Last night we got back from an epic ski trip to Hokkaido, Japan. Going there as a family was my 50th birthday wish and something I had been looking forward to for several years. I am thrilled to say it was everything I had hoped for. We spent four days skiing in and around Niseko and then another four days near Furano. Thanks to Hokkaido Power Guides, we had lovely and capable guides in both areas. We did a fair bit of off piste skiing which often involved some amount of skinning to get back to the ski resort. Much of that was below the tree line among fabulous Japanese white birch.

We were super lucky with the weather. The night we arrived it snowed about half a foot and we got some fresh powder every day while there. On top of that on the two days that it really mattered we briefly had clear skies: skiing on the Asahi-dake volcano and ski touring in the Daisetsuzan National Park. As on our previous Japan trip, the food was another highlight. Standouts included a tiny Soba place in Niseko and Fuku Sushi in Furano. The best après ski activity is to visit one of the many Onsen in the region. We wrapped up the last night with a hilarious Karaoke session in Furano.

It is a long way to go – we traveled for a bit over 24 hours each way – and probably a once in a lifetime trip. I am feeling very fortunate to have been able to experience this winter wonderland!