Program Overview
This snow trip is a fantastic way to cap off your program in Japan with adventure and camaraderie in the beautiful snowy mountains of Hakuba.
Join us for an unforgettable 4-day, 3-night snow trip to Hakuba, Japan. This trip offers an exciting opportunity to ski and snowboard at the renowned Iwatake Mountain Resort while staying at the Oberlin Hakuba Sports Campus (OHSC). Please note this optional snow trip is only available to students participating in the January in Tokyo CISaustralia program.
Dates: 18 – 21 January 2025
Price: A$649
Highlights
- Skiing and snowboarding at Iwatake Mountain Resort
- Comfortable accommodation at OHSC
- Daily bus transfers to/from the ski field
- Shared room accommodation with ensuite facilities
- Experienced Oberlin University staff supervision
- Flexibility to purchase lift passes and ski/snowboard rental gear on-site
- Optional ski/snowboard lessons available (also purchased on site)
Sample Itinerary
Start of the Program – Day 1
- 7:00 AM: Depart from Ekoda Train Station (Oberlin University Tokyo)
- 12:00 PM: Arrive at Iwatake Mountain Resort (arrival time may vary depending on traffic)*
- 5:00 PM: Arrive at Accommodation (OHSC) with a quick stop at a convenience store
- 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Dinner
- Evening: Free time
* The bus for the ski trip has ample and secure storage space underneath. This means you can leave your luggage on the bus while you enjoy skiing or snowboarding on the first day.
Day 2
- 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Breakfast
- 8:30 AM: Depart for Iwatake Mountain Resort*
- 4:30 PM: Return to accommodation (OHSC)
- 5:00 PM: Arrive at OHSC
- 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Dinner
- Evening: Free time
Day 3
- 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Breakfast
- 8:30 AM: Depart for Iwatake Mountain Resort*
- 4:30 PM: Return to accommodation (OHSC)
- 5:00 PM: Arrive at OHSC
- 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Dinner
- Evening: Free time
End of the Program – Day 4
- 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Breakfast
- 9:00 AM: Check out
- 9:30 AM: Depart accommodation (OHSC) to return to Tokyo
- 2:00 PM: Arrive at Tokyo Station (arrival time may vary depending on traffic)
- Students are required to find their own way to the airport
* Departure times to/from to OHSC/Iwatake will be announced daily, Oberlin University staff are happy to make a few trips if there are some that wish to leave earlier/later than the others.
Location
白馬村 – HAKUBA
Nestled in the heart of the Japanese Alps, Hakuba is a premier winter destination renowned for its world-class ski resorts, stunning alpine scenery, and vibrant snow culture. The quaint ski town is located approx. 5 hours away from Tokyo by car, but the scenery makes up for the travel time! Famous for hosting events during the 1998 Winter Olympics, Hakuba offers an array of winter activities, from skiing and snowboarding on pristine slopes to relaxing in traditional hot springs (onsen). With its picturesque landscapes, deep powder snow, and welcoming atmosphere, Hakuba is a must-visit for winter sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
白馬岩岳スキー場 IWATAKE
Iwatake Mountain Resort offers stunning views, consistent snow, and excellent tree skiing, along with gentle beginner runs. The resort is more sheltered on stormy days and tends to be less crowded than other slopes, making it an ideal spot for beginners and intermediate skiers and snowboarders alike. On snowy days, some people go to Cortina for skiing among the trees, but Iwatake is quieter and has similar tree-covered slopes.
Adjacent to the Olympic Happo One Resort, Iwatake is a standout among Hakuba’s resorts. Iwatake has an elevation of 1,289 meters and boasts some of the most beautiful views on clear days.
Accommodation
Oberlin Hakuba Sports Campus (OHSC)
- Shared rooms (2-3 students per room) with ensuite (subject to availability)
- Amenities: Sheets, towels, pillows, blankets, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi
- Common areas: Laundry facilities, common space, meeting room, and cafeteria
- Laundry: Two washing machines and two clothes dryers available
- Common space: TV, table, chairs, microwave and fridge with water and juice (available for students to enjoy at anytime)
- Cafeteria: Only open for Breakfast and Dinner (there is no lunch option available).*
- Distance between your accommodation (OHSC) to the ski field (Iwatake Mountain Resort) is approximately 10 minutes by bus.
*Students who require halal food are recommended to arrange their own food before leaving Tokyo (there is a halal shop near the campus in Tokyo).
What’s included?
- Bus transfers between Tokyo and Hakuba
- Bus daily transport between the ski field and accommodation
- 3 nights of shared accommodation
- 2 meals per day (breakfast and dinner) per the sample itinerary
- On-site supervision by Oberlin staff
What’s not included?
- Ski/snowboard rentals and gear (jackets, pants, helmets, etc.)
- Ski/snowboard lift passes and tickets (purchased at Iwatake Mountain Resort)
- Lunch and additional snacks
Additional Information
Lift Tickets
Access to the slopes at Iwatake Mountain Resort is available through lift and gondola tickets, which can be purchased at their respective stations. Upon arrival, students have the option to buy half-day, full-day, or two-day tickets.
Sample Pricing (Prices Subject to Change)
- Half day – 4500YEN (Approx. A$45)
- 1 day – 5000YEN (Monday is weekday price. Approx. A$48)
- 2 days – 8900YEN (Approx. A$85)
Ski/Snowboard Gear Rental
There are many rental shops at Iwatake Mountain Resort that will help you get all your snow gear sorted. On arrival, you will have the opportunity to go into one of the rental shops to arrange your gear. We recommend all students wear a helmet whilst skiing/snowboarding. Not wearing a helmet may void your insurance cover.
Note: If you want to ski one day and snowboard the next day, you will need to return your gear at the end of the day then re-rent the new gear the next day. Otherwise you can keep your gear until the last day. A drying room is available at OHSC if you hire gear over multiple days.
Ski Lessons
Ski lessons are available for booking via Hakuba Ski Concierge. Booking as a small group can make it more affordable. Lessons in Japanese can be made on the spot. Lessons in English may need booking in advance. You will need to confirm details once onsite.
Excursions
Accessible near the ski field is the peaceful Onsen Hot Springs! Relax and recharge after a day of skiing and snowboarding in the hot springs for a small fee.
Extending your Stay
All students must check out from OHSC on the final day of your trip. If students decide to extend their stay, they must arrange their own accommodation and transport at their own expense. CISaustralia and Oberlin University will not be involved in these arrangements.
Insurance Cover for Snow Activity
All students must provide CISaustralia with their insurance policy with specified snow activity cover prior to departure.
Securing Your Spot on the Snow Trip
After paying your program deposit, please email your CISaustralia Program Advisor to confirm your place on the ski trip.
Please note, group sizes are limited to ensure a quality experience, with a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 40 students. Early booking is advised as places fill up fast. For any questions or assistance, feel free to contact your CISaustralia Program Advisor. Apply now.
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