That’s a wrap.
The 2025/26 guiding and rental season is officially in the books.
A big thank you to everyone who joined Alpine Backcountry Guides this winter — whether you came out for a guided day or rented gear to explore the mountains on your own. We’re grateful to have been part of your season.
We’re now closed for the season, but bookings for next winter are open. See our tour packages below.
Thanks again for a great winter. See you in the mountains next season!
Backcountry Exploration in Central Hokkaido since 1981
At Alpine Backcountry Guides, we’re passionate about sharing the best of Central Hokkaido’s backcountry, Japan’s northernmost island and home to some of the deepest, driest snow on earth.
With over 40 years of experience guiding in the region, our team of highly skilled, professionally trained guides is dedicated to delivering exceptional, worry-free adventures tailored to your goals and experience.
From seamless planning and local insight to safe, expertly guided days in the mountains, we take care of every detail leaving you to focus on what you came for: incredible snow and unforgettable moments.
Explore. Ride. Experience Hokkaido.
Tour options and Itineraries
Contact us now to arrange your groups private backcountry tour for 2026/27
Something for everyone
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.
Most importantly, we try and cater different tours to different levels of experience. You will see we offer some Progression and Advanced versions of a few tours, this way we can achieve the best results for every client who chooses to travel with us.
If you are confused about which tour works best for you, feel free to reach out to discuss your options, or read more about our grading.
See you in Japan!
A word from our founder, John Morrell
John Morrell, at Tomamu.
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.
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
Alpine BAckcountry Guides are proud winners of Ski Asia’s community voted award for best ski tour operator, Japan.
We are incredibly proud to have won multiple awards in the category of Japans Best Ski Tour Operator. You can read more about our featured articles and awards here.
Alpine Backcountry Rental
Please refer to our Dedicated website for rental options at Alpine Backcountry Rental
High quality Alpine Touring skis (Tech and Frame options)
Splitboards
Skins/ Snow shoes
Telescopic poles
Ski and Boot Crampons, Ice Axe
Alpine Touring Rental Boots
Beacon/Shovel/Probe/Backpacks
Avalanche Air Bags (electric and BCA float)
