New to touring? This is your entry point. Learn how to move efficiently, stay safe, and enjoy your first taste of backcountry skiing and snowboarding guided by professionals in mellow terrain with big rewards.
Base yourself at Yukiumi Furano, our cozy private lodge in the heart of Hokkaido’s snow country, and build the skills and confidence to begin your backcountry journey. Over five unforgettable days, you'll learn essential techniques, safety practices, and explore mellow powder terrain with experienced guides by your side.
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We really pride ourselves on the vibe we create at our lodges. With home-cooked breakfasts and dinners, we offer a mix of traditional Japanese food and meals to suit any diet. Each lodge is designed for comfort, ensuring a good night’s rest so you wake up refreshed and ready for whatever the next day brings.
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We take mountain safety seriously — every day is guided by up-to-date forecasts, local knowledge, and smart decision-making.
Experience the legendary powder of Central Hokkaido while staying at our new lodge in Kamifurano. This 7-day program combines professional Japanese mountain guiding, small groups, daily onsen visits, and access to some of the best backcountry terrain in Japan.
7 Days / 6 Nights
$3,800USD per person
DECEMBER 20TH - DECEMBER 26TH
DECEMBER 30TH - JANUARY 5TH
JANUARY 9TH - JANUARY 15TH
JANUARY 19TH - JANUARY 25TH
JANUARY 29TH - FEBRUARY 4TH
FEBRUARY 8TH - FEBRUARY 14TH
FEBRUARY 18TH - FEBRUARY 24TH
FEBRUARY 28TH - MARCH 6TH
MARCH 10TH - MARCH 16TH
Questions first-time ski tourers ask before coming to Hokkaido.
No. The course is designed as an entry point for skiers and snowboarders who are new to touring. We ride mellow terrain at a relaxed pace while you build skills and confidence.
You learn the basics of ski touring and splitboarding: how to use avalanche safety gear, how to skin uphill and move efficiently, and how to read terrain and conditions with your guide. Every day starts with a briefing on the weather, avalanche conditions and the plan.
You stay at our lodge in Kamifurano, near Furano, in Central Hokkaido. Each day's zone is chosen from the conditions, around the Furano Ski Resort sidecountry, Tokachidake, Furanodake and Asahidake.
The course includes six nights in our lodge in shared rooms for two guests, five days of introductory guiding and skills coaching, daily breakfast, a daily onsen visit, Asahikawa Airport pick-up and drop-off, and all local transport. Flights, dinners, lunches on touring days, onsen entrance fees, lift tickets, alcoholic drinks and travel insurance are not included.
Groups are small: a maximum of four guests per guide, or six guests with two guides. Groups are matched by ability so the pace works for everyone.
You can bring your own touring setup or rent from us. We rent touring ski sets, splitboard sets and avalanche safety gear, and every guest rides with a beacon, shovel and probe.
The course runs on fixed seven-day sessions through the Hokkaido winter, from late December to mid-March. The current dates and price are listed in the schedule on this page. Send us an enquiry with your preferred dates to check availability.
Customer Reviews
Trust me, Sergi and Gérard are the two guys you want to go backountry skiing with. They know the area better than their pockets and they make sur to bring you to the sickest tours, regarding the snow conditions and your wishes. They are some real meteorologist and knows exactly were and when is the place to be regarding the snowfalls. In addition, their crew is amazing and Will cook really good food for you. We will definitaley come back soon ! Thanks again for everything.
Benjamin Schmutz
We had two wonderful weeks of skiing here at yukiumi Hokkaido ! Gerard took so much care of us and was an amazing guide ! This guy knows all the best spots, even when the weather was not promising, he managed to find something good to ski. The breakfast was super good and filling, perfect for a ski day ! Ski->onsen->eat->sleep->repeat. I will be back for sure !
Théo Schmutz
A giant thank you to Gerard and the Yukiumi crew for 2 awesome weeks of backcountry skiing. Everything was a 11 out of 10 from skiing to food. They know where to bring you skiing according to the forecast and where to go to avoid the crowd. They were more a family then a guiding tour company. If you look for some backcountry skiing and people that can show you all the hidden runs then you are at the right spot with Yukiumi crew. Arigato
Julien Corminboeuf
This one felt so special! I'm impressed by the place they've build themselves - so much passion and dedication went into cooking, guiding and riding. Everyday first lines and onsen. Hope to see that new family sometimes again! Arigato!
Dominique Müller
I have been with them for 1 week and it has been incredible. They are a very professional group and very attentive to everything. They have taken us to incredible places and we have made a lot of progress with our skiing and snowboarding technique. I recommend them 100x100 to people who want new experiences and enjoy Hokkaido.
Victor Muñoz
The Yukiumi-Hokkaido-Crew is one of a kind 🤝 Don't worry, u will get the best Pow each & everyday! Gerard and all other guides will guide you to the best and eaven some secret spots where u can enjoy the unique Japow almost all alone! Not to forgett, the Food u will get at the place is amazing ♥️ Hope to see u again....very soon ✌️
Sascha Dietrich
We spent New Year's Eve with family and it was an unforgettable week, Yukiumi is a very well-kept, clean and very comfortable Hokkaido, we enjoyed the snow a lot, very grateful to Gerard, a very good guide and very professional, to Arnau for cooking so well, to Yutaka and Sergi, they are all charming, helpful and very professional. It snowed every day, it was an incredible experience
Natalia de Juan
Sergi and Gerard run Yukiumi Hokkaido lodging and guiding company. They live in Japan all year long and are basically locals in Central/Northern Hokkaido. They are great fun to ride with and are very professional. Check their insta and you will see they know how to find the goods. Call them and up and see what they can offer for you, you won’t be disappointed.
Jakub
I really enjoyed this trip! Sergi and Ayako took good care of us. Both, the food and the Backcountry touring were amazing. Ayako prepared the best breakfast and the best dinners for us! ChoooOoOo oishi! I also loved the onigiri for lunch. Sergi explored the Backcountry with us and delivered the lightest powder ever. I fell in love with Kurodake.! The rooms were cosy and spacious enough for two people. The living room was great to hang out with this nice group of people we meat for the first time.
Georg
Sergi and Gerard are the best guides you can find. They are fun, knowledgeable and flexible. You will be in powder all day so don't skip leg days in the lead up! Book with these guys, you won't be disappointed! Great for skiers and snowboarders!
Ben Rudes
