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Women's Week

Our women’s snowsports retreat in Hokkaido, Japan, is designed to provide an immersive and empowering experience that blends adventure and wellness. 

 

Whilst staying in our warm and welcoming farmstead, ​you will experience Japanese winter and the abundant snowfall and deep powder it brings. This retreat is for women of all skiing and snowboarding experience levels, from first-timers to experienced riders.

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Indulge in our yoga sessions to help you relax and unwind the body and mind. Ending our days getting cosy by the fireplace, we will enjoy delicious

home-style meals and share stories with like-minded women in our beautiful dining space.

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On our rest days, we will enjoy regenerative adventures, from day trips to onsens, horse riding and exploring Otaru, a historic and atmospheric town with a local pottery studio.

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Our Women's Week is open to all women, and is about adventure, friendship and the magic of  Hokkaido's snowy mountains.​

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2nd - 8th March 2025

Hopi Hills/ Margo's Garden farm, with thick snow on the roof

An adventure for
                 6 women



 

What's included?

What's not included?

6 x nights accommodation in a shared room

you can request a private room at extra cost 

6 x breakfasts

6 x dinners

Premium equipment rental 

please refer to FAQ for equipment rental details. if you are bringing your own equipment, we will deduct this from your final price

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Daily transport to the mountain

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3 days lift pass at Kiroro Snow World

3 days ski or snowboard lessons

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Regular yoga sessions

Horse riding or snow-shoeing options

A pottery class

2 day trips 

Entrance to Lake Toya Onsen 

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Airport / train station transfer 

Flights

Travel insurance

Lunches

Alcoholic drinks

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Price 695,000¥​

Deposit 200,000Â¥

Accommodation

Cosy Barn Rooms or Luxury Yurts

Discover our homely farm-stay nestled in snowy mountains, offering a warm and cosy shared room with one other woman on the retreat. Private rooms can be arranged for an extra cost, please contact us for further details.

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We will share our beautiful communal farmhouse with other guests of the farmstay. There is a homely fire and welcoming atmosphere. You will also have a chance to meet the resident goats!​

clean, comfortable and shared accommodation in a barn or yurt
Japanese Mushrooms for the breakfast and dinner provided on the retreat

Food

Breakfast and Dinner

Our chef, Miwa, cooks delicious Japanese dishes, using ingredients made on the farm or sourced locally.  She can

easily cater for Vegans and Vegetarians.

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Any other dietary requirements or allergies let us know in advance so we can accommodate them.

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Snowsports

Skiing and Snowboarding

All experience and expertise levels are welcome; whether you have never seen snow before or are a seasoned expert, we will tailor your skiing & snowboarding adventures to your needs.

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Our female instructors will ensure you are in appropriate groups for your level, help you to challenge yourself in a comfortable manner and ensure you have the best time on the mountain!

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Off-piste powder riding in mountains of Kiroro
Beautiful horses in the snow

Activities

Yoga Classes, Onsens, Horseriding,
Snow-shoeing and Pottery

Experience all of these activities, organised for you and included in the price.

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We will have regular yoga lessons with our amazing yoga instructor Caitríona and the chance to explore the farm's magical snowy woodlands on horse-back or by snow-shoe.

+2 day trips

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 Lake Toya Onsen, where we will enjoy the onsen's hot, steamy spring water overlooking spectacular views.

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Otaru, a historical Japanese city, where the ocean meets the land, with scenic canals, craft shops and a pottery class.

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Our Team

Horse with snow flakes and sky filled with snow

If you are interested in Women's Week,

have any questions

or want to make a booking,

please email otaruadventure.snowsportschool@gmail.com

Important things to know

 

Language:

We will be welcoming women from all over the world, and will use English as our common language. 

 

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Transfer:

Airport pick-up will be at 13:00 on Sunday 2nd of March, from New Chitose Airport

 

Airport drop-off will be at 14:00 on Saturday 8th of March, to New Chitose Airport

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Train Station Pick-up will be from Otaru-Minami JR at 14:30 Sunday 2nd of March. â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹

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Terms and Conditions:​

All participants are required to have personal travel insurance that covers them for all the activities included here.

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There is an inherent risk of injury and other harm as a result of all outdoor and adventurous activities, and to moving in snowy and icy conditions. Whilst the guides and instructors are professionals, and Otaru Adventure has taken reasonable measures to make the activities as safe as possible, by taking part in Women's Week you acknowledge the inherent risk. Otaru Adventure cannot be held responsible or liable for any damages, injuries or similar arising during Women's Week.​

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Otaru Adventure cannot be held responsible or liable for cancellation, delay or curtailment participation Women's Week as a result of circumstances beyond our control. This might include travel delays, adverse weather and force majeure. In the unlikely even that the lifts at Kiroro are closed, we will arrange alternative activities. We are excited to run Women's Week and will take all reasonable steps to ensure it goes ahead safely.

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You are required to communicate any health issues or conditions to Otaru Adventure in advance of making your booking, and until the completion of Women's Week. We willl take this into account to make your experience safe and comfortable. 

