About Us, About You
Why We Started This
It’s simple: We love skiing, boarding and everything else Otaru and Hokkaido have to offer. But, we believe there's a better way to do things, call it slow-tourism, cultural exchange or what have you, a really great trip takes time, curiosity and bit of effort. We provide that opportunity to a select few who are into a bit more than endless selfies. We've been hosting folks from around the world for several years--some 54 people from 17 countries this year alone--from solo travelers on bike tours to our biggest group yet, 24 world schoolers, who stayed for a full 5 weeks. We love meeting people from all over and it shows--check out our Insta account to see some of our themed country nights!
Meet Your Host
You’ll be staying with someone who knows the ins and outs of the area.
GP is your host; he took his ski instructor's license about 30 years ago in the States, and he's been skiing Sapporo area slopes for a dozen years. Plus, he added snowboarding a few years back and enjoys floating that way as well. What he can't provide himself, he relies on locals for, both Japanese and foreigners, to help you get the most out of your time, whether that means drivers, hosts, instructors or full-on back country guides. All the great people he's gotten to know are yours!
Slow Down
"I don't just say that because I'm an old guy watching the world go by too fast. Nope, but because slow tourism is the future of winter sports--this fly in, fly out resort-based model only works for the really rich and is pricing the rest of us out. Ages ago I ski-bummed a season at Big Sky Montana and got lots of great powder days--I didn't know how spoiled I was! Now they charge as much as $275 a day! It's a great area, but who can afford that?
I want my guests to try a bunch of different areas--wherever the best powder is on the day--while also enjoying what the port city Otaru has to offer--great seafood to start...see the Plus section for the rest. Bottom line, we'll give you a richer holiday for a fraction of the cost. " – GP
You are Us
We're looking for a few more good people to make up the "Us" for this winter. We love learning about new (to us) cultures and take on all types, cuz that's what it takes to make the world go around, as my dad used to say.
Last season our guests came from Europe, the Americas, Asia and from down under--a real melting pot!
As mentioned above, we do have a lot of activities over the course of the winter and we love having pot lucks, so we can taste comfort foods from around the world. So, if you can cook, you're super welcome! We also have friends with a band and many in the past have joined in jam sessions, so if you can play an instrument, let us know! We love it when people leave their mark, so artists, too, double-welcome! I think you get the drift...
Bottom line...if this sounds like the place for you, contact us below and in addition to the times you're interested in, tell us your Pluses, what you're bringing to Otaru Powder Plus Base Camp!
American Night?
We love it when our guests show us their stuff...in this version of a country night, Johnathan and Marissa put together a menu of burgers on brioche buns (thanks to Melody/Adil), seafood gumbo, and gnocchi in heavy garlic cream...all washed down with sake...how very American?