FAQ

Private Ski & Snowboard Guiding FAQ

Trip Format

Is this private guiding?
Yes. We only offer private ski and snowboard guiding, so it’s just you and your own group — friends, family, or your travel crew. We do not run mixed group tours.

How many guests can join?
We aim to keep groups small for the best experience. 1–5 guests is ideal. A 6th guest may be possible depending on the group and the plan for the day. For larger groups, we may require an additional tail guide.

Do you guide both skiers and snowboarders?
Yes, absolutely. We guide both skiers and snowboarders, including mixed groups.

Terrain & Locations

Where do you guide?
We are based in Otaru, with quick access to some of the best lift-accessed powder terrain in western Hokkaido. Our local areas include Kiroro, Sapporo Kokusai, Teine, Asari, Tenguyama, and Snow Cruise Onze.

Depending on conditions and your goals, we can also guide in areas such as Niseko, Rusutsu, Furano, and Asahidake.

For backcountry touring, our main zones are in the mountains around Kiroro, Kokusai, and Niseko.

Do you offer resort, sidecountry, and backcountry guiding?
Yes. We offer resort powder days, lift-accessed sidecountry, gate-access terrain, and backcountry touring, depending on conditions, group ability, and objectives.

Can you decide the best location based on conditions?
Yes. That’s a big part of what we do. We stay up to date with snowfall, wind, visibility, avalanche conditions, and lift operations, and choose the best area for the day to give your group the best possible experience.

Safety

Do I need avalanche gear?
For lift-accessed sidecountry, gate-access terrain, and backcountry tours, yes — avalanche gear is required. This includes:

• avalanche backpack
  
  

• beacon (transceiver)
  
  

• shovel
  
  

• probe
  
  

For standard resort guiding only, avalanche gear may not be necessary depending on the plan for the day.

Is avalanche equipment provided?
Yes. We can provide avalanche safety equipment rentals for guided trips, and the guide can bring the gear with them on the day. We also offer avalanche pack rentals for non-tour guests, subject to availability.

What experience level is required?
To get the most out of a powder day, all riders should ideally be at least upper intermediate and comfortable riding most of the mountain in variable conditions.

That said, because all trips are private, we can be flexible and tailor the day to suit your group’s ability, goals, and comfort level.

What happens in bad weather?
If lift operations or weather conditions make it impossible to access suitable terrain safely, we can offer either:

• a chance to reschedule, or
  
  

• a credit toward another day
  
  

We always aim to make the best call based on safety, terrain access, and the quality of the experience.

Logistics

Is transport included?
Yes. Transport is included to and from the Otaru area as part of our private guiding service.

Where do we meet?
Most commonly, we will pick you up directly from your accommodation in Otaru.

What should I bring?
Please bring your normal ski or snowboard equipment, suitable outerwear, gloves, goggles, and any personal items you need for the day.

If you need ski or snowboard rentals, we recommend arranging them at least one day in advance so we can make the most of the morning.

What time does the day start and finish?
Most lifts in the Otaru area start at 9:00am, so we typically offer pickup from around 8:00am to make sure we’re there for first lifts.

A standard day usually finishes around 3:00pm, although exact timing may vary depending on the destination, weather, and your group’s energy levels.

Booking & Pricing

What is included in the price?
Private guiding includes:

• a full day of private ski or snowboard guiding
  
  

• transport to and from the Otaru area
  
  

• a locally based guide with deep knowledge of conditions and terrain in western Hokkaido
  
  

Are lift passes included?
No. Lift passes are not included and will need to be purchased separately, either in advance or on the day. We can advise on the best option after booking.

How do I book?
You can book by contacting us through our enquiry form here.
 

What is your cancellation policy?
Our cancellation policy can be found at the bottom of this page.
 

Accommodation Package

Do you offer accommodation?
Yes. We offer a private ski and snowboard guiding + accommodation package based in Otaru, ideal for guests who want a simple, all-in-one base for exploring western Hokkaido.

What is Powder House Otaru?
Powder House Otaru is our fully licensed 3-bedroom, 2-storey private holiday house in Otaru, designed with ski and snowboard groups in mind.

Is Powder House Otaru suitable for ski groups?
Yes — it was specifically set up for ski and snowboard trips. The house includes:

• a dedicated waxing station
  
  

• dry room
  
  

• ski and snowboard racks
  
  

• comfortable space for private groups
  
  

We also offer multi-day accommodation + guiding packages based from Powder House Otaru.

Cancellation Policy Winter ‘25/26

Full payment is due no later than 60 days prior to the tour start date. For bookings made within

60 days of the tour, full payment is required at the time of booking to confirm your reservation.

Cancellations made between 60 and 30 days before the tour will incur a cancellation fee of 50%

of the total tour cost.

Cancellations made within 30 days of the tour start date are non-refundable and will incur a

cancellation fee of 100% of the total tour cost.

If you need to cancel your booking please contact us at your earliest convenience. Modification

by the customer: Please inform us should you decide to modify your booking. A ¥5000

administration fee may apply to any modification of your booking. Modifications are up to the

discretion of Momentum Hokkaido. Cancellation by Momentum Hokkaido: No compensation will

be offered for cancellations due to factors beyond our control. The operation of all snow sports

activities is determined by the conditions of the environment at the time such activities are

scheduled to take place. If a snow sport activity is canceled due to the conditions of the

environment, chair lift failure, chair lift "wind hold" or any other factor outside of our control, we

will do our best to either reschedule the activity for a time that is convenient for you or offer

alternative activities. There will be no refunds if you fail to follow the instructions of your

guide/instructor or if they deem your behaviour during the snow sport activity dangerous, or if

your further participation in the snow sport activity is terminated because of your choice. All

refunds, where offered, will be paid via bank transfer or cash.