Niseko Lift-Access Backcountry Guiding

Ready for an unforgettable backcountry experience in Niseko? Rhythm Rides offers lift-accessed backcountry guiding that will take you to remote backcountry terrain accessible via the resort.

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EARLY BIRD - 20% OFF RENTALS, LESSONS, GUIDING & PACKAGES
OFFER ENDS JULY 31, 2025
EARLY BIRD - 20% OFF RENTALS, LESSONS, GUIDING & PACKAGES
Niseko Lift Access Backcountry

Enjoy our 20% Early Bird discount until the 31st July. Black out periods and T's&C's apply.

Book Guiding

Things to know

Intermediate to Expert level riders only

6 hours of private guiding within Niseko United

Professional backcountry guides with avalanche safety qualifications. We include avalanche safety equipment for each guest

Maximum 5 guests per guide

Skiers & boarders can ride together on this tour!

Experience is tailored to your group's goals

(Optional) Upgrade and experience neighbouring resorts with our Explorer Upgrade

What to bring

Valid lift pass for each participant (not included)

Helmet (highly recommended)

Ski or snowboard equipment (not included)

Sunscreen & lip balm

Lunch, light snacks & water

Cost: ¥120,000 for full day guiding & safety equipment. 

We did a guided backcountry day with Joey, and it was amazing. Honestly, we wished we’d scheduled one for every day we were skiing in Niseko! It seemed like a whole different mountain after he showed us around.

Eric Collins, Google Reviews

Great experience! Guide gave us lots of information about the mountain, be it safety tips, info about which gates to go through, etc. Really just anything you could want to know, and more, he had the answer ready. 10/10 experience. 

Nick Dayton, Google Reviews

“I got a Lift access package and went out with Daniel Casanga. He was extremely attentive, helpful and best of all showed me all the great spots on and around the entire mountain. I highly recommend anyone interested in wanting to explore the mountain to get this package.” 

Daniel Faircloth, Google Reviews
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Safety First

Our highly certified instructors prioritise safety at all times when on the mountain to ensure they create a comfortable environment you feel confident in.

Expert instruction, local knowledge

Our team is selected for their experience and commitment to the industry, alongside their deep knowledge of the local area.

Multilingual Instructor

Our diverse team is capable of offering lessons in a variety of languages including English, Spanish, French, Dutch and Japanese.

Where we'll meet

Choose to start your lesson from one of 3 meeting locations across the Grand Hirafu Resort. Our recommended meeting location for this tour is King Gondola Base to beat the crowds to the backcountry gates. If you choose the Explorer Upgrade, we'll arrange private transport to pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation.

Directions
Directions
Directions

EXCLUSIONS & CANCELLATION POLICY

Your booking covers the activity only and does not include lift passes, gear and equipment rental, food/drinks, or personal insurance (participants must arrange their own coverage). Transportation to and from the meeting point is not included (unless specifically purchased as part of the Explorer Upgrade).

Available from 22/12/2025 - 31/03/2026. Operates in most weather conditions—cancellations rare but possible.

Cancellation can be made up to 7 days prior, a full refund will be provided for any reason. Please review our T&C’s and FAQs for full information before booking.

There is no guarantee that gates will open each day as this is heavily dependent on the weather and conditions. If the gate system is partially open, the tour will still run and your guide will access the best snow and terrain available.

It is not possible to rearrange the tour due to lack of ‘powder’ – if the lifts are operating, and the gate system is open the tour will run.

View all Terms & Conditions
Niseko Lift Access Backcountry

Enjoy our 20% Early Bird discount until the 31st July. Black out periods and T's&C's apply.

Book Guiding

Go beyond Niseko United!

Discover neighbouring resort areas like Rusutsu, Moiwa or Kiroro with our Explorer Upgrade for an additional fee of ¥30,000 JPY. Enjoy private transport, extended riding time, and exclusive terrain!

EXPLORE OTHER GUIDING EXPERIENCES

Our team of expert guides and instructors create a safe and unforgettable experience for skiers and snowboarders. We offer resort guiding within Niseko United, lift-accessed guiding to access the backcountry through Niseko’s gate system and guided trips to nearby resorts.

Niseko Resort Guiding

Intermediate & up

Explore Niseko's Best Resorts 

Are you an experienced rider who's new to Niseko? Rhythm Rides offers Resort Guiding, the best way to discover the mountain by taking the guesswork out of where to find the best snow!
Backcountry Touring

Intermediate & up

Escape the crowds and experience epic powder

Whether it's your first experience touring or you feel at home in the backcountry, touring in Niseko will take you away from the crowds to limitless options of untracked terrain and epic views.
JaPow Experience

Level 5+

Access Niseko's Best Powder

Up to 5ppl / Ages 14+

Experience the true Hokkaido and discover the bottomless powder that the region is famous for on expertly led tours by local guides. This is a lift-access-backcountry guiding experience. 

USEFUL INFORMATION

Frequently asked questions

The big difference between the two is the terrain you will be riding. Resort guiding will focus on the terrain inside the resort boundaries whereas a Lift-accessed Backcountry tour will head through the gates and into the backcountry that is unpatrolled. This doesn’t mean just the groomers on a Resort Guiding tour - there are plenty of tree runs and powder to be found in the resort!

Yes, you will need a lift pass for the Resort Guiding and the Lift-accessed Backcountry tours. The only tour we offer that does not require a lift pass is Backcountry Touring.

Yes, we highly recommend that you bring or hire Premium Powder Equipment to get the most out of your day.  Powder in Japan is often deeper and drier than anywhere in the world. This is amazing but it can also be challenging. Powder-specific equipment has really made leaps and bounds in recent years, and having the right equipment can take you from zero to hero in no time. If you are unsure what you should book, please contact our team.

For our Resort Tour a skill level of 4 - Intermediate is recommended at a minimum, as this will allow you to ride a variety of terrain on your tour. 

By upgrading your Resort Guiding you will open up the possibility of exploring a range of resort options outside of Niseko United, such as Rusutsu and Kiroro. Check out our Terrain Guide to discover more.

Your upgraded tour will now include:

  • Six-hours of guiding 
  • Private transport, with pick-up and drop-off directly at your accommodation 
  • Additional two-hours to cover travel time
  • Opportunity to explore another resort
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