Bookings Closed for Winter 24/25

Backcountry Exploration in Central Hokkaido since 1981

Welcome to Alpine Backcountry Guides. We are your one stop shop for all things backcountry in the Central Hokkaido region of Japan’s northernmost Island. With over 40 years of experience guiding in the area, and a team of professional, formally trained guides, you can rest easy knowing you will be in safe hands.

We have closed bookings for the 2024/25 winter season, and our guide team is taking a much needed rest, after a season of many deep skin tracks. If you or your riding group is looking to put together a tour in 2026, please contact us as dates will fill fast.

Tour options and Itineraries (2025)

We believe we have a little something for everyone with our range of tours, we cater to all levels of touring experience in the backcountry and always include skill development as a crucial part of our trips. If you are confused about which tour works best for you, feel free to reach out to discuss your options.

See you in Japan!

Welcome to Alpine Backcountry Guides

I have been lucky to have had a career ski guiding in central Hokkaido since 1984 and have been skiing backcountry and resort here since 1981.

My guides and I still enjoy sharing our best spots in the backcountry, but these days you'll find me supplying you with equipment from through Alpine Backcountry Rental, located in our lodge in Tomamu.

Contact us with your dates and ideas so we can tailor a trip or come see us when you're in Tomamu to talk about guided day trips.

If there is one word that sums up central Hokkaido’s most important feature it is this; consistency. Many places in the world and throughout Japan have great powder snow. What sets central Hokkaido apart from the pack though, is that the odds here favour deep, light, soft, powder snow. Powder snow is the norm here.

That is why we have skiers coming year after year, certain in the knowledge that their best chance of deep powder is in central Hokkaido. It's coupled with our 40 years of experience and knowledge of putting people onto the world’s best lines, season after season.

Whether you are looking at resort or backcountry or combinations of both, we can advise you or guide you on your adventures. I look forward to you joining us for some great powder skiing and a great cultural experience in central Hokkaido.

John Morrell
Tomamu