now and again. Expect all kinds of experiences on this trip, a wide range of ski resorts of all types and sizes and of course some great backcountry skiing.
If you would like to join either of these trips, you should:
Ski / snowboard downhill at an advanced level, Be interested in backcountry ski touring. Its OK if you have never toured before as we’ll be happy to show you the ropes but you need to be keen to go uphill if the weather and snow dictate., Have a lot of time off work!!
Jan. 8: Arrive and transfer to Niseko.
Jan. 9 – 11: Niseko region guided skiing with lots of options.
Jan. 12: Morning skiing followed by transfer to Honshu's Tohoku region.
Jan. 13 – 19: Road trip from Northern Honshu all the way to Tokyo visiting great ski areas and epic backcountry terrain along the way.
Jan. 20: Airport transfer and head home
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Within the scope of its performance obligations, LUEX is only liable for any losses that may result in the following cases, irrespective of legal grounds: The statutory regulations shall apply with the following restriction: Liability or minor negligence on the part of LUEX or its vicarious agents is excluded, provided that neither an essential contractual obligation was breached nor is there a case of initial incapacity, impossibility or default on the part of LUEX. Otherwise liability is limited to the value of the travel-related products and services booked, in any case however to predictable and typical losses. The exclusions of liability or facilitation shall apply in the same manner to the executive bodies of LUEX, as well as to their vicarious agents.
Travellers and Group leaders shall be liable to LUEX for each and every reservation/booking that is made in bad faith or with deceitful intent or with erroneous or incomplete personal data. The opportunity to book travel-related goods and services may only be utilised in order to make legal bookings as a Traveller or as a Group leader for a third party. At the same time, in utilising the offerings the Group leader guarantees that they are authorised and are permitted to act in the name of fellow travellers. In the event that there is a breach of these guarantee, the Group leader is liable without limitation to LUEX and their respective Service providers for the losses resulting from the aforesaid person’s actions.
In many countries there are safety standards that differ from those generally found in Europe, Australia or the USA. Travelers/Group leaders are strongly encouraged, also in their own interest, to access information once again immediately before commencing travel in accessible sources, such as the internet pages of the Foreign Office, with respect to changes in the travel regulations and safety warnings for the country of destination.
11. Final provisions
Should business terms and conditions or parts of the agreement be or become invalid, the validity of the remaining parts of the agreements shall not be affected.
Amendments or additions to all agreements, including a divergence from these general terms and conditions, are only possible in text form (written, by fax or e-mail). Oral agreements require written confirmation to be valid.
All communication between LUEX and a Traveller/Group leader is to be undertaken by e-mail if possible. The Traveller/Group leader therefore promises to receive and read e-mails and implement the information/instructions from LUEX accordingly. LUEX must be informed immediately of changes in contact details.
All contractual relations between LUEX, its customers and Service providers are subject exclusively to German law - with the exception of the UN Contract for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) convention. Köln shall be the mutually agreed place of jurisdiction for non-German Travellers.
Operator's address
Rising Sun GuidesNiseko-cho Hokkaido 048 1511
Japan
Operator's GT&C
Standard Terms & Conditions | Guided Tours, Packages, CAT skiing & Courses
- A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm all reservations.
- Full payment is due 60 days prior to the start of the tour. If the tour is booked within 60 days of departure, full payment is required to confirm. Cancellation within 60 days but 30 days prior to the tour will incur a tariff in the amount of 50% of the full tour cost. Cancellations within 30 days will incur a tariff in the amount of 100% of the full tour cost.
- All rates and refunds are calculated in Japanese Yen unless otherwise stated.
- Depending on payment method and currency fluctuations, there may be some non-refundable fees associated with processing refunds.
- If your Rising Sun booking includes services booked with 3rd party suppliers (airport transfers, hotels etc), that portion of your booking is subject to the cancellation terms of these providers.
- All guests signing up for a guided tour are required to read and sign a release of liability waiver before departing. All participants under the age of 18 must also have a parent or legal guardian sign their release of liability. Our release of liability waiver can be viewed here.
- Rising Sun reserves the right to cancel any tour or course at any time (typically but not limited to inclement weather, unsafe backcountry travel conditions, guide injury / sickness or insufficient participant numbers). In the event of cancellation by Rising Sun, guests will be offered the opportunity to either reschedule or receive a full refund less any transaction fees associated with the refund.
- All guests booking our backcountry or lift assisted day trips are covered by the RSG Powder Guarantee.
- All participants entering the backcountry (anywhere outside of the ski area boundary) on a guided tour must be at least 13 years of age.
- It is your responsibility to care for any rental equipment supplied by Rising Sun. Guests will be charged for repair or replacement of any lost or damaged items.
Terms & Conditions | Rental Equipment
Loss and Damage Policy:
There is a damage policy built into the price of the rental. The cover of repairable damage includes:
- Basic Tuning and P-Tex.
- Tunes and edge sharpening.
If there is extensive damage from misuse of equipment, but can be fixed, the minimum cost of a full tune is charged.
If equipment is damaged beyond repair or lost/stolen, the cost to repair or replacement of the item will be charged.
Examples of non-repairable damage include:
- Excessive base damage from misuse of equipment, such as skiing/boarding in rocky areas, on roads etc.
- Snapped ski or snowboard
- Cracked top sheet
- Broken Pole
- Lost Transceiver
*If the non-repairable damage is deemed a product fault which can be claimed by Rising Sun Guides as a warranty from the manufacturer, no charge will be required from the customer.
Normal wear and tear on all rental equipment will not incur a charge.
Refund, Amendment and Cancellation Policy:
- A refund can be provided for cancellations made 7 days or more in advance of the booking; however a 4000Yen administrative fee will be incurred. Cancellations made within 7 days of rental will incur a 10,000Yen administrative fee.
- All cancellations or amendments must be made at least 48 hours before the pick-up date. Cancellations within 48 hours are not eligibile for a refund.
- All Internet bookings must be made no later than 48 hours prior to the pick-up date to guarantee availability.
- Discount codes are exclusive to one code per booking at the time of your booking.
Your personal expert for this trip
Martin, LUEX's Head of Travel, started out skating in the UK, before escaping to the powder of Canadian mountains. He found his way to LUEX through years of chasing snow in winter and waves in France during summer. These days, he manages our surf and snow teams, while squeezing in surf trips to his favorite right-handers at Cokes and Kasabu in the Maldives, or powder missions to the tree-lined runs of Revelstoke. At LUEX, he combines his love for board sports with making sure every trip runs smoothly.
Why book with us
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