With the evolution of gear and the growing popularity of powder snow, more and more people are wanting to go into the backcountry (BC). Here we will introduce BC fields in Hokkaido that can be accessed from ski resorts. As a premise, we have selected BCs that have gates at the entrance that are officially approved by the ski resort
We will introduce what kind of field it is, what kind of slopes you can ski, its features, attractions, and points to note. We have compiled this article based on comments from professional guides who provide guide services in the area
[Points to Note]
As introduced here, there are many backcountry fields accessible from ski resorts. However, starting from an altitude point reached by ski resort lifts means suddenly entering deep into the mountains. It is important to be aware of this fact and to prepare thoroughly and exercise maximum caution. Approach with a high level of awareness, including proper equipment, knowledge of mountain etiquette and risks, rescue methods and insurance in case of emergency, and your own health management.
To pursue backcountry skiing more safely, the best method is to participate in a backcountry guided tour. Before entering the backcountry, you can receive lectures on how to use your gear and how to ski off-piste. Having said that entrusting the management of the various risks inherent in backcountry to professionals is a smart choice, let's look at backcountry fields accessible by lift.
Kiroro Snow World
From December to March, the conditions are
consistently dry almost every day, and you can always enjoy fresh snow up to your knees or waist!
The Shakotan Peninsula juts out into the northwest of Hokkaido. Located at its base, Kiroro Ski Resort is at the foot of Mt. Yoichi, overlooking Niseko to the south and Sapporo to the east. Compared to other ski resorts in Hokkaido, the resort's course arrangements, including elevation difference, run length, and slope, are more suited to beginners and intermediate skiers, but the surrounding mountains, including Mt. Yoichi, and the slopes surrounding the ski resort offer many slopes suitable for backcountry skiing
In recent years, Kiroro's snow has attracted the attention of skiers and snowboarders from all over the world, and it is no exaggeration to say that the main reason for this is the many slopes suitable for backcountry skiing, as well as the deep, dry, and world-class quality of the snow
Due to Japan's unique winter atmospheric pressure pattern and geographical location, snow clouds are constantly coming in, not only when the northwesterly wind blows, but also when the wind blows west or north. And despite being close to the sea, the average temperature during the coldest winter is below -10°C, so the area is always dry, and you can always enjoy fresh snow up to your knees and waist
The multiple ridges and broadleaf trees, primarily birch, protect the accumulated snow from sunlight and wind, ensuring stable skiing conditions almost every day from December to March. Even after the powder snow ends in April, the amount of snowfall keeps the snow quality granular until the end of May, so there are many slopes suitable for beginners, as well as advanced skiers
There are several gates to access the ski resort, and many guided tours are conducted in accordance with the ski resort's rules, so anyone from beginners to experts can enjoy the area. The area around Kiroro Ski Resort is an area where you can ski on the world's best snow quality at a level that suits you
*Rules and regulations are established at ski resorts each season, so please enjoy skiing in the backcountry area based on the latest information.
*Even if the conditions are stable, there are many risks lurking in the mountains. It is important to always keep risk management in mind before entering the mountains and while you are out in the field.
[Comment] Satoshi Tsukahara,
Hokkaido Backcountry Guys Official Website:http://namaranokuni.com/
STEEP article : https://steep.jp/spot/2696/
Niseko United
The backcountry accessible via ski resorts offers the best in Japan,
providing abundant routes to enjoy JAPOW, a region that Japan proudly presents to the world.
Niseko, considered the birthplace of JAPOW, is arguably the best in Japan when it comes to backcountry routes accessible from the slopes. It also boasts the highest number of international skiers in Japan, visiting for these routes. Niseko Ampuuri is at the top of the list, and there are four ski resorts in the area: Niseko Hanazono Resort, Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village Ski Resort, and Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort. Five ski resorts, including Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort, which connects to Annupuri, offer routes to backcountry ski resorts
The five ski resorts, as a unit called "Niseko United," have established "Niseko Rules" to ensure safe skiing in the area. These are as follows:
1. You must always exit the ski area through the gates.
2. You must not ski outside the ski area by going under ropes.
3. When skiing outside the ski area, wearing a helmet and an avalanche beacon is considered the minimum requirement for safe skiing.
4. You must not leave the ski area when the gates are closed.
5. You must never enter restricted areas. However, search and rescue and investigation activities are exempt.
6. Skiing outside the ski area is prohibited for elementary school children alone.
The rules consist of the six points listed above. There are a total of 11 gates to the backcountry on the Niseko slopes. The Niseko Avalanche Research Station provides weather information, including avalanche risk levels, every day during the season, and this information is posted at the gates. If there are no problems with the conditions, access to the backcountry is opened.
