When spring arrives in Hokkaido, the missions begin: nights camped on snow in the heart of Daisetsuzan, an island volcano in the Sea of Japan and a wild peninsula on the Sea of Okhotsk.
Most of our winter is spent in Furano, Kamikawa and Daisetsuzan. The Spring Special Missions are different. They are three expedition-style trips we keep going back to ourselves: camping on snow deep inside Daisetsuzan National Park, Rishiri, the lonely volcano at the northern tip of Japan, and Shiretoko, the remote peninsula at the far east of Hokkaido.
All three are harder to reach, more exposed to the weather and far quieter than a normal day of touring from the lodge. We plan each trip around the weather window, and when it opens, we commit.
Enquire About Spring Missions
A snow camp, an island volcano, a wild peninsula.
Read our Rishiri trip report
Daisetsuzan is the biggest national park in Japan and our home range. In spring we carry camp into the middle of it, sleep on snow and ski the peaks that are too far for a day tour.
Rishiri-Fuji rises 1,721 m straight out of the Sea of Japan, off the northern tip of Hokkaido. The climb starts near sea level, the ferry leaves from Wakkanai, and the hardest part is choosing the right weather window.
Eastern Hokkaido · Sea of Okhotsk
Shiretoko is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site: a chain of volcanic peaks running out into the Sea of Okhotsk at the far east of Hokkaido. It is one of the wildest places in Japan to ski.
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Your touring and mountaineering experience, your fitness, who you are travelling with and which mission you want: Daisetsuzan Camping, Rishiri or Shiretoko.
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We reply with dates, the travel plan, the guide team and a quote, with spare days built in for the weather.
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Once we are there, the guide reads the forecast and the snow each day and picks the objective. When the window opens, we go.
We take mountain safety seriously — every day is guided by up-to-date forecasts, local knowledge, and smart decision-making.
Spring Special Missions run in limited numbers each spring and are planned around the weather. Contact us for this season’s dates, availability and prices.
Spring · Daisetsuzan Camping · Rishiri · Shiretoko Peninsula
Dates and prices on request
EXPERIENCED RIDERS
WEATHER-WINDOW TRIPS
SMALL GROUPS
Questions skiers ask before a spring mission in Hokkaido.
Spring Special Missions are our expedition-style ski and splitboard trips for spring in Hokkaido. There are three: Daisetsuzan Camping, a snow-camping trip deep inside Daisetsuzan National Park; Rishiri Island, a 1,721 m volcano standing alone in the Sea of Japan; and the Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in the far east of the island.
They run in spring, when the days are longer and the weather windows on these exposed mountains are more reliable. On Rishiri, mid to late March is usually the best time. Contact us for this season’s dates.
They are for experienced backcountry skiers and splitboarders with good fitness. Rishiri is climbed from near sea level to the summit area, Daisetsuzan Camping means carrying overnight gear and sleeping on snow, and all three missions can involve steep, firm or exposed terrain. If you are new to touring, our Beginner Backcountry Course or the Sea of Snow tour in Furano is a better place to start.
Daisetsuzan National Park is in Central Hokkaido, close to our bases in Kamikawa and Furano. Rishiri is reached by ferry from the port of Wakkanai, at the northern tip of Hokkaido. Shiretoko is in eastern Hokkaido, on the Sea of Okhotsk. We plan the travel with your group when we build the trip.
Weather is the main challenge on every mission, and Rishiri in particular sits in the path of most storms. We plan each trip with flexibility, watch the forecast closely and commit when a window opens. If the main objective is not possible, the guide chooses a safer alternative for the day.
The price depends on the mission, the number of days and the size of your group. Send us an enquiry and we will reply with dates and a quote.
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
Tell us about yourself and your group and we will come back with dates and a quote.