Niseko Backcountry Tours

Have an expert guide you to secret powder stashes, hidden terrain and teach you how to use important backcountry equipment like probes and avalanche beacons. Combine the best powder skiing of your life with an educational experience that will continue paying dividends for the rest of your ski career. A variety of mountains are available to ensure great weather conditions and the type of terrain you’re looking for.


HPG - Hanazono Powder Guides

Hanazono Powder Guides (HPG) is the only official resort-operated backcountry guiding company in Niseko. Working alongside ski patrol, lift operators, and groomers give us a unique advantage to provide the best equipped and safest tour to the best spots of the day. Their guides all have experience living in Niseko, unlike many other guiding companies' staff in the area. Who better to show you the secrets of the mountain than a true local that has been living here? Choose HPG for an authentic Japanese powder experience.

Only available with HPG, you have the option of “First tracks” in Hanazono on all private tours. Starting at 7.30am you can ride the best lines before the resort opens to the public.

Private Tours

Tour Duration Price Starting time Guiding Area
Private Full Day Tour 6 Hours ¥110,000 (1-4 guests/1 guide)* Anytime between
7:30am ~ 8:30am
Niseko United - Lift assisted Backcountry Access / Inbound Tour
Powder 3 Dayz 6 Hours x 3 days ¥240,000 (1-4 guests/1 guide)*
Additional Full Day Tour:
¥80,000 each
Anytime between
7:40am ~ 8:30am
Niseko United - Lift assisted Backcountry Access / Inbound Tour
Rusutsu Resort* - Inbound Off Piste Tour
Extra Guide** 4.5 Hours
6 Hours
¥35,000
¥40,000
*Each additional guest over the included 4 will incur a fee of 10,000JPY per guest. Maximum 5 guests to one guide
**For groups with 6-7 people (no more than 7 guests can be accommodated with 2 guides) or for smaller groups who would like an extra guide
  • Pick up and drop off service from your accommodation for all tours
  • All Avalanche Safety Equipment included in the Tour cost

Rhythm Rides

Operating dates: December 16th, 2023 - April 5th, 2024

Operating periods are adjusted depending on resort operating changes, snow conditions & other operational matters.

Duration Start End Backcountry Access Safety Gear Price
Niseko Resort Guiding 6 hours Flexible Flexible ¥95,000/group(~6 guests)
Niseko Resort Guiding AM 4 hours 8:30 am 12:30 pm ¥50,000/group(~6 guests)
Day Trip - Resort Guiding 7 hours Flexible Flexible ¥80,000/group(~6 guests)
Niseko Guiding - BC ACCESS 6 hours Flexible Flexible ¥65,000/group(~5 guests)
Niseko Guiding AM - BC ACCESS 4 hours 8:30 am 12:30 pm ¥50,000/group(~5 guests)
Day Trip Guiding - BC ACCESS 7 hours Flexible Flexible ¥80,000/group(~5 guests)
  • Aged 14 years old and above can participate.
  • Required level:
    • Niseko Resort Guiding / Niseko Resort Guiding AM / Day Trip - Resort Guiding: Refining turns up
    • Niseko Guiding - BC ACCESS / Niseko Guiding AM - BC ACCESS / Day Trip Guiding - BC ACCESS: High Intermediate up
  • Resort Guiding tours will not access any backcountry terrain. 
  • Meeting point:
    • Niseko Resort Guiding / Niseko Resort Guiding / Niseko Guiding - BC ACCESS / Niseko Guiding AM - BC ACCESS: Grand Hirafu (Dot Base or Family Base or Gondola Base)
    • Day Trip - Resort Guiding / Day Trip Guiding - BC ACCESS: Free transportation is included to and from the resort
  • Tour duration is continuous. 6 hour & 7 hour tour include a minimum 30 minute lunch break at your leisure.

Duration Start End Price
Backcountry Guiding 7 hours Flexible Flexible ¥105,000/group(~5 guests)
  • Aged 14 years old and above can participate.
  • Required level: Advanced & Expert
  • Free transportation is included
  • Backcountry safety gears (beacon, shovel, probe) are included
  • Touring equipment is required. If you don't have it, you are able to rent at Rhythm with an additional fee
  • Tour duration is continuous. 6 hour & 7 hour tour include a minimum 30 minute lunch break at your leisure.


Niseko Black

Open up The Niseko Backcountry and far beyond. Being able to explore with no boundaries, deep into the wilderness with only the sound of nature for company, makes for a truly unforgettable experience. Options include hikes close to the resort and those atop Hokkaido’s highest mountains to find the best snow.

Destination Lift Accessed Touring Start Time Max Participants Price<Peak>* Price<Off-Peak>
Off-Piste Guiding Niseko or Moiwa Flexible (8:30 am - 10 am) 4 ¥80,000 ¥70,000
Off-Piste Guiding - Other Resorts Kiroro / Rusutsu / Kokusai / Teine Flexible (8:30 am - 10:30 am) 4 ¥95,000 ¥85,000
Backcountry Touring e.g. Iwaonupuri / Shiribetsudake / Chisenupuri inquire 4 ¥95,000 ¥85,000
Introduction to Touring e.g. Iwaonupuri / Chisenupuri inquire 4 ¥85,000 ¥75,000
*Peak season: Christmas (December 16th, 2022 - January 6th, 2023) and Chinese New Year (January 16th, 2023 - February 6th, 2023)
  • Avalanche Pack Rental is available with additional cost of ¥3,000 / per person


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