Covid measures in Niseko, Japan

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity. We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Niseko, Japan, please refer to Niseko’s COVID-19 Information for Travelers . Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

What you get in this adventure: An experienced, certified ski guide with extensive knowledge of the area A full day of backcountry ski touring Transportation from your accommodations to the skiing location and back What’s not included: Technical backcountry ski touring equipment Transportation to Japan Accommodations Meals Onsen (hot springs) Lift tickets

How fit do I need to be?

In order to join this backcountry skiing tour in Niseko, you need to have a moderate level of fitness. Although there are beginner-friendly options, you’ll still be on your feet for a full day. All participants, regardless of the chosen tour, should feel comfortable on blue level resort runs and be able to carry a loaded daypack while skinning up variable degrees of terrain.

What if I’ve never backcountry skied before?

Backcountry skiing in Niseko isn’t just for pros looking for the ultimate thrill ride, it’s also beginner friendly, meaning anyone with solid blue level resort experience can have fun in the backcountry. If you’ve never backcountry skied before, heading out with a guide is your best bet. They’ll take care of the planning, introduce you to the basics, like skinning uphill, and teach you how to manage the terrain. They also have the experience and avalanche training to keep you safe.

What equipment do I need to bring?

For technical backcountry ski touring gear, you will need to bring: Alpine touring skis, telemark skis or splitboard with skins (can be rented) Touring boots and poles (can be rented) Avalanche safety equipment (can be rented): Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon Lightweight snow shovel Avalanche probe For clothing and shoes, we recommend brining: Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex recommended) Soft shell or fleece jacket Top long sleeve synthetic Puffy jacket Bottom synthetic or wool long underwear bottoms Ski pants (Gore-Tex recommended) Gloves, hat, and neck gaiter For personal items, we recommend bringing: Daypack large enough to carry all items listed (around a 30-40L backpack) Helmet Sunglasses or ski goggles One triple-action locking carabiner or two conventional locking carabiners Repair kit and Leatherman for your equipment (can be shared between several people) Water bottle and 1L of water Thermos with a warm beverage — optional Food you can eat on-the-go First aid kit Sunscreen and lip balm Laptop computer Camera — optional

Can I rent equipment?

All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent: Avalanche safety pack, including backpack, beacon, shovel and probe can be rented from the resorts and ski areas or from Rhythm Japan Alpine touring or telemark skis, touring boots and poles can be rented from the resorts and ski areas or from Rhythm Japan Splitboards can be rented from the resorts and ski areas or from Rhythm Japan Ski rental locations are in Niseko and should be picked up the night prior to your outing. If you need to rent gear, let us know and we can help make arrangements.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing: For this adventure, the max client-to-guide ratio is 4:1. Costs per person decrease as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to ski with friends and family. Ski touring in Niseko can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors may be permitted to join private tours on a case-by-case basis. If your group has skiers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to Niseko, first you’ll have to fly into New Chitose Airport , the main one serving the island Hokkaido. If you don’t have any direct flights to Hokkaido, then fly into Tokyo’s Narita International Airport . After arriving at New Chitose Airport, you have a 2-hour drive to Niseko. Your guide will pick you up at your accommodation and take you to the skiing location. From there, you’ll start your tour. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and your ski ability.

Niseko | Japan

Backcountry Skiing in Niseko, Japan

5.00 ()

Season

Late November to early May

Nearest city

Sapporo is just under two hours away

Duration

1 day

Skill level

Beginner to advanced

Guides

Tracy Lenard, Niseko Mountain Guides

From $590 () / 1 day

Got any questions?

Overview
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Reviews
Things to know

Powder skiing in Niseko is really unlike anything else, and anyone who’s been there can attest to that. After all, it isn’t dubbed the Powder Capital for nothing. A one-day ski tour out there in the backcountry isn’t the only thing you’re paying for, though—you’re also getting to know Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Spend the day plowing through blankets of perfect dry snow and cutting through Mount Annupuri’s open powder bowls, slick pistes, and one of the finest tree skiing in the world. Relishing Japanese unique cuisine is a must, as well as unwinding in an onsen is, Japan’s natural hot springs. Pay a visit to the Niseko powder factory and see for yourself why it is one of the top destinations for powder skiing in the world.

Always blanketed with 40 feet of champagne powder per season
Experience Japan’s values, tradition, and cuisine first-hand
After touring the Niseko area—dubbed the Powder Capital—take a dip in an onsen

Available itineraries

Private Intro to Backcountry Skiing

If you are new to the backcountry, learn the basics of backcountry skiing, and find out how to use your beacon, probe and shovel to perform a companion rescue. Niseko offers over 20 kilometers (12 miles) of beginner slopes and plenty of scenic lines that will make you understand why so many outdoor enthusiasts fall in love with this sport. Explore the Niseko backcountry and find out just how special Japan powder is.

Custom Day of Backcountry Skiing in Niseko

If you wish to explore the best powder stashes of Niseko, there are plenty of possibilities. With 1,000m (3,281 ft) of vertical drop, it’s easy to find perfect powder stashes on varied terrain, including tree glade skiing for the more skilled adventurers! Discover the best slopes and powder stashes with a private guide who will take you to the best locations Japan has to offer. Your guide will make sure you make the most of your day and customize it according to your needs and preferences! Are you ready to experience that world-renowned Japow?

