Comprehensive Backcountry Ski Trip in Hokkaido
A certified mountain guide will take you to an exciting 12-day backcountry ski tour all over Hokkaido. Enjoy some of his secret spots away from the crowds.
12 Days
Jan - Apr, Dec
Description
If you want to ski longer and explore the less accessible powder areas in Hokkaido, this trip is itinerary is for you! This is a 12-day backcountry tour of Hokkaido, covering the famous areas to more inaccessible secret spots.
We will start our tour in the ski areas nearby Sapporo. I have avoided Niseko areas because these are crowded with people these days. I want to show you other areas with better snow known only mostly to local guides. On these days, we will base ourselves in Sapporo city where you can enjoy local night scenes and cuisines, before we head off to the countryside.
Our second stop of the tour is the famous Asahidake area in central Hokkaido. This inland region is known for cold temperatures and consequential ultra light powder snow – perhaps the lightest powder snow in Japan!
We will then make our way towards the very small and remote island of Rishiri, located off the northern tip of Hokkaido. This island is only 60km in circumference and, here, you will be able to experience wild backcountry skiing. There are no ski lifts, we will be skiing down towards the sea, and if we get to the summit of Mt Rishiri, we will have 360 degrees panoramic view of the surrounding sea, neighbouring Rebun island and mainland Hokkaido in the distance. Mt Rishiri’s geological features offers skiers a diversity of terrains to enjoy, from mellow open areas to steep gullies!
Japanese Aprés Ski
Where possible, we will dip ourselves in Japanese hot springs (‘onsens’) and enjoy delicious local cuisine. I recommend this tour as a perfect occasion to enjoy Japanese hospitality.
Who is it for?
As this is an intermediate trip, you should be able to ski on advanced slopes and varied terrains. We will be skiing tree runs and steep slopes up to 35-40 degrees. You’ll need to have good control of your skis, and to be able to stop anywhere. It’s best to have good fitness for this itinerary as it is a 12 day itinerary!
Please contact me if you want to be a part of this adventure! You can find a complete itinerary below.
Price includes
- Guiding fee
Details
More info
Equipment list:
-Ski gear (skies, split board, snowboard) -Skins, snowshoes -Ski boots -Sunglasses -Goggles -Gloves -Ski wear -Safety gears (beacon, probe, shovel) *The following items can be rented by prior arrangement. -Beacon, probe, shovel, backpack, snowshoes, poles
This items are not included in the price: Lift pass
- JPN4,000-4,500 per person / day *When there is lift usage and depending on conditions (to be paid on spot) *Car expense like petrol / toll / parking - JPY10,000 per day *Dinner expense - JPY3,000 per day *Please pay on a per capita basis.
Previous experience: Side country ski on slope / Backcountry ski experience before (it is OK with seal)
Meeting point
FAQs
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Japan
4.1
(6)
Our team of experienced local guides is dedicated to providing unforgettable ski touring, rock climbing, and hiking adventures across Japan, including some of the country’s most stunning regions like Hokkaido, Sapporo, Yatsugatake, and beyond. With in-depth knowledge of Japan’s diverse landscapes, our guides offer an authentic, expert-led experience in the country’s most iconic alpine areas
What people are saying about Japan
Jun is a responsible and reliable guide. He is also knowledgeable on the local flora and fauna and managed to show us quite a few interesting alpine flowers, birds and animals. He is kind and helpful and converses well in English. I will not hesitate to recommend him to any anyone needing an English speaking guide in Japan.
As for Kikuo-san, we both really liked her. She is very pleasant. A bit quiet spoken in a good way. She obviously knows the Akan region very well, as she lives inside the national park. She has very responsible and well organised. I would have her guide us again, when we go back to the area.
Vincent
Fantastic region, perfect guide !
Heleen
Arnaud
Just back from Hakuba –Japan and I’m so pleased to confirm we got such a great experience with Iwao who has provided a service above all expectations. Indeed assisting a family confronted to a new environment requires a certain level of patience and attention and all the family appreciated his sense of responsibilities and seriousness which allowed us to really enjoy this region by experiencing touring, hicking and of course skiing in immaculate powder. Iwao was very discreet but always acted to ensure we could take the best of all Hakuba mountains could offer to us during these 5 days.This experience will for sure remain in all our minds for long and this will be mainly thanks to Iwao ! Best, Arnaud
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