The island of Rishiri is formed by the cone-shaped extinct volcanic peak of Mount Rishiri, a remote volcanic island off the northwestern tip of Hokkaido. Its name in the native Ainu language means “island with a high peak”, and with an elevation of 1,721m, certainly feels like an oversized version of the Lofoten Islands peaks.
The ultimate ski trip experience in Japan due to its remoteness and the harsh windy/icy conditions, is only from March when the conditions improve enough to attempt it. For those brave enough to make the trip, they will find great snow and many gullies and couloirs to explore. Before heading to take the ferry to spend two days skiing there, we will spend a couple of days warming up at the Hokkaido Powder Belt, including the Daisetsuzan National Park and the Teshio mountain range.
This trip is for intermediate to advanced backcountry skiers with experience in moving across avalanche terrain, who want to experience the wilderness and remoteness of almost untracked Hokkaido terrain.
*Avy kit, ice axe, crampon, BC skis with skins or sliptboard required.
*For participants that feel comfortable ascending up to 4 hours
The Area
Rishiri Island: Through March and April the weather stabilizes at the island and it is possible to get clear windless days to attempt the summit or just enjoy its fantastic snow. Compared with other volcanoes such as Mt. Fuji or Yotei, Mt. Rishiri is far more rugged, with many couloirs and chutes that offer plenty of options even in bad weather and at low altitude.
Teshio Mountain Range: A low altitude range (around 1,000m max), that happens to cross Horokanai, the coldest place in Japan as states the record of -41.2C achieved and unbeaten since 1978. Consistent snowfall and easy access to multiple hills from the road that cross the valley, has put this area in the map for backcountry skiers chasing the driest, coldest powder in Hokkaido until April.
6-Nights / 5-Ski Days
- Accommodation:
➢ 2 nights at Asahikawa (Breakfast included)
➢ 1 night at Wakkanai (Breakfast included)
➢ 3 nights at Rishiri Island (All meals included) - All transfers:
➢ Pick-up at Asahikawa Airport
➢ Mountain transfers
➢ Round-trip ferry to Rishiri island
➢ Return to Wakkanai or Asahikawa airport - English/Spanish/French/Japanese speaking mountain guide for resort and side-country (5 days)
- Discount on equipment rental
- Daily briefing of weather forecast, mountain conditions, avalanche report
- Insurance
- Lunch/dinners
- Avalanche safety gear and other required gear (ski crampons, ice axe, …)
- Courier baggage delivery from the Hotel to the Narita/Haneda airport or Tokyo.
Daily Itinerary
DAY 1
Upon landing at Asahikawa airport, our team will pick you up to be transferred to your hotel. You will meet your teamates, check your gear and meet your guide, who will fill you in on the trip details, snow condition and weather forecast for the week ahead.
DAY 2
We will head to Kurodake, in the Daisetsuzan National Park. After taking the ropeway, we will commence the ascend to reach Kurodake peak.
DAY 3
After checking-out early morning from our hotel, we will head to the Teshio Mountain Range to explore some of it’s short but fun hills, that provide great tree skiing. At the end of the day we will head to Wakkanai, a port town in which we will stay for the night.
DAY 4
Early morning ferry departure and arrival to Rishiri island by noon. If the weather is good, we will enjoy the approximation to a snow-covered volcano rising out from the sea. After checking-in at our modest ryokan, we will try to squeeze a short backcountry tour.
DAY 5-6
During the next two days, we will be in the hands of our local guide, who will suggest the best routes and approaches, which may include being ferried by snowmobiles across flat terrain. If we have a clear day, we will attemp to reach the summit.
DAY 7
Ferry backc to Wakkanai and transfer to Wakkanai or Asahikawa airports
PACKAGE COST
¥450,000
- Price for 1 person staying at one twin bedroom.
- Groups of 4 get discounted rates.
- Max 6 people
- Fully customizable subject to availability: choose your own dates, extend or shorten the trip, …
| 2023-24 TRIP SCHEDULE |
| March 24th, 2024 to March 30th, 2024 (Eastern Holidays) |
