Asahidake
Central Hokkaido is home to a mountain range with 2,000-metre-high peaks towering over the lands like proud guardians. The tallest of these many mountains is Asahidake, standing at an elevation of 2,291 metres and known as a backcountry sanctuary. It is approximately one hour from the city of Asahikawa and beckons to be visited.
The ski area of Asahidake features one ropeway and three courses, but what brings skiers and snowboarders from far and wide is undoubtedly its huge backcountry slopes. In fact, many avid snow-lovers will come heavily equipped to hike up from the ropeway to the mountain’s peak so they can gaze upon the huge expanse cloaked in wafting volcanic smoke. There’s something about skiing down these slopes surrounded by this majestic view that only Asahidake offers. Asahidake also has many powder-snow areas that don’t require any hiking, so you won’t miss out on the fun if poor or dangerous conditions prevent you from taking on the hike.
Patrols aren’t conducted on the main course of Asahidake, meaning that if anything were to happen while in the off-piste areas it would take time to seek help and costs surrounding the ordeal would be significant. If you’re heading out there for the first time. I highly recommend engaging the services of a guide for safety and to make the most of your time there.
Kurodake
Amongst the same range of towering mountains featuring Asahidake is Kurodake with its massive backcountry area luring lovers of snowsports in. The northeast slope of the 1,984-metre-tall mountain is one of the most renowned in all of Hokkaido. Mount Kurodake carves a silhouette of a sharp peak slicing through the sky and hardcore snow fans adore the huge slope stretching from the lofty top. The ropeway here will take you straight over to the base of the ski area where you can then hop onto a ski lift to head further up. Once you’re off the lift, you can hike all the way to the peak and then start your descent through the massive backcountry area. Be sure to come fully equipped and prepared if you’re itching to shred the off-piste areas.
This ski area is particularly popular from November to December (outside of the extremely cold portion of the year) and from March to May (during the spring season) thanks to its handy lifts enabling easy trips around the authorised courses.
At the base of the mountain is Sounkyo—one of the most famous hot-spring areas in Hokkaido and a great place to relax after a day of skiing. For more activities outside of skiing, perhaps an early-morning hike might interest you. As the ropeway opens at 8 a.m. (and the lift at 9 a.m.), those who are feeling particularly energetic can head up on the ropeway and then climb to the peak before the ski lifts even start operating.
