Hokkaido Ski Trip FAQ

Ski Equipment & Fitness
What size skis will I need?

• The ideal ski size depends on your height, weight, skiing ability, and terrain preference.
• For powder skiing in Hokkaido, many skiers prefer skis that are longer and wider than standard piste skis. But you do not necessarily need extra-wide skis (115mm+), as you would then be less flexible AND struggle to sink and get the perfect face-shot!
• A good rule of thumb:
  • Beginner/Intermediate: Skis should be chin to nose height.
  • Advanced: Skis nose to forehead height, with wider waist widths (100mm+) for powder.
  • I am 170 cm (5’7″) tall and weigh about 65 Kg (144 lb), and I do everything with a pair of 177cm Dynastar Mythic (97mm under foot).
• If unsure, rental shops in Hokkaido have expert staff who can help select the best skis for you.

Do I have the required ski/fitness level?

• Our trips can cater for all sort of levels, from on-piste only to the more advanced ski touring and mountaineering focused trips. If you are booking as a single or pair then let us know your level of experience and we will match you to a suitable group. If you have a minimum of 3 people of similar level then we can set the level of the trip based on YOUR requirements (book EARLY for maximum flexibility, ideally 9-10 months ahead of time).
• Our trips usually involve 6 or 7 (sometimes more) consecutive ski days, so a good level of fitness is required. There is always an option mid-trip to have a rest day and pass on the skiing – be honest and take that opportunity if you are starting to get tired, otherwise you might struggle at the end of the trip when opting-out from skiing might not be an easy option.
• If you’re hoping to explore off-piste or side-country terrain, you should be confident skiing deep powder and variable conditions.
• If the trip you are joining will include ski-touring to access backcountry terrain, you should have some previous experience with ski touring equipment and mountain safety practices.
• Fitness Tip: Skiing in powder snow requires more leg strength than on groomed runs. Cardio and leg-focused exercises before your trip will help you make the most of the experience.

Food & Dietary Requirements

I have some dietary requirements, will it be possible to satisfy them in Hokkaido?

• Yes, but planning ahead is recommended.
• Vegetarian & Vegan Options: Available but limited, especially in rural areas. Niseko and Sapporo have more choices.
• Gluten-Free: Japanese soy sauce contains wheat, so be cautious when ordering. Some ramen shops offer gluten-free noodles.
• Halal & Kosher: Some halal-certified restaurants exist in Sapporo and Niseko.
• It’s helpful to bring a translated dietary card in Japanese to explain your needs.

What kind of breakfast can I expect?

• Most accommodations offer Japanese-style breakfasts with some (limited) Western-style options.
• A Japanese breakfast typically includes:
  • Rice, miso soup, grilled fish, pickles, tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet), natto (fermented soybeans), and tea.
• Western options may include:
  • Bread, eggs, sausage, cereal, fruit, and coffee.
• Most hotels offer buffet-style breakfasts with a mix of both options. It is not a type of breakfast you might be used to, but it is very nourishing and it will fuel well our powder adventures.

Need More Help?

If you have more questions, feel free to reach out!
Contact us at hello@hokkaidoadventure.com for expert advice on planning your ski trip.