to know.
The riding
. What matters is that you can read terrain and navigate it with confidence. In Central Hokkaido, the smaller resorts offer genuinely easy runs alongside challenging ones — if you're ready to progress, this is one of the best places in the world to do it. The quality of the snow makes everything feel more forgiving.
Absolutely. Both skiers and snowboarders are welcome on every tour. We've had groups of all kinds and it works perfectly — the resorts we visit have terrain that suits everyone, and the daily resort choice is based on conditions rather than discipline.
Not at all — it's entirely optional. Central Hokkaido has excellent powder both on and off the groomed runs. If you feel confident and want to follow the Japanese guide into the trees, you're very welcome to. If you'd rather stay on the slopes, there's still extraordinary powder to be had. Some guests venture deep into the forest; others spend the week on the runs. Everyone has an amazing time at their own pace.
Gear & equipment
Yes. Rental gear in Asahikawa is expensive and the quality isn't great — especially for powder-specific equipment. We strongly recommend bringing your own. Keep in mind that all new snow gear in Japan is quite expensive, and sizes can be limited, so plan ahead if you need anything.
Yes — and it really does make a difference here. In Central Hokkaido, snow can be thigh-deep. A powder-specific board or wide ski (105mm+ waist) with a rocker profile will transform the experience compared to an all-mountain setup. If you're a snowboarder, a directional powder board is the weapon of choice in Japan for good reason: the snow is consistent enough that it's worth having a dedicated quiver. We're happy to advise on gear choices before the trip.
Logistics
Yes, absolutely. The hotel offers both shared and private room options. Single-occupancy rooms are available for those travelling solo who prefer their own space. Either way, we all travel together from Asahikawa to the resorts each day by van.
No problem at all. Hokkaido's cuisine is genuinely diverse. Asahikawa is known for its ramen (it has its own distinct style), and there are excellent Genghis Khan BBQ restaurants, yakitori bars, and izakayas everywhere. With over 2,000 restaurants in the city, you'll find plenty you love. Sushi and sashimi are available and excellent if you want them, but they're far from the only option.
How it works
It's something different. We're a small operation driven by a genuine passion for powder riding — not a guided tour company. Think of us as hosts, welcoming you as guests into our favourite spots. A qualified Japanese safety guide accompanies the group in slackcountry terrain. You ski and ride at your own pace. Your comfort and safety are the priority; that's why we recommend also a good travel insurance and quality riding equipment over budget alternatives.
Entirely based on conditions. Each morning we check snowfall, wind, visibility, and the forecast, then choose the resort that will deliver the best riding for that day. We know all 12 resorts in our network intimately, which means we can make that call quickly and reliably. This flexibility is one of the core things that makes the trip work.
General
To book a tour with Fab's Powder Trip, get in touch through our inquiry form or send us a message directly. We'll talk through your dates, group size, and what you're after, then send you the details for your tour. A deposit secures your spot for the season — once that's in, we start planning around the conditions to make sure you get the best of central Hokkaido's powder.
Yes. Our tours are built around small groups, which means we can adjust the day to suit who's there. We've hosted everything from confident intermediates working on their tree skiing to experienced riders who want steep lines and untracked powder. If you're not sure whether a tour is right for your group, just ask — we'll be honest about what to expect.
We run small-group and private freeride tours across central and northern Hokkaido, taking in resorts like Asahidake, Kamui Ski Links, Furano, Tomamu, and other spots most visitors never find. We follow the snow — if one area has had a big dump overnight, that's where we go. Private tours (up to 9 guests) are tailored entirely to your group's pace and ability.
Our base is a hotel in the centre of Asahikawa, with indoor and outdoor onsen, a sauna, and a cold plunge pool — exactly what you want after a day in the snow. Breakfast is included, and the hotel is close to over 2,000 restaurants and bars, so you're never short of ramen, sushi, or izakaya options in the evening.
This is really our whole philosophy. We've been riding central Hokkaido since 2007, long before most of these resorts were on anyone's radar. We deliberately avoid the busy, commercialised hubs and take you to the local resort experience instead — places with deep powder, no lift queues, and barely another foreigner in sight.
Yes — many of our guests have been back multiple times, some three or more seasons running. You can read their full stories on our Testimonials page, where guests talk about the powder, the food, the onsens, and what it's like riding with us.
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