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Japan Backcountry Ski

Backcountry ski Japan
Two skiers stand with skis on their backs on a white snowy slope above the forest in Japan. The sky is blue.

Japan Backcountry Ski Adventure

Intermediate 8 days Hokkaido, Japan
The powder skiing in Japan is just as good as you imagine it. This eight-day backcountry ski adventure takes us to the best powder stashes in Japan, all while enjoying incredible food, culture, and lodging. This Japan ski adventure is the perfect backcountry ski trip for anyone who is looking for an amazing adventure and even better powder turns.
Feb 10 – 17, 2025
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Two skiers take a selfie next to their skin track in a field of white snow in Japan beneath a big blue sky during a guided Japan ski trip with Alpenglow Expeditions.
A backcountry skier slashes powder in a cloudy forest during a guided Japan ski trip with Alpenglow Expeditions.
Japan Ski Expedition Overview

Get the best turns of your season in the powder wonderland of Japan.

Go on an unforgettable adventure into the heart of Hokkaido’s legendary powder paradise with Alpenglow Expeditions’  Japan Backcountry Ski Adventure. Picture yourself slashing through pristine landscapes, surrounded by Japan’s snow-capped peaks. This is your chance to experience the ultimate fusion of culture and adventure as you carve your way through some of the world’s finest backcountry terrain with our expert ski guides.

Ski Japan’s Backcountry Gems in Otaru

Our Japan ski trip begins in the charming coastal town of Otaru, where we’ll kick off three days of exploration in the surrounding backcountry. With a mix of lift-accessed sidecountry skiing and earn-your-turns backcountry skiing, we’ll deep dive into premier spots near Kokusai, Tiene, or Kiroro resorts.

Powder Dreams in Furano

After three days of great skiing in Otaru, we’ll journey to the renowned Japan ski destination of Furano, nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of central Hokkaido. Over the course of three days, we’ll dive deeper into the backcountry, combining lift access with human-powered ascents to reach remote powder stashes and untouched slopes. From sweeping alpine bowls to hidden glades, Furano offers an unparalleled playground for backcountry skiing enthusiasts seeking adventure off the beaten path.

Why Choose Alpenglow Expeditions For Your Japan Ski Trip?

At Alpenglow Expeditions, we’re passionate about crafting unforgettable experiences that blend world-class skiing with cultural immersion. Led by expert guides with extensive local knowledge, our Japan Backcountry Ski Adventure promises not only epic powder runs but also authentic encounters with Japan’s rich heritage and warm hospitality. Join us for an adventure of a lifetime and discover why Hokkaido is hailed as a must-visit destination for backcountry skiing aficionados.

Preparation For Your Japan Ski Trip
Fitness
Skiers and riders must be in excellent physical shape to join this expedition. Expect big days, but lots of fun! Regular, challenging exercise for many months in advance of departure is the only way to gain the necessary level of fitness. Those joining our teams should have at least a general understanding of what it takes to train for an expedition like this. We recommend a structured training program at a gym or with a personal trainer. Please contact us for more information on physical training.
EXPERIENCE
Skiers must have at least 5 days of backcountry ski touring experience and/or our Backcountry 1.0, and must be able to ski in a variety of snow conditions and steep terrain.
A snowy forest in the foreground with a snowy mountain in the background during a guided Japan ski trip with Alpenglow Expeditions.
A snowy canal in Japan with dark water and short buildings during a guided Japan ski trip with Alpenglow Expeditions.
Fly into CTS Airport and Take the Train to Otaru

Today we’ll start our adventure. We’ll meet at the CTS Airport and take the airport train to Otaru, check into our hotel, and meet the team during our welcome dinner.

Ski Otaru

The next two days will be full of powder skiing and amazing food. Our guides will take you to the resort with the best snow conditions, and we’ll decide together what we want to ski. Whether it’s off-piste, sidecountry, or untouched backcountry, it’s all epic. After skiing, we’ll return to the charming town of Otaru each afternoon and explore its culturally rich streets, including the famous canal district. We’ll wrap up the day with amazing dinners, savoring the world renowned sushi.

Final Day in Otaru and Drive to Furano

We’ll start the day with another round of pow skiing before taking a scenic drive to Furano, stopping in the vibrant city of Sapporo to check out the snow festival or Ramen Alley on the way.

Ski Furano

The next two days we’ll explore untouched powder stashes in Furano, Tomamu, Kamui, Ashahidake, and hidden gems off the beaten path. We’ll also unwind after a day on the slopes in soothing natural hot springs (onsens) before finding some amazing dinner spots.

