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Japan Routes
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Japan Routes
90 public items in this list
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Makkari Mura - Backcountry (Matt)
Matt's Route - he loved it.
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Chitose Shi - Backcountry
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Date Shi - Backcountry
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Kimobetsu Cho - Backcountry
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Sapporo Shi - Backcountry
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Makkimo Route (Yotei-zan, Hokkaido, Japan)
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Powder line (often icy beyond here)
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Crampons may be required
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Large parking area
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Kiroro 1107m & 992m Peaks (Hokkaido, Japan)
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1107m Peak
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992m Peak
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Avalanche danger
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Find a snow-bridge
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Backcountry gate
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Parking
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Parking
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Kiroro Mountain Center
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Mountain Center Bus Terminal
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Public toilets
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Chisenupuri Ascent South
The classic route up Chisenupuri. It is not recommended to go higher than the top of the old lift system on storm days. Start at old Chisenupuri parking lot. It is the large lot on the left just before the hot springs on your left off of Route 66. You know you have gone too far if you reach the intersection of Route 66 and Route 58. This is a very straightforward ascent that is recommended in fair weather, as the gem of this route is Chisenupuridake itself, rather than the lower terrain that makes up the old ski resort. That said, there is some rather exciting and enjoyable terrain located in the old resort if it is a storm day. From the parking lot, follow the dominant track up the piste to the climbers left. This will wrap around slowly to the top of the chairlift. One of the nicest things about this route is that it is popular and one will frequently find a skin track that leads through the woods. There is a cat skiing operation in this area, and it is possible to catch a lift with them to the top of the old ski resort, saving a fair bit of effort. Once on top of the old resort, enter the trees heading N/NE towards the main mountain. You will be climbing the S rib, or the SW face, depending on snow coverage and conditions. Though you will be able to see exactly where you are going, do not be deceived, as the hike is farther and longer than it appears. Budget at least an hour and a half to reach the summit. Be cautious at the top. This peak is close to the ocean, and gets a lot of wind. There is frequently rime and ice on the upper portions of the climb that can make skinning very difficult. As with many of the other volcanoes in the area, be wary of holes that form due to wind or snowpack creep. Resist the temptation to climb the SE face as this is frequently skied and is prone to wind loading near the top. Written by FATMAP Official
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Gate 1
Wide open powder skiing with a mix of playful trees and halfpipe style terrain Access to this zone is through Gate 1, located about half way down the Champion Piste on the riders far right. This zone can technically be accessed by the Ace Pair Lift 4, and the King Lift 4, though it requires a peculiar traverse. It is much easier to use the Jumbo Pair Lift 4 to access this zone through the standard route, via the Champion Piste. After exiting Gate 1, the primary zone dips immediately fall line into an open powder field. One can find fresh snow later on by traversing farther right, but this means they will hit the central gully sooner which is frequently heavily tracked out and at times will have open water down low. Avoid this, and instead follow the open shot, and work to the riders left. After about 200m, the open shot trends towards the riders right, into the gully. One can cut to the left and remain high on the bench just before the creek. This is safer and offers better skiing. Be wary as there is a large drop going into the creek. Approach it with caution, and if possible, try to enter the creek bed farther down. The outlined route has the rider working the W wall of Gate 1, which holds good snow, and is usually a bit more protected from the wind. Staying high and out of the main gully is again advised whenever possible. There is a wide mix of the spacing of trees. On windy days, go for the trees that are closer together as they will hold better snow. This side of the mountain generally gets more weather, so this will be more often than not. When conditions allow, the open zones between the tight patches of trees offer great skiing through beautiful fields of birch. This zone fills in nicely by mid January, and the drainage creek used as a return to the piste becomes relatively easy to ski through. After many people go through, it may resemble a mountain bike track with berm turns and small jumps on the side. Getting down into this gully early on powder days in February can be very fun. After about 100 metres, the creek bed opens up into a playful meadow where riders tend to build small jumps and hits that are quite fun. Keep to the left and anticipate meeting the Junior Piste as it hairpins back towards the Annupuri Base Area. In the rare instance you miss the return track, keep heading downhill and slightly left. There will eventually be a cleared road that will lead back to the hotels and Annupuri Base Area. Written by FATMAP Official
