4 Volcanoes in 4 days: Mabey Ski to support Protect Our Winters in Japanese climate awareness adventure

Mabey Ski is supporting Protect Our Winters during a 4-day challenge in Niseko, Japan, in partnership with Niseko Photography. Thirty adventurous, self-motivated skiers and snowboarders will hike dormant volcanoes, tackle steep terrain, and push their physical, mental and emotional limits in a bid to raise awareness for climate change.

Mabey Ski has become increasingly aware that travel-related activities account for approximately one tenth of the world’s carbon emissions, and the relationship between climate change and tourism is twofold.

Founder and CEO, Nickie Mabey said “Climate change is real and as passionate snowsports-enthusiasts within the travel industry, it’s essential that we act now in order to protect our planet for our future generations. We all need to become more conscientious and encourage more responsible travel in whatever way we can.”

As skiers and snowboarders come together from around the world to take on Niseko’s famous volcanoes, Mabey Ski will be offsetting participants’ carbon footprint by engaging in a tree-planting project with POW’s partner, Mossy Earth. In addition to carbon-offsetting, the challengers will be swapping carbon-emitting chairlifts and snowcats for touring skis and split-boards where possible during the expedition.

With the help of professional photographers and videographers, the challenge will be documented and shared with a wide database to help the snowsports community and other travellers realise their impact on our world and our winters and to encourage them to do something about it.

SNEAK PREVIEW OF DAY 4

On the final day of the challenge, we’ll be tackling the tallest volcano in Niseko – Mt Yotei. Not only is it the largest of Niseko’s vast volcanic terrain, it’s also the most dramatic – and the most difficult. It requires a high level of fitness and takes around 4-6 hours to reach the summit. And for those who want to up the ante – if the conditions are right – you can ski into the volcano’s crater at the top. Having said that, once you get down, you’ll have to climb back up… and then ski all the way back down!

THE DETAILS

DATES:

24 – 29 February 2020

COSTS:

Total cost per person: ¥290,900.00

Deposit – non-refundable & due upon sign up: ¥100,000.00

PARTICIPANTS:

Limited to 20 skiers/snowboarders

HIGHLIGHTS:

Skiing/riding fresh powder on stratovolcanoes and lava domes

Guided touring and split-boarding

Bathing in mountainside onsen

Après evenings and sake tasting

Dining at traditional Japanese izakayas

Meeting other passionate skiers and snowboarders

Final POW fundraising party in Niseko (open to the public)

Professional photos and video footage

Welcome pack

INCLUSIONS:

Shared accommodation in Niseko based on twin-share (options to upgrade to solo rooms)

Daily transport to and from the mountains

Professional guides and photographers each day (one guide per 4 guests)

Professional videographer capturing the challenge

Onsen excursion

Daily meals

Lift pass for first day of side-country skiing/riding

Touring and avalanche safety briefing

All photos and video footage provided within two weeks of the challenge

Fully hosted ski experience

Welcome evening

Farewell event

ADD ON’S:

Airport transfers

Ski touring and split-board rental

Avalanche equipment (beacon, probe and shovel)

Trip extension (e.g. extra ski/snowboard days, city break in Tokyo/Kyoto)

EXCLUSIONS:

Flights

Personal expenses