With the evolution of gear and the growing popularity of powder, more and more people are looking 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 locations that have been officially approved by ski resorts and have gates at the entrance to BC.
Let's take a look at what kind of field it is, what kind of skiing it will be, its features, attractions, and points to note. It was composed mainly of comments received from professional guides who provide guide services at the place.
[Notes]
As introduced here, there are many BC fields that can be accessed from ski resorts. However, using the altitude point you climbed using a ski resort lift as your starting point means suddenly entering a deep mountain. We need to be aware of this fact, and take careful preparation and the utmost caution. Be sure to have the right equipment, knowledge of mountain etiquette and risks, rescue methods and insurance in the event of an emergency, and take care of your own health.
The best way to enjoy skiing in BC more safely is to join a BC guided tour. Before heading to BC, you will be given a lecture on everything you need to know on the slopes, such as how to use gear and how to ski off-piste. First of all, let me tell you that it is a smart choice to entrust the management of the various risks that exist in BC to professionals, and then let's take a look at BC fields that have lift access.
Kiroro Snow World
Stable conditions almost every day from December to March
Always dry, fresh snow from the knees to the waist can be enjoyed at any time!
The Shakotan Peninsula juts out from the northwestern part 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 course arrangement in terms of altitude difference, running distance, and slope is more suitable for beginner to intermediate skiers, but the surrounding mountains, including Mt. Yoichi, and the ski resorts There are many slopes that are suitable for enjoying BC.
In recent years, skiers and snowboarders from all over the world have been interested in Kiroro's snow. It is no exaggeration to say that it is the number one factor.
Due to Japan's unique winter-type atmospheric pressure distribution, due to its geographical conditions, not only northwesterly winds, but also snow clouds constantly come in, even if they swing to the west or north. And despite being so close to the sea, the environment is always dry with an average temperature of -10°C or below during the harshest of winters, and you can always enjoy fresh snow from your knees to your waist.
The multi-layered ridges and broadleaf trees, mainly birch, protect the accumulated snow from the sun and wind, and guarantee stable skiing conditions almost every day from December to March. Also, even after the end of the powder season in April, due to the amount of snowfall, fine granulated conditions continue until the end of May.
Access from the ski resort has several gates, and many guided tours are conducted according to the rules of the ski resort, so everyone from beginners to experts can enjoy it. The area around Kiroro Ski Resort is where you can ski on the best quality snow in the world according to your skill level.
*Since rules are formulated at the ski resort every season, enjoy skiing in the BC area based on the latest information.
*Although the conditions are stable, there are many risks lurking in the snowy mountains. Before entering the snowy mountains and on the field, it is important to always act with risk management in mind.
[Comment] Satoshi Tsukahara
Hokkaido Backcountry Guys Official Website: http://namaranokuni.com/
Article in STEEP https://steep.jp/spot/2696/
Niseko United (NISEKO UNITED)
The backcountry where you can ski with access to the slopes is the best in
Japan Rich routes to enjoy JAPOW, which Japan boasts to the world
Niseko, which is said to be the birthplace of JAPOW, can be said to be the best in Japan when it comes to BC routes with ski slope access. The number of overseas skiers who come to see it is one of the highest in Japan. With Niseko Anpuri at the top, there are four ski resorts: NISEKO HANAZONO Resort, Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village Ski Resort, and Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort, and there is a route to BC from five ski resorts including Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort, which connects from Annupuri. It's spreading.
The five ski resorts form a community called "Niseko United" and have established "Niseko rules" for safe skiing in the area.
It's like this. 1: You must leave the gate outside the ski area.
2: Don't slip through the ropes outside the ski area.
3: Outside the ski resort, wearing a helmet and an avalanche beacon is the minimum requirement for safe skiing.
4: Do not leave the ski area when the gate is closed.
5: Never enter the restricted area.
Search and rescue and investigation activities are excluded. 6: Only elementary school students are prohibited from skiing outside the ski area.
The above 6 rules. There are a total of 11 gates to BC on the slopes of Niseko. The Niseko Avalanche Research Institute will provide weather information, including the risk of avalanches, every day during the season, which will be posted at the gate. If there is no problem with the situation, access to BC will be opened.