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O-Sawa
A 20 minute hike above the resort out of Gate 2, this line is a classic Niseko back bowl run. A classic hike to line in the legendary Niseko back bowls. Perfect after a storm day. Be sure to check the Nadare forecast (linked below) for avalanche conditions and gate openings. Access is via the Annupuri Summit Hike, through Gate 2. From the Jumbo Pair lift 4, the gate is a 30 second hike above the summit station. From the Wonderland chairs, traverse hard to the riders right to reach the Jumbo Pair Lift 4 summit station. This line is also accessible from Gate 3, by continuing to the left from the col above Gate 3, though most skiers continue to the right towards Hirafu Peak when exiting Gate 3. After exiting Gate 2, follow the Annupuri Summit Hike, a bootpack along the ridge, until reaching the summit. Enjoy stunning views of the surrounding peaks including Io, Konbu, and Yotei. The ocean is also visible from here on particularly clear days. From the summit, there is a ridge that starts narrow, heading SW. Follow this for 200 metres until it begins to fan out. Work the riders right, tucked to the west/north-west, which usually yields good snow that skiers traversing from Gate 2 have difficulty getting to. There is some tempting and exciting terrain below to the right, and if the snow is good, some larger features to jump off that can be quite fun. If you stay high, the ridge gently curves to the left before doglegging back to the right. Aim for the nose of this dog leg if possible. Just around the corner the ridge opens up into open trees and playful terrain loaded with features to jump off of. Overall, trending left will keep you out of the main gully that traps many of the less wise. This gully can be fun to ride down if you are early, but late in the day it builds up into a mess of moguls and is not very fun. As with most other features in Niseko, concavities mean water. Be wary of open water early season, and holes throughout the winter. Depending on how high to the left you stayed, the return to the resort will be visible. It is the same as exiting through Gate 1 or simply dropping in from Gate 2, and ends up on the Junior Piste that returns to the Annupuri Base Area. If you cannot see where you are going either due to clouds or tight trees, simply keep left as the terrain flattens out. Overall, the run is nearly 1000m, and it is a beauty! http://niseko.nadare.info/ Written by FATMAP Official
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Gate 2: Naka-one
Upper mountain gate access skiing with interesting ridge features, steeper gradients, and a variety of tree densities with minimal hiking. Access to this zone is through Gate 2, located just above the Jumbo Pair Lift 4. This is a hike, but is about as short as they come, being less than 30 seconds. After exiting Gate 2, traverse as hard and high to the right as possible. Skiing off Gate 1 will be left below you, to your left. Continue around, ideally until you gain the ridge that runs to the SW, called Naka-one. Depending on snow conditions, one will will want to be on the SE facing terrain (near side) just under the ridge to stay out of the wind, or stay close to the ridge itself for visibility and terrain options. Generally speaking, when riding in storm conditions, one will want to stay just off of the ridge where they will be more sheltered. On clear days, one can gain the ridge and entertain the option of skiing the S facing aspect (far side) into the next drainage over. About 100 metres after gaining the ridge, it will fan or branch out. The outlined route takes the riders left hand ridge as this is the primary route, but exploration is encouraged and there are interesting features and plenty of snow spread throughout the terrain accessed at this point. The ridge runs down to the valley with playful features to jump off of and moderately spaced trees throughout. If the snow is soft, there are exciting features and small cliff bands to jump off of to the riders left, but be aware taking this option will put one into the creek return from Gate 1. These are better options later in the day as the primary zone gets tracked out. If one stays on the ridge, it will conclude about 300m below the section things open up. For the most part the return is relatively well outlined as this is in between another summit run. If in doubt, heading to the riders left will bring one back towards the resort. Be wary if cutting left, as the entrance to the return drainage can be abrupt and have open water in early season. In the lower section, after the creek bed, the drainage opens up into a playful meadow where riders tend to build small jumps and hits that are quite fun. Keep to the left and anticipate meeting the Junior Piste as it hairpins back towards the Annupuri Base Area. In the rare instance you miss the return track, keep heading downhill and slightly left. There will eventually be a cleared road that will lead back to the hotels and Annupuri Base Area. Written by FATMAP Official
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Higashi-one (N)
