Backcountry Skiing Japan
Overview
Hokkaido is famous for its powder snow formed from cold Siberian winds blowing across the ocean, when everyone talks about backcountry skiing in Japan the North Island is where they are referring too. The powder is generally dry and deep. Throughout the years of exploring the backcountry of Hokkaido Japan we have found the ultimate runs, and we can guide you to the best backcountry skiing Japan has to offer. We will take you to the are to the best zones found. We can also offer trips where we go to ski resorts and guide you off trail to the best lift accessed powder runs making the most of your time on the island.
Asahidake
Asahidake is Hokkaido’s highest Mountain (Volcano, 2291m) and part of the largest Daisetsu National Park
TOKACHIDAKE AREA
Tokachidake Furanodake and the surrounding areas are full of runs for all types of skiers, boarders, and fitness levels.
NISSHO TOHGE (NISSHO PASS)
Nissho Tohge (Nissho Pass) is a high mountain pass (1106 m, 3,629 ft) at the north-end of the Hidaka Mountain Range
KURODAKE
Kurodake (Mt. Kuro, 1984m) is located at Sounkyo, situated at the top end of the Daisetsu National Park. It is a spectacular region with big frozen water falls and awesome rock formations; a must-see just for the scenery alone. It does get loaded with wintery weather and the terrain is a little tricky to ride.The steeps are steep and can be pretty tight. The hike to the top depends on the snow pack and weather, but if you’re up to the challenge and you get it right, it’s amazing!
Price/Person
group size of 2 : 27,000 yen
group size of 3 : 20,000 yen
group size of 4 or more : 15,000 yen
Ninja Powder Guides introductory to Back country Touring
Want to get a taste of backcountry Touring Ninja Powder style?
On this tour our guides will introduce you to the use of Touring skis Splitboards or snow shoes to access the back country. Ninja Powder guides will instruct you on the use of gear and safety equipment Required to travel in the backcountry safely. So we can get you up to Ninja Powder stealth style so you can access some great terrain without out the crowds and lift lines!
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
- Ninja Powder guides will supplies the following (if required) ・Transport ・Guide ・Smiles all day and the best powder lines !
- !! Lift pass NOT included
Backcountry Skiing Japan
Backcountry skiing in Japan is perfect for everyone who is addicted to full on adrenaline, epic adventures in the most satisfying runs!
Backcountry skiing or also known as off-piste is an increasingly popular form of skiing. Unlike regular alpine skiing where you slide down the groomed trails, in backcountry skiing you’re going to ski on natural trails on un patrolled areas either inside or outside of ski resorts. Backcountry skiing gives you more freedom to explore wider range, sometimes well kept secret trails if you go with the right guides.
There’s no other place bretter to do backcountry skiing than Japan – a well-known sanctuary for snow powder poachers around the world, where 4 of most snowy cities in the world are located. It’s guaranteed to be fantastic!
Backcountry Skiing Preparation Tips
Backcountry skiing undoubtedly requires more efforts and just like other adventurous activities, it comes with its own risks. However, you’re going to have an adventure of a life time once you understand the right preparation for it. Ninja Powder does and we come fully prepared for all situations and have the experince an knowledge of the backcountry to let you have your day in your way safely.
Follow some tips below to make sure you get the best and safe experience of backcountry skiing:
Items That You Should Prepare to Bring
What to Bring
- Skis or snowboard (mid-fat to fat, all-mountain or powder skis are best on these tours)
- Boots (regular alpine boots are fine if they are not a tight fitting race boot)
- Poles, preferably with powder baskets
- Outer layer jacket with hood (breathable-waterproof material)
- Outer shell pants or bibs (breathable-waterproof material)
- Personal clothing layers suitable for all conditions
- Gloves (standard ski gloves are suitable)
- Warm jacket (down or synthetic for rest breaks and colder weather)
- Sweater or vest (wool, fleece or down)
- Toque/warm hat (wool or fleece) or helmet
- Sunglasses or Ski goggles
- Misc. personal items (camera, etc.)
Use The Right Backpack
Since you’re gonna bring some important self-rescue gears, you’d need a correct backpack which designed to specifically carry skis. They will enable you to carry a lot more comfortably, stabilize your ski gears, keep them from swinging around and overall very comfortable for you to wear.
Climbing Skins
Backcountry skiing always involve travel over the snow and climbing skins will help you get around easily, especially when you can’t access the road with your ski boots due to deep snow. Climbing skins are strips which you attach to the bottom of the skis and can be removed when you go downhill. The skin has sharp surface, it’s directional and it grips when you’re climbing uphill with the skis which enable you to go up hill or cross the hill to gain access to the runs you have in mind using your skis or snowshoes.
Use Climbing Skins
Backcountry skiing always involve travel over the snow and climbing skins will help you get around easily, especially when you can’t access the road with your ski boots due to deep snow. Climbing skins are strips which you attach to the bottom of the skis and can be removed when you go downhill. The skin has sharp surface, it’s directional and it grips when you’re climbing uphill with the skis which enable you to go up hill or cross the hill to gain access to the runs you have in mind using your skis or snowshoes.
Items That Ninja Powder Guides Brings
Collapsible Shovel
Another essential gears that you need to bring is a collapsible shovel. A shovel is needed to dig yourself out when you’re buried under the snow and the collapsible feature makes it easy to carry. Our recommended shovel is a metal blade shovel with a straight blade on it to allow for snow observation pit.
Avalanche Transceiver
Avalanche transceiver is a kind of radio transceivers which serve purpose of finding people or equipment under the snow. This transceiver is a critical tool to get yourself found during critical situation. It’s also very easy to use, even though it still requires a fair amount of practice.
Avalanche Probes
In addition to the above, it’s also necessary to bring avalanche probes. The gears work similarly with tent poles, they extend to 6, 8 or 10 foot length which makes it easier for you to probe the surface and quicken the rescue process. Avalanche probes also require a little bit of practice to use.
Extra emergency supplies
Sometimes emergency happens and we don’t know if our backcountry skiing can be longer than expected. In these kind of situation, it’s important to also carry an emergency warm layer, first aid kits, extra food extra water, means to make fire and a multi-tool to fix any kind of gear problems that might arise.
Resources
132番地 Chisaka, Hidaka, Saru District, Hokkaido 055-2314