Backcountry
Ski Tours Japan

'Beyond the Boundaries' Backcountry Weeks

These weeks are aimed at skiers and snowboarders who wish to augment an instructional week with an exceptional backcountry powder skiing/riding experience.

It incorporates a two day avalanche safety training (AST) course recognized by the Canadian Avalanche Association after which ongoing instruction is provided during the week.

At the end of the course participants will have acquired vital avalanche awareness skills to play safer in the mountains.

INSTRUCTION
The two day Avalanche Skills Training course provides a comprehensive introduction to avalanche safety in the backcountry.

Emphasis will be on equipment use, interpreting avalanche information, analyzing snowpack stability and avalanche self rescue.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
In order that participants are of similar abilities we have rated this trip with Ski Ability and Backcountry Levels.

Ski Ability 4 / Backcountry Level Easy

To make the most of your trip we recommend that you have a good level of aerobic fitness.

TERRAIN
Out of ski area boundaries and isolated backcountry terrain in the Central Hokkaido region.

DATES
Fri Mar 6 '09- Fri Mar 13 '09

GUIDE TO GUEST RATIO
1:7 (maximum 7 guests)

PRICE 206,000yen
(Please inquire for single room supplement)

INCLUDED IN PRICE Click here

Filming Services

BOOKINGS Click here

EQUIPMENT
Touring and avalanche safety equipment for skiers and snowboarders.

INFORMATION PACKAGES
• Pre-trip Information Click here
• Beyond the Boundaries Click here

TESTIMONIALS
Andrew (Australia)
on behalf of Gatty, Hew and Steve,
We had a fantastic week. Given Hokkaido had an usually poor March in 2008, we had great guiding to still access boot to knee deep powder. Read more

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ITINERARY
(March 6) We will meet you and the other guests at Ashikawa Airport at 3pm and transfer you to Furano, nicknamed the ‘Belly Button of Hokkaido’ for its central location on the island. Furano town-ship is located at the base of Furano Ski Resort.

DAY 1 (March 7)
The first day is unguided and is for you to warm up your legs for the week. Furano ski resort is one of the premier ski areas of Hokkaido and has been a venue for the Ski and Snowboard World Cups. It snows an average of nine meters of the lightest powder during the course of a season.

If you are interested in upgrading to a guided day it may be possible if we have a day trip going out. (please inquire)

DAY 2 (March 8)
We take you out to a local’s ski hill today. We begin with transceiver search techniques and then take a short hike out of ski area boundaries where we will look at tests for assessing snow stability. In the evening we begin the theory session of the avalanche course.

DAY 3 (March 9)
Today we ski Asahidake, 2,290m which is the highest mountain in Hokkaido and is also a live volcano. You will be awed by this conical shaped volcano that looms over the ski area and sends out plumes of smoke from its vents. There will be an avalanche scenario after skiing a few runs of this backcountry area. We then travel to Daisetsuzan National Park where we will be based in a hot springs pension for the next three days.

DAY 4 (March 10)
We intend to climb the ‘Three Step Mountain’ and look at different traveling tests for snow stability. We still intend to get some of the best ski turns you will ever experience as well as finishing the day with a soak in a natural hot spring overlooking the live volcano in the area.

DAY 5 (March 11)
Today’s backcountry tour is to some of the finest tree skiing in Hokkaido and a powder mecca for Hokkaido’s backcountry fraternity. The snow here is some of the lightest in the world and will not disappoint.

DAY 6 (March 12)
Our last day will be spent climbing and skiing the front side of the live volcano in the area. If you are brave enough a highlight is to touch the great volcanic steam that billows out of its great vent. The day will finish with a soak in an natural outdoor hot spring which magically re-energizes the tired bodies.

DAY 7 (March 13)
After breakfast we will be transferring you to Asahikawa Airport for your return journey.

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