Depart

We’ll wrap up the trip and take a short ride to the airport, departing anytime after 2pm.

Japan Backcountry Ski Adventure Packet
Alpenglow’s Japan Guides

Our Japan Backcountry Ski Guides

Get to know some of the guides you’ll ski with in Japan.
  • Alpenglow Expeditions IFMGA Guide Tim Dobbins
Equipment

Japan Ski Equipment List

All the gear you need to backcountry ski Japan.
Download Equipment Link
  • Hat

    Bring your favorite baseball hat for shelter from the sun. No white under the brim – the reflection off of it from the sun is blinding.

    Recommended: Alpenglow Hat

  • Beanie

    A comfortable, warm well-fitting hat that covers your ears. Make sure that one of your hats fits under a helmet.

    Recommended: Black Diamond Levels Beanie 

  • Neck Gaiter (Buff)

    A multi-purpose neck gator that can also be worn under your hat. Make sure that it covers as much skin as possible and yet is still comfy.

    Recommended: Alpenglow Buff

  • Balaclava

    We recommend a tight-fitting balaclava that is worn under your hat. Make sure that it covers as much skin as possible, but is comfortable enough to wear for hours.

    Recommended: Black Diamond Coefficient LT Balaclava

  • Sunglasses

    Must have dark lenses. Minimal light should come in below, above, or around the sides of the lenses.“Wrap” style is best. Ventilation is important and a retainer strap is very useful (Chums or Croakies).

    Recommended: Vaurnet Ice Rounds

  • Ski Helmet

    A ski specific helmet that is less than 10 years old.

    Recommended: Scott Track Plus Helmet

  • Goggles

    These will be worn on stormy or windy days. Make sure you are getting a snug fit with lenses for bright sun. Ventilation and anti-fog features are desired.

    Recommended: Vuarnet Everest Goggles

  • Liner Gloves

    These gloves keep the inside of your mitts or other gloves from accumulating sweat on the inside and turning inside out when you take them off, as well as provide additional insulation.

    Recommended: Black Diamond Lightweight Wooltech Gloves

  • Lightweight Gloves

    All-around gloves for mountaineering, backcountry skiing, and hiking. These gloves (and similar options) are warm, wind-resistant, durable and have a sure grip. You will rarely take these gloves off. They should be snug-fitting, and have some sort of reinforced palm.

    Recommended: Black Diamond Tour Gloves

  • Midweight Gloves

    These gloves should be full GORE-TEX®, and insulated. These will be the workhorse glove for any expedition.

    Recommend: Black Diamond Mission MX Gloves

  • Liner Socks

    A super-thin wicking sock that repels moisture. Liner socks help to reduce the likelihood of blisters. The socks should be thin wool, nylon, or Capilene®. NO COTTON

    Recommended: Ice Breaker Merino Liner

  • Hiking Socks

    Your everyday sock, good for day hikes, trekking, and in-town. It’s good to bring several pairs of these socks. NO COTTON.

    Recommended: Darn Tough Hiking Sock

     

  • Ski Socks

    Ski socks will keep your feet warm and dry during long tours in the mountains.

    Recommended: Smartwool

     

  • Hiking Shoes

    These light to mid-weight shoes are for everyday use. The ideal shoe is comfortable to wear for multiple days and scrambles decently on rock. A Gore-tex lined shoe stays drier when hiking in rain or snow.

    Recommended: La Sportiva TX Guide

  • Lightweight Top

    Ultra-light base layer that effectively wicks moisture away from your body and is breathable. Quick-dry is important as well. One light-colored shirt is recommended for extremely sunny days.

    Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Lightwire Short Sleeve

    Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Lightwire Short Sleeve

  • Sun Hoodie

    Lightweight, long-sleeve sun hoody that is great for protecting from the sun.

    Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody

    Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody

  • Long Sleeve Base Layer

    A long sleeve base layer that is fitted, lightweight and quick drying. Make sure it is long enough to tuck in.

    Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Coefficient Crew

    Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Solution Crew

     

     

     

  • Mid-Weight Warm Layer

    A polar guard or fleece jacket. This mid-layer will be worn over your base layer most of the trip.

    Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Coefficient LT Quarter Zip

    Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Solution Quarter Zip

  • Hard Shell Jacket

    A lightweight, waterproof and breathable jacket WITH A HOOD that can withstand extreme weather conditions. Make sure you have pit-zips and if you are using an old jacket, re-waterproof it.

    Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Rain Shell

    Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Shell

  • Soft Shell Jacket

    More breathable than Gore-tex, these soft shell jackets block wind and light precipitation and are great as an outer layer and warm layer under your parka.

    Men’s Recommended: Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody

    Women’s Recommended: Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody

  • Mid-Weight Puffy Jacket

    A simple, lightweight puffy jacket. This item is good for layering systems and staying warm. We recommend 800-fill down that is packable and resists inclement weather.

    Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody

    Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody

  • Black Diamond shorts
    Quick Dry Shorts

    Throw these on under other layers for when the sun begins to beat, or you want to stretch / relax in Basecamp. Lightweight, durable and comfortable. NO COTTON.

    Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Sierra Shorts

    Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Sierra Shorts

  • Black Diamond base layers
    Base Layer Bottoms

    Fitted and quick drying. This piece will be a base-layer that will get you through a wide range of temperatures

    Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Coefficient LT Pants

    Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Coefficient LT Pants

  • Black Diamond pants
    Hiking Pant

    Lightweight, durable, quick-drying hiking pant that will be your day-to-day pant during the expedition

    Men’s Recommended: Black Diamond Technician Alpine Pant

    Women’s Recommended: Black Diamond Technician Alpine Pant

  • Hard Shell Climbing Pant

    Your waterproof bottom layer for extreme weather days. Make sure you have water-resistant zippers, crampon patches + good pockets.

    Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Men’s Recon Stretch Pants

    Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Recon Stretch Pants

  • Soft-Shell Alpine Pant

    You will spend most of your days in these pants. Choose Schoeller® or a soft-shell equivalent. Breathable + water-resistant.

    Men’s Recommended: Black Diamond Men’s Dawn Patrol Pants

    Women’s Recommended: Black Diamond Women’s Dawn Patrol Pants

  • Skis w/ Touring Bindings

    A lightweight touring ski with touring bindings. Our guides suggest something between 95mm and 110mm underfoot. Keep in mind that extremely lightweight boards are great on the uphill, but can prove challenging in variable conditions.

    Recommended Skis: Black Diamond Helio Carbon 95 Skis

    Recommended Bindings: Black Diamond ATK Crest 10 Bindings

  • Ski/Splitboard Poles

    Adjustable ski poles with powder baskets. Note: Splitboarders, be sure to use 3 section poles so they collapse small enough to reasonably attach to your pack while in riding mode.

    Recommended: Black Diamond Expedition 2 or Expedition 3 Poles

  • Ski Touring Boots

    These need to be a touring specific boot with walk mode, and a rubber sole. Typically sized a bit larger than your regular alpine boot, and light weight is a huge plus. Be sure to try many pairs on to find the right fit; it can make or break a day in the mountains!

    Recommended: Fischer Transalp Pro or Transalp Tour WS

  • Ski Crampons

    While ski crampons are strongly recommended on our domestic backcountry ski programs, they are required on all of our International Ski Expeditions. These are typically used on early spring days when the snow is often icy on the way up before the conditions transition. Many bindings accept a compatible crampon made by the manufacturer.

    Recommended: Black Diamond ATK Ski Crampons

  • Splitboard

    A splitboard that you are comfortable riding in a variety of conditions.

    Recommended: Jones Solution Splitboard

  • Splitboard Crampons

    While splitboard crampons are strongly recommended on our domestic backcountry splitboard programs, they are required on all of our International Splitboard Expeditions. These are typically used on early spring days when the snow is often icy on the way up before the conditions transition. Many bindings accept a compatible crampon made by the manufacturer.

    Recommended: Spark R&D Ibex ST Splitboard Crampons

  • Snowboard Boots

    The same boots you wear at the resort are great for your splitboard. Be sure they’re comfortable, backcountry touring means long days in your boots!

    Recommended: Burton Tourist Snowboard Boots

  • Shovel

    A lightweight metal avalanche rescue shovel. Extendable handle is recommended.

    Recommended: Black Diamond Evac 7

  • Probe

    A strong, lightweight avalanche probe, 260-300cm.

    Recommended: Black Diamond QuickDraw Pro Probe 280

  • Avalanche Transceiver

    A digital transceiver that is simple to use or that you are extremely comfortable using.

    Recommended: Black Diamond Recon Avalanche X Beacon

  • Black Diamond climbing skins
    Climbing Skins

    Many options are available, and are often comparable. Most important is to ensure your skins are trimmed properly for the ski you will be touring with. Skins with a secure tail clip are preferred.

