Furano and Kamikawa sit on either side of Daisetsuzan National Park, home to the biggest mountains in Hokkaido and some of the lightest powder in Japan. These are the peaks we ski and ride.
Central Hokkaido is where the island's storms dry out as they cross the land, which is why Furano and its valley are known for some of the driest snow in Japan. From our lodges in Furano and Kamikawa we guide backcountry ski and snowboard tours across the whole range, choosing the mountain each day by snow, wind and visibility.
About 25 minutes from our Furano lodge, Tokachidake is an active volcano with wide alpine terrain above the treeline. Tours start near Fukiage Onsen, climb through forest and open onto steep upper slopes and long, flowing powder bowls. Snow stays good well into spring, and the day usually ends in a natural onsen.
Next door to Tokachidake, Furanodake is a longer skin from the Tokachidake Onsen area, through forest and out onto open slopes with views across the range. It is quieter than its neighbours and suits experienced skiers who want bigger days, with steep chutes and wide bowls to choose from.
Furano is one of the largest ski resorts in Hokkaido, with steep tree skiing and lift-accessed backcountry through the resort gates. It is a good place to start a trip, to ski Furano on a storm day, or to join a beginner backcountry course. Read more in our Furano Resort guide.
Asahidake is the highest mountain in Hokkaido and the heart of Daisetsuzan National Park. A ropeway from Asahidake Onsen gives quick access to mellow powder fields and steeper lines, with volcanic steam vents rising beside the skin track. More in our Asahidake Ropeway article.
On the north side of Daisetsuzan, Kurodake rises above Sounkyo Gorge in Kamikawa. The ropeway gains height fast, and the terrain is steep, technical and deep: the mountain for strong riders who want to ski Kamikawa at its best. It is the centrepiece of our Kamikawa backcountry tour, and we cover it in our Kurodake Ropeway article.
Away from the ropeways, the Kamikawa area has lesser-known tours such as Sandan-yama, with open glades and gentle bowls at a more relaxed pace. These are the days for untracked snow and nobody else around.
When the snow melts, the same mountains turn into alpine meadows, volcanic ridgelines and long trails. We run Daisetsuzan hiking tours and trail running tours on Kurodake, Asahidake and Furanodake.
See all our Hokkaido backcountry tours, book a private day tour from Furano, sort your ski or splitboard rental, or read our guides to the top backcountry routes in Furano and Kamikawa and the best time of year to ski here.
