SKI HOKKAIDO PACKING LIST
We’ve provided packing recommendations below, feel free to add and subtract items as desired. The layering may seem overkill to some who are used to skiing in the US, but due to its close proximity to SIBERIA, Hokkaido is COLD. Sometimes the sun doesn’t shine for days and it just snows. Often while skiing the snow is deep and light resulting in “face shots” that envelope your entire being. That said, some days can be sunny and nice. It’s important to bring a variety of layers in order to be fully adaptable. Rental gear and replacements are harder to come by in Japan. The items marked with an “x” can be found over there but it’s always best to bring your own.
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Let’s consider this the start of a dialogue, so don’t hesitate to reach out via phone 970-946-5727 or email info@thirdeyebackcountry.com if you have any questions about what to bring.
Also, radio frequencies are heavily regulated in Japan and the typical FRS/GMRS/Talkabout/BCA Link radios are illegal. So save some weight in your luggage and leave your radios behind.
SKI EQUIPMENT
01
Skis / Splitboard Kit
Powder-specific fat skis or all-arounder mid-fat skis 100cm width or wider with touring capable bindings
Skins
Modern, relatively new skins that have been cut to fit your skis before your trip. Due to the cold temps, old worn-out skins that don’t have much adhesive left will be a problem.
Poles
Lightweight adjustable or fixed-length poles ​​​
04
Rescue Gear
Beacon
This needs to be a modern, digital, 3-antenna beacon and you should know how to use it.
Shovel
Collapsible, metal blade, fits inside your ski pack
Probe
Collapsible avalanche probe at least 240cm in length
05
Handware
Heavy, waterproof or water resistant gloves for cold powder days (most of the time). Consider a lightweight pair of puffy mittens to live in the bottom of your pack for emergencies if you tend to get cold hands. Handwarmers can be nice in a pinch too.
02
Backpack
30-40L ski touring-specific pack that can hold all your gear comfortably and effectively carry skis. Airbag packs are not mandatory but if you would like to bring yours, feel free.
03
Headware
Hats
1-2 Warm Beanie-style hats for hiking and skiing; you might want to bring a spare.
Goggles
Low-light lens for storm-cycle days. Maybe bring an extra pair if you tend to get fogged.
Sunglasses
Usually worn during hiking and touring if it’s not puking snow and a must on a sunny day. Don’t be a rookie and hike uphill in goggles and get too fogged to see.
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If you like to ski with a helmet, bring it. If not, don’t.
06
Footwear
Boots
Boots that have a walk mode are recommended. Also, make sure you have some wiggle room to keep the toes warmer. Consider punching out the toe box when thermo-molding them.
Socks (3-4)
Over-the-calf wool or synthetic ski socks, bring a few pairs. We are cold natured and have bad circulation so just LOVE our heated socks. The technology has gotten amazing. We recommend socks by Lenz. Pricey…. But can you put a price on comfort and not doing permanent damage to your toes? If your feet don’t typically get cold, disregard…
FOOTWEAR + CLOTHING
01
Footwear
Boots
Streets and sidewalks are usually plowed but you will want some warm apres ski shoes with good traction
Slippers
Shoes are not allowed in most of the houses and onsens. Have some slip-on shoes or warm socks for lounging. ​
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03
Outerwear
Hard Shell w/ hood
Gore-Tex or equivalent waterproof shell for storm-cycle skiing and deep powder (and crazy winds, did we mention the wind in Japan?)
Parka
Hooded down or synthetic parka for cold transitions and evenings out on the town. We like the loftiest but still lightweight down parka we can find. With a hood!
Hard Shell Pants
Pretty much mandatory. There’s lots of powder days and storm days, and especially if ski area riding is preferred. Ski lifts are cold!
Soft Shell Pants
Optional for warmer touring days, probably not going to be necessary but some people can’t live without them for warmer days.
02
Layers
Underwear (4-5)
Synthetic or wool for next-to-skin comfort and warmth
Base Layer (1-2)
Synthetic or wool long underwear bottoms. Bring a couple different weights for different temperature days
Light-weight Layer
Patagonia R-1 or equivalent fleece layer for warmth under a shell
Mid-weight Layer
Mid-weight down or synthetic puffy jacket for layering under a shell or uphill travel on cold days
MISCELLANEOUS
01
Passport
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months past the trip. Always smart to have a photo of it on your phone too.
04
Onsen Related
Pack Towel
Having a pack towel may be convenient for the onsens, particularly backcountry onsens. Most onsens have towel rentals.
Bathing Suit
Onsens customarily don’t allow bathing suits (they're considered dirty), although some have co-ed pools that require them
Toiletries
Toothbrush, toothpaste, medications
05
Handware
Heavy, waterproof or water resistant gloves for cold powder days (most of the time). Consider a lightweight pair of puffy mittens to live in the bottom of your pack for emergencies if you tend to get cold hands. Handwarmers can be nice in a pinch too.
02
Hydration
Water Bottle
Tap water is safe and delicious in Japan, but on cold days it’ll freeze. Unless you’re super dialed, don’t even think of bringing a camelbak or hydration pack. Too cold!
Thermos
We often pack some hot tea or miso soup to drink on tours. On really cold days a water bottle will freeze and is pointless.
03
Other
Headlamp
Bring a rechargeable headlight or extra batteries in case a day in the backcountry goes longer than anticipated.
Buff (1-2)
We like to have multiple buffs to rotate dry ones due to snow and breath condensation