Niseko Terrain Guide
Why is it that so many of us venture to one tiny section of Japan year-in, year-out, in constantly growing numbers? Pow, baby!
If you’ve ever heard of Niseko, you’ll undoubtedly know that there’s no better pow worldwide than right here! Whether you’re looking to smash out some turns on the resorts groomers, find the best sidecountry powder pockets, or avoid peak seasons crowds by immersing yourself in Niseko’s ever-growing backcountry community, our Niseko Region Terrain Guide is your complete resource for finding the best untracked pow near you.
backcountry hot spots
Mt yotei
You’ve looked at it enough, why not finally shred it? Yotei offers endless bowls in all aspects of the mountain, beautiful treelines and spectacular views.
Kiroro
When the sun finally shows itself in Kiroro, a lot of beautiful peaks will appear including Mini Alaska & the highest peak called Yoichi dake.
SHIRIBETSU DAKE
Shiribetsu is famous for deep and spacious gullies on many aspects of the mountain. Reaching the main ridge line will amaze you with stunning views of Yotei and the local area.
NITONUPURI
On the way to Goshiki onsen you will find a popular and easy-access mountain called Nitonupuri. Nito has surprisingly a lot of fun terrain on offer in all aspects.
GOSHIKI ONSEN
This area has a lot of different terrain on offer and doesn’t need much effort to access. The steaming natural hotsprings make for a uniquely scenic experience.
CHISENUPURI
Two classic strato volcano shaped mountains filled with dry hokkaido powder.
To summit, you will need to cover some ground on the ascent. It’s a popular touring area, especially towards springtime.
The backcountry can be dangerous. Avalanches, glide cracks, and hidden creeks are common. Please have an experienced guide accompany you whenever leaving resort boundaries.
Gate system guide
Backcountry without the hike?! That’s the dream… but it also sounds impossible? Not in Japan.
Niseko’s gate system offers riders a chance to access ungroomed, side and backcountry runs similar to what you’d find in the backcountry, all from the comfort and convenience of a chairlift. The gates offer an almost unlimited amount of backcountry options, increasing the terrain on the mountain by over 50%.
All of this terrain is accessible by lift with minimal hiking.
The backcountry in Niseko is unpatrolled avalanche terrain, therefore, we strongly recommend that you hire a guide for your own safety.
Rhythm Rides‘ experienced guides operate daily in the Niseko area and can take you to the best lines in the backcountry.
Kozan no sawa
Peak Access
Expert Terrain
Also called “Backbowl,” Kozan no Sawa is steep terrain off the peak. A 20-min hike from Gate 3 gets you there. The playful runout features a natural half pipe back to the resort.
Kita Shamen
Peak Access
Expert Terrain
For the adventurous, Kita Shamen is a 20-min hike from the peak to a big north-facing powder field with the coldest snow. The long traverse back is tiring—but worth it.
Jackson's
Peak Access
Deep Pow
For peak powder, head to Jackson’s on the east face. Hike 20 mins from Gate 3 and drop toward Hanazono. After blower turns, hike back along the summer route.
Osawa Bowl
Easy Access
Osawa Bowl offers great powder with minimal effort. Traverse out of Gate 1, 2, or 8 to find spacious trees, natural pipes, and fun drops. The runout brings you back to Annupuri.
Mizuno No Sawa
Deep Pow
Found at Gate 11 in Niseko Village, this bowl offers long, deep runs in open trees. The easy runout leads straight to the gondola—no hiking required, perfect for lapping all day.
TEine Gate
Advanced Terrain
Teine is known for steep, deep terrain with open bowls and spicy cliffs. Enjoy stunning views over Sapporo and the sea. The runout is a traverse back to the resort—perfect for fast peak laps.
moiwa
Deep Pow
From Gate 6, drop into Moiwa or hike further to Mikeari Bowl. Both offer deep snow, tree runs, drops, and natural half pipes. Stay high to avoid flats or ending up in Annupuri.
Anbetsu Creek Side
Deep Pow
Head out of Gate 10 for spacious powder bowls, open faces, and fun tree runs. Don’t go too far west or you’ll face a long traverse. Getting back to the lift may require some pushing or skating.
Asari Gate
Peak Access
Deep Pow
Asari Gate is the most popular, offering various backcountry options. Choose from spacious bowls, tree runs, and deep snow. You can also venture to Kiroro's peak, Yoichi Dake, but touring gear and
Nagamine Gate
Deep Pow
The more remote gate, offering mellow starts but great tree runs with pillows and deep snow if you know where to go. The long runout requires careful navigation—avoid getting stuck in flats on deep
Venturing beyond the gates can be dangerous. Please have an experienced guide accompany you whenever leaving resort boundaries.
useful resources
All our insider information from where to onsen, eat and stay, to tips on how best to get around, what to bring and more...
Frequently asked questions
Everyone skiing/snowboarding in backcountry areas should wear a helmet and carry an avalanche beacon.
In the Niseko area "Haru no taki" and "Yu no sawa" areas are strictly off limits at all times
No, a regular lift-pass is all that is required to upload and reach the various gates. Note that if the gates are closed the terrain beyond is strictly off limits.
Visit https://niseko.nadare.info/ for official Niseko avalanche updates. Do not venture beyond the resort boundaries without a trained local guide.