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

Choose itinerary

Private Intro to Backcountry Skiing
Available upon request
Custom Day of Backcountry Skiing in Niseko
Available upon request
Advanced Backcountry Ski Tours
Available upon request

Meet your guides

Tracy Lenard
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 ...
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Niseko Mountain Guides
5.00
Niseko Mountain Guides
Niseko Mountain Guides
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 eve...
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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.

Have more questions? Read our FAQ,
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