Trip snapshot
| Leg | Rough dates | Nights | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | 9–15 Dec (flex) | ~4 | Arrive SYD→PVG; light city days. Keep short. |
| Beijing | ~15–20/21 Dec | ~5 | Wall + Forbidden City; fly out to Hokkaido. |
| Rusutsu | ~21 Dec – 4/8 Jan | ~12–14 | Main ski block. Epic Pass: 5 consecutive days. |
| Home | 8–10 Jan (flex) | — | CTS→SYD; optional Sapporo night. |
Barker Term 4 ends ~2–3 Dec 2026, so a 9–11 Dec departure fits. NSW public schools finish later (17 Dec).
China (brief)
- Shanghai: Bund, French Concession, dumplings; high-speed train or short flight to Beijing.
- Beijing: Forbidden City, Mutianyu/Jinshanling Wall, Temple of Heaven; pack serious cold layers (−5 to −15°C common).
- Visa: Confirm Australia → China entry rules before booking (visa or eligible visa-free/transit).
Japan · Rusutsu ski plan
Rusutsu Resort (Hokkaido) — three mountains, big snowfall, ~1.5–2 hrs from Sapporo/New Chitose (CTS). Near Niseko but quieter on-mountain.
Suggested ski rhythm
- Arrival day: Transfer CTS → Rusutsu, rent gear, easy first runs.
- Epic Pass block: Use your 5 consecutive days mid-stay (e.g. 23–27 Dec). Reserve online ahead; pick up a 5-day ticket at the counter with physical/mobile pass + photo ID — not tap-and-go.
- 28 Dec – 1 Jan: Peak holiday crowds/prices. Extra paid lift days, onsen, or rest for New Year’s Eve.
- Early Jan: Quieter; optional paid days or a Niseko day trip (Niseko is not on Epic — buy day tickets).
Useful links · Rusutsu & Epic
Resort & lifts
Epic Pass (Japan)
- Epic Pass home
- Pass products / benefits — confirm Hakuba + Rusutsu allotments for 26/27
- OnTheSnow: multi-resort passes in Japan
- Japow Project: Epic in Japan guide
Stay & transfers
Nearby / extras
- Niseko United (day trip; not on Epic)
- Sapporo travel (buffer nights)
- JNTO (official Japan tourism)
- Ski season timing (general)
Full Epic Pass: typically 5 consecutive days at Rusutsu and a separate 5 at Hakuba Valley (not used on this itinerary). Reservations required; check blackout rules for Local / Australia products on epicpass.com before you rely on late-Dec dates.
Flights snapshot (live Google Flights · AUD · 1 adult economy)
Checked early Oct 2026 — prices move. Jetstar/Garuda basic fares often exclude bags.
| Leg | Flexible pick | From ~ | Practical alt |
|---|---|---|---|
| SYD → PVG | 9 Dec · Garuda via CGK | A$875 | 11 Dec · HX via HKG ~A$976 (shorter) |
| PEK → CTS | 21 Dec · ANA/Air Do via HND | A$500 | 19–20 Dec also ~A$511 |
| CTS → SYD | 10 Jan · Jetstar (2 stops) | A$1,030 | 8 Jan · Jetstar via KIX ~A$1,252 (1 stop) |
Cheapest combo ballpark ~A$2,400; more practical timings ~A$2,700–2,800.
Packing & prep checklist (Japan ski)
- Epic Pass + photo ID; reserve Rusutsu access online before arrival.
- Layer system for Hokkaido cold (base / mid / shell), goggles, gloves, neck warmer.
- Confirm rental vs bringing boots/skis; book high-season lodging early (20 Dec–5 Jan peak).
- Cash + IC card for buses; pocket Wi‑Fi or eSIM.
- Travel insurance covering skiing; check China visa timing.