Advanced Backcountry Ski Tours

If you are confident in your skiing skills, let Niseko test you out! Where your guide will take you depends on what you would like to achieve, snow conditions and how much skinning up to ski down you want to do. For example, a Yotei day, when the weather conditions permit an ascent to the crater, requires about five hours of ascent to reach the crater rim. After a lap or two into the crater and an additional hour to get back, it can be an eight-hour day of vigorous climbing and skiing. Unwinding in onsen, the country’s hot springs, can be the perfect ending to your day.

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Download Backcountry Skiing in Niseko, Japan Brochure

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Talk with us and let one of our adventure experts help you plan your perfect adventure.

Meet your guides

5.00

Tracy Lenard

Tracy is an AMGA Apprentice Ski, Rock and Alpine Guide and the owner of Niseko Mountain Guides. Japan has been home for over 20 years and in that time he has climbed, skied, and trekked all over Japan and never tires of sharing the natural elegance of the rugged landscape with residents and visitors alike. Tracy is also a Leave No Trace trainer and works with the American Alpine Institute in North America.

5.00

Niseko Mountain Guides is a small mountain guiding company based year-round out of Niseko, Japan. They offer private guided outdoor experiences in both Japan and North America. Risk management and quality of experience are the foundation upon which everything is built at Niseko Mountain Guides. Most guides are AMGA certified and have years of experience, and will show you the best places Niseko has to offer.

5.00 (1 reviews)

Mike Jacobs about Parom Camps on 57Hours

57hours connected me to the company in Niseko, JP and I was guided by Marcus. It was awesome from start to finish. The company took great care of me and Marcus knew every route in the region.
If you ever get the chance to go to Japan, go to Niseko and go into the backcountry. The pow in Niseko is other worldly.

Things to know

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Niseko, Japan, please refer to Niseko’s COVID-19 Information for Travelers.

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
What you get in this adventure:
- - An experienced, certified ski guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - A full day of backcountry ski touring
  - Transportation from your accommodations to the skiing location and back
What’s not included:
- - Technical backcountry ski touring equipment
  - Transportation to Japan
  - Accommodations
  - Meals
  - Onsen (hot springs)
  - Lift tickets
In order to join this backcountry skiing tour in Niseko, you need to have a moderate level of fitness. Although there are beginner-friendly options, you’ll still be on your feet for a full day. All participants, regardless of the chosen tour, should feel comfortable on blue level resort runs and be able to carry a loaded daypack while skinning up variable degrees of terrain.
Backcountry skiing in Niseko isn’t just for pros looking for the ultimate thrill ride, it’s also beginner friendly, meaning anyone with solid blue level resort experience can have fun in the backcountry. If you’ve never backcountry skied before, heading out with a guide is your best bet. They’ll take care of the planning, introduce you to the basics, like skinning uphill, and teach you how to manage the terrain. They also have the experience and avalanche training to keep you safe.
For technical backcountry ski touring gear, you will need to bring:
- - Alpine touring skis, telemark skis or splitboard with skins (can be rented)
  - Touring boots and poles (can be rented)
  - Avalanche safety equipment (can be rented):
    
    Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon
    
    Lightweight snow shovel
    
    Avalanche probe
For clothing and shoes, we recommend brining:
- - Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex recommended)
  - Soft shell or fleece jacket
  - Top long sleeve synthetic
  - Puffy jacket
  - Bottom synthetic or wool long underwear bottoms
  - Ski pants (Gore-Tex recommended)
  - Gloves, hat, and neck gaiter
For personal items, we recommend bringing:
- - Daypack large enough to carry all items listed (around a 30-40L backpack)
  - Helmet
  - Sunglasses or ski goggles
  - One triple-action locking carabiner or two conventional locking carabiners
  - Repair kit and Leatherman for your equipment (can be shared between several people)
  - Water bottle and 1L of water
  - Thermos with a warm beverage — optional
  - Food you can eat on-the-go
  - First aid kit
  - Sunscreen and lip balm
  - Laptop computer
  - Camera — optional
All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent:
- - Avalanche safety pack, including backpack, beacon, shovel and probe can be rented from the resorts and ski areas or from Rhythm Japan
  - Alpine touring or telemark skis, touring boots and poles can be rented from the resorts and ski areas or from Rhythm Japan
  - Splitboards can be rented from the resorts and ski areas or from Rhythm Japan
Ski rental locations are in Niseko and should be picked up the night prior to your outing. If you need to rent gear, let us know and we can help make arrangements.
Group sizes and pricing:
- - For this adventure, the max client-to-guide ratio is 4:1.
  - Costs per person decrease as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to ski with friends and family.
Ski touring in Niseko can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors may be permitted to join private tours on a case-by-case basis.
If your group has skiers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Niseko, first you’ll have to fly into New Chitose Airport, the main one serving the island Hokkaido. If you don’t have any direct flights to Hokkaido, then fly into Tokyo’s Narita International Airport. After arriving at New Chitose Airport, you have a 2-hour drive to Niseko.

Your guide will pick you up at your accommodation and take you to the skiing location. From there, you’ll start your tour. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and your ski ability.