3-day Backcountry skiing in Rishiri (accommodation included)

Toshiya is the only local JMGA certified mountain guide in Rishiri. Join him for a 3-day (4 nights) ski touring or splitboarding adventure in this Japanese island!

3 Days

Jan - Mar

Intermediate

Beginner

Description

Rishiri is a Japanese island, located north of Hokkaido, in the north of the country. This is a truly magical and unique place for backcountry skiing. Join me for 3 days (4 nights) and experience it first-hand!

I was born in Rishiri and it is where I currently live. I would love to show you this circular island. It has one large mountain, in fact a volcano, with bowls and ridges that give it a feeling of mountain range.

Since there are no lifts in the island but the snow is wonderful every season, it is a perfect destination for ski touring. Please note that splitboarders are also welcome!

My family owns a hostel and I manage it. This will be our cosy accommodation during the program. In addition to the local cuisine, you will be able to enjoy the onsen. I planned 4 nights for this 3-day trip because it is ideal to arrive the day before and leave the day after, so as to enjoy full ski days and not worry about the travel hours.

To traverse flat distances we often use a snowmobile. Then of course we continue the ascent with our skins on. I will plan the exact itinerary based on the conditions for each day and your level. Rest assured, you will ski down the best slopes of the mountain!

We will be 2 guides, so we will divide the group (either by level or by friend groups. Please note that as there are no places to rent equipment in the island, you need to bring everything yourself (including safety equipment).

Tempted to explore the virgin slopes of Rishiri during 3 wonderful days? I will be waiting for your request, book the trip and we will start planning the details!

If you are interested in coming to Rishiri for different periods of time, check out the 4-day option (with accommodation), the 5-day option (with accommodation) and a backcountry skiing day trip.

Price includes

Accommodation included
Guiding fee
Breakfast
Dinner

Price details

The price will depend on the number of people joining (whether you came as a group or you are joining an existing one).
Please note that for this 3day trip, 4 nights of accommodation are included (with breakfast and dinner).
Bath Tax is included in the price

Details

More info

You will have to arrive on Rishiri island the night before and it is recommended to leave the day after the tour.

As we will be 2 guides running the program, we will split the group by friends or by level.

Price: the price at the time of booking depends on the group size at that time. If the group size changes on the actual day, then the difference will be refunded (if more clients) or will have to be covered by the clients (if fewer clients).

I can help you with the transportation from the ferry terminal or the airport to the lodge.

Please note that there will be additional cost as below to be paid directly to me on the spot:

Onsen tax: JPY 150 per person per night, if you are staying at my guesthouse
Snowmobile cost: JPY 1,000-3,000 per person per day depending on the route chosen for the day

Insurance: please ensure that each member of your group is covered by an appropriate insurance policy that also covers mountain rescue operations

Meeting point

You can fly from Sapporo's Okazu Airport to Rishiri Airport or from Haneda Airport to Wakkanai Airport, where you can come to Rishiri Island by ferry from Wakkanai. If you come by ferry we'll be able to pick you up at the ferry terminal for free.

FAQs

I am not sure if I should do the 3, 4, or 5-day backcountry trip. What is the best way to go about this?

You can choose the duration that suits you best, whether it's 3, 4, or 5 days. It depends on your preference and schedule.

You can take a look at my 4-day backcountry skiing trip in the following link:

https://www.explore-share.com/trip/4-day-backcountry-skiing-rishiri/

And here's the link for my 5-day trip:

https://www.explore-share.com/trip/5-day-backcountry-skiing-rishiri/

I'm a splitboarder. Can I use a splitboard instead of skis?

Of course! Using splitboard is no problem at all.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour price includes accommodation fees, Breakfast & Dinner as well as guide fees. Please note that, Snowmobile fees are separate and must be paid in cash on the morning of the tour.

Do I need to bring any specific equipment like crampons or ice axes?

Ski crampons are frequently used on Mt. Rishiri, so it's advisable to bring them. If you have crampons or an ice ax, please bring them. Sliding equipment (skis or snowboards) must be brought by participants, and also avalanche gear, backpacks, and airbags.

There are no backcountry equipment or rental shops on Rishiri Island. Everyone needs to bring their own gear.

From where do we start the tour every day?

The tour usually departs in the morning from Pension Lelamoshiri.

Can I rent any equipment or gear in Rishiri?

No, unfortunately there are no backcountry equipment or rental shops on Rishiri Island. You need to bring your own gear, which you can rent in other places in Japan if you don't want to bring it from your home country.

About the guide

-Toshiya

4.9

(18)

Ski Guide

I was born on the island of Rishiri in 1969. I still live here today! Since my childhood, I have spent most of my time in the sea, going fishing, and in the mountain going skiing. I’m a ski guide (level 2) from the Japanese Mountain Guide Association. I’m the only one on the island. I have reached the summit of Rishiri more than 500 times… It’s my great pleasure to guide here and let people from all around the world discover this beautiful island all year round. Please feel free to get in touch with me if you are looking for a local expert to guide you in Rishiri. Besides mountain guiding, I'm managing a family hostel here so I can help you with the accommodation as well.

Languages

Japanese | English

Certificates

JMGA

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