Backcountry touring
If you’re heading to Niseko this winter, there is no better way to experience what it is all about than to get out into the backcountry by touring. This region has a stunning landscape that for a few months a year is covered in the deepest, lightest snow.
Whether it is your first experience touring, or you feel at home in the backcountry, a day touring in Niseko will take you away from the crowds to limitless options of untracked terrain and views that reach the Sea of Japan.
On the day, your experienced guide will pick you up and drop-off directly from your accommodation, and an avi pack (beacon, shovel and probe) is included in the tour for everyone. If you require touring equipment this can also be rented directly from us.
Join us for an epic touring adventure in Niseko!
Benefits:
- 7-hour tour (incl. travel time)
- Lead by only our most experienced guides, who possess a deep knowledge of the area
- Collaborate with your guide to decide the BC zone that will deliver the best experience based on the conditions, your level and goals
- Escape the resort crowds and earn those turns!
Includes:
- Transportation, with pick-up and drop-off directly from your accommodation.
- Avalanche safety equipment (backpack, beacon, shovel, probe) for each guest.
- Option to rent touring equipment.
Notes:
Please review our terms and conditions & FAQ for full information before booking.
Important Info
- Guiding and touring start and end dates are subject to snow conditions.
- Your guide is responsible for the safety of the group and will therefore have the final decision regarding the zone visited and lines dropped.
- Suitable for those level five and above – there is no instruction on this tour.
- The minimum age requirement for this tour is 14.
Sample Itinerary
Evening before your booking: Head to our Rhythm Base Shop and collect your backcountry rentals with us from our backcountry team. Finalise your booking details and add on any last minute gear rentals for tomorrow.
7:30 am: Your guide attends our morning Backcountry safety briefing, covering the daily mountain conditions and avalanche risks for the day. During this meeting our head guide and lead guide confirm the best locations for your backcountry experience.
8 am: Your guide will pick you up from your accommodation and together you’ll drive to the trailhead for your day of touring. Your guide will introduce themselves and chat with you about your experience and any goals you have for the day. While heading out, your guide will brief you on the daily mountain and avalanche conditions, and discuss with you the location for your backcountry touring day.
9:30 – 10 am: Once at the trailhead, your guide will do a safety briefing and a beacon check to ensure everyone’s comfortable with their avalanche equipment. This is a good time to check in with yourself and your guide and communicate any questions you have for the hike up. After going through one final gear check, your guide will lead you up the skin trail and you’ll start your ascent.
10am – 2 pm: While hiking make sure you stop for snacks and drink lots of water. Once you get to your final ascent, depending on the weather, you may decide to take a brief lunch or keep hiking. Either way, the rest of your day will be spent being rewarded with some of the deepest laps of your entire trip. Well deserved after you’ve earned them with the hike up! Before heading down, your guide will help you with your gear transitions between riding and hiking if you need it. Based on your speed and how technical the hike, you may get one, or maybe even three laps in during your day.
2 – 3 pm: Your guide will lead you back to the trailhead on your final ride down. Once back at the car, leave all your gear in the back for your guide to bring back to the shop for a hassle free rental return.
4pm: Your guide will drop you off back at your accommodation. Make sure you finish off the day with a cold Sapporo Classic and a soak in a natural Japanese onsen, your muscles will thank you!
flexible location
BACKCOUNTRY
SAFETY GEAR
private transport
option to rent touring equipment
UP TO 5 GUESTS
From 120,000 JPY
USEFUL RESOURCES
MEet The team
Our team know how to get the most out of the entire mountain experience. We've been based in Japan accumulating a wealth of local experience for years.
Terrain Guide
Our Niseko Area Terrain Guide includes an overview of the local resorts and an introduction to the backcountry areas accessible via the resort's gate system.
Snow safety
Niseko’s main ski resort is called Niseko United, which is made up of four interlinked, world class ski areas; Grand Hirafu, Annupuri, Hanazono and Niseko Village.
Your ability
Our ability chart describes your skiing or snowboarding ability and allows us to better plan an epic experience catered to your goals.
LOOKING FOR RENTAL GEAR?
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