If it wasn’t for all the photos of Niseko’s famous pizza-box lift, you’d probably question if Hokkaido’s most famous resort even has lift-lines. It does – spiffy brand spankin’ new ones, in fact. But for many, that’s not Niseko’s drawcard, it’s the backcountry.
Endless untracked terrain, secluded views that only few have seen, the memories of getting in a car, grabbing a konbini snack and then boosting to a lesser known mountain and creating your own trails with your best buds – it’s an experience that can’t be beaten.
That being said, it’s also an experience that gets overly romanticised, with many ill-equipped, uneducated riders venturing into quite dangerous terrain all because they saw a video on Instagram and thought it looked achievable.
Which is why it’s important to get the proper training. But, at times, getting into backcountry touring can feel pretty overwhelming. Acquiring the correct gear, learning safety techniques, learning how to spot safe riding conditions, it’s a lot to take on board. So what’s the best way to learn?
What If I’m Inexperienced In Touring Niseko’s Backcountry?
Well, in terms of touring Niseko’s backcountry, we recommend the best way to learn is to go out with an experienced guide who will be able to show you the best and safest spots, and how to correctly use the avalanche safety gear. We also recommend touring in March for the safest experience.
….Did You Just Say ‘Touring in March’?
Don’t believe us? Take it from Rhythm Rides‘ Head Backcountry Guide, Stefan Boers.
“Once it gets to March, the deep powder is not always there, so touring can be a little bit more friendly to people that are a little bit less experienced” – Stefan Boers
Not only that, March offers up blue-bird days, significantly better visibility and a much firmer snowpack, reducing the risk of avalanche significantly. Making it the ideal choice for BC beginners looking to hone in their skills before jumping into really deep peak season conditions.
Plus, don’t forget, in March of 2024, Niseko received fresh snowfalls 14 out of 31 days, so anyone claiming there’s no pow in March should fact-check their data!
Our Favourite Places To Go Backcountry Touring Over The Shoulder Season
As we said earlier, if you’re going backcountry touring in Niseko, even if you’ve gone touring internationally before, we recommend heading out with a guide. With expert training in BC safety equipment, local conditions, and where all the best powder are, a guided touring experience will offer you an andventure that you wouldn’t otherwise have.
And when we say they know the best pow stashes, we mean it. These shredders are out there touring all-season- long, rain, hail or shine (if safe to do so). So we caught up with a bunch of our guides to find out their *third favourite place to go touring once March hits.
*Disclaimer: We actually asked them for their favourite spot to go touring in March, but every backcountry enthusiast knows, a BC rider will never tell you their FAVOURITE spot.
Matias Castro: Iwaonupuri
“My favourite place to go backcountry touring in Niseko? I can’t think of any other mountain than Iwaonupuri. With their perfect runs and shots facing Kutchan residents, it’s hard to avoid the call from this gorgeous mountain sitting in the shadow of its bigger cousin, Niseko Annupuri.
The thing is, from the famous peak of Niseko, you can’t spot this hidden gem that faces the north. Park at Goshiki, hike up in 45min if fit, drop the north, hike up again, drop again, over and over again and you will probably be back at the car by 13hrs with a HUGE smile and ready for a nice Japanese onsen followed by a perfect ramen.”
Francesca Smee: Shiribetsu Dake
“It’s conical shape with a variety of approaches from different aspects, meaning you can find good snow and new lines almost any day! I love touring here for a quick lap before work or a multi-lap full day mission. And you can see Yotei and the ocean from the summit!”
Photo Credit: Matt Nethery
Pablo Sánchez: Furano, Shiribetsu, Iwaonupuri
“I love exploring the Furano and Daisetsuzan areas for their incredible terrain and the natural onsens that make every tour even more special.
Shiribetsu is one of my favorites, offering endless descent options and breathtaking views all around.
In Iwaonupuri, I always manage to find hidden spots where no one else goes—it feels like my own secret playground.”
Alex Corboy: Chisenuppuri
“Always a sucker for the classics, Chisenuppuri was my first tour in Japan and I love it for the simplicity of an after-work mish, a dawn mish, or taking some first timers out to experience the magic of skiing under road signs and to the onsen.”
Stefan Boers: Yotei-zan
“Yotei on a sunny day with perfect conditions is an unforgettable experience.
The mountain range in the Shiberishi sub-prefecture always delivers the best snow I could ask for.
The Daisetsuzan mountain range consistently provides great snow, making it a go-to spot for touring.”
Tomas Lamuniere: Everywhere
“Places I like to go backcountry touring in Niseko:
- Shiribetsu, lovely mountain with many different lines to ride on different conditions, and an amazing view of Yotei
- Yotei, the crown of the Shiribeshi area. On a normal season, not easy to find a good day to hike! Long day, but totally worth it! Skiing inside the crater is mind blowing!
- Daisentsuzan national park. With Asahidake as the highest mountain in Hokkaido, short hike that normally gets a bit icy (ideally to carry crampons) with a ride next to the fumarols of the volcano!
- Tokachidake and Furanodake with so many options, is always a great plan! With Fukiage onsen right there waiting for you when you finish your tour!”
Is It Too Late To Book A Holiday?
We didn’t say January was the best time to head out touring, did we? March! That’s two months away! Of course that’s more than enough time to get everything in order. Especially if you’re looking at booking one of our Rhythm Trips packages!
Lessons, guiding, accommodation, rentals, airport transfers – seriously, with a Trip’s package all you need to do is make sure you’re waking up early enough to chase the best pow! Pow like this….
Did we mention that all Trips packages booked for March will also receive 20% off all Rhythm Japan inclusions? Seriously, what are you waiting for? You go book your flights, we’ll start waxing our splitboards.
