Niseko Backcountry: Introduction to backcountry skiing in Japan
5.0
(1)
Join Nicolas, a certified ski instructor, for this fun, exciting and informative 1+ day Niseko backcountry skiing introductory course. Learn how to use all the technical and safety gear properly before trying it out on a local mountain.
Private
Hokkaido
+1 Days
Jan - Apr, Dec
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Enjoy the stunning scenery of Niseko.
- Learn new backcoutnry skiing skills and try them out on high-quality powder.
- Soak in the hot springs at the end of the day.
Description
Situated on the western end of the northerly Japanese island of Hokkaido, the Niseko area is the perfect place for an introductory backcountry skiing course!
Home to the Goshiki Onsen resort, among various others, the Niseko area boasts plenty of easy routes for a first-time ski touring adventure.
We'll start the day by going over how to use all of the technical ski touring gear, including the avalanche safety gear. Afterwards, we will go over some basic ski touring techniques and do a bit of practice.
Once we're prepared to head out onto the slopes, we will ski over from Goshiki Onsen to the Niseko Annupuri ski resort. Once we've arrived at the resort, we will take the chairlift and then make the 30 minute hike to the summit of the peak.
From here, we'll be able to ski back down to Goshiki Onsen on the high-quality and plentiful dry powder. The route is pretty simple and serves as the perfect opportunity for putting all of our newly-learned skills to the test.
Once we get back to Goshiki Onsen, we'll head to the local hot spring – onsen – and soak in the water.
Depending on how you're feeling about the skiing and your availability, we can also extend the trip and explore other nearby spots in the area.
So what are you waiting for? Book now for this informative, exciting and fun 1+ day Niseko backcountry skiing introductory course!
If you like the look of this trip, but were looking for something a bit more advanced, then I think think you may also enjoy my 1+ day Mt Yotei ski touring adventure!
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Transport during the trip
- Transportation start and back
- Mountain guide expenses
Price details
- Included:
- * Professional guide
- * Transportation round trip from your accommodation to Goshiki Onsen or to the skiing starting point.
- NOT included:
- * Ski gear
- * Ski Touring gear
- * Ski lift ticket
- * Meals
- * Entrance fee to the Onsen
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1:
We'll start the day by going over how to use all of the technical ski touring gear, including the avalanche safety gear. Afterwards, we will go over some basic ski touring techniques and do a bit of practice.
Once we're prepared to head out onto the slopes, we will ski over from Goshiki Onsen to the Niseko Annupuri ski resort. Once we've arrived at the resort, we will take the chairlift and then make the 30 minute hike to the summit of the peak.
From here, we'll be able to ski back down to Goshiki Onsen on the high-quality and plentiful dry powder. The route is pretty simple and serves as the perfect opportunity for putting all of our newly-learned skills to the test.
Once we get back to Goshiki Onsen, we'll head to the local hot spring – onsen – and soak in the water.
Equipment you will need to bring
Water bottle
Backpack
Helmet
Poles
Ski equipment
Sunglasses
Goggles
Avalanche eqmnt
Climbing skins
FAQs
I want to try ski touring for the first time, is this for me?
Yes, this is perfect for skiers with little or not experience in ski touring. We'll show you how to use the gear, and proper techniques for efficient ski touring.
What's the guiding ratio?
We offer private guided sessions and open groups with a maximum of 4 skiers per guide. We keep a lower guiding ratio than in our side-country program to guarantee safety while skinning uphill and skiing though the back-country.
If you prefer to join a group for Side-country skiing, please check the program below:
Can I join an Open Group?
Yes, you may join one of our scheduled groups for single skiers / riders to take your first few steps in the real back-country. We'll teach you how to use the avalanche gear, the touring gear, and we'll enjoy excellent powder in the Goshiki Onsen area.
Can I book a private guide just for me or my own group?
Yes, of course! We also offer private guiding as well.
Is all the gear included?
No, the gear is not included. You need to rent avalanche gear (beacon, probe and shovel), and ski touring / split-boarding gear. We can help you rent all the gear that you need.
I am a snowboarder, can I go to the back-country and can I join an Open Group?
Yes, you can. We have Open Groups for snowboarders who want to learn everything about split-boarding. You can also book a private guide for split-boarding.
What are the previous requirements for this trip?
You need to be able to ski / ride comfortable in red slopes, steep terrain, and powder conditions. This is NOT a ski / snowboard lesson, but a ski touring / split-boarding lesson instead. You don't need to know anything about ski touring / split-boarding, but you must be able to ski / ride red slopes with some powder comfortably.
Where is the meeting point for the Open Groups?
We'll create a WhatsApp group with all the participants a few days before the guided session to define the meeting point according to snow / weather conditions. Usually it is at Hirafu Gondola, but it could be at Annupuri Gondola as well. From there we'll ski to the side-country area where we will learn and practice the new skills before heading out to the back-country.
What time do we meet and what time do we finish?
We meet at 9 am and we ski for 6 hours + 1 hour lunch break. We finish around 4 pm.
Can children participate?
For private guiding, and with their parents yet they can. Keep in mind that ski touring / split-boarding is a tiring exercise and for children it could be boring compared to using the ski lifts and ski more downhill. Here, in the back-country you spend more time skinning uphill, than skiing downhill. We recommend that children be at least 15 years old. For Open Groups every participant must be 18 years old or above.
What is the Open Group size?
We need at lest 2 skiers or 2 riders to sign up on the same date to confirm the Open Group.
About the guide
Nicolas & Guides Team
4.8
(40)
Ski Instructor
From a very young age I’ve had a strong connection with the mountains and nature. Although I grew up in the city, I used to travel to the countryside quite a lot. At the beginning, I approached the mountains in the summer time, hiking, trekking, sleeping in mountain huts, climbing and doing that kind of things. Later on, I started skiing and I just couldn't stopped: I became addicted to the snow!!
Back-country skiing started to grow on me when I was working in the Lake Tahoe ski area. I can still remember the feeling of the first few times I went to the backcountry on my skis, going up and down several peaks with no people around me except for my group of friends and away from the crowds of the resorts. It was fantastic!
After several year of backcountry skiing in Argentina (near Bariloche) and USA (Lake Tahoe), I made it to Niseko, Japan. I have been skiing, teaching, and guiding in Japan for the past 4 years. The snow here is unbelievable and the skiable terrain is huge and diverse. In the Niseko area you can find everything, from easy off-piste near the resort to several days backcountry skiing out there and lots of volcano skiing. Come on, just contact me and let’s go skiing!!
Languages
English
What people are saying about this trip
Nicolas
Esti was an amazing guide- took as all around the mountains and found us great snow and terrain! He was well equipped, kept us safe, and knew the area well. We also had Charles and he was also fantastic! The resort snow was skied out, and he found us some great snow. Great guy to ski with!
Sebastian
Alan is an excellent guide, very fun He have a high level of skiing. He knows the mountain very well. I Had a great time. Thanks !!!! Nico organized everything perfectly Thank!!!
Paul
Nico was extremely helpful getting us set up for 2 awesome days of riding! I would highly recommend working with him if you are interested in booking guides in the Niseko area.
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