Mapo Tapo Newsletter #13

After our Norway adventure, it’s time to head east to… JAPOW! 🎌🎉

 

Japow 日本  isn’t just a nickname—it’s a global badge of honour for Hokkaido, home to some of the best powder skiing destinations in the world. ❄️

Think endless fresh snow, epic slopes, and that unbeatable mix of adventure and Japanese tradition.

 

I can’t wait to dive back into that legendary powder—ski season, here we cooomeee⛷ I'll tell you all about the top ski spots, local tips, and how to unwind after an epic skiing day👇.

 

Thanks to cold Siberian winds meeting the moisture of the Sea of Japan, Hokkaido receives some of the heaviest snowfall globally (15-18 meters❗)..

 

..resulting in incredibly light, dry powder perfect for skiing.😍😍 I don't know about you, but I CAN'T WAIT to get back on that fresh powder 🤩.

 

But where should I hit the slopes? 🧐

Take a look at this map👇 Resorts like Niseko, Sapporo and Rusutsu offer unparalleled terrain for backcountry adventures and tree skiing ⛷.

If you’re heading to Niseko, you’re in for some of the best powder skiing on the planet 🌍. Locals swear by the backcountry terrain, but even the resort runs have that unbeatable Japow magic.

 

☝ Local Tip:  Don’t skip the night skiing 🌠—it’s a surreal experience gliding through the illuminated snow under the stars. When you’re ready to refuel, stop by the Hirafu area for some authentic izakayas 居酒屋 (a “stay saké shop”), serving up steaming bowls of ramen and fresh Hokkaido seafood 😋. 

 

🧖‍♂️ And of course, end the day with a soak in an onsen (natural hot spring) — it’s the ultimate way to unwind after crushing the slopes 😌.

🤓 One last peculiar thing about Niseko  - The area has unique rules to keep everyone secure while exploring its powder-filled terrain. Here’s the quick rundown:

 

1. Always use gates to access backcountry areas 🗝.

2. Never duck under boundary ropes ❌.

3. Wear a helmet and carry an avalanche beacon ⛑.

4. Don’t enter backcountry areas when gates are closed 🔐.

5. Off-limits zones are strictly prohibited—no exceptions🙅 .

6. Kids can only enter backcountry areas with an adult 👩‍👦.

 

Unlike other parts of Japan, Niseko allows backcountry access through designated gates—a system born from years of experience on these mountains 🕰 🎿. 

💎 Rusutsu feels like a hidden gem compared to Niseko’s buzz, but that’s part of its charm 😌.

 

⛷The tree skiing here is just legendary, with perfectly spaced birch forests that make every run feel like your own private adventure. The terrain is playful and diverse, so it’s great for everything from carving cruisers to diving into deep powder.

 

🎪 After skiing, check out the quirky Rusutsu Resort, complete with a carousel and amusement park vibes 🎠 —it’s a little bizarre but in the best way possible 🤓.

 

☝ Local Tip: Don’t miss the freshly baked melon bread メロンパン from the bakery; it’s a local favourite!🍈 🥖

🤩 Sapporo is where you get the best of both worlds—city culture and killer skiing just a short drive away. Locals love hitting up Teine or Kokusai for quick day trips filled with fresh powder and jaw-dropping mountain views.

 

🍜 After your ski day, head back into the city for a bowl of Sapporo’s famous miso ramen and a cold beer from the local breweries.

 

☝ Local Tip: If you’re in town during the Snow Festival (📅 Feb 4-11), you’ll see the city come alive with incredible ice sculptures and winter celebrations. It’s a ski trip with a vibrant urban twist! 👇

More info about ski touring in Japan on the links below. 👇

 

🎿 8-Days Ski Touring in Japan 👉 Ski Touring in Japan - Hokkaido Ski Trip

🍵 Japanese Izakaya 👉 A Beginner's Guide To The Japanese Izakaya

⛑ More info on Niseko Rules 👉 Niseko Rules

❄️ More info on 👉  Risutsu Resort

❄️ More info on Sapporo ski spots 👉 Teine or Kokusai

🎪 Sapporo Feb 4-11 Festival 👉 Sapporo Snow Festival

🧖‍♀️ Unwind In Japanese Style 👉  Onsen 

⛷ More Videos From Hokkaido 👉Patagonia Kibayama Ski Adventure 

✨ If you'd love to start planning your next adventure, we are here for you, just text Giulia on WhatsApp and she'll help you out 🥰👇

As we gear up for winter (can't wait!❄️), we’ve been busy expanding our international team of Ambassadors—and we’re thrilled to welcome nearly 30 adventurous friends to the Mapo Tapo family! 🥳

We’re handpicking some seriously cool people to travel the world with us, and some of them are already preparing to head out! A couple of them are gearing up for Japan—you’ll want to check out their profiles below for all the details and exclusive discount codes to join their trips. 🎿

👉🎿 Katie @boarderkatie23

She's a snowboarder from Spain 🇪🇸 (yes, you can still join our trip with your splitboard 😉) and she's so excited to join us in Japan 📅 February 2-9 - and you can now join us too!!

 

There's only 5 spots left🚨, so go ahead and ask Giulia for more info before they run out!

 

If you made it till here, you now that you'll not only enjoy the fresh powder, but also the once-in-a-year Snow Festival held in Sapporo 👀🎪. 

🗣️ "My name is Katie. I was born in the UK but have always been living and moving around to new places! I started snowboarding very recently when I was 20 and ever since then my love for winter and the mountains grew! I love spending my time outdoors and in the mountains, when I’m not snowboarding down them… I’m climbing them! I love this world and enjoy seeing beauty in the little things! My motto is to always say yes to new adventures."

👉 🎿 Lena @lengra 

She’s a Norwegian skier 🇳🇴, adventurer, and all-around outdoor enthusiast. Based in Tromsø, Northern Norway, she’s passionate about backcountry skiing, freeriding, and alpinism, sharing her adventures with a community of 26,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok, racking up over 1 million monthly views!

 

She's already found her Japan Crew🤙 and her trip in 📅 Jan 26 - 2 Feb is sold out but make sure to follow her behind-the-scenes as she gets ready for Japan! 🎌🎥

🗣️ "Hi! My name is Lena and I’m a photographer, creative director, and avid skier with a deep passion for the outdoors. I’m passionate about outdoor adventures and wish to inspire others to get outside and chase new adventures, experiences and friendship!"

Discover Mapo Tapo through our travelers' eyes! In each newsletter, we'll be featuring a selection of our favorite snapshots taken during our trips worldwide.👇 Here's a sneek peak of our last trip to Japan:

➡️ Stay tuned for the #2 Newsletter - with useful info on apps, accommodation, transport and what to pack.  

@ Mapo Tapo S.r.l. at Viale Piceno 6, 20129, Milan, Lombardy, Italy.

 

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