The Tomamu Explorer is a 7-day, 6-night backcountry journey through the quiet mountains of Central Hokkaido. Based in a comfortable Japanese inn, the experience blends authentic accommodation with world-class skiing in uncrowded terrain.

With access to the Tomamu zone and the northern Hidaka range, each day is shaped by conditions, allowing us to seek out the region’s renowned cold, dry powder in a truly remote setting.

1. Transceiver, Shovel and Probe are essential and included in this tour

2. Travel insurance is compulsory for this tour

3. Accomodation is dependent on availability at time of booking

4. Tour price is based on a minimum group size of 4 people. A supplement will be applied to all persons if minimum group size is not met. Supplement = AUD $500 P/person

On arrival, you will be met by your Alpine Backcountry Guides team member at your chosen pickup location, including Furano Station, Tomamu Station, or the Tomamu Bus Stop (Hoshino Resorts).

From there, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation in Tomamu, where you can settle in and prepare for the week ahead.

In the evening, the group will come together for a welcome dinner, followed by a briefing with your guide to run through the plan for the week, current conditions, and gear preparation.

Travel Note: If arriving via New Chitose Airport (CTS), we recommend booking a flight that lands no later than 3:00pm, allowing enough time to transfer to Tomamu. The train is the most direct and quickest option for transfers to Tomamu from the airport.

Your first day on snow begins in the Tomamu zone, using the resort as a gateway into the surrounding backcountry.

Depending on conditions and group preference, we may utilise the lifts to quickly gain elevation before moving beyond the boundaries, or head straight into touring objectives. The focus is on beginning to explore the terrain that defines this region — from gladed tree lines to rolling backcountry features.

This day sets the tone for the week ahead, building familiarity with the snowpack, terrain, and movement as a group while still prioritising quality skiing.

After a full day in the mountains, return to Tomamu to unwind with a hot meal and a relaxed evening in the quiet alpine setting.

Over the following days, the group will move fluidly through the Tomamu backcountry zones, with each day shaped by the latest weather and snow conditions. The objective is simple; to find the best possible snow while exploring the diverse terrain of the region.

We aim to ski across several of the primary peaks surrounding Tomamu, including Tomamu Dake, Ochiai Dake, Karifure Dake, and Ishi Yama. Each offers its own character, from rolling alpine features to perfectly spaced tree skiing, all set within a quiet and largely untouched landscape.

There is also the option to venture further afield for a day at Sahoro Resort (approximately 40 minutes), combining lift access with backcountry exploration to open up additional terrain.

Many of the zones we access are well off the beaten track, often used only by local Japanese skiers, if at all. This is a key part of the Tomamu Explorer, accessing terrain that remains largely untouched and overlooked, even during the peak of winter.

At the end of Day 6, the group will come together for a celebratory dinner at a local izakaya in town, such as Manpuku or Shinta, hosted by your guide.

Your final day is flexible and shaped around the group’s travel arrangements, with the aim of fitting in a half day of riding in the Tomamu zone before departure.

We recommend planning departures no earlier than 1:00pm, allowing time to make the most of your final morning on snow.

Following skiing, we can arrange transfers back to Furano town or assist with drop-offs at Tomamu Station for onward travel. Tomamu is well connected, with direct train and bus options to Sapporo and New Chitose Airport, making onward travel straightforward.