Ski touring in Asahikawa in Hokkaido
If you want to find the best powder for ski touring in Japan, come to Asahikawa! Jun, JMGA mountain guide, will show you the best spots for one or more days
Private
Daisetsuzan
+1 Day
Jan - Mar, Dec
Highlights
- Experience some of Japan's best powder skiing in Asahikawa, Hokkaido.
- Explore different resorts, from accessible slopes to challenging backcountry.
- Enjoy flexible itineraries with options for one-day to week-long adventures.
Description
Skiing in Asahikawa on the island of Hokkaido is one of the best options to find the finest powder snow in all Japan! So why not leaving together on a guided freeride ski tour, ride some deep snow and discover the Japanese culture and traditions?
Asahikawa is located in the middle of Hokkaido. It is the 2nd city of the island, 120 km north east of Sapporo. It makes a great base to visit the different ski resorts of the area: Kamui, Asahidake, Furano, Kurodake and Tokachi-dake.
Asahidake, one hour from Asahikawa, is a fantastic ski resort with not so expensive ski lifts. Powder and freeride skiing lovers will love it there!
Tokachi-Dake is around 60 km southeast from Asahikawa. This backcountry ski region has to offer the ultimate powder. You can get very light snow there, because almost all the slopes are facing north area and high altitude. It is also very amazing to ski in the on the volcano and ski in the forest with big spruce trees.
The main advantage of being based in Asahikawa is that every morning we can decide to which resort we want to go based on the conditions of the day. It can be either for some freeride / off-piste skiing or for some ski touring on the volcanoes of the region. You can be almost 100% sure that we will find great powder that Hokkaido is famous around the world for.
The best time for skiing in Hokkaido goes from January till March. The heavy snowfalls happens in January and February sometimes up to 15 meters in 2 months.
We can ski together either for one or several days. I can also organize an entire ski week for you and take you to the best ski spots of Hokkaido. In the evening, we will enjoy together some good beers, sake and delicious Japanese meals. In addition, we will visit the onsen (natural hot spring baths) for some great relaxation.
I'm happy to guide you here and let you live an unforgettable ski experience.
I'm a certified mountain and ski guide from the Japanese Mountain Guide Association (JMGA).
Please contact me and let's start planning your ski tour!
And if you want even more options in Hokkaido, we can go ski touring in Mount Yotei or in the area of Sapporo!
Price includes
- Guiding fee
Itinerary
Day 1: Ski touring in Asahikawa
We will depart from Asahikawa, where our ski touring adventure awaits!
We can choose between the convenient slopes of Asahidake,or the thrilling backcountry experience of Tokachi-Dake.
We will arrive at your chosen destination – a quick one-hour drive to Asahidake or a scenic 60 km journey to Tokachi-Dake. Dive into the powdery paradise, whether you prefer the freedom of freeride or the thrill of off-piste. If you're up for a truly unforgettable experience, Tokachi-Dake will offer the unique chance to ski on a volcano and through enchanting spruce forests.
Refuel with a delicious lunch to recharge for the afternoon's excitement. Explore new slopes, challenge yourself on steeper runs, or simply soak up the stunning scenery while gliding through untouched powder. As the day winds down, we will enjoy a few gentle runs to cool down before packing up your gear.
Additionally, we will visit an onsen (natural hot spring bath) for some great relaxation.
Details
More info
Please note that my Transportation Expense for this programme is JPY 22,000 which I will need to ask the guests to cover.
Renting ski equipment in Japan is not easy but I can try to do it for you. I will need you to give me the model and the size of the DYNASTAR boots that fit your feet. Please let me know also your size (for the skis). Here are the renting prices:
- Avalanche security set (beacon, shovel, probe) = 15,000JPY/week
- Boots = around 15,000JPY/week.
- Skis, poles and skin = 28,000JPY/week
Meeting point
FAQs
I'm looking for insurance to cover my ski touring trip in Hokkaido. Do you have any recommendations?
