The Hokkaido Powder Belt is not only available during the harsh winter months. Let's leave Honshu, where spring is approaching, and head for the northern land.

2024/03/27

Powder freaks come from all over the world. "Hokkaido Powder Belt" located in the center of Hokkaido

It has become well established that the inland area of Hokkaido, from Asahikawa in the north to Shimukappu, where Tomamu is located in the south, is called the ``Hokkaido Powder Belt.'' Although Hokkaido is blessed with snow in both quality and quantity, this is an area where light snow falls consistently. Following Niseko in Hokkaido and Hakuba in Honshu, it is now a place visited by many inbound tourists during the high season.

That should be it. An overwhelmingly light snow that is unique to inland areas. When there is a lot of snow, the snow can reach up to your chest. There are alpine areas at high altitudes, and tree runs at lower altitudes where you can ski through the broad-leaved birch trees with spreading branches. There are also plenty of locations. Even when the weather is rough or visibility is poor, there is always a place in this area where you can enjoy the powder snow to its fullest.

A characteristic of the snow in this area is that when you make a turn, the fluffy snow flies up like fluff. photo: Ayako Niki

The area around Mt. Tokachidake with an outstanding alpine atmosphere, Daisetsuzan Asahidake is within 60 km from Asahikawa.

The ``Hokkaido Powder Belt'' is such a large area that the chance of encountering powder is high even after March. The snow is not only a benefit during the high season, but also a foundation for enjoying the season for a long time.

Daisetsuzan is a chain of mountains around 2000m above sea level, including Hokkaido's highest peak, Mt. Asahidake at 2291m above sea level, and due to its climatic conditions and high latitude, it has a mountainous environment comparable to the 3000m class mountains of Honshu. In other words, even as spring approaches, the environment is similar to the upper part of the Northern Alps on Honshu, so you can enjoy powder even after the end of March at relatively high altitudes, on north-facing slopes, and in places with little wind.

The backcountry area is vast. The Tokachi area in particular is easily accessible, so skiers from all over the world gather to try the powder. Photo/Hiroya Nakata

However, it is difficult for visitors to hit the powder right in the spring.
Also, it is quite difficult to understand the snow conditions on each mountain and find the best snow. What you can rely on here is the knowledge of guide clubs. This time, we asked Makoto Takeishi (Hokkaido Expeditions), who guides all over Hokkaido, to guide us on a pinpoint itinerary. The hike isn't too long, and I want to ski on fresh snow at least a little. What kind of mountain would you choose for such a request? Let me introduce to you how I was guided by Ogawa from the editorial department and Takamine Ichikawa, who skis in various mountain ranges.

INDEX

The mountain I climbed was Mt. Sandan. A cloudless sky perfect for enjoying the mountains

The date and time is March 30, 2023. The weather had been stable until the day before, and during the day the temperature at the foot of Kamifurano exceeded 10 degrees. The gentle spring sunshine has an effect even at higher altitudes, and the sunny slopes are repeatedly melting and freezing. In these conditions, our guide Takeishi also

"I don't have much hope for powder. Let's start slowly and climb up and slide as the snow loosens."

That's what he told me while being covered in smoke at a yakiniku restaurant in Asahikawa.

The Daisetsuzan mountain range lies to the east of the Hokkaido Powder Belt. This mountain range is vast and deep, including the Tokachidake Mountain Range, which includes Mt. Kurodake, Mt. Asahidake, and Mt. Furano, and Nipetsu, which is frequented by mountain experts. Good conditions must be lurking somewhere.

Three-dan mountain that you can climb while looking at the brave figure of Maedokachi

The mountain we headed for was Mt. Sandan. It is a major point among the Tokachi mountain range. The base is the hot spring resort Hakuginsou, and one of the attractions is that you can enjoy hot springs and backcountry experiences as a set. As the name suggests, Mt. Sandan is a mountain where the first step climbs through a spruce forest, the second step goes through a forest zone and goes up a gentle slope, and the third step is called Alpine.

