Exploring Central Hokkaido Since 1981

For over 40 years, Alpine Backcountry Guides has been leading skiers into the mountains of Central Hokkaido, home to some of the world's most reliable powder snow.

Combining expert local knowledge, internationally recognised guiding standards, and a passion for exceptional mountain experiences, we create seamless adventures tailored to every guest.

Whether you're chasing deep tree skiing, volcanic alpine terrain, or your first backcountry experience, our team handles every detail, so you can focus on fully experiencing everything Hokkaido has to offer

John Morrell - Founder of Alpine Backcountry and Japan Ski Tour Pioneer

In October 1981 I flew into Sapporo, to the impossibly white landscape of Hokkaido. I had a bag full of ski touring gear and a head full of dreams. I had heard about the intensity of Hokkaido’s winters from a friend who I ended up staying with in the central Hokkaido city of Asahikawa, famously known as Japan’s coldest city. I was soon introduced to the local climbers and backcountry skiers through the only outdoor gear shop in town, Shugakuso. This is where my Japan backcountry skiing adventures began.

With the kind mentoring of Shugakuso’s then manager, Sasaki Yuichi san, I soon found myself based in a unique alpine hut, Hakuginso, at the base of Mt. Tokachi. I was skiing on what were the ski touring skis of the day, Karhu Kodiaks, around 60mm underfoot! I soon found myself floundering in the bottomless deep and light snow that covered the foothills of the Tokachi Mountains. That first winter of 1981/82 saw me exploring the backcountry of Sounkyo, Asahidake and the Tokachi Mountains. 

Fast forward 3 years and I was guiding my first backcountry ski tour in the beautiful wilderness of central Hokkaido. Over the next 40 or so years I have shared this remarkable powder covered wilderness with skiers from all over the world. But that is only part of the story, the real journey into Japan and the Hokkaido winter also includes the subtleties of Japanese culture, the unique flavours and textures of Japanese cuisine, stylish mountain accommodations and the soothing warmth of natural hot spring baths, set in the snow-covered wilds. 

My son, Samuel Morrell, was lucky enough to spend the winters of his childhood at school in Furano, riding the resorts and exploring the backcountry. Now, after building on that knowledge for many years, he and his business partner, Kaspar Ree are guiding skiers from around the world to the old favourites like Asahidake, which still excite, while pushing new and exciting ski touring destinations in Hokkaido. There is more out there than we will ever ride.  

We have seen many changes over these years, one of course is that 60mm underfoot is a thing of the distant past! Something that hasn’t changed though, is the Alpine Backcountry philosophy, which has always favoured the quiet beauty of the path less travelled. Now you’ll find our shop and base in the small village of Yamabe, just 15 minutes from the Furano resort, in the shadow of Hokkaido’s most spectacular peaks, Mt Ashibetsu and the Yubari Range. Here you can meet our guides or rent from the best range of backcountry skiing and boarding equipment in central Hokkaido.  On behalf of Samuel and Kaspar, I look forward to you joining Alpine Backcountry.  

John Morrell
August 2026