Backcountry skiing in Rishiri
Ski touring and splitboarding in Rishiri, guided by Toshiya, the only local certified mountain guide, owner of a lovely family guest house.
Private
+1 Days
Jan - Mar
Intermediate
Intermediate
Description
Rishiri, the island where I come from and where I live, is located off the northern coast of Hokkaido in the north of Japan. It is a circular island with one very large mountain. The ridges and bowls make the mountain feel more like a mountain range with several peaks than one big volcano.
There are no chairlifts! In winter, Rishiri is dedicated to ski touring and splitboarding enthusiasts.
It might seem for some to be at the end of the world but the ski terrain here is just incredible!
We call it the “floating island”.
I recommend you to come here for at least 4 days. I put together programs of 3 days, 4 days and 5 days (with accommodation included in the price). Check them out if you are interested!
You will stay in my family hostel that I manage. It is equipped with an onsen (hot spring bath) where it is awesome to stay after a day of skiing. You will enjoy delicious homecooked Japanese food.
Your stay here will not only be a ski trip but also a great cultural discovery!
We use snowmobile to cover the long and flat distances. We then go up using the skins.
Every day, I take you where the snow and weather conditions are the best. The daily itinerary and program will also depend on your wishes and your ski experience. If the weather permits we can even go for the summit.
You can come to Rishiri either by plane (45 min) from Sapporo or by ferry (1:40 h) leaving from Wakkanai.
I will take maximum 6 clients with me. I will divide the group by friends or by level as we will be two guides.
There are no rental shops on the island so please take all your equipment with you, including your avalanche beacon, shovel, probe, your crampons and ice axe.
Please get in touch with me if you wish come here and enjoy a fantastic ski experience!
If you want to know more about Rishiri Island, you can read the article Winter in Rishiri: backcountry skiing in a remote Japanese island as well as this story of 2 Canadians that came to visit me in 2016 for some unforgettable ski runs: Discover Rishiri, the ultimate backcountry skiing destination in Japan.
Price includes
- Guiding fee
Price details
- The price will depend on the number of people joining for the day (whether you came as a group or you are joining an existing one).
Details
More info
The season starts from 20 December
You can rent Safty equipment on site.
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
FAQs
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.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
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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