Choose itinerary
Late November to early May
Sapporo is just under two hours away
1 day
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
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.
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?
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.
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.
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:
What’s not included:
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:
For clothing and shoes, we recommend brining:
For personal items, we recommend bringing:
All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent:
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:
Ski touring in Niseko can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
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.
Day Trips Cancellations
Fully refundable within the initial 48 hours from booking, unless the trip date is less than 7 days from the time of the booking.
Cancellations up to 7 days prior to the trip date are refundable 100%.
Cancellations within 7 days prior to the trip date are non-refundable.