There was an error with your log in

Backcountry Skiing in Japan

World famous champagne powder meets exquisite Japanese hospitality on our Japan backcountry skiing tours powered by local guides.
All adventures
Dates
Dates
Activity
Activity
Location
Location
Duration
Duration
Accommodation
Accommodation
Difficulty
Difficulty
Price
Price
Category
Category
Backcountry Skiing in Japan Brochure
Download for sharing and offline access to full adventure itineraries, important information, FAQs, guides info and more.
Brochure sent, check your inbox
If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Chase thrills in epic alpine terrain

Shred the deepest snow imaginable

With an average snowfall of over 10 m/ 32 ft in some regions, Japan offers some of the deepest, lightest, and fluffiest powder in the world. From Hokkaido to the peaks of Honshu, the diverse terrain and world-renowned snow offer thrilling descents through birch forests, open bowls, challenging steeps, and even volcanoes, catering to all levels of adrenaline-seeking skiers. 

A skier shredding powder in the backcountry in Hokkaido, Japan near Niseko ski resort.

Unique adventures paired with friendly, welcoming locals

Experience the famous JaPow

  • Honshu and Hokkaido provide some of the most reliable and deepest snowpacks in the world — ideal for all powder-hungry skiers

Stay for the food and culture

  • Try out delicious traditional food in izakaya gastropubs, go for a whiskey tasting, or visit local cultural attractions

Find your zen

  • Onsens are as integral to the experience as the adrenaline-pumping descents; unwind after a day of skiing and let your worries float away in natural hot springs
Skiing with volcano background in Japan

Best backcountry skiing areas in Japan

Hakuba Valley

Hakuba consistently receives some of the deepest snowfall in Japan. It offers a variety of terrain, from wide-open bowls to steep chutes, with cat skiing operations that lead you to untouched areas.

Shiretoppu
A hidden gem in Hokkaido with some of the most incredible scenery in Japan, Shiretoppu offers a variety of backcountry skiing options, from mellow slopes to challenging climbs, with far fewer crowds.

Niseko
Niseko is known for its expansive terrain. Three interconnected ski resorts offer easy access to a massive amount of slopes, with plenty of off-piste opportunities for experienced skiers.

A female skier skinning uphill in Niseko, Japan
What do people think of Backcountry Skiing in Japan?
Annie C.

Will provided an amazing adventure for our women’s backcountry ski trip in Japan. He is an experienced guide who sought out the best snow based on conditions. It was wonderful not having to navigate to resorts or think about where we wanted to ski for the day. Will planned that all out and drove us everywhere. An excellent trip.

Iwona Erskine-Kellie

Best skiing of my life! Awesome people, fantastic guides, and superb choice of terrain, and let us not forget all that delicious food. I will come back for more!

Meet the guides in the area

Picture of tom wolfe
5
Tom Wolfe
Tom Wolfe is an ACMG/IFMGA-certified mountain guide who’s been guiding since moving to Canmore in 1995, the place he calls home. His winters consist of a mix of ski guiding at lodges, heli-ski operations, and remote backcountry destinations throughout western Canada. During the warmer months, Tom spends his days on water. He is a certified Paddle Canada Moving Water Canoe Instructor and Wilderness Canoe Guide.
5
Will Mackannes
Will is an ACMG Certified Guide as well as the owner & founder of OneLife Adventures. His guiding career started in the Canadian Rockies, though Japan also holds a special place in his heart. Will specializes in ski touring, but he’s also a passionate rock climber and a rock climbing guiding. He has a Bachelor of applied science in Adventure Eco Tourism and an Adventure Guides diploma. His infectious enthusiasm and unwavering professionalism in adventure guiding resonate deeply with those he accompanies. During the summers, he dedicates his time to navigating the boundless and exhilarating mountain bike trails while honing his own skills.
5
Alex Lawson
An IFMGA mountain guide and mountain rescue specialist based in the Canadian Rockies, Alex boasts over a decade of guiding experience in Canada and worldwide. His passion for mountain adventures has seamlessly melded into a fulfilling career, marked by technical rescues and a meticulous decision-making approach. Beyond the mountains, Alex shares his love for adventure with his two children, offering a friendly demeanor and boundless stoke for deep powder skiing.
5
Kenton Lambert
Being an ACMG Ski Guide and CAA Professional Member, Kenton has spent his career immersed in the Western Canadian mountains, serving as a ski patroller, avalanche forecaster, and certified ski guide since 2009. Skiing isn't just a thrill for Kenton; it represents a deep connection with nature, uncharted exploration, and meaningful conversations on the skin track with global guests. Safety takes precedence, and Kenton fosters open communication with his guests, ensuring shared objectives and a secure experience. His well-rounded guiding experience makes him a reliable companion for adventure seekers.
5
Jun Yanagisawa
Born and raised in Tokyo, Jun was an avid skier from childhood.  In search of wilderness, Jun eventually immigrated to Whistler, British Columbia where he has worked for close to 30 years in the ski and tourism industry, moving between his native Japan and western Canada’s heli- and ski-touring world.
5
Pawel Kunachowicz
Pawel Kunachowicz is an internationally certified IFMGA mountain guide and alpine ski instructor. For over 20 years he has been working as a professional in the mountains, first as a ski instructor, then as a guide. He lives in Chamonix and this is where he offers his guiding services almost year-round. Pawel loves chasing the best snow in the world, so he leads multi-day tours around the globe, including Japan, where he provides Western skiers with the best possible backcountry experience due to his English language skills, terrain familiarity, and adventurous sensibilities of a European alpine skier.

