Backcountry Skiing in Hokkaido: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

The backcountry in Hokkaido and the terrain surrounding Mt. Yotei in the southwest are great for intermediate to advanced skiers, though backcountry beginners are sure to find routes perfect for their needs. Participants should be in reasonable physical condition and well-aware with the risks associated with backcountry skiing programs. Avalanche safety equipment and training is necessary, often included in certain programs. Some off-piste locations near the resorts can be crowded, so finding a guide for a program further off the beaten path can provide a more personal wilderness ski experience.

Endless Powder!

The relentless snowfall on the island is just one of the alluring qualities of Hokkaido. The backcountry from Niseko and Sapporo all the way up to Hirotachi and beyond has powder snow perfect for exploring. The ski culture across the island is dedicated to snow tourists and caters to the needs of even the most demanding excursions.

Beginners and Experts Alike Can Enjoy!

With Olympic-caliber runs for the seasoned veterans and just-off-piste access for greenhorns, Hokkaido accommodates whatever your dreams may be. The easy resort access accompanied by catskiing, heliskiing, and ski touring programs in untouched snow make it ripe for a life-changing ski adventure.

For the Culture!

Whether you want to add a beer tour in Sapporo on your way back from Niseko hot springs or include a wine tour in Furano after conquering the Tokachi lines, Hokkaido will embrace you with its distinct Japanese culture. It is an enriching experience on and off the mountain. The charming fishing villages along the Sea of Japan are a refreshing way to go all in on a backcountry expedition.

Arriving in winter will be cold, but it provides arguably the best snow conditions in the world - it snows a lot! The powder is notoriously deep and dry, with certain backcountry areas gated to control access and preserve quality.

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Depending on your schedule, you can plan a few days of skiing to a few weeks. Dip your toes into the expansive backcountry on shorter guided trips to introduce yourself to the impressive mountain terrain. Many programs are easily accessible, so you can easily spend a week discovering great virgin runs and pioneering your way through a lifetime of pristine snow.

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During the winter, from mid-December to March.