Trip Highlights
Visit up to 6 different ski resorts on the island of Hokkaido: the "powder capital of the world." We check conditions each day and go where the snow is best!
English-speaking guides will navigate the group to the best untracked "side-country" powder (backcountry skills or bindings are not required)
This course is designed for Physicians, PAs, NPs, RNs, from ALL specialties who are skiers or snowboarders with high intermediate to advanced skills
Stay in western-style, modern accommodations with ski-in/out access and in-hotel hot springs. Guides will navigate the group to some of the best food Japan has to offer!
There are a variety of reasons Japan powder skiing is at the top of many skiers' and riders' destination lists. The island of Hokkaido is legendary for arguably the driest and most consistent powder in the world. Enjoy uncrowded ski resorts and our English-speaking guides who will lead the way to untracked side-country skiing (that requires traversing, but not hiking).
For this trip, we have strategically chosen hotels in the towns of Furano and Otaru to serve as our hubs. Each day, our guides will assess the best nearby conditions and powder, as Hokkaido is known for its micro storms and varied snowfall within small areas.
You will experience three days of guided side-country skiing with access to the best possible conditions, and for the other three days, the guides will select the resort with the most favorable in-resort conditions for self-guided skiing. Additionally, the guides will share tips to help you make the most of your self-guided ski days.
In addition to the legendary skiing, this trip offers a fantastic cultural experience. Our guides will arrange group dinners each night and assist with menu selections for those eager to try new dishes. Our chosen accommodations feature in-hotel hot springs and are conveniently located for both skiing and exploring the town on foot.
The Wilderness Medicine CME lectures will be held every afternoon or evening before dinner, either in the hotel or nearby meeting space.
Itinerary Snapshot
Japan Ski & Snowboard Adventure
Wilderness Medicine CME
The itinerary below is our planned schedule, which is subject to change depending on factors such as weather and conditions.
DAY 1: Arrive at Asahikawa Airport (AKJ) by 9:30 AM, as two private vehicles will be waiting to whisk you away to the adventure. You'll arrive at the slopeside New Prince Hotel Furano around 11:30 AM, just in time for a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the first engaging sessions of the wilderness medicine course at the hotel. As evening approaches, your guides have you covered with dinner reservations, ensuring a delectable end to your first day in Japan.
DAY 2-3: We'll choose from the finest resorts in the area, including Furano, Tomamu, Sahoro, Asahidake, and Kamui Ski Links. Our guides will keep a keen eye on the forecast, selecting the ideal resort based on current conditions. After an exhilarating day on the slopes, unwind in the soothing in-hotel hot springs or explore the charming town before joining the CME lectures from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM in the hotel banquet room.
DAY 4: After another epic day skiing, we'll embark on a three-hour private transfer to our charming new home, the Furakawa Ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn with hot springs), nestled in the scenic port-side town of Otaru. Situated canal-side in downtown Otaru, the inn offers easy access to a variety of dining, après-ski, and nightlife options, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
DAY 5-6: Just as we did during the previous three days, our experienced guides will select the most enticing resort from Niseko, Sapporo Kokusai, Teine (site of the 1998 Winter Olympics), and Kiroro. If conditions permit, we may even venture to the pristine, lesser-known slopes of Tenguyama and Asari. After a thrilling day on the slopes, indulge in the soothing in-hotel hot springs before attending the CME lectures from 4:30 PM to 6:45 PM each evening at a meeting center a 7-minute stroll from the hotel.
DAY 7: Ski until 1 PM at the most promising resort among Niseko, Sapporo Kokusai, Teine, Kiroro, Tenguyama, and Asari. Afterward, we can either drop you off by private vehicle at Sapporo's New Chitose Airport (airport code: CTS) by 5 PM or assist you in extending your trip with extra ski days near Niseko or exploring another captivating part of Japan (we highly recommend Kyoto!).
Japan Powder Chasing Ski Tour
Trip Cost: $4,495* (Includes lodging, lift tickets, transportation, guides, and breakfast/dinner each day)
This course has a max group size of 14 and is expected to fill quickly - reserving your spot early is recommended.
Optional CME Cost: $695 (Approved for 16 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits)
*per person, based on double occupancy.
Questions? Ready to reserve your spot?
Speak to an expert about this trip.
