Ski touring on Mount Yotei in Hokkaido

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.