Niseko Rules https://www.niseko.ne.jp/ja/niseko-rules/
Niseko offers numerous backcountry routes extending in all directions from the summit of Mt. Annupuri, primarily to the north and south. These range from routes that allow you to return to the ski resort without getting lost from the gate, to tours lasting half a day or more involving repeated hiking, skiing downhill, and hiking. The routes to Goshiki Onsen and Mt. Iwaonupuri behind the ski resort are classic routes long used by backcountry skiers. Nowadays, many guided tours allow skiers to enjoy these
Avalanche gear is essential for backcountry skiing. However, on sunny days, queues to the summit can form, including unequipped groomed skiers. Because there are so many easily accessible backcountry routes, Niseko is focusing on enforcing rules and raising awareness.
[Comment] Editorial Department
Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway
Thorough preparation and a guide familiar with the Daisetsuzan Mountains are essential.
This offers a great opportunity to enjoy some of Hokkaido's most beautiful scenery and top-quality snow.
Asahidake Ski Area is a ski area with three courses centered around a ropeway at the foot of Asahidake, Hokkaido's highest peak at 2,291m above sea level. The Asahidake Ropeway ski course is often perceived as a normal ski resort, but in fact it is a ski area where all actions are at your own discretion and responsibility, making it a completely different facility from a typical ski resort
Located in a special protected area of Daisetsuzan National Park, the trails are not patrolled or patrolled except by snow-groomed vehicles, and it is not widely known that it is only recommended for experienced winter mountain climbers (advanced climbers). Although it is a mountain area with very harsh weather conditions, when the conditions are right the mountains covered in heavy snow are incredibly beautiful, and it boasts some of the best snow quality in Japan
Whether you use the ropeway to ski the courses or backcountry, or extend your trip to the Asahidake or Bannosawa areas from there, you do so at your own risk. If you're planning on enjoying backcountry skiing or powder snow in the Asahidake area, you'll want to book a tour with someone who has knowledge and experience of snowy mountains, or a licensed guide, to enjoy Hokkaido's finest dry powder and spectacular views. Daisetsuzan is a special area even within Hokkaido, so we recommend a guide who is familiar with the Daisetsuzan mountains, either a local or Hokkaido resident
There are two ways to enjoy the powder and backcountry skiing at Mt. Asahidake: as mentioned above, enjoy the trails along the ropeway and then return to the trail, or hike up from the ropeway as a base point and approach the slopes of your choice in the backcountry
This is the area in Hokkaido where there are the most accidents and disasters, but if you are prepared and equipped, including submitting a climbing registration form, and travel with people who can self-rescue in case of an emergency, you can enjoy the mountain at any level. This will increase your chances of enjoying Hokkaido's most beautiful scenery and high-quality snow
[Comment] Satoshi Tsukahara,
Hokkaido Backcountry Guys Official Website:http://namaranokuni.com/
STEEP article : https://steep.jp/spot/2696/
Furano Ski Resort
Located in central Hokkaido, Furano Ski Resort is well known for its super-dry powder snow brought about by its inland climate. The area stretching from Mount Asahi in the Daisetsuzan mountain range to Mount Kurodake, Mount Tokachi, Mount Furano, and Mount Furano Nishidake is known as the Hokkaido Powder Belt, and has been attracting a lot of attention in recent years. This area includes famous ski resorts such as Furano Ski Resort, Hoshino Resort Tomamu, Sahoro Resort, and Kamui Ski Links
There are two gates at the northern peak, the top of the slopes at the massive Furano Ski Resort, from which you can access Furano Nishidake, the base camp
To head here from the ski resort, first submit a climbing permit directly to the patrol office at the Furano Ski Resort ropeway terminus station and have them check that you have all the necessary equipment. Once you've received permission, take the lifts to the top at an altitude of 1,060m, exit through the gate and begin your climb. With Furano Nishidake ahead and to the left, walk 2.2km along the southwest ridge with little ups and downs, with an elevation difference of 120m, and you'll arrive at Furano Nishidake
Before your eyes you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Tokachi Mountain Range, Mount Tomuraushi, Mount Daisetsu and Mount Asahi. Between late March and mid-April, the snow on the ridges is often firm, so you can walk without breaking snow. A favorite route for intermediate and advanced skiers is the route that descends to the Shisengawa course along the stream and returns to the ski resort. It is a relatively easy route, and you can enjoy long runs on slopes ranging from moderately steep to gentle slopes
[Comment] Editorial Department
