Equipment List for Skiing in Japan

Winter in Hokkaido, Japan can be extremely cold. This is due to Pacific Ocean moisture mixing with super chilled Siberian air. The result is the endless fine powder and very cold skiing! For this reason, it is critical that you bring EVERYTHING ON THIS LIST! If in doubt, bring extra rather than less.

SKI CLOTHING:

PERSONAL GEAR:

  • Passport – Don’t forget it on your way to the airport
  • Cell phone plan for abroad
  • Phone charger/electric adapter (can be bought in country)
  • Lunch/Snacks – 1 lb per day of a variety of tasty, high energy foods
  • Headlamp (ex: Petzl Headlamps)
  • 30-40 liter Ski Pack for single-day tours (ex: Ortovox Ascent 32)
  • Sun visor or ball cap (ex: Outdoor Research Hats)
  • Good quality sunglasses
  • Ski goggles (ex: Julbo Goggles)
  • Sun block & lip crème (SPF 15 or more)
  • Two 1 liter water bottles (ex: Nalgene) – hydration bladders will freeze and be useless
  • Insulated water bottle covers

SKI GEAR

  • Touring Skis or Splitboard
  • Touring ski boots
  • Ski poles
  • Climbing skins
  • Ski helmet
  • Avalanche transceiver with good batteries 
  • Avalanche Shovel
  • Avalanche Probe

FRONTCOUNTRY CLOTHING:

  • 1-2 dressy outfits for dinners in town
  • Walking shoes
  • Comfortable clothes for evenings inside
  • Swimsuit for onsens