1-800-246-7238
Testimonials From Your Colleagues
"I've been waiting 25 years to finally say -- the BEST CME I have ever attended -- will highly recommend to my colleagues and hope to attend another... "
Perry Fooskas, MD
"All CME should be like this! A wealth of knowledge communicated in a wonderful manner! Course content was great for anyone who enjoys the outdoors---no matter what level. Guides were fun and safety oriented. Location was beautiful and so relaxing. My non-medical spouse loved the course and attended the lectures. Perfect combination of CME and fun!"
Deborah Wilson, MD Family Medicine / ER
"What a collection of expertise…where else could you learn so much, so well – in such a short period of time…I don’t know how you could improve…Thanks for a great week… 5 star!"
Donald Turner, MD (Fam. Practice), Dayton, OH
Faculty for the Japan Powder Chasing Ski Tour
Wilderness Medicine CME
Christopher Vantilburg, MD
Emergency, occupational, travel, and mountain clinic physician Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital. Public Health Officer and Medical Examiner, Hood River County, OR. Twenty year veteran of Crag Rats Mountain Rescue. Author of 11 books including Mountain Rescue Doctor and Search and Rescue.
COURSE CONTENT INCLUDES
- Altitude Illness
- Hypothermia
- Frostbite and Other Cold Injuries
- Environmental Heat Illness
- Traveler's Diarrhea, Giardia & Other Waterborne Wilderness Infections
- Surviving the Unexpected Night Out
- Lightning Injuries
- Improvised Medical and Trauma Care
- Management of Fractures and Dislocations
- Preparing for Foreign Travel
- Backcountry Medical Kits
- Wilderness Wound Management
- Patient Assessment in Wilderness Settings
- Wilderness Dermatology
- Marine Hazards & Envenomations
- Snake Envenomation
CME ACCREDITATION INFORMATION
Earn 16 AMA PRA Category 1 CME Credits which are typically acceptable for MDs, DOs, PAs, NPs, Nurses, and some other medical professionals.
Read below for more info and it is your responsibility to check with your certifying organization as needed:
"This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of the Center for Emergency Medical Education and Wilderness and Travel Medicine. The Center for Emergency Medical Education is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians."
The Center for Emergency Medical Education designates this live activity for a maximum of
16 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM.
Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
This trip is planned, outfitted, and conducted by Bio Bio Expeditions, or subcontractors arranged by Bio Bio Expeditions. Please note that Wilderness and Travel Medicine, LLC is responsible for the CME Educational content only. Wilderness and Travel Medicine reserves the right to change or substitute the faculty for any CME course without advance or prior notice to participants.
For more information or to register for this trip please contact
Bio Bio Expeditions at 1-800-246-7238
UPCOMING CME DESTINATIONS BY DATE
Mar 25 - Apr 1, 2023
Apr 7 - 17, 2023
Apr 20 - May 7, 2023
The National Conference on Wilderness Medicine - Santa Fe
May 31 - June 4, 2023
Skills Course Rafting & Mt. Shasta
June 10 - 18, 2023
The National Conference on Wilderness Medicine - Big Sky
July 29 - Aug 2, 2023
Aug 27 - Sept 6, 2023
Sept 1 - 6, 2023
Deluxe African Safari: Zimbabwe
Sept 2 - 12, 2023
Sept 6 - 16, 2023
Sept 21 - Oct 2, 2023
Oct 1 - 15, 2023
Fly Fishing for All Levels - Northern California
Oct 8-13, 2023
Oct 8 - 18, 2023
Fly Fishing for All Levels - Northern California
Oct 15-20, 2023
Oct 22 - Nov 5, 2023
Oct 23 - Nov 3, 2023
Fiji Multi-Sport
Jan 27 - Feb 3, 2024
Classic Patagonia - Torres Del Paine
Jan 24 - Feb 4, 2024
Northern Patagonia Adventure
Jan 25- Feb 2, 2024
The National Conference on Wilderness Medicine - Big Sky Ski Resort
Feb 10 - 14, 2024
Japan Ski & Snowboard Adventure
Feb 18-24, 2024
Marc 17-24, 2024
Apr 1-11, 2024
Apr 14-24, 2024
Apr 25 - May 12, 2024
Skills Course Rafting & Mt. Shasta
June 8- 16, 2024
The National Conference on Wilderness Medicine - Big Sky
July 27 - July 31, 2024
Deluxe African Safari: Zimbabwe
July 29 - Aug 8, 2024
Sept 1 - 6, 2024
Sept 1-11, 2024
Sept 11-21, 2024
Sept 12 - 23, 2024
Hiking Tour of Provence
Sept 19 - 27, 2024
Oct 13 - 24, 2024
Oct 21 - Nov 4, 2024