Join Yu, an IFMGA certified guide, for one or more days of great skiing at the Sapporo Kokusai ski resort on the beautiful Japanese island of Hokkaido.
Private
+1 Day
Jan - Mar
High
Intermediate
The powder at the Kokusai ski resort is second to none. As plentiful as it is exquisite, the snow at the resort is incredible. In fact, many claim that more snow falls in the resort area than in the famed town of Niseko. And on this trip, which can last one, or several days if you wish, you will get to enjoy that snow on a number of different descents.
While not very well known in the international skiing community, the Kokusai ski resort is very well known by local skiers from Sapporo, as well as other parts of Hokkaido. So if you are looking for that place where the people who live nearby prefer to go, then the Kokusai ski resort is definitely for you. Moreover, even though the resort is near Sapporo, the weather can sometimes be drastically different. Hence giving the resort area a distinct atmosphere that is well worth enjoying.
Filled with fantastic descents and great views, you can’t go wrong with ski touring at the Kokusai resort. And whether it’s for one day, or several, I have no doubt you’ll have a wonderful experience. Just send me a request if you would like to enjoy it for yourself.
I can also take you ski touring at the Teine ski resort, also in Hokkaido, on this trip.
Where to stay in Sapporo:
–Ten to ten SAPPORO STATION: Excellent location and great prices.
5.0
(14)
Mountain Guide
I am an JMGA mountain and ski guide born in the local village of Obihiro in Hokkaido. Mountains have always been close to me, as I started climbing mountains when I was 8. My mountain passion extended to backcountry skiing since 2006, around which time I also started guiding in the mountains.
I decided to become a mountain guide because not only did I like being in the mountains as a climber but I got more joy out of sharing the experiences and excitements with the people I climbed with. I just really enjoy it when others are also having a fun time!
I guide and enjoy both skiing and telemark skiing, but I prefer telemark skiing for its higher versatility in the mountains. Telemarking lets you enjoy the mountains in a different mindset to skiing. Even though it is more challenging to ski on them especially on more technical terrains but I embrace the challenge it offers. I also find it much easier to hike up on my telemarks than on my skis.
In the summer, my favourite guiding is long mountain traverse routes whilst in the winter my guiding activity includes backcountry skiing, snowshoe trekking, and ice climbing in Hokkaido. The beauty of guiding gin the winter is that one is not confined to ‘hiking routes’ like in the summer. My guiding fields of choice are places near Sapporo, Niseko and Daisetsuzan (Asahidake) area for backcountry skiing, but mostly I guide long routes on less crowded, more local mountains. It is my guiding policy, to not guide "slack country skiing", where we need to stick to the sides of ski resorts and is crowded with people. I feel there is more value add for me to take groups away from the crowds in less known areas best suited for the day’s condition and the weather.
As for popular areas, I do guide Mt Yotei (on the sides with less people), and Asahidake area but there isn’t much peak hunting to be done in Hokkaido.
My passion is to guide my clients to less populated areas, let them discover new areas and new kind of fun. I want visitors from all over the world to enjoy the accessible famous powder snow in Hokkaido, but I’d also like for you to venture into the depth of the mountains with me and to experience having the mountain all to ourselves. Please contact me if you’re keen on discovering the Hokkaido nature with me, whether it be in the summer or the winter!
Certificates
JMGA
Eiffel
5
Yu is an english speaking local guide so don't be hesitant to book him for a trip. We did a 2 day ice climbing trip in Sounkyo and he gave me tips on technique which was really helpful! Learn a lot from him.
Roy
5
Yu Sato was an excellent guide , knowledgeable, courteous and helpful . This was our second trip with Yu and we would not hesitate to have him guide us again ! Thank you Yu
Roy
5
Yu Sato was our guide . We had an excellent day climbing and skiing with him . He was professional, knowledgeable , friendly and personable . Yu met and exceeded our expectations. I would not hesitate to hire Yu Sato as our guide in the future. Thank you , Yu !
5
It was a really great experience and good for technical knowledge. He picked us up on time and was flexible with our schedules. The climbing itself was amazing and challenging. Beautiful scenery and the walk in to the waterfalls were interesting.
Nikolas
5
Great, experienced guide. Very knowledgeable and professional and had a great time. Would definitely recommend.
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