This is the ultimate ski trip experience in Japan, known for its remoteness and the harsh, windy, and icy conditions. The best time to attempt it is from March, when the weather improves just enough to make the adventure feasible. Those bold enough to take on this challenge will be rewarded with excellent snow and an array of gullies and couloirs to explore.

Before taking the ferry to Rishiri for two days of intense backcountry riding, we’ll spend a couple of days warming up in the Hokkaido Powder Belt, including sessions at Daisetsuzan National Park and the Teshio mountain range.

This trip is designed for intermediate to advanced backcountry skiers who are experienced in navigating avalanche terrain and seek to immerse themselves in the wilderness and remoteness of nearly untouched Hokkaido slopes.

One of the most unique and rewarding snow adventures our area has to offer. Ski tour up to four dormant and not-so-dormant volcanoes over 2,000m, with access to some of the best above-treeline skiing in Japan. Experience fluffy pow inside the craters as you get yourself surrounded by white walls.

The variety of mountains offers opportunities from all ski levels. Some can be lift-accessed, and there is also an opportunity for multi-day hut-to-hut traverse. This trip also includes a one free lift ticket for Madarao Mountain to use at your convenience.

There is a saying that says: “backcountry skiing in Japan starts and ends in Tatayema”. Nestled in the heart of Japan’s Northern Alps, Tateyama offers a unique and unparalleled experience for those looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in the serene beauty of untouched snow-covered landscapes. With its towering peaks of more than 2,500m, pristine powder, and a rich mountain lodge and hot springs heritage, Tateyama beckons skiers to explore the backcountry like never before. Join us as we embark on an unforgettable journey into the untamed wilderness of Tateyama, where the silence of the mountains is broken only by the swish of your skis and the rhythm of your heartbeat.

Tateyama offers a wide range of terrain for backcountry skiing, from mellow runs to steep alpine descents. Whether you’re an experienced backcountry enthusiast or a novice looking to explore the wilderness, there are options for everyone.

The Hokkaido Powder Belt not only has the most coveted ski areas for finding the elusive champagne powder snow, it is also the area to escape from the crowds of Niseko and Rusutsu, and have an authentic experience chasing pow.

Conveniently based in Asahikawa or Furano, each day you will visit a different ski resort based on the best conditions of the day, including the unique ropeway-accessed resort of Kurodake in the Daisetsuzan National Park if the conditions are favorable.

This trip caters to beginner to advanced skiers who wish to experience Hokkaido in a different way, with quality on-piste and lift-accessed off-piste terrain.

Discover Hokkaido’s Premier Ski Resorts: A Powder Lover’s Dream.

Experience the ultimate ski adventure in Hokkaido’s most popular area, where world-renowned ski resorts like Niseko, Rusutsu, Kiroro, Sapporo Teine, Otaru Tenguyama, and Sapporo Kokusai await. Each resort boasts its own unique charm, offering diverse terrains, abundant powder, and stunning landscapes that promise an unforgettable skiing experience.

For the passionate Japow lover on a relentless quest for the finest powder, Tohoku emerges as a dream destination. Tucked away in the northern reaches of Honshu, Tohoku is a paradise where pristine slopes, consistent snowfall, low temperatures, and untouched powder await your discovery. This region, often overshadowed by more famous Japanese ski areas, offers an exclusive, uncrowded experience, perfect for those seeking fresh tracks and unspoiled terrain.

For people who are venturing into the backcountry for the first time, or for experienced backcountry skiers who just want to enjoy powder snow, our backcountry tours are perfect.

We offer local backcountry guiding across the Myoko–Togakushi Renzan National Park (Madarao, Myoko, Kurohime, Izuna, Takatsuma, Tenguhara), Hiuchi, Yakeyama, Awatateyama, Shigakogen and North Shiga. No matter the weather or snow conditions, from December to May we have a special place to show you.

Ask us about one of these locations, or simply let us know your objectives (e.g. get to the best powder lines, reach a famous peak, enjoy the best views, ski inside a volcano crater,…), fitness, and experience level and we will gladly prepare a customized itinerary at no cost or obligation to you.

Safety is our top priority, and participants are required to carry avalanche safety equipment and know how to use it. Touring skis/splitboard with skins are also required to participate in this experience.

For people who are venturing into the backcountry for the first time, or for experienced backcountry skiers who just want to enjoy powder snow, our backcountry tours are perfect.

Mt. Madarao peak can be reached easily in 20-30min, sometimes even just walking through a snow path. From there, it is possible to continue skinning to Daimyojin-dake and get breathtaking views of Lake Nojiri, visit the ghost ski resort of Madarao Toyoda, or drop to finalize the day at the hot springs of Madaraoyu. For the more adventurous and not afraid of covering more uphill distances, Mt. Hakama and the ghost ski resorts of Myoko Panorama Park or Pine Valley are also good options for a full-day tour.

Safety is our top priority, and participants are required to carry avalanche safety equipment and know how to use it. Touring skis/splitboard with skins are also required to participate in this experience.

Our flagship ski package. Stay with us at La Colina Retreat and discover the privilege of having more than 20 ski resorts within 1h drive, and many more mountains to explore. This package caters to advanced skiers who wish to experience as much powder as possible in a variety of on-piste and off-piste terrain; or intermediate skiers and boarders who want to experience “japow” and improve their freeride technique.