Hokkaido Resort & Backcountry Day Guiding
Chase the powder in central Hokkaido with our knowledgable guides
Hokkaido Resort & Backcountry Day Guiding
Chase the powder in central Hokkaido with our knowledgable guides
Hokkaido guided Day Tours
John Morrell in the deep Hokkaido powder.
We are the pioneers and leaders in backcountry guiding in central Hokkaido, with unmatched experience. Our knowledge of the secret stashes and hidden powder bowls of central Hokkaido is second to none. We pioneered backcountry guiding in Hokkaido 35 years ago and have been offering professional guiding in central Hokkaido ever since. Participants on our tours have fulfilled their powder skiing dreams over and over again. With our backcountry and resort knowledge, they have been able to ski the best powder snow in the world. We specialize and guide only in central Hokkaido, and you can choose from the following areas.
Furano | Kamui | Asahi Dake | Tomamu | Tokachi
The secret to maximising your powder skiing day is knowing how to farm the runs. Whether it is lift assisted on piste, lift assisted off-piste or pure back country, contact us to make your powder skiing dreams come true.
Categories
- Lift: A days guiding using resort lifts involves both on and of piste skiing. Our aim is to get the best snow possible and this may require some traverse's either in or out of a particular area of the resort. See off piste skill level below.
- Lift/Backcountry: Lifts are the first option, but by using a combination of lift access and backcountry access, we have a far greater chance of exploring the deep powder glades beyond the resort boundaries. See backcountry skill level below.
- Backcountry: This is a day of exploring using climbing skins (or snowshoes for boarders). We do have some vehicle lift options in some areas, but generally, this is a day of exploring the superb backcountry of central Hokkaido. See backcountry skill level below.
skill level
On Piste: Confident all mountain skier. Comfortable intermediate runs. Good edge control and speed control. Can parallel turn in most conditions on the hard pack. Comfortable in fresh snow on a hard base.
Off Piste/Sidecountry: Good fitness levels. Wanting to try or ski more fresh deep snow. Confident in the fall line. Understand ski dynamics. Strong parrallel/telemark turns. Have skied or are keen to learn to ski deep powder.
Backcountry: Very good fitness. Able to climb for 3-4 hours. Confident in the fall line. Understand ski dynamics. Strong parrallel/telemark turns. Have skied or are keen to learn to ski deep powder.
General Information:
- Schedule. We publish a weekly schedule in our shop based on snow and weather conditions. Bookings can be made once the schedule is determined.
- Private Tours. All day tours can be booked as private tours, either prior to arrival or while here.
- Prebooking. If you wish to prebook prior to arrival, we require a minimum of two days for private guided day tours. Please note we reserve the right to pick the daily destination, based on weather and snow conditions, that give you the best possible powder conditions.
- Pricing. See each section below for individual and group prices for each area.
- Bookings. For bookings, please click here to download a booking form.
- Tour Numbers. Please note if booking individually, we need a minimum of four to run any day trip. If less than four, you will have a surcharge option (dependent on numbers and destination).
- Guide Ratio. We have a guide ratio of 6:1. Larger groups will require two guides.
- Snow Board & Skiers Policy. We do not mix snow boarders and skiers on the same tour for any off piste skiing unless agreed with all participants. We recognize different lines are required and limitations occur, such as when traversing. Snow Boarders ask about dedicated snow board guides. This does not apply to private groups of mixed snow boarders and skiers.
- Booking Form and Travel Insurance. All participants are required to sign a booking form and waiver of liability before joining the tour. You must have appropriate travel insurance. Payment can be by cash or credit card on the day of booking in our shop at Kitanomine, Furano ski resort.
- Required Equipment. For all tours that include backcountry, skiers require Alpine Touring or Telemark skis. Snow boarder require, snow shoes, back pack and 3 piece poles. All of this equipment is available for rental from our two shops in either Furano or Asahi Dake (Hotel Bear Monte foyer, 2 minutes from the Asahi Dake gondola). We don't carry split boards.
