Unlocking The Gates To Niseko's Fresh Pow
Picture this – you’re riding untracked pow lines, waist-deep tree runs, and the best that Niseko’s backcountry has to offer, without ever needing to venture on a super long hike.
Backcountry without the hike?! That’s the dream… but it also sounds impossible? Well, not in Japan.
If you’ve ever seen videos, you’ll know that skiing Japan’s backcountry looks like the absolute best riding you can ever do, the 5 a.m. wake up calls, multi-kilometre mountain hikes and expensive, but essential safety equipment on the other hand, don’t sound nearly as appealing.
Which is why Niseko offers the gate system!
Alright, what’s the gate system?
If this is your first time hearing of a gate system, don’t stress, it doesn’t mean you’re lining up to battle it out in a downhill race with every lap (although, that doesn’t sound bad). The gate system found in Niseko 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.
“Having grown up in Andorra, the main difference between the gates system in Japan compared to the resorts in Argentina and Andorra is that in order to do freeride in these resorts, you have to know where you’re going and know the terrain you’re about to ski, that takes time and usually means that you have to go with people that already know the ways. In Hirafu (Niseko), this is quite different because you know exactly where the freeride paths start and you have them in a map, which means if you are a decent skier you can go through all of them safely without major inconveniences.” – Germi, I.T.
What Will You Need?
As you’re riding in un-groomed terrain outside the boundaries of the resort, we strongly urge you to keep in mind that you are in an area that ski patrol can’t reach you, as such, make sure you bring all essential backcountry safety gear such as a beacon, probe, and shovel. Hopefully you won’t need to use it, but you’d much rather have it on you in case you do.
“Some of Niseko’s best terrain and powder is found through the gate system. My personal favourite is gate 11 at Niseko Village. A short uphill hike is required to get there but the ride down is totally worth it! Steep and deep pow turns the whole way down.” – Mark, Germi’s Boss
Rules
Just because it’s ungroomed doesn’t mean it’s completely lawless territory, there are still rules that must be followed. Some of which are:
- Do not enter prohibited areas: Boundary ropes are there for a reason, abide by them.
- No ski patrol: Ride safely, if you fall and break a bone it’s a long hike out.
- If gates are closed, DO NOT ENTER. This will usually be due to avalanche risk or other identified dangers.
- If you do require search and rescue efforts, the cost is on you!
- Children under 12 may not enter the gates boundaries, even if with a certified guide.
Please note: All resorts have slight variations in their set rules, please be sure to educate yourself with the rules of the mountain you’re riding at. These rules are based on Niseko United.
“Riding the north face from the peak is awesome! You get ocean views, Yotei views AND powder!” – Morgan, Rhythm Rides
Our Tips and Tricks for Niseko’s Best Gate Rides
For a detailed guide to the biggest and best backcountry resorts in the Niseko region, click here! For our personal picks, read on:
Strawberry Fields – Hanazono
In terms of local favourites, you’ll hear the name ‘Strawberry Fields’ thrown around a lot. And no, Niseko-goers aren’t just huge fans of the iconic Beatles song or the 4-day bush doof hosted along New South Wales, Murray River (looking at you Snow Machine crew). Strawberry Fields refers to a gate found in Hanazono, where riders will encounter steeper terrain than on offer in-resort and 300 metres of soft, pillowy pow.
Pro tip: Go in the morning. As Strawberry Fields is a local favourite, it gets tracked out a lot quicker than other gates around the area!
Kozan No Sawa: Gate 3 to Hirafu Peak/Backbowl, Grand Hirafu
Deep pow, untracked terrain, tree runs, and natural half-pipes – to break the fourth wall for a second, it’s by far the best terrain this writer has ever experienced.
Banana – Hanazono
Half a kilometre of tight, steep treelines? Count us in.
Gate 2 – Annupuri Peak, Annupuri
If you’re in Niseko United exploring the gate systems, Annupuri’s Gate 2 into Osawa Bowl is a must. A deep gully filled with endless treelines, natural sidehits and of course, those sweet, sweet pow pillows that we’re all chasing.
Gate 6 – Moiwa Backbowl, Moiwa
Just off the top lift, out of Gate 6 you can enter the Moiwa bowl, with a little longer ridge walk you can enter the Mikeari bowl. Both offer amazing tree skiing with drops and natural half pipes, in often deep snow conditions! Don’t drop too low, otherwise you might get stuck in the flat or in Annupuri ski resort.
Gate 10 – Anbetsu Creek, Moiwa
Head out of Gate 10 to ride some amazing spacious powder bowls. There are some great open faces and treeruns to be found. Don’t venture too far West in this zone or you could end up traversing for a long time. To head back to the lift may require some pushing or skating.
“The evening I arrived in Niseko, I got a text: “Peak is opening tomorrow. Keen?”
Heck yeah, I was keen—though a bit out of shape! I unpacked my board bag and laid out all my gear so I could jump straight into action at the crack of dawn.
That morning was a little overcast, but the snow base had been building up nicely over the past few weeks. I met up with the crew, received my transceiver, and downed a banana to prep for the first-day lineup at the pizza chair and the 20-minute hike to the top.
The wait for the top chair was slow, with cutting winds, but my banana-fuel burned hot, and the hike to the peak brought on a good sweat. Small prices to pay for those first turns from the top!
Dropping in among the clouds, visibility was 5 metres at best, but I caught a moment during a break in the clouds to pick my line. Dropping in! Every turn was bottomless, Niseko’s famous powder spraying up and pulling me ever deeper into the white room—it truly felt like I was riding through a frozen cloud!
I followed the whoops ahead of me and broke out of the cloud cover, enjoying untracked turns all the way down the gully and onto the cat track. Stoked and with my face caked in frozen snow, I was about as happy as I’ve ever been on any mountain. Now, my goal is to top that experience for the #1 spot this winter!” – Jaron, Creative Director