Niseko Rules https://www.niseko.ne.jp/ja/niseko-rules/
Niseko has a BC route from the summit of Annupuri in all directions, centering on the north and south sides.
There are a variety of tours, from those that allow you to return to the ski resort from the gate without hesitation, to those that allow you to repeatedly hike, ski down, and hike for more than half a day. The route to Goshiki Onsen behind the ski resort and Mt. Iwaonupuri is a classic route used by mountain skiers since ancient times. Now, with many guided tours, many skiers are enjoying themselves when the gates open. Equipment such as avalanche gear is essential for BC. However, when the weather is clear, the line to the summit is long, including unequipped slope skiers. Niseko is focusing on thorough rules and calling attention because the route to casually go to BC is spreading.
[Comment] Editorial Department
Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway
Thorough preparation and a guide familiar with Mt. Daisetsu are essential
. Opportunities to enjoy the most beautiful scenery and fine snow in Hokkaido will expand.
At the foot of Mt. Asahidake, the highest peak in Hokkaido at an altitude of 2,291m, there are 3 courses centered on the ropeway in the Mt.Asahi skiing area. Asahidake Ropeway's ski course is often perceived as a normal ski resort, but in fact it is a skiing area where all actions are self-judgment and self-responsibility, and it is a facility that is completely different from general ski resorts.
Located in a special protection area of Daisetsuzan National Park, it is not well known that there are no patrols or patrols other than the course being trodden by a snow groomer, and that it is recommended for experienced (advanced) mountaineers to use it. do not have. Although it is a mountainous area where the weather conditions are very severe, when the conditions are perfect, the heavy snow on the mountains is very beautiful, boasting top-class snow quality even in Japan.
Whether you use the ropeway to ski the course or backcountry, or extend your legs to Asahidake or Bannosawa area, it is all at your own risk. If you want to enjoy BC and powder in the Asahidake area, you can enjoy Hokkaido's finest dry powder and spectacular scenery by using a tour with a qualified guide or someone with knowledge and experience of snowy mountains. Daisetsuzan is a special area even in Hokkaido, so we recommend a guide who is familiar with Mt.
There are two ways to enjoy the powder and BC at Mt. Asahidake: as mentioned above, enjoy the side of the course along the ropeway and return to the course, or hike up from the ropeway and approach the target slope in the backcountry.
Although it is the area with the highest number of accidents and disasters in Hokkaido, if you are prepared and equipped without forgetting to register for mountaineering, and if you go with a member who can self-rescue in case of emergency, you can enjoy the mountain according to your level. The chance to enjoy the most beautiful scenery and fine snow in Hokkaido will expand.
[Comment] Satoshi Tsukahara
Hokkaido Backcountry Guys Official Website: http://namaranokuni.com/
Article in STEEP https://steep.jp/spot/2696/
Furano Ski Resort
Furano Ski Resort, located in central Hokkaido, is well-known for its super-dry powder due to its inland climate. The area that connects Mt. Asahi in the Taisetsu mountain range to Mt. Kurodake, Mt. Tokachi, Mt. Furano, and Mt. It includes famous ski resorts such as Furano Ski Resort, Hoshino Resort Kore no Tomamu, Sahoro Resort, and Kamui Ski Links.
Furano Nishidake is located at the top of the slopes of Furano Ski Resort, which boasts a big scale.
To reach here from the ski resort, first submit a climbing report directly to the patrol office at the terminal station of the Furano Ski Resort Ropeway, and have them check that the equipment is in place. Once permission is obtained, take the lift to the top of 1060m above sea level, exit the gate and start climbing. Looking at Furano Nishidake in front of you, follow the southwest ridgeline for 2.2km, and walk along the ridgeline with few ups and downs with an elevation difference of 120m to arrive at Furano Nishidake.
The Tokachi mountain range, Mt. Tomuraushi, Mt. Daisetsu, Mt. From late March to mid-April, the snow on the ridgeline is often compacted, so you can walk without raschel. Intermediate and above skiers prefer the route that descends to the Shisengawa course on the stream and returns to the ski resort. It's relatively easy, and you can enjoy long runs from slopes with a certain degree of slope to gentle slopes.
[Comment] Editorial Department