Frequently asked questions about backcountry skiing in Japan

  • Backcountry skiing season in Japan typically runs from December to April, but can vary depending on the island. Here are some of the most popular backcountry skiing destinations in the country:

    Hokkaido: Japan’s northernmost island is a renowned powderhound paradise. The Niseko United area is particularly popular, with mountains like Niseko Hirafu and Niseko Hanazono offering extensive backcountry terrain. The season here runs from December to early May.

    Honshu: Honshu, Japan’s main island, is home to many great backcountry skiing destinations. The Hakuba Valley, located in the Nagano Prefecture, is a popular choice, with resorts like Hakuba Hapone and Hakuba Goryu providing access to a variety of backcountry terrain. The season in Hakuba typically runs from December to April.

    Shikoku: Japan’s smallest island is also home to some good backcountry skiing. The mountains here are not as high as those on Hokkaido and Honshu, but they still offer plenty of powder snow. The season usually lasts from January until March.

    Kyushu: The southernmost island, has a shorter backcountry skiing season than the other islands, but it can still be a good option for those looking for a late-season trip. The season on Kyushu goes from December to March.

  • Depends on the runs and ski areas you choose. 

    Beginners will find many resorts welcoming with gentle slopes and soft powder snow that cushions falls. Intermediate skiers will have a blast cruising groomed runs and exploring pockets of hidden powder.  Advanced powder hounds can find challenges off-piste and in Hokkaido’s backcountry, though the steeps may not be as extreme as in other regions. 

    If you’re new to backcountry skiing, choose an area with beginner-friendly runs and consider lessons to make the most of your Japanese ski adventure.

  • Absolutely! Japan is a fantastic destination for beginner skiers.

    Many Japanese ski resorts boast mountains with mellower inclines compared to North America or Europe. This translates to wider, gentler slopes perfect for learning how to control your skis and build confidence.

    Also, Japan is famous for its light, dry powder snow. This type of snow is much softer to fall on than icy slopes, making those inevitable beginner tumbles a bit less painful.

    Most importantly, Most Japanese slopes cater to all skill levels, with beginner-friendly areas featuring wide, flat terrain ideal for practicing the basics.

  • Backcountry skiing is technically not prohibited on Mt. Fuji, but it’s important to understand the challenges and risks before you go.

    Mt. Fuji’s terrain is extremely demanding, with steep slopes and high altitudes. Only experienced backcountry skiers with excellent avalanche awareness and self-rescue skills should attempt skiing there. The season is also very short, typically from mid-April to early June, depending on weather conditions.

    Also, there are no ski patrol or rescue services available on Mt. Fuji for backcountry skiers, and you may encounter unpredictable weather, limited access due to road closures, and high avalanche danger.

  • Hokkaido is a highly popular backcountry destination for skiers of all levels, including locals. This is due to the island’s abundant powder, known as some of the best on Earth, accessible terrain, and relaxed backcountry access & regulation system.

Get in touch
We’re happy to answer any of your questions. Send us an inquiry or talk to one of our adventure planners free of charge.

Read an article

By Paweł Kunachowicz, Rob Coppolillo
Rising Sun and Falling Snow: Everything You Need to Know About Skiing in Japan
By Rob Coppolillo, Paweł Kunachowicz
Ski Touring in the Deepest Snowpack on Earth – Japan!
Need help finding a perfect adventure?
We're happy to answer any of your questions. Send us an inquiry or talk to one of our adventure planners free of charge.
Saved to bucket list
Removed from bucket list

Choose a currency

  • USD - $
    US Dollar
  • EUR - €
    Euro
  • AUD - AU$
    Australian Dollar
  • CAD - CA$
    Canadian Dollar
  • GBP - £
    British Pound Sterling
  • CHF - CHF
    Swiss Franc
  • JPY - ¥
    Japanese Yen
  • SGD - S$
    Singapore Dollar
  • HKD - HK$
    Hong Kong Dollar
  • DKK - Dkr
    Danish Krone
  • NOK - Nkr
    Norwegian Krone
  • SEK - Skr
    Swedish Krona