The relentless snowfall on the island is just one of the alluring qualities of Hokkaido. The backcountry from Niseko and Sapporo all the way up to Hirotachi and beyond has powder snow perfect for exploring. The ski culture across the island is dedicated to snow tourists and caters to the needs of even the most demanding excursions.

Beginners and Experts Alike Can Enjoy!

With Olympic-caliber runs for the seasoned veterans and just-off-piste access for greenhorns, Hokkaido accommodates whatever your dreams may be. The easy resort access accompanied by catskiing, heliskiing, and ski touring programs in untouched snow make it ripe for a life-changing ski adventure.

For the Culture!

Whether you want to add a beer tour in Sapporo on your way back from Niseko hot springs or include a wine tour in Furano after conquering the Tokachi lines, Hokkaido will embrace you with its distinct Japanese culture. It is an enriching experience on and off the mountain. The charming fishing villages along the Sea of Japan are a refreshing way to go all in on a backcountry expedition.

For the Culture!

Endless Powder!

For the Culture!

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The backcountry in Hokkaido and the terrain surrounding Mt. Yotei in the southwest are great for intermediate to advanced skiers, though backcountry beginners are sure to find routes perfect for their needs. Participants should be in reasonable physical condition and well-aware with the risks associated with backcountry skiing programs. Avalanche safety equipment and training is necessary, often included in certain programs. Some off-piste locations near the resorts can be crowded, so finding a guide for a program further off the beaten path can provide a more personal wilderness ski experience.

Good to Know

What’s the weather like?

Arriving in winter will be cold, but it provides arguably the best snow conditions in the world - it snows a lot! The powder is notoriously deep and dry, with certain backcountry areas gated to control access and preserve quality.

Language

Japanese

Currency

Japanese yen

How long should I stay?

Depending on your schedule, you can plan a few days of skiing to a few weeks. Dip your toes into the expansive backcountry on shorter guided trips to introduce yourself to the impressive mountain terrain. Many programs are easily accessible, so you can easily spend a week discovering great virgin runs and pioneering your way through a lifetime of pristine snow.

Country Code

+81

Best time to visit

During the winter, from mid-December to March.

What People are Saying

83 reviews

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Backcountry Skiing in Hokkaido

Dive into the deep powder of Japan’s northernmost island!

Known for its incomparably deep snow and unique culture, Hokkaido is a top-tier destination for off-piste adventurers! Receiving a whopping 25 to 45 feet of dry powder per season, it is home to some of the most memorable and exciting backcountry runs on Earth!

Top Backcountry Skiing Trips in Hokkaido

1+ day Ski Touring at the Sapporo Teine Ski Resort (Hokkaido)

1+ day Ski Touring at the Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort (Hokkaido)

1+ Day Ski Touring in Kiroro Ski Resort in Hokkaido

1+ day Ski Touring in Niseko Ski Resort in Hokkaido

1+ day Backcountry Skiing Around Mount Tokachi, Hokkaido

1+ day Ski Touring at the Furano Ski Resort in Hokkaido

Backcountry skiing in Rishiri

12-day freeride ski trip in Niseko

1+ day Backcountry Skiing in the Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido

Road trip and backcountry ski touring in Hokkaido

Private backcountry ski tours in Hokkaido with a local guide

Niseko 1+ day backcountry skiing with a guide

1+ day Ski touring in Hokkaido, Mount Yotei

4-day Backcountry skiing in Rishiri (accommodation included)

1-7 days Sapporo Based Backcountry Skiing

Niseko 1-day guided freeriding

Ski touring on Mount Yotei in Hokkaido

5-day Backcountry skiing in Rishiri (accommodation included)

Hokkaido backcountry and off piste skiing

Sapporo backcountry skiing, private guided trip

4-day Backcountry ski tour in Niseko, Kiroro & Rusutsu

Mt. Tokachi & Mt. Asahi, 4-day Backcountry ski tour in Japan

Best ski touring in Hokkaido, 7 days

３Days Niseko/Mt. Yotei Spring Ski Touring

Ski touring and freeride skiing in Sapporo, Hokkaido

Ski touring in Asahikawa in Hokkaido

Ski touring on Rishiri Island and around Hokkaido

Powder skiing in Japan, 8-day Ski tour in Niseko (Hokkaido)

1+ Days Lift Assisted Ski Touring in Hokkaido

3-day Backcountry skiing in Rishiri (accommodation included)

Rishiri 3-day guided backcountry snowboarding

Ski touring and off piste snowboarding in Hokkaido

Niseko week-long ski touring program, Japan

Ski touring week in the Furano area, Hokkaido

Ski touring and Japanese culture in Central Hokkaido (12 days)

Backcountry powder skiing tour in Furano & Otaru, Japan (10 days)

Freeride and ski touring in Hokkaido

Ski touring from Niseko to Asahidake

1+ days heliskiing trip in Shiribetsu-Dake volcano, Hokkaido

1-day private cat skiing trip in Shimamaki, Hokkaido

Guided powder ski tour - Niseko Ski Resort

Ski touring on Mt Yotei, Hokkaido

3-day Niseko Haute Route in Hokkaido

3-day Niseko backcountry skiing (with Mt. Yotei)

Niseko 'best 5 days' powder program

Sapporo Ski, 1-day backcountry ski tour in Japan

Hokkaido backcountry and ski touring

Niseko haute route ski tour

Hokkaido 1-day backcountry ski tour

Mount Yotei, 1-day Skiing in Niseko (Hokkaido)

4-Day Ski Mountaineering Tour on Mount Rishiri, Japan

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3 Reasons

Endless Powder!

Beginners and Experts Alike Can Enjoy!

For the Culture!

Endless Powder!

Why choose Explore-Share.com?

Professional and Verified Local Guides

7000+ Outdoor Activities Worldwide

Online Customer Support 7 Days a Week

Secure Online Payment

More Info

Good to Know

What’s the weather like?

Language

Currency

How long should I stay?

Country Code

Best time to visit

What People are Saying

Be the first to tell us about your experience!

Related Blogposts