A 20 minute hike above the resort out of Gate 3, this line is in the back bowls of Niseko and requires a short hike out. A classic hike-to line in the legendary Niseko back bowls. Perfect after a storm day. Be sure to check the Nadare forecast (linked below) for avalanche conditions and gate openings. Access is via the Niseko-Annupuri Summit Hike, through Gate 3. From the King Lift 4, the gate is just above the summit station. From the Ace Pair Lift 4, traverse hard to the riders left to reach the King Lift 4 summit station. This line is also accessible from Gate 2, by continuing down from the Annupuri summit, to the right along the col above Gate 3, though most skiers access this line via Gate 3 so they don't have to walk downhill. After exiting Gate 3, follow the Niseko-Annupuri Summit Hike (a bootpack along a cat track) until reaching the col. Continue to the right while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding peaks including Io, Konbu, and Yotei. The ocean is also visible from here on particularly clear days. You will know you are at the correct summit because there is a small hut at the top of Niseko-Annupuri, as well as a weather station. It is usually windy here, and this is a great place to take shelter while grabbing a drink and a snack before your descent. Treat the hut with respect by carrying out your own trash and trying to keep snow out please! This descent is different than the Kita Shamen runs from the start. Follow the ridge running directly N, working the NW aspect (riders left). This ridge is not as bad as the SW ridge running towards Kita Shamen, however it is important to exercise caution around ridges regardless, for the same reasons as Kita Shamen: scouring, geothermal holes, and cornices. Follow this ridge for 300m until beginning to reach the tree line. If snow is good in the guts of the bowl, don't hesitate to give in to temptation and ride through that. Interesting features remain along the ridge the whole way down. As you begin to hit tree line, the best of snow will start to present itself. Look for protected areas. This zone gets hit hard by uphill blasts from the ocean, though it is protected from the sun, and can be a great stash for powder many days after a storm. Many guides use this as their stash for when it hasn't snowed in several days. If you have stayed along the ridge towards the bottom, after approximately 400m, there are several small shots to the riders left that can be quite fun. The disadvantage to staying along the ridge for too long is skiers can traverse in from Gate 5 once you get too low. Tracks are usually visible if this is the case. This run puts one out at a point nearly equidistant between the Goshikionsen and Weiss parking lots. In deep snow, it might still be easier to walk back towards Goshikionsen if there are snowboarders without skins or poles in your party even though, generally speaking, the Weiss is all downhill from this point. Even if it means slogging through deep snow, it will be easier to ride downhill towards the Weiss lot. Note there are no amenities at the Weiss lot. It is important to bring a working cell phone or drop a car there ahead of time. http://niseko.nadare.info/ Written by FATMAP Official
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Niseko-Annupuri Summit Hike (G3)
G3 is one of two of the essential hikes leading to the legendary Niseko Back Bowls This hike is essential to accessing the Niseko/Annupuri back bowls. It is approximately a 15 minute bootpack that is well trodden and very popular on a sunny day. It is is accessed via Gate 3. Check the local Nadare Forecast (linked below) for avalanche conditions and gate openings. Access the boot pack by exiting Gate 3, just above the King Lift 4. If accessing the gate from the Ace Pair Lift 4, traverse hard to the skiers left, aiming for the summit station of the King Lift 4. It is much easier to access via the King Lift 4. http://niseko.nadare.info/ Written by FATMAP Official
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Kita Shamen (Goshikionsen return)
A 20 minute hike above the resort out of Gate 3, this line is in the back bowls of Niseko and requires a hike out. A classic hike-to line in the legendary Niseko back bowls. Perfect after a storm day. Be sure to check the Nadare forecast (linked below) for avalanche conditions and gate openings. Access is via the Niseko-Annupuri Summit Hike, through Gate 3. From the King Lift 4, the gate is just above the summit station. From the Ace Pair Lift 4, traverse hard to the riders left to reach the King Lift 4 summit station. This line is also accessible from Gate 2, by continuing down from the Annupuri summit, to the right along the col above Gate 3, though most skiers access this line via Gate 3 so they don't have to walk downhill. After exiting Gate 3, follow the Niseko-Annupuri Summit Hike, a bootpack along a cat track, until reaching the col. Continue to the right while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding peaks including Io, Konbu, and Yotei. The ocean is also visible from here on particularly clear days. You will know you are at the correct summit because there is a small hut at the top of Niseko-Annupuri, as well as a weather station. It is usually windy here, and this is a great place to take shelter while grabbing a drink and a snack before your descent. Treat the hut with respect by carrying out your own trash and trying to keep snow out please! This descent starts out similar to the Kita Shamen W run. Ski along the SW ridge from the hut. Be wary, this ridge is frequently wind scoured and is full of holes from eroded, rotten snow, or thermal activity. Be cautious to not get too close to the ridge later in the season as the cornice gets bigger. Stay to the riders right of the nose: the dominant feature at the end of the SW ridge. At this point things get different. Instead of contouring the riders left side of the nose, drop in to the riders