Winter Backcountry Touring FAQs

Yes, you will need touring equipment! Don't have room in your bags? No worries, we rent touring skis and splitboards. We offer rental packages that will include a boot rental, however, we do recommend bringing your own boots for maximum comfort on the skintrack. Please note that our skis use pin bindings and we do not offer a step-in boot option for splitboarders.

Absolutely! You can book Backcountry Touring as long as you are comfortable with the following:

• Experienced and confident riding powder 

• At least a level four - intermediate on our ability chart  

• A reasonable level of fitness 

If you’re going touring for the first time, our guides will take some extra time to introduce you to the equipment, explain the rules of the backcountry, and be sure to work with you to choose a tour that is suitable to your level/ambitions.

Our Backcountry Tours operate in a variety of areas and terrain around Niseko. The area we visit will depend on the snow conditions and avalanche risks on the day, as well as your goals, ability and fitness level. Ahead of your tour we will be reaching out to gather more information as your guide begins to plan the day!

We will provide an avalanche safety pack that includes a backpack, beacon, shovel, and probe. Along with this, we recommend bringing:

• Sunglasses (walking in your goggles will fog them up!)

• Sunscreen

• One litre of water

• Energy bars and a small packed lunch

• Change of neck warmer and gloves

• Thin gloves for hiking uphill

• Lightweight hat to hike in

• Helmet

• A good night of sleep!

The aim here is to keep yourself warm and dry from snow and sweat. We recommend wearing:

• Merino wool base layers keep you warm while also remaining breathable.  

• Thin down jacket that you can take off when you get too warm.  

• Shell jacket and pants to keep you protected from the snow and wind.

• Dedicated ski socks to keep your feet warm and to avoid blisters.

• Balaclava to protect your face from the snow, sun, and wind

• Sunglasses for the uphill travel and goggles for the downhill. 

It is worth noting that backcountry touring can often be hot work! Walking uphill often requires you to take a layer off to stop you overheating. It’s recommended to bring some extra layers so you can adjust what you’re wearing throughout the day.

For our Backcountry Tours, we require a minimum skill level 4 –  Intermediate. This will be necessary to ensure you will be able to safely navigate the variable conditions and terrain which is in the backcountry.

Yes, backcountry safety equipment is required.  As part of the tour each guest will be provided with an avalanche safety pack that includes a backpack, beacon, shovel and probe. You are welcome to bring your own avalanche safety pack provided you have all mandatory tools. If you are planning to bring your own equipment, please let our guest services team know.

Planning a safe backcountry experience requires preparation. The latest we can book a backcountry experience is 24-hours  before your tour. However, during peak season we are often fully-booked for tours well in advance so we may not have a guide available for you at short notice.

Yes, we need to know how many people are joining the tour, and the ability of everyone within the group. This ensures that your guide can plan a tour that is suitable for everyone and that all members will have avalanche safety packs prepared for the tour.