1+ Days Backcountry Ski Tour in Hokkaido

Enjoy backcountry skiing in Hokkaido! Tour can be arranged flexibly from 1 to 7 Days. With experienced local guide, you can have unforgettable ski tour and Onsen after ski.

+1 Day

Jan - May

High

Intermediate

Description

Do you want to enjoy skiing on super fine snow of Hokkaido?

This tour is perfect for those who crave the best condition and slopes of Hokkaido! Tour can be flexibly arranged from 1 Day to 7 Days depending on your schedule. The experienced local guide will advise you the best area and route!

Enjoy backcountry ski in powder snow!

This backcountry ski tour involves full hike / tour up mountains away from ski resorts (sometimes we would start at a ski resort). From the foot of each mountain, we will hike up about 2 to 5 hours. You will be amazed by how much quieter and more beautiful it is in the mountains in comparison to sidecountry skiing. If you want to feel the depth of the surrounding mountains and enjoy the untracked faces, this tour is for you.

Some of the areas we may visit are Mt. Yotei, Mt. Yoichi and Mt. Tokachi and some other volcanic mountains.

If you would like to choose freeride and lift assisted sidecountry ski tour, please check my other tour. Please let me know what kind of ski tour you would like to go. When you need to stay overnight, I totally recommend to stay in Japanese style inn (ryokans) and enjoy Onsen (hot spring) and Japanese traditional cuisine. As a local guide, I will choose the best place for you!

Required Technical Level:

Intermediate and Advanced

Included in Price:

Guide Fee *This is the guide fee for 1 day

Excluded from Price:

Gear rental fee
Accommodation
Lift fee (for you and for guide, depends on the choice of mountain)

Kit List:

Ski Gears (Skies, snowboard, boots)
Skins or snowshoes for snowboarders
Ice Axe / Crampons (optional)
Ski poles
Avalanche safety gears (beacon, probe, shovel) *The following items can be rented by prior arrangement. -Beacon, probe, shovel JPY 2,000 per day -Backpack (30L) JPY 1,000 per day

Price includes

Guiding fee

Itinerary

Day 1: 1 Day tour

We can decide our meeting point / time in advance accordingly to your needs. We will travel to the trailhead / ski resort to start our tour. After our tour, we can enjoy local Onsens (hot spring) to relax our tired muscles! I can drop you off at a place of your choice (within reason) at the end of the day.

Day 2 to 7: 1+ Days tour

If you would like to spend more days, we can arrange a longer tour. Similarly to the 1 Day tour, we will discuss our meeting point / time in advance. I can pick you up at the airport if you want, or at your hotels. Tour can be extended up to 7 days and like the 1 Day tour, I will drop you off at anywhere you want at the end of tour.

* If you are interested in this great ski experience, please get in touch with me.

Details

More info

I can rent the avalanche gear but you need to bring your skiins equipment.

Meeting point

We can arrange our meeting point and time in advance to suit your needs.

FAQs

What backcountry skiing experience, and how fit, do I need to be to join this tour?

You should have some experience in backcountry skiing and be physically fit. Previous backcountry skiing experience is beneficial but not always mandatory if you are in excellent shape and can handle physical demands.

Do I need to have previous off-piste and/or ski touring experience?

Previous off-piste and ski touring experience is preferred but not always necessary. Some tours might accept beginners who are in good physical condition and can manage the physical requirements of backcountry skiing. But keep in mind that the tour involves navigating unmarked and ungroomed terrains, which can be challenging for those without previous experience

Will we be using lifts to access the backcountry?

Depending on the itinerary chosen we might use lifts to access the backcountry. However, you should also be prepared for some uphill travel, either skinning or hiking, to reach the desired runs.

What equipment should I bring with me?

You should bring your own backcountry skiing equipment, including skis, skins, boots, and avalanche safety gear (transceiver, shovel, probe). Rental options may be limited, so it's advisable to arrange your gear in advance. It is also recommended to bring appropriate clothing for cold weather, food, water, and any personal items you may need.

How will accommodation and meals be handled on the mountain?

Accommodation and meals are not included in the trip price and need to be arranged separately. In case you book for more than one day, I can help with recommendations and planning.

What happens in the event of bad weather?

In the event of bad weather, I will assess the situation and make necessary adjustments to the itinerary to ensure safety. This might include changing the planned routes or postponing certain activities.

Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that we need to consider before the tour?

You should ensure you have appropriate travel insurance that covers backcountry skiing and related activities.

You may also want to look at Global Rescue, Explore-Share partners with them, 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 backcountry skiing 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 is the guide-to-client ratio?

The guide-to-client ratio can vary, but it's typically one guide for every 3 to 4 clients. This ensures personalized attention and safety during the tour.

About the guide

Yasuko

4.9

(7)

Mountain Guide

JMGA Mountain Guide
I was born in Kitami city in east Hokkaido. I grew up loving outdoor sports, skiing, and mountain climbing. I now lives in Sapporo and I have been a guide for the last 15 years.
I have accumulated vast experience in mountaineering in both Japan and abroad. I have served on the Canadian Ski Patrol and I have a wealth of experience skiing, rock climbing, and mountain climbing all over the world including Europe, North America, and Nepal.
I pride myself on my skill and experience rock climbing during the summer and backcountry skiing in the winter months. I have climbed Mt. McKinley in the U.S., Mt. Manaslu and Mt. Ama-Dablam, in Nepal, The Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Chamonix, in Europe and Insubong in Korea.
Please contact me if you want to experience Japan walking, climbing or skiing! I will be very happy to guide you here.

Languages

Japanese | English

Certificates

JMGA

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