If you look back, you can see a nice view of the Furano basin and Daisetsuzan in the distance. It's a pleasant mountain to climb while admiring the changing scenery. There is an elevation difference of approximately 700m from Shiroginsou to the summit of Sandanyama. Even if you walk slowly and take breaks along the way, the journey will take about 3 hours. Will it be this time...?

From here, let's take a look at the day's events, focusing on photos.

I started walking around 9:30. Mae Tokachi stands calmly in front of me. Since it is an active volcano, volcanic smoke can be seen rising from various places, and the skin around it is exposed because there is no snow, probably due to the high ground temperature.

The snow is moist on the sunny side, and feels fresh underfoot in the shade. The elevation difference is approximately 200m as you climb through a forest zone lined with Ezo spruce.

Climbing in the mild spring weather. Most of the snow on the Ezo spruce trees has fallen, and the green is dazzling.

We took a break once we climbed the second gentle slope. Good conditions with clear skies and almost no wind. Even if you can't ski on powder, it feels good to be in this location.

If you look back, you can see the Furano Basin. The third step up from here is an icy slope in places, so put on your ski crampons early.

The Fukosawa fumarole group in Mae-Tokachi, where the skin is exposed. The plume has a yellowish color, probably due to the sulfur. The pyramidal mountain in the background is the summit of Mt. Tokachidake with an altitude of 2077m.

Continue climbing until you reach the ridgeline. The outstandingly white mountain reflected in the background is Mt. Asahidake.

If you climb up to the ridgeline of Mt. Sandan, you can see a spectacular view of Mt. Furano, Mt. Kamihorokametoku, and Mt. Kamifurano in the background. Just a short walk to the top of the mountain while admiring the magnificent scenery

The summit of Mt. Sandan with an altitude of 1748m. The clock had just struck 12 o'clock.

I was feeling a little hungry, so it was time to munch on some food surrounded by this spectacular view. “By the way, where are you skating?”

After taking a sufficient break at the top of the mountain, the long-awaited skiing begins. Aim for the north slope. Skate carefully on hard surfaces, believing that you are only at the drop point.

Arrive at the drop point. Although there was some influence from sunlight, the snow looked better than expected, raising expectations for the ski run.

First, guide Makoto Takeishi skied. ``It's a rather difficult slope with a mix of soft snow and hard, wind-beaten surfaces,'' said a voice over the radio. Considering that, it didn't go down at a decent speed.

The next one to jump onto the slope was Ogawa. When I tried skating, I didn't feel the hard surface as much as I expected. If so, I step in and enjoy the fresh snow of late March.

To be honest, Takamine-san didn't expect to be able to ski down such soft snow. I was descending safely on steep slopes, but as the slope became gentler, my body relaxed and I was riding comfortably.

Once you pass through the main slope, which has a good slope of snow, there is only a gentle slope left until you reach Shiroginsou, the trailhead. Enjoy a fun ride while admiring the surrounding scenery

After descending the mountain, head to the Fukiage open-air bath, which has a rustic atmosphere. Even though it's early spring, the air is cold, so the hot water warms your body. While enjoying this atmosphere, the topic of conversation was definitely the TV drama ``Kita no Kuni Kara.''

Since I had been in Hokkaido the day before, I thought that I would not be able to ski the powder unless I had gained a lot of altitude and was aiming for the north slope. Although it was a three-hour hike and the slope was short, I didn't expect to be able to ski on powder even at the end of March.

I've skied in this area even during the extremely cold high season, and the good thing about the mountain is that it looks different depending on the time of year, but it's also scary. In spring, when the weather tends to be relatively stable, visibility is clear and the sunshine feels great even when walking in the mountains. The mountains you can see during your break are majestic and give you a sense of altitude. The lively plume of Mae-Tokachi is also a spectacular sight.