Explore-Share partners with Global Rescue, which offers comprehensive coverage including cancellation, rescue, and medical insurance. This ensures that you are protected against unforeseen circumstances, giving you peace of mind during your ski touring adventure in Japan. To learn more about Global Rescue and to purchase your insurance, please visit: https://partner.globalrescue.com/exploreshare/
Feel free to explore the link for detailed information about their coverage options and benefits.
What are the best ski spots near Asahikawa?
There are plenty great options to ski near and around Asahikawa.
There are many low mountains less than 1000m in the suburbs of Asahikawa, where you can enjoy good snow in the forests.
The region is unique because you can choose your ski spot depending on the conditions of the day, and if you stay in Asahikawa, it is convenient because you can travel to any spot in a short time, due to it's benefitial geographical location.
Some great options are:
Asahidake: Just an hour away, Asahidake is known for its excellent powder and affordable ski lifts. It's a freeride skier's dream destination.
Tokachi-Dake: Located 60 km southeast of Asahikawa, Tokachi-Dake offers light, dry powder, thanks to its north-facing slopes and high altitude. You can also enjoy skiing on the volcanic terrain and through spruce forests.
When is the best time to ski in Hokkaido?
The best skiing season runs from January to March, with January and February offering the heaviest snowfalls—up to 15 meters in just two months. However, December is also a good time to start.
Can I book a guided tour for multiple days?
Yes! You can join me for a single day or multiple days of skiing. I can even organize an entire ski week for you, taking you to the best powder spots in Hokkaido.
What types of skiing can I do in Asahikawa?
You can choose between freeride/off-piste skiing or ski touring on the volcanoes. Each day, we’ll decide which activity suits the conditions best.
What is included in the price?
Expert guidance by a certified JMGA (Japanese Mountain Guide Association) ski guide
How will we get around to the ski resorts?
Transportation to and from the resorts is included, but there is a transportation expense of JPY 22,000 for the program, which will be covered by the guests.
Can I rent ski equipment in Japan?
Renting mountain ski equipment in Hokkaido has become very difficult in recent years. We can refer you to rental agencies, but even if you make a reservation, they may not be available on the day of your visit. Split snowboards seem to be rather easy to rent.
During the high season on January, it may be safer to make arrangements from a vendor in Tokyo.
What other ski destinations can we explore in Hokkaido?
In addition to Asahikawa, we can also go ski touring on Mount Yotei or around Sapporo for even more powder-filled adventures.
What can I expect after a day of skiing?
After a thrilling day on the slopes, we’ll unwind with traditional Japanese meals, drinks like sake and beer, and a visit to a relaxing onsen.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Jun
4.9
(29)
Mountain Guide
I wish you a very warm welcome from Hokkaido, the north island of Japan. The dream spot for any fan of powder skiing!
I'm Jun, I'm a JMGA (Japan Mountain Guides Association) mountain and ski guide. I'm also a ski and telemark instructor. I graduated from the Hokkaido University. I have been skiing all around Hokkaido and I know every corner of this incredible island. I'm also an expert in avalanche safety management.
I'm guiding my friends and clients in all the most beautiful places of Hokkaido: Shiretoko (UNESCO World Nature Heritage), Daisetsuzan National Park, Rishiri, Niseko, Yotei volcano, Asahikawa... hiking, skiing and mountaineering.
Have a look to the different tours I propose to have more info on what you can experience here and get in touch with me. I will be very happy to help you organising your trip and guide you in our beautiful mountains. I'm also the director of the Hokkaido Mountain Guides Association (HMGA) which includes around 84 guides.
Languages
Japanese | English
Certificates
JMGA
What people are saying about this trip
Konan
We had a brilliant couple of days with Jun. At a difficult time in not the best season for Hokkaido, Jun was able to sniff out unexpected powder stashes and we skied some great snow! Really nice guy as well!
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