Rental Equipment. Our backcountry rental shop allows us to provide equipment at a 10% discount for all participants. All compulsory safety gear (Beacon/Shovel/Probe) included in tour fee. 5% tour discount if you have your own functioning beacon/shovel/probe. Our main shop is in Furano and we have a branch at Asahi Dake, Hotel Bear Monte.
Ski Asahi Dake
Resort or Backcountry
Ski Asahi Dake
Resort or Backcountry
Asahi Dake magic.
Ski Asahi Dake
Description: The Asahi Dake area is an adventure skier's paradise. Asahi Dake village is at the base of Hokkaido's highest mountain, Mt. Asahi (2291 M). This area is famous for its access to the huge Daisetsusan National Park, its hot spring baths, extreme skiing and a powder snow season that can last three to four months. The area is serviced by a gondola that gives lift serviced access to unroped, vast powder bowls that stretch as far as the eye can see. See here for more details on the area.
Lifts Only: We expect to ski from 3-5 runs, depending on which runs we choose. Some runs require a short walk in and a traverse back to the base of the gondola.
Lifts & Backcountry: Lift access to the top of the gondola. Then either more gondola rides, or climbing, depending on weather (visibility) and snow conditions. Explore and ski the superb powder in the almost powder filled valleys to the north or south of Asahi Dake ropeway. Climbs up to an hour are possible to access this rarely skied terrain.
Pick up Details: We will pick you up from your lodge at Furano or Asahi Dake. If staying in Asahikawa, contact us for details.
Timing: we will leave Furano at 7:15 am approx. The drive to Asahi dake takes approximately 90 minutes, depending on road conditions. We will depart Asahi Dake approximately 4:30 pm. You should arrive back at your lodge in Furano by 6:00 pm approximately.
Includes: Professional guide; private transport; safety equipment; instruction (depending on group and skill level).
Not Included: skis; (available for hire 10% discount in our shop); lift ticket (¥4200/person); all other personal items; meals; we will send you a gear list on application.
Safety Equipment & Training: We will provide you with a beacon, probe and shovel. You will require a day pack (available for hire). We will send you a full list on application of other gear you require to bring with you. We will spend some time each day training you in the use of this equipment.
Skill level: See above.
How to book prior to arrival in japan: Down load a booking form or contact us to check availability. Send the booking form via email or post with full payment. All credit cards accepted. Full preparation notes will then be sent which includes equipment/clothing list and other details.
How to book in japan. Contact us via this website or by phone on +81 (0)90 8278 9196. If there is availability, we will arrange for you to fill out a booking form and payment and will then provide you with equipment and clothing list.
Trip Numbers: minimum 4 - maximum 6 - (Private groups no minimum.)
Prices:
- Group - Lifts & Backcountry: price on application
Ski Kamui Resort
Lift accessed inbounds and sidecountry
Ski Kamui Resort
Lift accessed inbounds and sidecountry
"Yellow" Mark carving up the back of Kamui on a bluebird day.
Ski Kamui
Description: Kamui is located to the north of Furano and offers a superb laid back atmosphere. Here you will find steep piste runs, great tree skiing access and some excellent back of resort runs to test your deep powder skills. Click here for more information on Kamui.
Lifts Only: We expect to ski from 4-6 runs, depending on which runs we choose. Some runs require a short walk in and a traverse back to the base of the lifts and some areas give good sidecountry access.
Lifts & Backcountry: Lift access to the top of the Kamui gondola. Then we descend the back of the mountain, depending on weather (visibility) and snow conditions. Instead of following the traverse line out, we continue skiing down into the superb powder bowls behind the resort. Climbs up to an hour or more are possible to return to the lifts.
Pick up details: We will pick you up from your lodge at Furano. If staying in Asahikawa, contact us for details.
Timing: We will leave Furano at 7:30 am. The drive to Kamui takes approximately 70 minutes, depending on road conditions. We will depart Kamui approximately 4:00 pm. You should arrive back at your lodge in Furano by 5:30 pm approximately.
