Frequently Asked Questions — Snowmobile Tours
Please reach us at info@nisekosnowmobiletours.com if you can't find an answer to your question.
Boots and gloves are needed to ride
Every rider needs winter boots suitable for deep snow and gloves with separate fingers. Mittens are not suitable — you need to work the throttle and brake.
This is the most common thing that holds a rider up on the day. Without suitable boots and gloves you may not be able to go out. Hire gear booked with your tour is set aside for you — without a booking we can usually sort something out on the day, but we can't promise it, so it's worth sorting before you travel. If you don't have your own, you can hire them when you book — boots ¥2,500, gloves ¥1,500 per pair.
What should we wear?
You are exploring backcountry trails and terrain so wear clothing suitable for going skiing/snowboarding — ie gloves (not mittens, you need fingers), warm jacket/pants and warm shoes or boots (not ski boots). We are out in the back country and snow can be very deep! Goggles are not a bad idea too, if you have a good pair.
Boots and fingered gloves really do matter. Deep snow will get into low or loose footwear, and you can't operate the throttle and brake safely in mittens. Without them you may not be able to go out. Hire gear booked with your tour is set aside for you — without a booking we can usually sort something out on the day, but we can't promise it.
Can I hire boots and gloves?
Yes. Add them to your booking and we'll have them ready for you on the day — there's no need to arrange anything separately.
Boots — ¥2,500 per pair. Sizes 23, 24.5, 26 and 28 (Japanese sizing, in centimetres). Pick the nearest size up if you're between two.
Gloves — ¥1,500 per pair. Sizes S, M and L.
Hire stock is limited and allocated in booking order, so it's best to add it when you book — anything booked is set aside for you. Without a booking we can usually help on the day, but we can't guarantee your size. The charge is added to your quote and forms part of the normal deposit and balance.
What is the minimum age to rent a snowmobile?
The minimum age to rent/ride a snowmobile is 13 years old.
What is the minimum age for tandem passengers?
Depending on the tour type, tandem passengers may be as young as 5 years old. Tandem machines are only available on the 1.5 hour tour.
What is included in the package?
All tours include a guide, the machine, and safety gear (helmet and goggles). We typically pick up from the Niseko/Hirafu area and drive you to the location, but self drive is available too.
What is the cost of a snowmobile tour?
The cost of a snowmobile tour varies depending on the duration and machine choice. See the booking page for a live, itemised quote — group discounts are applied automatically for larger bookings.
Booking & payment
When can I book?
Bookings are open for the season running 5 December to 31 March. Dates outside that window aren't available.
How does the deposit work?
A 30% deposit secures your booking. Our team will send you a secure payment link separately (Revolut, WISE, PayPal, or agent invoice) after you submit your booking request — cash is never accepted for the deposit.
When is the balance due?
The remaining 70% balance is due 60 days before your tour date, or immediately if you're booking within 60 days of the tour. The balance can be paid by any of the deposit methods, or in cash on the day of the tour only.
Is my booking confirmed straight away?
Online bookings are submitted as a request and confirmed by our team shortly after — this lets us make sure everything (machines, shuttle seats, and any special requests) is properly arranged before it's locked in.