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Cancellation Policy:​

The deposit is non-refundable.

Cancellation after the 19th of January, the final payment due date, will not result in a refund.​

If you need to cancel, please contact us as soon as possible to discuss your options.  â€‹â€‹â€‹

FAQ's

Is this retreat right for me?

This trip is great for someone who wants to spend time with other  women experiencing the thrill of snowsports, enjoying delicious food, relaxing in peaceful onsens, trying new activities from a Japanese pottery class to horse-riding in the snow and visiting a historic Japanese port town. Immerse yourself in Japanese winter in a cosy and warm farmstay, with friendly resident goats.

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Do I really get all of this in one week?

Yes, all of the above activities are included in the price! 

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What equipment is included? 

Included are either a set of skis, poles, boots and a helmet, or snowboard, boots and helmet. All equipment is premium grade and can be swapped for different sizes throughout the week. You will need to bring your own snow-wear and goggles. 

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What is not included?

Travel insurance isn’t included, you will need to make sure you are appropriately covered for all the activities listed.

Your flights to and from New Chitose Airport aren’t included.

Your pottery class is included; including materials and instruction, but shipping to your home isn't included. After the class, the pottery teachers will complete the firing of your creation and ship it to you. This can take up to two months. International shipping from Japan is usually very reasonably priced. 

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What time is the airport pickup and drop off?

Airport pick up will be 13:00 on Sunday the 2nd of March at New Chitose Airport. Airport drop off will be at 14:00 on Saturday the 8th of March New Chitose Airport.

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I’m travelling by train; can you pick me up from the station?

Our airport transfer will also Minami Otaru JR train station on Sunday the 2nd of March. Please let us know if you are travelling by train and we will come and get you! 

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Can I bring my own ski or snowboard equipment?

Yes, ofcourse! If you want any advice on what equipment to bring, feel free to email us and we will do what we can do advise you on the equipment we feel is most appropriate!

 

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Are all of the instructor’s female?

All of your ski or snowboard instructors, yoga instructor, chef and host are a fantastic all female team! We may not be able to guarantee a female horse riding instructor.

 

 

There are a lot of activities on in one week! What if I get tired?

There is no requirement to get involved in every activity, it is important you take things at your own pace. We will try our best to accommodate your needs if you need to take an afternoon or a day off. Our job is to look after you and make sure you can enjoy the activities.

 

 

I am a beginner to skiing or snowboarding, can I still join?

Of course! We will have an instructor who will tailor the lesson for your pace. We think this week is a fun & relaxed way to be introduced to snowsports.

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I am an experienced skier or snowboarder, is this trip right for me?

Of course! You will be with an instructor with whom you some find some powder stashes, and if you want to, brush up your technique or challenge you a little bit.

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Can we go off-piste?

This is definitely on the cards for the more experienced riders. However, it will be at the discretion of your instructor, who will take into consideration the conditions, ability and all appropriate safety factors and regulations.

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I have a disability. Can you run adaptive ski lessons and are the accommodation and facilities accessible?

We don’t currently have the capability to run the full women’s week programme for adaptive snowsports students. Our farmstay is in a mountainous environment, is very snowy and will be difficult to navigate for less mobile people and wheelchair users. We want to work towards making the programme accessible for all women, and we would love to hear from you on what you would want or need in order to have a brilliant Otaru Adventure Women’s Week experience. Please send us an email and we will be in touch.

 

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What is an onsen?

An onsen is a Japanese hot spring bath. They are separated by 'male' and 'female' and it is compulsory to be naked. The onsen is a time for reflection and relaxation and is one of our favorite things in Japan.

There are some rules and etiquette around using onsens in Japan: https://www.japan.travel/en/ph/story/onsen-etiquette/

 

 

Do I need to be naked in the onsen?

Yes, nudity is compulsory. This might take a bit of getting used to, but it should quickly feel normal. 

 

 

What will the snow conditions be like?

March is a great time to ski and snowboard in Kiroro. Historically, early March still sees consistent snowfall in Kiroro, however, the days are a bit longer, the wind less cold, and there is more chance of sunshine. We have timed the week to coincide with international women’s day on the 8th of March.

 

 

Can I pay in installments?

Yes, you can pay in installments. You can secure your place with a deposit of 200,000 JPY. Full payment is due by the 19th of January 2025.

 

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What happens if the resort is closed, or if ski lessons can’t run?

This time of year, it is rare that the resort is closed or that lessons can’t run. However, if something beyond our control happens, we will either alter the schedule and swap days around or we will have a backup activity ready, like a snowshoe walk in the forest. There will be plenty to do.

 

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Will there be Wifi in my yurt?

Yes there will!

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I have a questions you haven’t answered; where can I ask it?

Please email otaruadventure.snowsportschool@gmail.com with ‘Women’s Week Questions’ in the subject line of the email. We will do our best to answer you as quickly as possible. Alternatively you can message us on Insta at Otaru Adventure.

© 2024 Hopi Hills K.K. 

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