Description: The Asahi Dake area is an adventure skier's paradise. Asahi Dake onsen is at the base of Hokkaido's highest mountain, Asahidake (2291 M). This area is famous for its access to the huge Daisetsusan National Park, its hot spring baths, extreme skiing and a powder snow season that can last three to four months. The area is serviced by a ropeway (tram) that gives lift serviced access to un patrolled, vast powder bowls that stretch as far as the eye can see. See here for more details on the area.

Lifts Only: We expect to ski from 3-5 runs, depending on which runs we choose. Some runs require a short walk in and a traverse back to the base of the gondola.

Lifts & Backcountry: Lift access to the top of the gondola. Then either more gondola rides, or climbing, depending on weather (visibility) and snow conditions. Explore and ski the superb powder in the valleys to the north or south of Asahi Dake ropeway. Climbs up to an hour are possible to access this rarely skied terrain.

Pick up Details: We will pick you up from your lodge at Furano or Asahi Dake. If staying in Asahikawa, you will need to meet us at the base of the ropeway.

Timing: We will leave Furano at 7:30AM. The drive to Asahidake takes approximately 90 minutes, depending on road conditions. We will finish skiing around 3:00pm and should depart by 3:30pm at the latest. You should arrive back at your lodge in Furano by 6:00 pm approximately.

Includes: Professional guide; private transport; transceiver, shovel probe; instruction (depending on group and skill level).

Not Included: skis; (available for hire 10% discount in our shop); lift ticket; all other personal items; meals; we will send you a gear list on application.

Safety Equipment & Training: We will provide you with a transceiver, probe and shovel. You will require a day pack (available for hire). We will send you a full list on application of other gear you require to bring with you. We will spend some time each day training you in the use of this equipment.

Skill level: See above.

How to book prior to arrival in japan: Contact us to check availability. Asahidake is our most popular day tour, during peak season availability is limited. Full preparation notes will then be sent which includes equipment/clothing list and other details.

How to book in japan. Contact us via this website or by phone on +81 080 6916 7801. If there is availability, we will arrange for you to fill out a booking form and payment and will then provide you with equipment and clothing list.

Guide ratio: 6:1

Frequently Asked Questions

What will we do if the weather is bad?

Bad weather is subjective at Asahidake. This mountain gets some of the most consistent deep powder snow in Hokkaido, and boasts annual snowfall numbers between 10-14 metres, making it one of the snowiest places in Japan. This means that often the visibility is low and the snow is deep. On days like this the skiing is good, incredibly deep, and easily accessible. Your guide will always choose the safest and most enjoyable option during a day tour, which in this case will be lapping powder bowls right off the ropeway, with minimal skinning required.

What do we do if the ropeway is closed?

If the ropeway is closed for the day due to wind, we will go touring with either snow shoes or skins to some easily accessible powder bowls. Some of our best days happen when the ropeway is closed, as many of the crowds disappear, and the snow is plentiful. For groups without touring equipment, we will go skiing at a nearby ski resort to hunt down fresh powder turns and hot bowls of ramen.

Can we hike to the summit?

Asahidake is Hokkaido’s tallest mountain, standing at 2291 metres above sea level, it is a great objective for the keen ski tourer and amateur mountaineer. We can only attempt a summit of Asahidake when the weather is clear, and even then temperature and winds need to be in our favour to safely get a group to the peak. The temperatures along the south ridge of Asahidake are often below -20 Celcius, with windchill bringing it down to a frigid -35 Celcius. Often the skiing is better lower down the mountain, where open powder bowls lie in wait. We cannot guarantee a summit success of Asahidake, but if conditions line up and the group is strong, we can attempt to make the push. Note: Ski and boot crampons and ice axe are required for any alpine ascents, available for rent through our shop.