Niseko Backcountry Guiding
Interested in getting away from the crowds and into Niseko's incredible backcountry? Black Diamond's certified Niseko backcountry guides will take you into the BC for an experience you won't forget. They offer several different backcountry tours to suit your lung capacity and endurance. You can book one day of Niseko backcountry guiding or multiple days to get the most out of the Niseko region.
The location visited on any given day may depend on the group and weather and snow conditions. Below are a few options.
Avalanche safety gear can be provided, whilst touring gear such as touring skis, skins, split boards, snowshoes etc are not included in the price of these tours however recommendations can be provided to source an equipment rental shop.
Niseko guiding books out quickly so please get in touch if you want to check availability.
Niseko Backcountry Options
Want to ski some of this.... |
..or maybe some of this... |
..or even this... |
Typically a day starts by driving to Goshiki Onsen before setting out on foot. Goshiki onsen is located at an elevation of 750 meters meaning that it does't take long to get above treeline. Expect to spend most of the day in open alpine terrain with incredible views of both the Sea of Japan and Pacific Ocean along with the Niseko range, Mount Yotei and surrounding valleys.
There is a wide selection of great lines in this area and peaks within reach include Iwaonupurri, Nihonupurri and Chisenupuri. If you're up to it you can even traverse the range bagging all 3 of these summits in one day.
Regardless of what you ski, you'll finish the day by skiing down to the beautiful Goshiki Onsen located at the foot of your last run. Grab a beer from the nearest vending machine and allow your burning legs to relax in this natural hot spring.
An alternative option on this trip is to start the day using the Niseko lift network, climbing the peak and then descending towards Goshiki onsen before strapping on the touring gear and earning your turns properly for the rest of the day. This does require a one ride Niseko lift pass but permits one top to bottom run with minimal effort before you get into the backcountry.
Note: As the best skiing terrain in this area is above treeline, it is best suited for travel on clear, sunny days. Under less favorable conditions we may adjust the destination to suit weather conditions.
If you have any questions please
make a booking request for further info.
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Shiribetsu
Shiribetsu above Rusutsu.... |
..you need to be up for a walk... |
...and the rewards... |
Adjacent to nearby Rusutsu resort, Shiribetsu-dake (Mount Shiribetsu) offers a formidable backcountry challenge and some immaculate fall line skiing. The day begins on the Western slopes of Shiribetsu (opposite side of the mountain from Rusutsu resort) as you ascend through the low angle slopes at the base of this extinct volcano.
After a relaxing opening, the climb steepens but you will soon be rewarded with spectacular ridgeline views of the surrounding peaks including Mount Yotei and Niseko Annupurri. In general the group will spend about 2 to 3 hours on the first ascent before reaching the peak. You will lap up 2 to 3 (or more if you're up to it!!) runs on the upper mountain before beginning the final top to bottom descent offering a consistent pitch for the first 300+ meters before slowly mellowing out into a cruisy powder bowl. The run finishes in typical Hokkaido style winding through the trees and back to civilization.
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Lower Mt Yotei
Mt Yotei.... |
..it's a big hike... |
...but the ski down is truly epic! |
Due to Hokkaido's relentless snowstorms there are only a handful of days through the winter months when a summit attempt is possible; however the lower slopes of Yotei offer reliable good snow, great gladed backcountry skiing and seemingly endless terrain.
You can typically climb to at least 1,200 metres elevation after starting at around 400m. From here you start skiing and will lap up several great volcano lines pushing as high on the mountain as visibility permits before the final, long descent.
And while the summit is not the objective with this trip (top quality pow skiing is!!), if the group is moving well and the weather cooperates the guide will consider heading for the top.