right. The outlined route has one dropping in right away which is fine too. Wherever the snow looks best, drop in. The key to this run is after about 600m of descent, one must cut to the riders left to get back on the high side of Route 58. You know you are at the right point if you are starting to hit a significant stand of trees. It is important to cut left here to avoid a longer hike back. There is a significant ridge line one must navigate to get back to the easy return. Once around this ridge line, it is easy to return in any manner you see fit (though the Goshikionsen lot is comfortably the closest parking lot). It is important to note that if you give in to temptation and run this line all the way down through the trees, it simply means the return will be a longer walk. If it is something your party is keen for, this is by all means encouraged as many groups traverse out of this line, leaving the bottom 200m untracked for whomever feels like walking a bit farther. This run is frequently linked up with Io Dake as a full day out back. Parking is free at Goshikionsen which organised groups and guides frequently take advantage of. If you are unable to organise a car ahead of time, the onsen has a phone and one can call for a taxi at the lot, though it is recommended to organise the appropriate resources at the parking lot ahead of time. Skins are recommended for the return, especially if there is an ample amount of fresh snow or there are snowboarders in the party. http://niseko.nadare.info/ Written by FATMAP Official
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Kita Shamen W
A 20 minute hike above the resort out of Gate 3, this line is in the back bowls of Niseko and requires you to hike out. A classic hike-to line in the legendary Niseko back bowls. Perfect after a storm day. Be sure to check the Nadare forecast (linked below) for avalanche conditions and gate openings. Access is via the Niseko-Annupuri Summit Hike, through Gate 3. From the King Lift 4, the gate is just above the summit station. From the Ace Pair Lift 4, traverse hard to the riders left to reach the King Lift 4 summit station. This line is also accessible from Gate 2, by continuing down from the Annupuri summit, to the right along the col above Gate 3, though most skiers access this line via Gate 3 so they don't have to walk downhill. After exiting Gate 3, follow the Niseko-Annupuri Summit Hike, a bootpack along a cat track, until reaching the col. Continue to the right while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding peaks including Io, Konbu, and Yotei. The ocean is also visible from here on particularly clear days. You will know you are at the correct summit because there is a small hut at the top of Niseko-Annupuri, as well as a weather station. It is usually windy here, and this is a great place to take shelter while grabbing a drink and a snack before your descent. Treat the hut with respect by carrying out your own trash and trying to keep snow out please! This descent starts out similar to the Kozan no Sawa variation. Ski along the SW ridge from the hut. Be wary, this ridge is frequently wind scoured and is full of holes from eroded, rotten snow, or thermal activity. Be cautious to not get too close to the ridge later in the season as the cornice gets bigger. Stay to the riders right of the nose: the dominant feature at the end of the SW ridge. Coming around the side of it, rather than cutting back towards the riders left, simply drop in. Much like many runs in Niseko, this is a riders delight. The most frequently skied route is highlighted on the map. The line visibly takes a left at the top before committing to the fall line. One can cut instead to the right and find some beautiful, open tree skiing all the way to Route 58. It is also possible to stay to the left and follow the ridge until fresh tracks are found before dropping in. This is a common strategy later in the day when the primary lines are tracked out. This run is frequently linked up with Io Dake as a full day out back. Parking is free at Goshikionsen which organised groups and guides frequently take advantage of. If you are unable to organise a car ahead of time, the onsen has a phone and one can call for a taxi at the lot, though it is recommended to organise the appropriate resources at the parking lot ahead of time. Skins are recommended for the return, especially if there is an ample amount of fresh snow or there are snowboarders in the party. http://niseko.nadare.info/ Written by FATMAP Official
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Kozan no sawa (variation)
A 20 minute hike above the resort out of Gate 3, this line is a truly classic Niseko back bowl run. A classic hike to line in the legendary Niseko back bowls. Perfect after a storm day. Be sure to check the Nadare forecast (linked below) for avalanche conditions and gate openings. Access is via the Niseko-Annupuri Summit Hike, through Gate 3. From the King Lift 4, the gate is just above the summit station. From the Ace Pair Lift 4, traverse hard to the riders left to reach the King Lift 4 summit station. This line is also accessible from Gate 2, by continuing down from the Annupuri summit, to the right along the col above Gate 3, though most skiers access this line via Gate 3 so they don't have to walk downhill. After exiting Gate 3, follow the Niseko-Annupuri Summit Hike, a bootpack along a cat track, until reaching the col. Continue to the right while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding peaks including Io, Konbu, and Yotei. The ocean is also visible from here on particularly clear days. You will know you are at the correct summit because there is a small hut at the top of Niseko-Annupuri, as well as a weather