Includes: Professional guide; private transport; instruction (depending on group and skill level).
Not included: Skis; (available for hire); lift ticket (¥3200/person); meals; all other personal items; we will send you a gear list on application.
Skill level: See above.
How to book prior to arrival in Japan: To book 2 days or more of private guiding, down load a booking form or contact us to check availability. Send the booking form via email. All credit cards accepted. Full preparation notes will then be sent which includes equipment/clothing list and other details.
How to book in Japan. Contact us via this website or by phone on +81 (0)90 8278 9196. If there is availability, we will arrange for you to fill out a booking form and payment and will then provide you with equipment and clothing list.
Trip Numbers: minimum 4 - maximum 6- (Private groups no minimum.)
Prices:
- Group - Lifts & Backcountry: price on application dependent on needs
Ski Tomamu
Resort accessed inbounds or sidecountry & Backcountry
Ski Tomamu
Resort accessed inbounds or sidecountry & Backcountry
Mt .Tomamu. Late afternoon powder tracks.
Ski Tomamu
Description: Tomamu is located to the south of Furano. Like Kamui, here you will find steep piste runs, great tree skiing access and some excellent back of resort runs to test your deep powder skills. One big advantage of Tomamu is that it is at a higher elevation than Kamui, with beautiful glades for backcountry and sidecountry skiers. Click here for more information on Tomamu.
Lifts Only: We expect to ski from 4-6 runs, depending on which runs we choose. Some runs require a short walk in and a traverse back to the base of the lifts and some areas give good sidecountry access.
Lifts & Backcountry: Lift access to the top of the Tomamu gondola. Then either more lift rides, or climbing, depending on weather (visibility) and snow conditions. Explore and ski the superb powder in the area towards the summit of Mt. Ochiai and the valleys in between. Climbs up to an hour or more are possible to access this rarely skied terrain.
Pick up details: We will pick you up from your lodge at Furano, or, meet you at the base of the gondola if you are staying at Tomamu.
Timing: We will leave Furano at 7:30 am. The drive to Tomamu takes approximately 80 minutes, depending on road conditions. We will depart Tomamu approximately 4:00 pm. You should arrive back at your lodge in Furano by 5:30 pm approximately.
As well as being a superb family ski resort, there is access to beautiful inbounds and off piste glades. Anyone wanting to do some off piste sidecountry must be prepared for some return traverses.
Includes: Professional guide; private transport; instruction (depending on group and skill level).
Not included: Skis; (available for hire); lift ticket (¥5700/person); meals; all other personal items; we will send you a gear list on application.
Skill level: See above.
How to book prior to arrival in Japan: To book 2 days or more of private guiding, down load a booking form or contact us to check availability. Send the booking form via email. All credit cards accepted. Full preparation notes will then be sent which includes equipment/clothing list and other details.
How to book in Japan. Contact us via this website or by phone on +81 (0)90 8278 9196. If there is availability, we will arrange for you to fill out a booking form and payment and will then provide you with equipment and clothing list.
Trip Numbers: minimum 4 - maximum 6- (Private groups no minimum.)
Prices: On application
Ski Furano
Resort accessed inbound, sidecountry & backcountry
Ski Furano
Resort accessed inbound, sidecountry & backcountry
Hokkaido powder at its best, Furano.
Ski Furano
Description: Furano is central Hokkaido's pre-eminent resort. Here you can ski the inbound powder runs, or let us show you some of the superb off piste powder that borders this resort. Farming the powder is essential here and we can help you maximise your day of powder.
Note: Furano resort now has an out of bounds gate system, and we are authorised to guide out of bounds from the resort, allowing us to show you some of the superb lift and skin accessed powder in this superb range. Click here for more information on Furano.
Lifts Only: We expect to ski from 4-6 runs, depending on which runs we choose. Some runs require a short walk in and a traverse back to the base of the lifts and some areas give good sidecountry access.
