JAPAN SKI TOURING

Some say that the best snow in the world falls in the mountains of Japan's northern island of Hokkaido. And we are not one to argue (for reference, we are a Utah based business, where the snow also ain't so bad!)

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The consistency and overall volume of dry powder snowfall in Hokkaido is astounding during the first half of each winter season. The sea of Japan is relatively warm early season and the air coming over it from Siberia is downright cold. The result, a virtual fire-hose of cold snowfall. Its's normal by mid-January for there to be two or more meters of settled snow on the ground... at sea level, in town! Higher up in the mountains the snow base simply buries everything with more snow than seems possible.

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The terrain available in Hokkaido is better than some may give it credit. There is a variety of terrain, and yes, it is true that on average the terrain is somewhat moderate, but there are steeper options as well. The reality is that with the perpetual nature of new snowfall in the area, it simply wouldn't be possible to be out in super steep terrain anyhow (from an avalanche hazard standpoint), so the more moderate terrain makes it possible to ski/ride. In most areas there are slopes in the 25-35 degree range which provides a near perfect angle for powder skiing. There are options for skiing in the alpine, above tree-line, as well as in the birch forests, which the area is most known for. Most of the time it makes the most sense to ski in the trees as that is where the snow is least affected by the wind and the trees provide good visual reference when it's snowing.

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Due to the fact that there is widespread, viable ski terrain over a near entirety of Hokkaido, there are innumerable options for potential exploration. How many places can you think of that have reliable snow cover on all elevations (to sea level) and on all aspects of the compass? Hokkaido is simply an incredible place. The trick with access is actually just being able to find a place to park within the trenched-out roadways! 

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Hokkaido has numerous ski areas and overall they are pretty cheap and great options for accessing terrain. Occasionally it makes sense to take runs off the lifts purely with gravity, but most often times, side-country access with relatively short skins up from the lifts or back to the lifts provides the best riding. Human powered only venues are present too, but best saved for less snowy days where trail-breaking is more realistic or when visibility is better for travel in the alpine. However you shake it, Hokkaido likely provides more 'best days of my life,' than anywhere else on the planet.

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 Hokkaido Ski Touring Safari

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During this trip we will  base from hotels in two separate regions, each with their own distinct culture. Each day we will travel by car to a new skiing and riding venue. There is a huge variety of terrain across southern and central Hokkaido and we will explore the best of what the area has to offer given the weather. The area is rich in local culture, exemplary cuisine and deep snow.

 

This is a ski and splitboard touring focused trip. That said, it can be greatly advantageous to take advantage of ski lifts to access tours when possible, particularly at the  start of most days. Riding lifts certainly isn't requisite for all objectives but count on several days basing from resorts. There's a funny balance of wanting to try hard enough to get away from the masses, but not so far away that there isn't an up or out track present. Trench-town is real!

 

Due to the variable weather in the area, we approach any itinerary with some flexibility. Our typical trip would be about 9 days with around 7-8 days of skiing, combined with travel and rest/weather days. The duration of the trip adds some insurance as well as an opportunity to see a wide scope of the area.

 

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