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.
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.
HPG – Hanazono Powder Guides
■ December 5, 2025 – April 6, 2026 (TBC) *Operation period depends on the snow condition
■ Start Time 7:30 am for First Tracks Guaranteed
| Tour | Duration | Price | Starting time | Guiding Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Full Day Tour | 6 Hours | ¥125,000 (1-4 guests/1 guide)* | 7:30 am (First Track Service) 8:30 am (Without First Track Service) |
Niseko United resorts - Lift-accessed backcountry terrain |
|
Tail Guide* |
6 Hours | ¥60,000 (per group) |
- Pick up and drop off service from your accommodation for all tours
- All Avalanche Safety Equipment included in the Tour cost
Rhythm Rides
■ December 13, 2025 – April 12, 2026
■ Operating periods are adjusted depending on resort operating changes, snow conditions & other operational matters.
■ Aged 14 years old and above can participate.
Resort Guiding
Niseko Resort Guiding: ¥110,000
・Intermediate to Expert level riders only
・6 hours of private inbound guiding within Niseko United, including 30 minutes lunch break
・Up to 6 guests per guide
・Flexible start times 8:30/9:00/9:30/10am
・Meeting point >> .Base/King Gondola/Family Base/Rest House Annupuri
・Skiers & boarders can ride together on this tour
・(Optional) Upgrade and experience neighbouring resorts with the Explorer Upgrade +30,000JPY
★Great for riders new to Niseko!
Lift Accessed Backcountry
Lift Accessed Backcountry: ¥120,000
・Intermediate to Expert level riders only
・6 hours of private guiding within Niseko United, include 30 minutes lunch break
・Professional backcountry guides with avalanche safety qualifications.
・Include avalanche safety equipment for each guest
・Maximum 5 guests per guide
・Start time 8:30am
・Meeting point >> .Base/King Gondola
・Skiers & boarders can ride together on this tour
・(Optional) Upgrade and experience neighbouring resorts with the Explorer Upgrade +30,000JPY
★Great for experienced riders looking for fresh tracks!
Backcountry Touring
Backcountry Touring: ¥150,000
・Intermediate to Expert level riders only
・Start time: 8:00am
・8 hours of private touring within Niseko, including 2hrs of travel time. Average touring time is 5-6 hours depending on zone and fitness level
・Professional backcountry guides with avalanche safety qualifications.
・Include avalanche safety equipment for each guest
・Maximum 5 guests per guide
・Suitable for those with no prior touring experience
★Great for experienced riders looking for fresh tracks!
Niseko Black
■ December 1, 2025- April 10, 2026
Off-Piste Guiding
Niseko or Moiwa: ¥135,000 ~ 145,000
・Flexible start times 8:30/9:00/9:30/10am
・Pick up is included 30 minutes prior to the start time
・Include avalanche safety equipment for each guest
・Maximum 4 guests per guide
Off Piste Guiding
Rusutsu: ¥145,000 ~ 155,000
・Flexible start times 8:30/9:00/9:30/10am
・Pick up is included 30 minutes prior to the start time
・Include avalanche safety equipment for each guest
・Maximum 4 guests per guide
Off Piste Guiding
Kiroro: ¥155,000 ~ 165,000
・Flexible start times 8:30/9:00/9:30/10am
・Pick up is included 30 minutes prior to the start time
・Include avalanche safety equipment for each guest
・Maximum 4 guests per guide
Backcountry Touring
Guide’s recommendations based on: ¥140,000 ~ 150,000
・Flexible start times 8:30/9:00/9:30/10:00/10:30am
・Pick up is included 60 minutes prior to the start time
・Include avalanche safety equipment for each guest
・Maximum 4 guests per guide
・(If any preference) Shiribetsudake/Chisenupuri/Iwaonupuri/Weiss
Backcountry Touring
Mt. Yotei: ¥150,000 ~ 160,000
** This tour is for experienced skiers and riders who have had experience of skinning and touring.**
・Start times – inquire
・Pick up & Drop off included
・Include avalanche safety equipment for each guest
・Maximum 4 guests per guide
Introduction to Touring
Guide’s recommendations based on: ¥135,000 ~ 145,000
**This ‘Intro to Touring’ day will show you the ropes with all things touring, from going through the set up to getting your skins on and ski touring or split-boarding an area that your guide decides. This day is a great way to start your touring experience with our highly experienced guides taking you along every step of the way.**
・Start times – inquire
・Pick up & Drop off included
・Include avalanche safety equipment for each guest
・Maximum 4 guests per guide
・(If any preference) Iwaonupuri/Goshiki Onsen/Chisenupuri/Weiss
Interested?
Looking to find out more information on this or would like help booking? We provide booking services to all guests staying with Vacation Niseko.
Contact us TodayLet a professional backcountry guide lead you to Niseko’s secret powder stashes and hidden runs.