Lifts & Backcountry: Lift access to the top of the Furano gondola. Then either more gondola rides, or climbing, depending on weather (visibility) and snow conditions. Explore and ski the superb powder in the area towards the summit of Mt Nishi Dake. Climbs up to an hour or more are possible to access this rarely skied terrain.
Pick up Details: We will pick you up from your lodge at 8:00 if staying at the Furano Gondola side of the mountain. If staying in Kitanomine, we will meet you at our shop at 8:30 am. If staying in Asahikawa, contact us for details.
Timing: We will ski till 4:00 pm and from there you will help you return to your lodge.
Includes: Professional guide; private transport (as required); safety equipment; instruction (depending on group and skill level).
Not included: Skis; (available for hire); lift ticket; all other personal items; we will send you a gear list on application.
Safety equipment & training: We will provide you with a beacon, probe and shovel. You will require a day pack. We will send you a full list on application of other gear you require to bring with you. We will spend some time each day training you in the use of this equipment.
Skill level: See above.
How to book prior to arrival in Japan: To book 2 days or more of private guiding, down load a booking form or contact us to check availability. Send the booking form via email. All credit cards accepted. Full preparation notes will then be sent which includes equipment/clothing list and other details.
How to book in Japan. Contact us via this website or by phone on +81 (0)90 8278 9196. If there is availability, we will arrange for you to fill out a booking form and payment and will then provide you with equipment and clothing list.
Trip Numbers: minimum 4 - maximum 6- (Private groups no minimum.)
Prices:
- Group - Lifts & Backcountry: price on application dependent on needs
Ski Tokachi
Pure Backountry
Ski Tokachi
Pure Backountry
Tokachi Mountains and Silver Birch.
Backcountry ski Tokachi
Description: Tokachi is located to the East of Furano. here you will some superb backcountry powder in the spectacular foothills and ranges of this volcanic range. Our options here allow is to visit the vent of the Tokachi volcano, or ski the open forest runs that fringe this range. This is pure backcountry with climbing required. After skiing we will visit one of the hot spring baths before returning to Furano.
Pick up details: We will pick you up from your lodge at Furano If staying in Asahikawa, contact us for details.
Timing: We will leave Furano at 7:30. We will return you to your lodge by 5:30 approximately. It is about 45 minutes each way from Furano.
Includes: Professional guide; private transport; safety equipment; instruction (depending on group and skill level); hot spring bath entry fee.
Not included: Skis; (available for hire); all other personal items; we will send you a gear list on application.
Safety equipment & training: We will provide you with a beacon, probe and shovel. You will require a day pack. We will send you a full list on application of other gear you require to bring with you. We will spend some time each day training you in the use of this equipment.
Specialist equipment: You will need skis with skins and bindings that you can climb with. This would include telemark gear, alpine touring or a ski binding attachment such as Alpine Trekkers. We will send you a gear list on application.bWe provide a 10% discount on backcountry ski hire for participants in this tour.
Tokachi Toyota Skiing
With apologies to all other car makers, this is our unique day tour which uses vehicle transport to climb back towards the top of some superb backcountry powder and touring. Some climbing is still required. Contact us for details.
Tokachi Toyota Skiing group.
Safety equipment & training: We will provide you with a beacon, probe and shovel. You will require a day pack. We will send you a full list on application of other gear you require to bring with you. We will spend some time each day training you in the use of this equipment.
Skill level: See above.
How to book prior to arrival in Japan: To book 2 days or more of private guiding, down load a booking form or contact us to check availability. Send the booking form via email. All credit cards accepted. Full preparation notes will then be sent which includes equipment/clothing list and other details.
How to book in Japan. Contact us via this website or by phone on +81 (0)90 8278 9196. If there is availability, we will arrange for you to fill out a booking form and payment and will then provide you with equipment and clothing list.
Trip Numbers: minimum 4 - maximum 6- (Private groups no minimum.)
Prices:
- Tokachi Standard Day Groups: on application depending on the needs of the group