Advanced Backcountry Tours
Our backcountry tours in Niseko, Japan are designed for those looking to experience Hokkaido’s world-famous powder beyond the resort boundaries. Using ski touring or splitboard equipment, we access untouched terrain and find the best snow conditions each day.
Hokkaido is known for its consistent light, dry snowfall from December to March. However, changing weather, strong winds, visibility, and distinct microclimates mean that knowing where to go is everything. Our experienced guides make the difference, where local knowledge leads to the best powder.
Avalanche Safety Equipment
Avalanche safety gear (beacon, probe, shovel) is provided at no extra charge for all guests. Please let us know in advance if you do not have your own equipment.
Touring Equipment (Required)
All guests must use ski touring or splitboard equipment, including skins, as all backcountry tours involve uphill travel. If you do not have your own gear, rentals are available through Niseko Basecamp.
Daily Travel & Terrain
Our Niseko backcountry tours involve skinning to access the best snow available on the day. Locations are selected based on real-time conditions and include Lower Yotei, Shiribetsu, Nitonupuri, Goshiki Area.
Lift Tickets (If Applicable)
Backcountry tours do not require lift tickets as standard. However, if conditions are exceptionally good within the resort, we may have the option to switch to a lift-assisted day. In this case, guests will need to purchase:
– Their own lift ticket(s)
– The guide’s lift ticket
This decision is always based on providing the best possible skiing experience on the day.
Price
Private Tour: 184,000yen (up to 5 people), additional 184,000yen for groups of 6 – 10.
Niseko
For a full day experience in the backcountry sign up for our 1 day trip. We will start the day by driving to Goshiki onsen before setting out on foot. Goshiki onsen is located at an elevation of 750 meters meaning that it does not take long to get above tree line. Expect to spend most of the day in open alpine terrain with incredible views of both the Sea of Japan & Pacific Ocean, along with the Niseko range, Mount Yotei and surrounding valleys.
There is a wide selection of great terrain in this area and peaks within reach include Iwaonupurri, Nihonupurri, and Chisenupurri. If you are up to it we can even traverse the range bagging all 3 of these summits in one day.
Shiribetsu
Adjacent to nearby Rusutsu resort, Shiribetsu-dake (Mount Shiribetsu) offers a formidable backcountry challenge and some immaculate fall line skiing. Our day begins on the Western slopes of Shiribetsu (opposite side of the mountain from Rusutsu resort) as we ascend through the low angle slopes at the base of this extinct volcano.
After a relaxing opening the climb steepens but you will be rewarded with spectacular ridgeline views of the surrounding peaks including Mount Yotei and Niseko Annupurri throughout. In general we spend about 2-3 hours on the first ascent before reaching the peak. We will lap up 2-3 (or more if you’re up to it!!) runs on the upper mountain before beginning our final top to bottom descent offering a consistent pitch for the first 300+ meters before slowly mellowing out into a cruiser powder bowl. The run finishes in typical Hokkaido style as we wind through the trees back to civilization.
Lower Yotei
Due to Hokkaido’s relentless snowstorms there are only a handful of days through the winter months when a summit attempt of Mount Yotei is possible. However, the lower slopes of Yotei offer reliably good snow, great gladed backcountry skiing, and seemingly endless terrain.
We can typically climb to at least 1200 meters elevation after starting at around 400m. From here we start skiing and will lap several great volcano lines pushing as high on the mountain as visibility permits before our final, long descent.
Vitals
- Includes: tax, guide, transportation, and necessary avalanche safety kit
- Touring gear required but not included in trip price. If you need rental touring gear, please contact our sister company Basecamp Niseko.
- Avalanche safety equipment (beacon, shovel, probe, and appropriate backpack) are required. If you do not have your own please let us know when booking so we can provide equipment as necessary.
- Guest to guide ratio: max 5:1
- Advanced skiers only
