Ski touring on Mount Yotei in Hokkaido

Do you want to experience some unique ski touring on the famous Yotei volcano? Jun, JMGA certified mountain guide, will expertly take you there.

Private

+1 Day

Jan - May

Description

Most skiers coming to Hokkaido go to the popular ski resort of Niseko to experience its pristine powder snow. But for those who want an unforgettable ski touring experience, going up and down one of Japan’s most famous volcanoes might be a really good idea. So why not skiing together on Mount Yotei and going for the perfect runs?

The Yotei Volcano is a beautiful symmetrical stratovolcano, like Mount Fuji in Honshu. The mount is called Ezo-Fuji, which means the Mount Fuji of Hokkaido. It is the highest mountain of the region (1898m) and it has the longest ski descent on the island.

The summit has an impressive 700 m wide crater and its flanks are cut by deep erosion gullies. Conditions in the crater are some of the best on the volcano as the wind brings snow from all directions. The way up to the crater of Yotei Volcano can take between 5 and 8 hours.

I will guide you on the best flanks of Yotei based on the weather and snow conditions. If the conditions were less favorable we may modify the destination.

After the day, we will enjoy good beer, delicious Japanese food and relax in the traditional hot springs (onsen).

We can combine the ski touring ascent of Mount Yotei with a tour in the area, going for some awesome freeride skiing descents and/or other ski touring trips. The following ski resorts might be really good options to extend your stay: Niseko, Rusutsu, Nakayamatoge, Asahigaoka, Rankoshi Chisenuppuri… I have a van and we can go together for a ski safari, moving from one place to the other based on the weather and snowfall conditions.

I’m from Hokkaido. I’m a certified guide from the Japanese Mountain Guide Association. Hokkaido is my playground, I know it very well 😉

Contact me and let’s start planning your trip there. Ski touring on Mount Yotei is truly one of the most incredible experiences you will have in Hokkaido!

Read about one Explore-Share user’s experience on Mount Yotei and start planning your adventure.

Price includes

Guiding fee

Itinerary

Day 1: Ski touring on Mount Yotei

I'll craft the perfect itinerary based on your skill level and the mountain's conditions.

Want to explore beyond Yotei? Let's embark on a ski safari to nearby resorts like Niseko or Rusutsu! With my local expertise, you'll discover hidden gems and experience the best Hokkaido has to offer. After a day of exhilarating skiing, unwind in a soothing onsen and savor the flavors of Japan.

Details

More info

Equipment: renting ski equipment in Japan is not easy but I can try to do it for you. I will need you to give me the model and the size of the DYNASTAR boots that fit your feet. Please let me know also your size (for the skis). Here are the renting prices:

Avalanche security set (beacon, shovel, probe): 15000 JPY/week
Boots: around 15000 JPY/week.
Skis, poles and skin: 28000 JPY/week

Weather conditions need to be ideal for this ski touring trip to work, as visibility, wind and avalanche conditions are all major factors which may prevent us from being able to reach the top of the volcano. The conditions can change very quickly, I may be obliged to turn back to ensure everyone coming back home safely, this is part of the game.

Meeting point

Our meeting point will be determined once you place your booking

FAQs

I'm looking for insurance to cover my ski touring trip in Hokkaido. Do you have any recommendations?

Explore-Share partners with Global Rescue, which offers comprehensive coverage including cancellation, rescue, and medical insurance. This ensures that you are protected against unforeseen circumstances, giving you peace of mind during your ski touring adventure in Japan. To learn more about Global Rescue and to purchase your insurance, please visit: https://partner.globalrescue.com/exploreshare/

Feel free to explore the link for detailed information about their coverage options and benefits.

What backcountry skiing experience and fitness level do I need to join this tour?

You should be an intermediate to advanced skier or snowboarder with some experience in backcountry or off-piste conditions. You should be comfortable skiing or snowboarding in deep powder and variable snow conditions. A good level of fitness is required, as you may need to ascend up to 1,500 meters (4,921 feet) on skis or snowshoes.

Is this program suitable for both skiers and snowboarders?

Yes, the program is suitable for both skiers and snowboarders. Splitboarders are also welcome.

What should I bring with me? Can I rent equipment?

You need to bring your ski or snowboard gear, avalanche safety equipment (beacon, shovel, and probe), and proper clothing for cold weather. You can rent equipment such as avalanche gear, skis, snowboards, and other items from local shops like RHYTHM SPORTS in Niseko.

Please keep in mind that renting mountain ski equipment in Hokkaido has become very difficult in recent years. We can refer you to rental agencies, but even if you make a reservation, they may not be available on the day of your visit. Split snowboards seem to be rather easy to rent. During the high season on January, it may be safer to make arrangements from a vendor in Tokyo.

What is the best time of the year for this tour?

The best time for this tour is from mid-January to early March when the snow conditions are typically optimal.

What happens in case of bad weather?

If the weather is unsuitable for climbing Mount Yotei, alternative backcountry skiing locations will be suggested. The tour might be canceled only in cases of severe weather like heavy rain or typhoons.

What is the guide-to-client ratio for this tour?

The guide-to-client ratio is typically 1:6, ensuring a safe and personalized experience.

Where is the meeting point, and can I reach it by public transportation?

The meeting point is usually in Niseko or at a designated location near Mount Yotei. It is possible to reach the meeting point by public transportation, but having a car is more convenient.

Are kids allowed? From what age can they join?

This tour is not recommended for children due to the physical demands and technical skill level required.

Do you provide accommodation or meals during the tour?

Accommodation and meals are not included. You will need to arrange your own accommodation and bring your own food and snacks for the day.

About the guide

Jun

4.9

(29)

Mountain Guide

I wish you a very warm welcome from Hokkaido, the north island of Japan. The dream spot for any fan of powder skiing!
I'm Jun, I'm a JMGA (Japan Mountain Guides Association) mountain and ski guide. I'm also a ski and telemark instructor. I graduated from the Hokkaido University. I have been skiing all around Hokkaido and I know every corner of this incredible island. I'm also an expert in avalanche safety management.
I'm guiding my friends and clients in all the most beautiful places of Hokkaido: Shiretoko (UNESCO World Nature Heritage), Daisetsuzan National Park, Rishiri, Niseko, Yotei volcano, Asahikawa... hiking, skiing and mountaineering.
Have a look to the different tours I propose to have more info on what you can experience here and get in touch with me. I will be very happy to help you organising your trip and guide you in our beautiful mountains. I'm also the director of the Hokkaido Mountain Guides Association (HMGA) which includes around 84 guides.

Languages

Japanese | English

Certificates

JMGA

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What people are saying about this trip

Rick

This was a really great trip! Jun-san made really our holiday a perfect one. We we're looking for powder and Jun really knew how to find this. Also he was very attent to make sure we were okay all day and we really felt save everywhere we went. Jun, thank you very very much!

Emil

We had a fantastic and unforgettable trip to the top of Mt. Yotei with Jun-san. He was very friendly, helpful and also flexible. Hope to do another trip with him soon!

Barry

Amazing experience. Took 5hrs to summit. Cloudy and little wind made it easier. Skies opened up 100M from the top. We summited and then we skied fresh powder into the crater. Well worth it.

Stefan

Wow what a Tour! Jun guided us perfectly, we made it to the top of yotei. An Incredible experience!

Jenna

Jun was an excellent guide! He took us to some fantastic tree skiing on Yotei and we got to do a few laps since the weather did not allow us to summit. We had a really great trip and would highly recommend Jun as a guide.