niseko region terrain guide
Why is it that so many of us venture to one tiny section of Japan year-in, year-out, in constantly growing numbers? Pow, baby!
If you’ve ever heard of Niseko, you’ll undoubtedly know that there’s no better pow worldwide than right here! Whether you’re looking to smash out some turns on the resorts groomers, find the best sidecountry powder pockets, or avoid peak seasons crowds by immersing yourself in Niseko’s ever-growing backcountry community, our Niseko Region Terrain Guide is your complete resource for finding the best untracked pow near you.
Gate System Guide
Want to know the best tips and tricks on how to unlock the best back/side country terrain all through in-resort lifts and the Gate System?
RESORT TERRAIN GUIDE
Be the one on the chairlift with all the local knowledge this season. Find out resort info like elevation, number of runs and terrain maps here.
BACKCOUNTRY Guide
Looking into booking a touring experience but unsure where our guides will take you? Find out here!
Resort terrain guide
NISEKO RESORT TERRAIN GUIDE
For the better part of 20 years now, Niseko, Hokkaido, has been recognised as Japan’s most desirable ski destination, and with its extensive backcountry options, high quality groomers that connect between four different resorts, and consistent high-quality powder snow averaging an astonishing 15 metres each season, it’s easy to see why.
- Average snowfall: 14m
- Top lifted elevation: 1,188m
- Peak elevation: 1,308m
- Adult lift pass from ¥8,100
- Great for all ability levels
- 32 ski runs | 50km of runs
gate SYSTEM guide
Backcountry without the hike?! That’s the dream… but it also sounds impossible? Not in Japan.
Niseko’s gate system offers riders a chance to access ungroomed, side and backcountry runs similar to what you’d find in the backcountry, all from the comfort and convenience of a chairlift.
The gates offer an almost unlimited amount of backcountry options, increasing the terrain on the mountain by over 50%. All of this terrain is accessible by lift with minimal hiking.
The backcountry in Niseko is unpatrolled avalanche terrain, therefore, we strongly recommend that you hire a guide for your own safety.
Rhythm Rides‘ experienced guides operate daily in the Niseko area and can take you to the best lines in the backcountry.
Kozan no sawa
Also called “Backbowl”, Kozan no Sawa is arguably the steepest terrain from the peak of Niseko. You will be able to access this amazing bowl with a 20 minute hike from Gate 3. The runout offers very playful terrain with a big natural half pipe that brings you all the way back to the Annupuri side of the ski resort.
Kita Shamen
If you really want to venture far out Kita Shamen will be your gig! It is a 20 minute hike to the drop in zone from the peak of Niseko. This north face is a beautiful big powder field with the coldest snow on the mountain. The traverse back to the resort requires a lot of energy but is well worth it!
Jackson’s
If you are looking for the deepest powder from the peak, "Jackson’s" located on the east side of the mountain is your go! Hike for 20 minutes to the peak from gate 3 and drop east towards Hanazono. After your blower turns, you end up on the summer route where you will need to hike back to Hanazono.
Osawa Bowl
Osawa bowl provides a lot of good powder runs for very little effort. Traversing out of Gate 1, 2 or 8, you will be able to find beautiful spacious tree-runs, natural pipes and fun little drops. The runout will bring you straight back to the Annupuri side of the ski resort.
Mizuno No Sawa
This beautiful powder bowl is to be found at gate 11 in Niseko Village. It’s famous for the long and deep powder runs in spacious trees and the effortless run-out back to the gondola of Niseko village. You will be able to lap this zone all day without having to hike for your turns!
BACKCOUNTRY GUIDE
Further afield from the Niseko gate system extensive touring terrain can be found for those willing to earn their turns. Our Rhythm Rides Guides can safely navigate you through the wider Niseko backcountry zones to locate the safest routes and the freshest turns.
YOTEI-ZAN
You’ve looked at it enough, why not finally shred it? Yotei offers endless bowls in all aspects of the mountain, beautiful treelines and spectacular views.
KIRORO BACKCOUNTRY
When the sun finally shows itself in Kiroro, a lot of beautiful peaks will appear including Mini Alaska & the highest peak called Yoichi dake.
SHIRIBETSU DAKE
Shiribetsu is famous for her deep and spacious gullies on many aspects of the mountain. Reaching the main ridge line will amaze you with stunning views of Yotei and the local area.
NITONUPURI
On the way to Goshiki onsen you will find a popular and easy-access mountain called Nitonupuri. Nito has surprisingly a lot of fun terrain on offer in all aspects.
GOSHIKI ONSEN
This area has a lot of different terrain on offer and doesn’t need much effort to access. The steaming natural hotsprings make for a uniquely scenic experience.
CHISENUPURI
Two classic strato volcano shaped mountains filled with dry hokkaido powder.
To summit, you will need to cover some ground on the ascent. It’s a popular touring area, especially towards springtime.
