Japan: The Powder Chase That Delivered

Hi, I’m Bryan Hickey, and I’m in my tenth year with Boston Ski & Sports Club (BSSC) as the Assistant Director of Ski, Travel and Marketing. Over the past decade, I’ve been lucky enough to lead trips to some of the most iconic ski resorts in the world — from the Alps to the Canadian Rockies — but nothing quite compares to the group travel trip I took last season to Japan. After years of chasing the dream of perfect powder, I can finally say: I found it.

True skiers know the feeling — that relentless pursuit of deep, light, over-the-knee powder that you only see in ski films or dream about while stuck in an ice storm in New England. I’ve had my share of great ski days, but consistent, bottomless powder? That’s rare. And for years, I’d only heard stories or seen clips of magical turns through glades in Niseko. So, when we decided to put together a BSSC group trip to Niseko and Tokyo, I knew I had to lead it. I’d finally get to see if Japan lived up to the legend.

Arrival in Powder Paradise

After a smooth flight to Japan — made even easier on our upcoming 2026 BSSC Japan trip — we landed at Chitose Airport and made our way to The Green Leaf Hotel in Niseko. Tucked slopeside, this ski-in/ski-out gem instantly set the tone. The staff were warm and welcoming, and we settled into our comfortable rooms, complete with plush beds and high-tech bathrooms — perfect for resting up between runs.

That first night, we gathered for dinner at Goshiki, the hotel’s restaurant, which served up a mouthwatering blend of Japanese specialties and familiar comforts. The miso black cod and tempura were standouts. Afterward, we unwound in the hotel’s stylish lobby bar — a cozy spot for the group to sip Japanese whiskey or sake and swap stories, with large bay windows letting us watch the flurries pile up outside.

Waist-deep turns in Niseko — this BSSC group travel adventure delivered the powder dreams are made of.

Skiing the Stuff of Dreams in Niseko

Waking up right next to the mountain with snow already falling was surreal. After fueling up on another top-notch breakfast at Goshiki (fresh fruit, ramen, eggs, bacon — they’ve got it all), we hit the slopes. And wow — the views of Mt. Yotei were jaw-dropping. Surrounded by whimsical birch trees half-buried in snow, it felt like we were skiing through a snow globe.

Niseko’s terrain is a dream come true — wide-open powder fields, perfectly spaced glades, and smooth groomers when you want to just let it rip. The snow is unbelievably light and dry thanks to ocean-effect storms, and the sheer amount of it is hard to grasp until you’re waist-deep. Even on bluebird days, we found fresh stashes all over the mountain. And yes, there’s that quirky “pizza box” single chair lift — literally a cushion on a post — that’s so uniquely Japanese you can’t help but smile.

Lunch on the mountain was another highlight. Forget burgers and fries; we’re talking steaming bowls of ramen, fresh sushi, hand-folded dumplings, and crispy chicken katsu — all served in charming huts or stylish cafes. There’s even a hidden ramen spot tucked in the woods on a black diamond run, but I’ll let you discover that one yourself.

Après under the snowflakes — our BSSC crew explored Niseko’s food truck park for late-night ramen and wagyu bites.

Endless Snowfall, Food Trucks & Nightlife

The rest of the week was a blur of powder shots, laughs, and the best skiing of my life. It snowed every single day — real, knee-deep powder — and the sun broke through just enough for epic views and unforgettable photos. Everyone in our BSSC group travel crew had those magical moments: ducking into trees and coming out with powder beards and frozen eyebrows. The smiles were non-stop.

In the evenings, we explored Niseko Village and nearby Hirafu. The après and nightlife here are unlike anywhere else. The food truck park is an absolute must — imagine wandering through softly falling snow grabbing wagyu skewers, spicy ramen, handmade gyoza, even empanadas, all while sipping Sapporos and recapping the day’s runs.

We found incredible local bars, cozy izakayas, karaoke joints, and even a hidden speakeasy or two. Some in our group opted for the convenience of dinner at the hotel every night and loved it, but for the rest of us, heading out felt like a nightly cultural adventure.

From powder to pop culture — our BSSC group dove into Tokyo’s electric energy at Shibuya Crossing.

From Powder to Pop Culture: Tokyo

Just when you think this BSSC trip couldn’t get better, we hopped on a short flight to Tokyo — a complete 180 from the peaceful mountains, and equally unforgettable. With a metro area of 39 million (five times NYC!), Tokyo is a dazzling metropolis where every block feels like Times Square on steroids.

We stayed at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel, perfectly located for exploring, with a fantastic included breakfast and a rooftop bar that gave us panoramic views of the skyline and Tokyo Tower.

The highlights were endless: crossing the famous Shibuya intersection, visiting the Imperial Palace, and experiencing the world’s most efficient public transit (spotless, despite the lack of trash cans!). Tokyo buzzes with energy yet feels orderly and respectful. It’s hard not to fall for it.

One of my favorite moments? Eating wagyu steak at the Tsukiji fish market for a fraction of the price back home. And the sushi — especially the fatty tuna — was hands-down the best I’ve ever had.

Whether it was doing a real-life Mario Kart tour, catching a sumo match, getting lost in towering department stores like Don Quijote, or sipping craft cocktails in sleek sky lounges, every night felt like something out of a movie. Three days flew by, but every second was packed with culture, food, and new memories.

Final Verdict: Trip of a Lifetime

Out of all the Boston Ski & Sports Club trips I’ve taken or led, this one is a 10/10. The skiing? Unmatched. The food? Next-level. The people, culture, and experiences? Absolutely unforgettable.

If you’ve ever dreamed of a ski adventure that feels straight out of a movie, this is it. I hope you’ll join us on our next Japan group travel experience in 2026 with BSSC. You won’t just be checking a destination off your list — you’ll be making stories you’ll tell for the rest of your life.