Details
Trip Duration
2 days
Mountain Range
-
People per Guide
2 people
Trip Level
Intermediate
Offer Period
Feb
Type of Trip
Private
Explore and challenge yourself with Ice Climbing in Raiden!
If you’re an experienced ice climber, why not join me for ice climbing in a unique location that is Raiden by the coast in Hokkaido! It is close to Niseko and you will find out that this region is not all about powder skiing!
This scenic ice climbing area faces the sea of Japan and gives access to about a half dozen 100m-class waterfalls!
AVAILABLE PERIOD: February
REQUIRED LEVELS: It is a course for intermediate / advanced ice climbers, and thus a prior experience is necessary, as well as enough fitness to hike up and trail break in snow shoes for 45min.
Itinerary:
Day 1: From Sapporo, we will drive to town of Iwanai (80km, 2hrs). We will head to “Runze II” (no. 2 gully) for ice climbing (70m, WI5*, 2 pitches). Overnight stay at a traditional onsen ryokan.
Day 2: Visit “Runze I” (no.1 gully) or “Runze IV” (no. 4 gully) for ice climbing (100m, WI5, 2 pitches). A relaxing dip in an onsen before driving back to Sapporo. Estimated time of return is around 6pm.
*Ice Climbing Grades:
WI5 – near-vertical or vertical steps of up to 20 metres, sustained climbing requiring placing multiple protection screws from strenuous stances with few good rests
If you don’t think you have enough experience or fitness and you’d like to try something not as strenuous then have a look at my ice climbing programme for beginner / intermediates
CLIMATE: Given its low altitude, it is not as cold as Sounkyo in Daisetsuzan area but is still cold at around -5 to 8c. The wind, however, could be very strong due to the fact that it is located by the sea. Layers of warm clothes are necessary!
KIT LIST:
| – Crampon compatible Mountaineering boots – Technical ice axes – Harness – Helmet – CramponsI can lend you items such as ice axes, harness, helmet, and crampons at JPY 2,000 each. Other ice climbing gears such as ice screws, quick draws etc. will be provided. |
Other Info:
- Deposit amount – 30% of Trip Price
- Reservation opens 6 months prior to the trip date. Please reserve well in advance – Booking request under 1 month is usually not possible.
- Full payment needs to be made at least 1 month in advance
Disclaimer:
- In case of bad weather / conditions (including road conditions), the trip itinerary may be altered and/or date change can be discussed.
- Riding on the guide’s car is considered as ride sharing and thus will only covered under normal car insurance. The guide’s responsibility and liability is only applicable from the departure from the start of the approach path until our return to the same point.
- Please make sure all participants are individual insured appropriately with international travel insurance. My insurance will only cover up to JPY 1,000,000 upon death and a compensation of JPY 1,000 per day in case of hospitalisation.
- For any injuries in the mountains, the guide will not be liable and will need to be paid by your own means.
Accommodation options in NISEKO:
– Goshiki Onsen: An Onsen accommodation in the mountains, far from ski resorts. Self catering JPY 4,000. Half board JPY 10,000.
– The Woodpeckers: mountain hut-like accommodation, just below Niseko Moiwa ski resort. Half-board included. JPY 7,500.
Price per person
Price includes
- Guiding fee
What happens if I need to cancel the trip?
If you decide to cancel, you’ll get a 100% refund (minus fees) if the cancellation is notified up to 60 days before the start of the tour, a 75% refund (minus fees) if you cancel between 59 and 30 days before the start of the tour, and a 50% refund if you cancel between 29 and 21 days before the start of the tour. If you cancel less than 21 days before the first day of the tour, you won’t receive a refund.Take into account, however, that if accommodation, flights or transfers were included in the trip you booked, then a different policy may apply as the guide will be bound by the provider’s cancellation policy.
What happens if the guide cancels the trip because of bad weather/unsuitable conditions?
If bad weather or unsuitable conditions force the guide to cancel the trip, he or she will: a) propose a similar activity at a different place where conditions are better, or b) propose to postpone the activity until a later date, or c) cancel. If you refuse option a), our cancellation policy will apply. Please note, however, that the call to cancel a trip due to bad weather can only be made by the guide (not the client).
What happens if the guide doesn’t show up or cancels for personal reasons?
If the guide cancels for reason of injury or other, you will get a 100% refund on your trip.
Other details
Accommodation options in NISEKO:
- Hotel Kanronomori: Japanese style onsen hotel (half-board). JPY 12000～20,000 (pp per night)
- Goshiki Onsen: An Onsen accommodation in the mountains, far from ski resorts. Self catering JPY 4,000. Half board JPY 10,000.
- The Woodpeckers: mountain hut-like accommodation, just below Niseko Moiwa ski resort. Half-board included. JPY 7,500.
Accommodation options in TOKACHI:
- Ryounkaku: Half-board with onsen. JPY 10,000.
- Hakuginso: Self catering. Guide can arrange booking. Amazing onsen outside! JPY 3,000
Accommodation options in ASAHIDAKE:
- Shirakabaso: For youth. Half board, JPY 8,000
Accommodation options in SOUNKYO:
- Mount View Hotel: Onsen, lots of Asian tourists. Half board. JPY 10,000
- Choyo-tei: Japanese style onsen hotel (half board). Great food! JPY 15,000-20,000
Accommodation options in SAPPORO:
- Route Inn Sapporo and Sapporo Aspen Hotel: Food not included. JPY 8,000-9,000
- Sapporo Grand Hotel: JPY 10,000-20,000
Accommodation options in OTARU:
- Kourakuen: Japanese style onsen hotel (half board). JPY 20,000
- Musashitei: Japanese style onsen hotel (half board). JPY 20,000
- Clients need to rent or bring snowshoes and ski poles .
- If the ice is not in condition in Raiden, the program will take place in Sounkyo.
About the Guide
I am an experienced IFMGA mountain guide, born and raised in Hokkaido, Japan. I started skiing when I was 3 and started climbing when I was 6. My high school years were spent in ski competitions and I joined mountaineering club at University, where I developed my ski mountaineering skills. I have been a ski instructor for Miura Dolphins founded by Yuichiro Miura (first ski descent of the Everest “The Man Who Skied Down Everest” and the oldest Everest summiting record holder at 80 years old) and also supported Yuichiro's Aconcagua ascent and ski descent in 1984 as a part of his 7 summits ski descent challenge.
I was inspired by the works of mountain guides in Chamonix when I visited there in 1983, and decided to start guiding as a mountain guide in Japan in 1989 to share my passion and experiences in outdoors sports with other people, as well as to offer instruction to people enjoying the mountains to be better climbers / skiers. I have also contributed to the proper training of JMGA (Japan Mountain Guides Association) guides and the affiliation of it to IFMGA. I am responsible for the pioneering of the climbing and backcountry skiing scenes in Japan.
My main guiding arena is alpinism, whether it be mountaineering or ski mountaineering, mainly in Hokkaido. I usually take a small group of people (2-5) for Sawanobori (canyoning up waterfalls), alpine climbing, ice climbing, and ski touring in the more remote areas of Japan.
I enjoy finding the best experience for each client accordingly to their physical abilities, preferences, and weather/conditions. I guide because I like watching and feeling that people are enjoying and having fun, and see how this buzz infects other people through skiing and climbing. I find this invaluable as a mountain guide.
There is more to Hokkaido than skiing lift accessible powder in January and February. Please reach out to me to find your own customised way to enjoy Hokkaido’s mountains, natures and culture!
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