Depending on the weather, it's still winter, so you can experience more powder than expected. On the other hand, falling snow can melt or harden, which can be painful. The ``Hokkaido Powder Belt'' in the spring season has more than enough skiing fields and environment. As the days get longer, you can spend the whole day in the mountains enjoying long routes. This is the start of the second season of enjoying the mountains.

Guide Information

▶Hokkaido Expeditions
official website: https://www.hokkaidoexpeditions-japan.com/
SNS: Instagram

Enjoy the spring season to the fullest from OMO7 Asahikawa by Hoshino Resorts

There is a neighborhood map in the lobby that shows all the stops around OMO7 Asahikawa.

If you want to fully enjoy the second season of Hokkaido Powder Belt, we recommend OMO7 Asahikawa by Hoshino Resorts in Asahikawa, a base for skiers. Asahikawa, with a population of 340,000 people, is Hokkaido's second largest city, and is home to fresh food and a well-developed food culture. Asahikawa is perfect for après-ski, with a wealth of accommodation facilities and an entertainment district clustered around Asahikawa Station. Plus, when the weather in the mountains is unstable, it's nice to have a change of scenery and enjoy some city sightseeing.

"Furarito" is a restaurant district located in a back alley not far from OMO7 Asahikawa. It's not freezing midwinter, so you can easily walk around town.

OMO7 Asahikawa has many services that skaters will appreciate. Since it is located right in the middle of the city, there is a free shuttle bus that connects the four ski resorts and mountains during the high season. There is a ticket counter inside the building, so you can buy lift tickets without having to wait in line at the ski resort.

During the season, we also hold a morning event that lets you know the best powder snow of the day. I am very grateful to be able to connect with local staff via video call and learn about the situation in real time.

"Today's Powder Information/Live Broadcast" will be held from 6:30 a.m. in the plaza in the lobby on the first floor. Mr. Abe from Kamui Ski Links appeared on this day.

In addition, there is a maintenance space called ``OMO WAX BAR'' where you can use 30 types of wax that are suitable for snow temperatures ranging from 15℃ to -30℃ for free, and a drying room that can be accessed by entering a PIN on the right after entering the entrance. It's fully equipped.

Wax is lined up by various brands. There are many types depending on the snow temperature, so it evenly covers everything from high season to spring.

An iron is also available. A special wax stand that won't fall on the floor even when you remove the wax. This is so well made that I would want one for my home.

A drying room that can be accessed by entering a PIN number known only to guests.

A boot dryer is also available. Perfect for gear maintenance

A lounge where Asahikawa brand "FIELD EARTH" snowboards and skis are displayed. Ideal for PC work and chatting

When you enter the room, there is a special rack where you can store your skis, boots, goggles, gloves, and clothing all at once, and there are many ways to make your stay comfortable, such as the ability to store bulky ski cases under the bed. (Rooms with racks are available only if you apply for the special plan, which is limited to 4 rooms per day).

Designed to prevent clutter in the room even during medium-term stays, such as storage space under the bed

A storage rack that allows you to keep all your gliding equipment together. It can easily fit two people's luggage.

There is no problem even if you are not familiar with Asahikawa. OMO7 Asahikawa's ``Neighborhood Guide OMO Ranger'' will guide you through the streets of Asahikawa and show you where to eat and drink. There is a wide variety of restaurants, including lively izakaya bars, Genghis Khan restaurants, relaxing bars, and everyone's favorite ramen. You can enjoy an après-ski experience that you wouldn't be able to enjoy if you were staying on the slope side.

Walking through the city with the OMO Rangers, we arrived at our destination, a yakiniku restaurant. This is a meaningful tour where you can learn about the culture and history of the city, which you wouldn't know just by walking.

From the end of March to April, the season progresses and the weather gets warmer. Let's enjoy the last days of winter in the second season of the "Hokkaido Powder Belt", which has a wide enough ski field.

Information

OMO7 Asahikawa by Hoshino Resorts
official website: https://omo-hotels.com/asahikawa/　
SNS: Instagram ｜ X

Photo/ Takahiro Nakanishi