




Experience the best powder skiing in Japan with a Hokkaido backcountry skiing tour. Ski iconic areas like Niseko, Furano, and Asahidake, guided by expert locals, with cozy lodges, onsens, and unforgettable terrain.
Group
Daisetsuzan
8 Days
Jan, Feb
High
Advanced
Discover the best of Hokkaido’s world-renowned powder on this 8-day backcountry and resort skiing tour. Explore legendary ski areas like Niseko, Furano, and Asahidake, where you’ll enjoy both lift-accessed slopes and off-piste backcountry terrain, all guided by an expert local JMGA guide Aki Tachimoto.
This adventure combines the thrill of resort skiing with the excitement of untouched powder, offering a perfect balance for intermediate to advanced skiers. Your certified guide will ensure you have the best experience, whether you're carving through Niseko's famous powder or venturing into more remote terrain in Furano and Asahidake.
After a full day of skiing, relax in cozy accommodations, enjoy traditional onsens, and savor local Hokkaido cuisine. This is the ultimate Hokkaido ski tour, blending adventure, culture, and world-class powder.
This tour is perfect for those seeking to explore the legendary Hokkaido powder while being guided by someone who knows the mountains like no one else.
Ready for the ultimate Hokkaido ski experience? Book your adventure today!
Meeting point
Meet your host, check in to the hotel, gear check, and welcome dinner.
Lift-accessed powder laps and sidecountry tours.
Touring the coastal ranges and exploring glades with sea views.
Touring the coastal ranges and exploring glades with sea views. In the afternoon, we will move to Asahikawa area.
Depending on weather and conditions, we will go backcountry or resort skiing around Asahikawa.
Depending on weather and conditions, we will go backcountry or resort skiing around Asahikawa.
Depending on weather and conditions, we will go backcountry or resort skiing around Asahikawa.
Breakfast and transfer to Asahikawa Airport for departure.
Accommodation
Boutique Guesthouses in Otaru & Asahikawa with authentic Japanese character and onsen access.
Traditional Ryokan Experience (optional, depending on availability) with tatami rooms and local cuisine.
More info
Ski & Safety Equipment: Touring skis or splitboard (with touring bindings) Climbing skins (pre-cut and tested) Adjustable ski poles Ski or snowboard boots (compatible with your setup) Avalanche beacon (3-antenna, with fresh batteries) Probe (minimum 240 cm) Shovel (metal blade) Backpack (30–40L, with ski/snowboard carry system) Helmet Goggles (low-light and sunny lenses)
Technical Clothing: Base layers (top and bottom – merino or synthetic) Insulating mid-layer (fleece or light puffy) Waterproof & breathable shell jacket (Gore-Tex or similar) Waterproof shell pants or bibs Down or synthetic insulated jacket (for rest breaks) Ski socks (2–3 pairs, wool or synthetic) Neck gaiter or buff Warm hat / beanie Lightweight gloves (for touring) Insulated gloves or mittens (for descents) Liner gloves (optional) Sunglasses (with UV protection)
Lodge & Après-Ski Clothing: Comfortable clothes for the lodge Slippers or sandals Swimsuit (for onsen / hot springs) Lightweight towel (optional – some onsen provide them) Toiletries & personal medication Travel-size first aid kit Earplugs (recommended for shared accommodations)
Optional & Extras: Avalanche airbag backpack (optional but recommended) Snow study kit (for advanced users) GPS/watch with altimeter Camera or GoPro Power bank (cold drains battery fast) Japanese plug adapter (Type A/B, 100V)
Do I need prior backcountry experience?
Yes, this trip is designed for skiers with intermediate to advanced skills and backcountry experience.
What happens if the weather changes during the tour?
The itinerary is flexible, and guides will adapt daily based on weather conditions.
Is rental gear available for the trip?
Yes, rental gear is available in Niseko or Furano upon request. Make sure to inform us in advance if you need rental equipment.
What is the expected temperature during the trip?
The expected temperatures will range from -5°C to -20°C. However, weather conditions in Hokkaido can change rapidly, so it’s important to be prepared for a variety of conditions.
What type of gear will I need to bring for the backcountry portion of the trip?
You’ll need to bring avalanche safety gear (beacon, probe, shovel) and your own touring skis or splitboard if you have them. Rental options for these items are also available in Niseko and Furano.
When will I receive the pre-departure checklist?
A final pre-departure checklist will be sent to you 10 days before the trip. This will include essential information to ensure you're fully prepared for the adventure.
5.0
(25)
Mountain Guide
EsNativa Backcountry is a guiding service based in Santiago and Patagonia, Chile-Argentina. Founded in 2020, we have a team of certified guides from UAIGM, ACGM, and AGCM. We are passionate, certified, and professional, with many of our guides having over 10 years of experience with us.
We specialize in backcountry touring and ski trips, offering an exclusive service for small groups. We are 100% locally owned and operated.
As local operators, we focus on the Andes mountains, where we have extensive experience in the best backcountry skiing locations. Our aim is to provide a personalized experience for our clients, from our base of operations to the guides, ensuring they have the best cultural and sporting experience in the Andes.
Languages
English | French | Spanish
Certificates
IFMGA | AAGM
We had an absolutely wonderful experience with Esnativa! From start to finish, everything was seamless, safe, and completely worry-free. The accommodations were terrific—comfortable, welcoming, and well thought out in every detail. What really made the trip special, though, were the incredibly knowledgeable and friendly guides. A heartfelt thank you to Augustin, Pedro, and Felipe (Pipe) for going above and beyond to make our journey so memorable.
Esnativa helped us have a spectacular time at Nevados de Chillan. If you are looking for a group to get you on the right path to the pow stashes. These are your guys!
I wish I could give 6 stars. Esnativa went above and beyond to help with a wide variety of logistical tasks that made my trip immensely better. In the resort, side country, and back country, Agus is a talented mountaineer who keenly manages safety, while keeping the vibe extremely fun and light. Skiing is about fun, and these guys did an exemplary job making sure I was able to get the very most out of my time in Chile. That is the highest complement I can give a guide company. I can't recommend them enough and I will definitely be back next Winter--thanks to all at Esnativa!!!
My family skied with Niki and we made memories that will last us the rest of our lives. He was a pro from start to finish, and he quickly felt like someone we’ve known all our lives. We felt completely safe with Niki, which meant that we were able to have the most fun. His humor, knowledge, and love for Bariloche seeped into every moment of our adventure. Will be on a high from this trip for a while!
Unforgettable Backcountry Skiing with Esnativa – An Experience of a Lifetime I had the absolute pleasure of skiing with Esnativa Backcountry in Chile, and it was nothing short of spectacular. From the very first day, it was clear this was going to be more than just a ski trip — it was an adventure I’ll be talking about for years. The snow conditions were unreal — deep, dry powder that seemed endless, with untouched lines and terrain that felt like it was made just for us. Every descent was better than the last, framed by jaw-dropping views of the Andes that constantly reminded us we were in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. But what truly made this trip unforgettable was the guiding. Agustín is not only an expert in the mountains — his knowledge, professionalism, and eye for safe, thrilling terrain were top-tier — but he’s also an incredible human being. By the end of the trip, he wasn’t just our guide — he was a friend, and someone I genuinely look forward to seeing again. This was my first time skiing with Esnativa, but it will not be the last. I’m already planning to come back with even more friends so they can experience what I did. If you’re looking for authentic, exhilarating, and expertly guided backcountry skiing in Chile, look no further.
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