    Recommended for Skis: Black Diamond Glidelite Mix STS Climbing Skins

    Recommended for Splitboards: Black Diamond Glidelite Mix Splitboard Climbing Skins

  • Duffle Bags

    2 Duffle Bags – At least one bag should be extremely durable, waterproof, and big – between 90L and 120L. You should feel comfortable leaving it in a puddle for several hours. Remember dry clothes are hot commodities in the mountains! Large enough to fit everything you own, plus what you anticipate buying. Two duffel bags are necessary to fit all your equipment for travel (we don’t recommend checking your backpack, best is to put all gear and backpack into your duffle). Once in country, you can consolidate your gear into one duffel and your backpack. It’s common to leave the second duffel with city clothes and other non-necessary items behind in a locked and secure location that your guide will arrange for you.

    Note: For ski expeditions such as the Ecuador Ring of Fire, you can replace one of these duffle bags with a ski/splitboard bag.

    Recommended: Black Diamond Stonehauler 90L

  • Day Pack

    Mid-size pack for city days and trekking. Streamlined, neat and lightweight (10-20 liters).

    Recommended: Black Diamond Bullet 16 Pack

  • Touring Backpack

    Internal frame pack that is between 25 and 35 liters. Either purchase a matching pack cover, or use garbage bags as liners to protect from precipitation. Make sure the pack is fitted to YOUR body.

    Recommended: Black Diamond Dawn Patrol 32L

  • Headlamps

    Please bring two L.E.D. Headlamps. One will be intended as a lightweight backup. L.E.D. headlamps are required. Make sure they have 3+ bulbs. Bring extra batteries. We highly recommend a tilting lamp.

    Recommended: Black Diamond Storm 450

    Backup Headlamp Recommended: Black Diamond Deploy 325 

  • Hydration System

    Should carry 70-100 ounces. Must be durable and have a reliable closure system. Recommended: MSR Dromlite 2L with Hydration Tube

  • Two 1L Nalgene Bottles

    Two 1 Liter Wide Mouth Nalgene bottles.

    Recommended: Nalgene 1 L wide mouth

  • Coffee

    While Alpenglow provides hot drink options every morning, it can be nice to have your own on hand any time you need a boost. With hot water always readily available, having instant coffee packets can give you the energy you need after a long day in the mountains!

    Recommended: Alpine Start Original Blend Instant Coffee

  • Miscellaneous Items
    • Passport (with visa, if necessary)
    • 2 luggage locks (TSA compliant)
    • Non-cotton underwear
    • Wag bags, 1 per night camping as to leave no trace
    • Stuffsacks: assorted sizes, for organizing your clothes and gear
    • Sunscreen: SPF 30 (or higher)
    • Lip balm with SPF 15 (or higher)
    • Personal first-aid kit (Band-aids, Ibuprofen, Cough Drops, Moleskin, Pepto-bismol, Imodium, Personal Medications)
    • Toiletries
    • 3-4lbs of Snack food (a variety of snack food, some whole food, some bars, some gels)
    • Hand Warmers
    • Face Mask
    • Hand Sanitizer
    • Knife
    • Mountain Face Mask (optional)
    • Headphones
    • Powerbank (6-10K mAh good for 2-3 phone charges, weighing under 8oz)
FAQs

Backcountry Ski Japan Questions

Below are some answers to commonly asked questions about Japan backcountry skiing.
Japan Backcountry Ski Adventure Packet
Experiences

  • Alpenglow is the best

    “I’ve been climbing with Alpenglow for over ten years. After my first expedition, I knew I’d found the best team. I feel like I’m a member of the Alpenglow family, and have come to know and love many of their guides, office staff, and programs. Alpenglow is truly the best!”

    Evan M
    Climbers alpine climbing up a glaciated slope on an Alpamayo Expedition

  • An amazing and unforgettable experience

    “Climbing Gasherbrum 2, my first 8000 meter summit, was an amazing and unforgettable experience. The Karakoram range and the culture of northern Pakistan are incredible.

    The Alpenglow team, particularly the lead guide, Topo Mena, and the Sherpa crew on the expedition were world-class in every way. They enabled me to explore my limits and advance my big mountain skills, while maintaining high levels of safety.

    I am stoked for my next expedition with the Alpenglow team, which is already planned.”

    Matthew Greving
    63.0692° N, 151.0070° W
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