The peak window for this trip is from mid January through to late February, when snowfall is typically at its most consistent. However, the trip runs successfully from early January through to mid-March. With a strong focus on north-facing terrain and access to higher elevations within Daisetsuzan National Park, good conditions can often be found even later in the season.
Daisetsuzan Backcountry Week
The Daisetsuzan Backcountry Week is a multi-day ski touring experience based in Central Hokkaido, combining the accessible backcountry zones around Furano with the expansive alpine
terrain of Daisetsuzan National Park.
Trip Overview
Your trip begins in Furano, the geographical center of Hokkaido and an ideal base for accessing a wide variety of terrain. The first two days are spent exploring the backcountry zones surrounding Furano. Here, snowmobiles are used to access more isolated terrain, allowing us to maximize skiing time while avoiding heavily trafficked areas. After the second day, we move into the mountains of Daisetsuzan National Park, staying in a traditional hot spring lodge at approximately 1,300 meters. Over the following three days, you will have access to multiple mountain zones, offering a mix of alpine and tree skiing in what is widely regarded as Hokkaido’s premier backcountry terrain. On the final day, we return to snowmobile-assisted access for another full day of skiing before concluding the trip.
Terrain and Elevation
The trip spans a wide range of terrain and elevations. In the lower mountain ranges around Furano, elevations typically range from 300m to 1,200m. These zones are predominantly tree
skiing, ideally suited to Hokkaido’s frequent storm cycles and known for delivering deep, consistent powder. Within Daisetsuzan National Park, elevations range from approximately 1,000m
to 1,850m. Here, the terrain opens up into a combination of alpine and widely spaced old-growth forest. Above 1,350m, the alpine terrain provides a different scale of skiing, while the
lower elevations offer classic Hokkaido tree runs.
Snow Quality and Conditions
Hokkaido is renowned for its consistent snowfall, and this trip is designed to take full advantage of it. During storm cycles, we focus on sheltered tree terrain where the snow can be
exceptionally deep. In the days following a storm, cold temperatures and low humidity help preserve snow quality, allowing for continued excellent skiing conditions. It is extremely rare
for a day to be cancelled due to weather or snow conditions. With access to multiple zones and elevations, we are always able to adapt and find the best available skiing.
We continuously adapt the itinerary based on weather, snowpack, and visibility. This may mean adjusting locations or moving into the national park earlier to take advantage of favorable conditions. This approach ensures that each day is built around maximizing the skiing experience, rather than following a fixed schedule.
Snowmobile Access
Using snowmobiles during our Daisetsuzan Backcountry Week allows us to access deeper terrain, minimize long flat approaches, and maximize time spent skiing quality snow. Rather than spending hours across flat approaches, we use snowmobiles to efficiently reach remote zones. This gives guests access to more vertical, more terrain options, and the flexibility to move quickly between zones to find the best snow and weather conditions each day. Operating in these remote areas also means we are typically skiing well away from other guided groups, allowing for a quieter and more exclusive backcountry experience with untracked snow and less competition for terrain.
A Day Out
A typical day begins with a pickup at around 7:30am, followed by a transfer to the trailhead. From Furano, drive times can be up to 40 minutes, while access within the national park is often just a few minutes—or directly from the accommodation. Groups typically ascend around 1,000 vertical meters per day, spread across two to three runs. Transitions are part of the rhythm of the day, allowing us to reset and move efficiently through the terrain. Most days finish with a visit to a local hot spring—an essential part of the Hokkaido experience.
Who is this trip for?
This trip is designed for skiers and snowboarders with prior backcountry experience who are comfortable ascending and skiing variable terrain. Split-boarders are welcome and well suited
to the terrain. A good level of fitness is required to comfortably complete daily ascents of around 1,000 vertical meters.
Hot spring hotel in the mountains
The first two nights you will stay in Furano at the start and end of the trip. You will then stay for four nights you will stay hight in the Daisetsuzan National Park at 1,350 meters in a
hot spring hotel. There is skiing right from the door and you will experience a more traditional style of accommodation with tatami flooring and futon bedding.
Meals
Breakfast is included with your accommodation in Furano, and all meals are provided during your stay in the national park. Furano has a range of dining options, but advance reservations
are strongly recommended. On ski days in the lower ranges, we typically stop at a convenience store to pick up lunch.
What type of insurance do I need?
All guests joining a trip with Hokkaido Powder Guides are required to hold comprehensive travel insurance covering: Backcountry skiing and freeride skiing in Japan, Emergency medical treatment, Search and rescue including helicopter evacuation and Repatriation. Guests are responsible for ensuring their policy adequately covers off-piste and backcountry skiing activities.
22
Years Guiding Hokkaido
Safety and guiding standards
GuidesSafety underpins every aspect of our operation. Trips are led by experienced professional guides operating to internationally recognized standards, including those of the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations. All our guides are qualified as ski guides or full IFMGA mountain guides. We apply structured risk management processes to continuously assess avalanche conditions, terrain selection, weather, and group dynamics throughout each day. Our objective is to deliver exceptional skiing while maintaining a disciplined and professional approach to mountain safety.
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22
Years Guiding Hokkaido
Why choose Hokkaido Powder Guides
About UsWith 22 seasons of guiding in Hokkaido, our approach emphasizes flexibility, local knowledge, and access to less-traveled terrain. By utilizing multiple zones around Furano along with snowmobile-assisted access in selected areas, we are able to consistently select better snow conditions and avoid heavily trafficked terrain. Our bilingual Japanese and English-speaking staff are also an important part of operating safely and effectively within regional mountain environments throughout Hokkaido.
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Steps to book
To inquire or reserve your place on the Daisetsuzan Backcountry Week, please contact us through our enquiry form. We can assist with trip planning, accommodation recommendations, logistics, and selecting the best itinerary structure for your group.
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