Ski touring on Rishiri Island and around Hokkaido

Beautiful Rishiri Island lies off the north eastearn coast of Hokkaido in Japan. The magnificent Mount Rishiri, an extinct volcano, dominates this 183 square kilometre land mass.

This trip will be split into two halves with the first 4 days being spent on the spectacular Rishiri Island and volcano. After a day of transit our next 4 days will be spent on the best freeride terrain of Central Hokkaido. On this 10-day program, we will enjoy 8 days of skiing.

Our time on Rishiri Island will be spent ski touring in its abundant powder snow. This is the perfect opportunity to explore this wild and remote landscape in the company of a certified guide.

We will dedicate one day to reach the summit and its 360 degree panoramic views will take your breath away. What’s more, we have the option to take the Volcano from any side, you will be spoilt for choice!

It’s rare for us to come across many other people so we will likely have this epic mountain terrain to ourselves. You´ll find plenty of pristine slopes for your pleasure!

We will use snowmobiles for the first 300 vertical metres on each tour so as to save our legs from over-exertion.

During our time in central Hokkaido we will discover some of the best runs for freeriding that are accessed by ski lifts.

This trip is open to both skiers and snowboarders. You need to be comfortable con black pistes and, ideally, have some freeriding experience (though this isn´t mandatory). A good fitness level is also required, although you can always choose to have more rest days if you need to.

As part of the program, you will undergo an Avalanche Training Session to learn how to navigate the backcountry safely. You will be accompanied by certified guides who will observe your technique and give you feedback as well as video analysis.

If pristine volcano slopes and the best runs in Hokkaido sound like fun, then don’t hesitate to sign up! I can’t wait to share this wonderful experience with you in such an epic location!

Excited by this experience? Perhaps you also want to check out this 10-day ski touring trip in the breathtaking fjords and mountains of the Lyngen Alps in northern Norway!