Plan Your Ultimate Japan Snow Adventure

Custom Ski & Snowboard Trip Planning for Hokkaido, Japan. Chase the storms. Ride deeper.

Hi, I'm Scott!

I've spent over a decade in the ski industry, working as a ski patroller in New Zealand and guiding in Hokkaido’s legendary backcountry. Now, I use that experience to help others plan the kind of trip I’d want to take myself, well timed, deeply considered, and packed with great snow and unforgettable experiences.

With a strong foundation in avalanche safety, and guest care, I bring both local knowledge and professional insight to your trip planning. I’ve assisted riders of all levels to make the most of Japan’s winter, whether it’s finding the best resorts, to staying safe in deep snow and knowing where to eat after a big day.

Whether you're hunting for waist-deep runs or soaking in hidden onsens after a big day, I’ll help you craft a trip that fits your riding style, budget, and stoke level.

Scott Earnshaw, founder of Yama Tracks, exploring deep powder and tranquil birch forests in Hokkaido, Japan. Captured mid-tour in a pristine backcountry setting, showcasing untouched snow and authentic Japanese alpine experience.

Personalised Plans from Someone Who’s Been There

The Yama Tracks Service – $249 AUD

Your custom plan for the snow trip of a lifetime in Hokkaido.

✅ 1 on 1 planning session (Google Meet or email)
✅ Custom itinerary based on your riding level & trip goals after the planning session
✅ Resort picks tailored to you
✅ Packing list, gear advice & avalanche safety insights
✅ Local secrets – onsens, food, off-snow adventures

Turnaround: Within 5 days
Delivered as: Detailed Itinerary
Includes: 1 follow-up Q&A session

Backcountry skier touring on Asahidake, Japan’s highest peak, under clear blue skies and surrounded by untouched powder. This iconic Hokkaido destination offers pristine terrain and epic alpine conditions, hallmarks of a Yama Tracks adventure.

Why Yama Tracks?

Because you're not booking a tour. You're building an unforgettable adventure with someone who's been there, scoped that line, and knows what’s worth your time.

The Story Behind the Tracks

"Yama" (山) is the Japanese word for mountain. The mountains are my home, they are a place of deep beauty, challenge and change. At Yama Tracks, the name reflects my love for the lines we leave behind: skin tracks that climb through silence and ski turns drawn in fresh snow. This is a story shaped by snow, terrain, weather, and respect for the mountains.

A pristine slope in Hokkaido, Japan, marked only by fresh ski tracks. Evidence of untouched powder and silent turns in the backcountry.

Not A Travel Agent. A Ski Guide Helping You Plan Your Hokkaido Winter Experience.

At Yama Tracks, I don’t sell flights or hotel bookings. I don’t work for resorts and I don’t push packages with hidden commissions.

I offer something different and more valuable:

Real local knowledge from years guiding in Hokkaido’s backcountry.

Custom advice tailored to your riding style and travel goals.

Zero commission bias. I don’t earn a dollar from where you stay or ride.

Travel agents send you on a trip.
I help you ride deeper and make every moment count from your first turn to the last.

Scott Earnshaw, founder of Yama Tracks, overlooking the expansive terrain of Sahoro. One of central Hokkaido’s southern ski resorts known for its quiet slopes and scenic backcountry access.

FAQs

Skier getting a deep powder face-shot while skiing through trees in the Niseko backcountry, Hokkaido, Japan.

What does Yama Tracks actually do?

Yama Tracks is a travel consultancy for skiers and snowboarders heading to Hokkaido, Japan. I don’t sell packaged tours or book hotels. Instead, I create custom trip plans based on your riding style, ability, and goals.

You’ll get expert insight into where to go, when to ride, and how to get around, all from someone who’s guided for years in Hokkaido’s powder.

Are you a travel agent or tour operator?

No, and that’s what sets me apart.

I’m not a travel agent or tour operator: I don’t work on commission or push partner resorts.

Yama Tracks is a remote planning service for your Hokkaido ski/board trip. This being said, I can recommend trusted local guides if you’re looking to book a guided tour, backcountry day or safety course.

You handle your bookings I help you choose the right ones and avoid the wrong ones.

Who is this for?

Independent skiers and snowboarders (solo, couples, families or groups) from Australia, New Zealand, North America, Europe and beyond who want to:

  • Ride deep powder without the guesswork

  • Experience authentic culture and food

  • Avoid overpriced tourist traps

  • Travel smart and make the most of every day

If you're the type who researches your trips but wants local insight and proven experience, Yama Tracks is for you.

Why not just plan it myself online?

You can Google. But I’ve guided lots of people in Japan through every kind of weather and terrain.

I can help you:

  • Skip hours of forum deep-dives

  • Pick the right zones for your style

  • Plan around storms

  • Ride better snow and eat better ramen

I offer insight, not information, with no mucking about, no commissions, and no cookie-cutter tours.

A large black bottle of Japanese sake with a colorful label featuring cartoon characters and red Chinese characters, placed next to a white box with black and gold Japanese writing. The bottle is on a wooden surface against a wooden background.

What’s included in the trip plan?

You’ll receive a custom itinerary that includes:

  • Resort suggestions based on your riding style and goals

  • Onsens, food spots, and cultural tips

  • Terrain and storm-specific insights

  • Transport logistics

  • Gear checklist and packing advice

  • Local secrets – onsens, food, off-snow adventures

You also get 1 follow-up Q&A session.

A row of bottles of Japanese Whiskey along a table, with empty wine glasses in front of each bottle.

How much does it cost, and when should I book?

The Yama Tracks Service is $249 AUD (you can sign up using the booking link from anywhere in the world).

I recommend reaching out 2–3 months in advance, especially if you’re planning a trip during the busy January–February powder window in Hokkaido. The earlier we plan, the more options you’ll have and the better your snow odds.

Does Yama Tracks offer guided trips in person?

Not at this time. Yama Tracks is a remote consultancy service, but I can recommend trusted local guides and outfitters if you want to book a guided tour, backcountry days or an avalanche safety course while you're there.