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:
- Light or medium weight long underwear top – polypropylene or capilene (ex: Men’s Ortovox Base Layers, Women’s Ortovox Base Layers)
- Heavy weight long underwear bottom – polypropylene or capilene (ex: Men’s Ortovox Base Layers, Women’s Ortovox Base Layers)
- 1 Lightweight and 1 heavyweight fleece pullover/jacket (ex: Men’s Ortovox Hoodies and Fleece Jackets, Women’s Ortovox Hoodies and Fleece Jackets)or Softshell Jacket (ex: Men’s Ortovox Softshell Jackets, Women’s Ortovox Softshell Jackets)
- Medium weight down or synthetic insulated jacket (ex: Men’s Ortovox Zinal Jacket, Women’s Ortovox Zinal Jacket)
- Heavy Insulated Parka – expedition weight (ex: Patagonia AlpLoft Down Parka)
- Waterproof/breathable (Goretex or equivalent) pants or bibs (Men’s Ortovox Hardshell Pants, Women’s Ortovox Hardshell Pants)
- Waterproof/breathable (Goretex or equivalent) shell jacket with hood (ex: Men’s Ortovox Hardshell Jacket, Women’s Ortovox Hardshell Jacket)
- 7 pairs of Warm socks – wool or wool/synthetic blend (ex: Men’s Ortovox Socks, Women’s Ortovox Socks)
- 2 pairs of liner gloves
- 2 pair of medium-weight ski gloves (ex: Men’s Ortovox Mountain Glove, Women’s Ortovox Mountain Glove)
- 1 pair of heavy-weight waterproof gloves or mittens (ex: Men’s Ortovox Freeride Mitten, Women’s Ortovox Freeride Mitten)
- 1 pair of expedition-weight gloves or mittens (ex: Black Diamond Absolute Mitts)
- Heavy polar fleece or wool hat (ex: Men’s Ortovox Hats and Neckwarmers, Women’s Ortovox Hats and Neckwarmers)
- Buff, neck gaiter or balaclava (ex: Men’s Ortovox Neckwarmers, Women’s Ortovox Neckwarmers)
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