Backcountry Exploration in Central Hokkaido since 1981

With the 2024/25 winter season fast approaching, our team at Alpine Backcountry Guides are excited to welcome you back to another year of dream lines, new friends and steaming onsen baths in Hokkaido, Japan.

We currently have limited dates left for the 2024/25 winter. If you or your group is interested joining us this winter don’t hesitate to contact us.

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Below is our list of options for the coming winter season in Hokkaido. If you would like to get in touch about your dream custom tour for 2025 contact us here.

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