Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which airport is best to fly into?
If you're planning a trip to Hokkaido, you'll likely fly internationally to Narita or Haneda international airports in Tokyo. From there, it's just a 2-hour domestic flight to Chitose or Asahikawa airport in Hokkaido. If your destination is Asahikawa, I suggest flying into Asahikawa airport via Tokyo Haneda or Narita airports domestically and Seoul or Taipei internationally. Asahikawa Airport is only 30 minutes away by car or 40-50 minutes by bus. Chitose airport is closer to Sapporo & Niseko and has more international flight options, if you prefer to start your trip there before coming to Asahikawa then Chitose airport maybe a better option.
2. How do I get to Asahikawa?
From Asahikawa Airport catch the Airport bus to Asahikawa Station or the nearest stop to your accommodation. The bus departs from platform 9 starting from 7:50 to 19:20 departing roughly every 30-50 minutes. (Travel time: 30-50 minutes/ Cost: ¥500-750). Taxis are also available (Travel time: 30 min / Cost: ¥5,560). From Chitose Airport by bus catch the Hokuto Kotsu direct to Asahikawa, travel time: 2hrs 41minutes / Cost: ¥3,800  (reservation required with bookings upto 2 months in advance available). Departing twice daily at 14:25 & 16:25 From New Chitose Airport by train catch the Rapid Airport to Sapporo Station departing every 15 minutes starting from 6:38 am taking aproximately 40 minutes transfer to the Ltd Lilac Exp to Asahikawa Station (Total Travel time: 2.5 hours / Cost: ¥5500).
3. What are the rental options?
Ski and snowboard rentals in Asahikawa are limited there for it is recommended to bring your own equipment, however there are a couple of options. Asahikawa Rides for skis & touring gear (pre-booking essential) Rhythm in Furano & Niseko are also options if you intend to ride at either of those resorts prior to coming to Asahikawa, they have a system in place where you can courier the equipment back to them for a small fee. (pre-booking for premium gear essential).
4. ​What equipment should I bring?
Asahikawa is known as the coldest city in Japan, with short days and temps ranging from -2 to -20°C / 28 to -4°F . We strongly recommend that guests dress in layers of clothing specific for traveling in backcountry areas. We recommend that guests have a good quality Gore-Tex jacket and pants, insulation layer(s) puffer fleece, merino base layers, warm gloves & inners, goggles with low light & high light lenses, sunglasses, balaclava, beanie, and helmet. Guests will need to bring their own ski or snowboarding equipment for the tour (board, boots, bindings & outerwear). It is recommended to bring backcountry touring equipment to have the ability to explore more & access better terrain away from the crowds.
5. ​Should I bring touring gear for back country?
Yes, it is highly recommended to bring your own touring gear (touring skis/split board/avalanche equipment). It opens up many more options to ski/snowboard the best terrain and fresh powder that is only accessible by touring. Recently, ski resorts have become busier, making it increasingly important to explore areas away from the crowds.
6. ​How fit do I need to be?
Generally tours are designed to be enjoyed by anyone who is reasonably fit . Tours can be tailored to different fitness levels and eagerness to explore, with those looking to venture further with some hiking getting rewarded for there efforts with deeper turns while those who are less energetic and purely wanting to stick to the easy ins and easy outs to satisfy their powder needs can also be accommodated. Some trips visit remote areas with limited or non-existent medical facilities so you must be in good health. Factors such as altitude, cold temperatures, unfamiliar food, different customs and cultures also add to the physical toll. . Please note that if, in the opinion of your Hokkaido Drift guide, any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, Hokkaido Drift reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. We recommend that you carry any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses) as they may not easily be obtained at the locations on this trip.
7. ​What are the ability requirements for a tour?
To participate in one of our Package Tours you must be strong intermediate to advanced or above skill level and have prior experience skiing/riding in powder, be competent in traversing through tight trees and maintaining speed through flat sections. It's important that you feel confident on black diamond runs, routinely venturing off-piste at resorts or in the backcountry, can navigate any alpine terrain (deep powder, steep or icy terrain etc.) with ease, and maintain a steady rhythm and control in. Ones ability will dictate what areas can be accessed so an accurate portrayal is essential when stating your skiing/riding level. This is especially important for mixed tours so that participants can be evenly matched to ensure the group gels well and areas are able to be accessed by all. ​​ If the guide feels that a riders' ability level isn't well matched with the conditions and terrain, they reserve the right to direct guests to resort-riding-this is for this safety of everyone on the tour. If you or your group feel that you do not meet this level I would suggest booking out the entire tour or alternately booking Day Tours for as many days as you wish.
8. ​Is avalanche safety equipment required?
Avalanche safety equipment (touring backpack, beacon, probe, shovel) is compulsory for off-piste riding and backcountry areas. Rentals are available from ¥6000 per day, ¥15000 for 3 consecutive days and ¥20000 for the duration of a package tour. Alternatively please bring your own equipment.
9. Do you provide travel insurance?
Travel Insurance is not provided by Hokkaido Drift. All guests on tour need to be covered by comprehensive travel insurance. Once you have booked the tour, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. If you have travel insurance connected to your credit card or bank account please ensure you have details of the participating insurer, the insurance policy number and emergency contact number with you rather than the bank’s name and credit card details.
10. What guiding qualifications do you have?
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Advanced First Aid Certification
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AST2 - Renewed yearly
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2+ years guiding experience in Japan