Heli Skiing Japan
Heli Skiing Japan
Japan

Ski Touring & Snowboarding in Japan

Skiing in Japan is pretty much like skiing in the clouds… at least that is what we were told the first time we visited the islands. Looking back at it now, we could not have described it any better ourselves.

Imagine floating through completely bottomless powder day after day and night after night (night skiing is a big thing in Japan). Not only does Japan serve up industrial quantities of powder but also incredible food and a rich cultural and culinary experience... So sit back in an onsen (natural hot spring) after a day neck-deep in Japanese powder and ponder whether it's going to be sushi, nabe (Japanese hot-pot) or okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake) for dinner.

Escape the Crowds

In recent years, Japan has become a victim of its own success with crowded slopes and hoardes of powder-possessed skiers and snowboarders tearng up the snow within minutes of it falling. We don't like sharing our snow and we see little point in flying half way around the world to compete for fresh lines with the masses.

All of our backcountry ski and snowboard trips to Japan focus on escaping the madness and finding the secret powder stashes left un-touched by the crowds.

Top Tip: Bring a snorkel!

Gallery

Deep powder turn in Japan
Japan is famous for deep turns in the trees
Ocean with mountains in background
skiing the trees in deep powder in Japan

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Heliskiing is limited in Japan due to the fact that the weather is usually unfavorable for flying.
Tree skiing in Japan

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Most of the skiing in Japan takes place in the trees
Enjoy the sun while you can - it doesn't stick around long in Japan in the winter time.

The Lowdown

Local Knowledge & Experienced Certified Guides

All of our lead guides are professionally qualified and a member of either the IFMGA (International Federation of Mountain Guides Association) or the NZMGA (New Zealand Mountain Guides Association). We also include a local Japanese guide on most of our trips. We see this combination of local knowledge and in-depth guiding experience as the best way to get the most out of a trip to Japan in a safe manner, whilst allowing you to engage in the local culture and enjoy skiing accessible only through inside-knowledge

Awesome Tree Skiing

Perfectly spaced trees of Silver Birch allow you to effortlessly float through powder snow and continue skiing during major snow storms. The tree skiing in Japan is rated as some of the best of its kind in the world.

Rich Culture & Deep Powder

Skiing in Japan is a truly unique experience with its traditional and spiritual culture combined with modern resorts and outstanding DEEP powder snow. Visit the local sushi-ya (sushi bars) while watching the "sushi samurai" in action and enjoy slices of freshly cut tuna and octopus accompanied by a glass of local nihonshu (rice wine). After skiing you can relax in one of the many onsens scattered accross the volcanically active islands of Japan.

Off The Beaten Track

Our focus is to escape the crowds and the busy commercial resorts and explore the hidden gems Japan has to offer, far off the beaten track. Whether skiing close to a resort or in the middle of nowhere, we seek out the best snow and the deep untouched powder stashes.

Prices & Dates

The Elemental Adventure trip to Japan in January 2025
Related Reading

The Elemental Adventure Invitational trip to Japan

In January 2025, EA Will be hosting a guided trip in search of the deepest powder in Hokkaido, combining resort and cat-skiing with ski touring.

Want to ski in the clouds?

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