station. It is usually windy here, and this is a great place to take shelter while grabbing a drink and a snack before your descent. Treat the hut with respect by carrying out your own trash and trying to keep snow out please! This descent is very similar to the Kozan no Sawa classic except for the top section. Instead of dropping into the bowl, ski along the SW ridge. This may be wind scoured and is frequently full of holes from eroded snow or thermal activity so exercise caution. Stay to the riders right of the nose: the dominant feature at the end of the SW ridge. Coming around the side of it, cut back to the riders left. Be wary of your entrance point as this ridge line is frequently wind loaded and builds a rather large cornice by mid January. Once around the nose, this is a riders delight. Choose wherever to drop in as long as you drop into the SW bowl of Kozan no Sawa (riders left). Taking the riders right will deposit you onto Route 58 which is closed in the winter, and you will have a long push to the nearest available pickup location. Some of the most interesting features are immediately off the nose, and if you are early in the day and the snow looks good, don't hesitate to ski these popular spots. They are exciting shots with cliffs and features for a good 300m before the terrain benches and you meet up with the traditional Kozan no Sawa route. If it is later in the day and the snow looks more tracked, ski down the ridge to the second nose for some S and E facing terrain. This requires much more time spent on the ridge, which usually means lower quality snow, though it can be worth it to find some late day untracked snow. From here it is more or less the traditional Kozan no Sawa route: one can follow the gully which doglegs back to the right, or go over the bench and into a stand of trees that continue in the drainage. These trees tend to hold great snow and are full of small features that are fun to play around on. This will continue for another 400m until the terrain levels off into the return to the resort. Once again as long as you have dropped in to the left, the ridge wraps around and helps guide riders back to the resort via the main drainage. If you think you have gotten too far to the right, simply cut hard left and you will eventually find yourself at the hairpin of the Junior Piste that will bring you back to the Annupuri Base Area. If you are apprehensive about the return, start out with a run out of Gate 1 or the Kozan no Sawa classic route first to get familiar with the terrain of the lowers. And remember the lower terrain is full of creek beds that may be exposed in early season. Exercise caution when navigating concavities. Be aware that once in the correct drainage tracks will lead back to the resort, however the nose is also a popular access point for ski touring Io Dake. Tracks going down to the right from the nose belong to skiers with skins that intend to hike out at the end of the day. http://niseko.nadare.info/ Written by FATMAP Official
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Kozan no sawa bowl (center)
A 20 minute hike above the resort out of Gate 3, this line is a classic Niseko back bowl run. A classic hike to line in the legendary Niseko back bowls. Perfect after a storm day. Be sure to check the Nadare forecast (linked below) for avalanche conditions and gate openings. Access is via the Niseko-Annupuri Summit Hike, through Gate 3. From the King Lift 4, the gate is just above the summit station. From the Ace Pair Lift 4, traverse hard to the riders left to reach the King Lift 4 summit station. This line is also accessible from Gate 2, by continuing down from the Annupuri summit, to the right along the col above Gate 3, though most skiers access this line via Gate 3 so they don't have to walk downhill. After exiting Gate 3, follow the Niseko-Annupuri Summit Hike, a bootpack along a cat track, until reaching the col. Continue to the right while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding peaks including Io, Konbu, and Yotei. The ocean is also visible from here on particularly clear days. You will know you are at the correct summit because there is a small hut at the top of Niseko-Annupuri, as well as a weather station. It is usually windy here, and this is a great place to take shelter while grabbing a drink and a snack before your descent. Treat the hut with respect by carrying out your own trash and trying to keep snow out please! Now for the fun part. This line outlines the straightforward descent down the guts to the SW. Though south facing, the terrain allows for the wind to fill in the riders right hand side of the bowl better than the left. Take advantage of this but be wary a cornice forms along the ridge that can get big late in the season. After about 300m of exciting skiing, the main gully bends to the riders left and benches out a little bit. One can follow the gully which dog legs back to the right, or go over the bench and into a stand of trees that continue in the drainage. These trees tend to hold great snow and are full of small features that are fun to play around on. This will continue for another 400 metres until the terrain levels off into the return to the resort. One of the nicest things about this line is how there is a ridge that wraps around to the riders right all the way down. Once in this bowl, it is very difficult to miss the return track to the piste. Simply continue down and to the riders left once in the main drainage. If you think you have gotten too far to the right, simply cut hard left and you will eventually find yourself at the hairpin of the Junior Piste that will bring you back to the Annupuri Base Area. If you are apprehensive about the return, start out with a run out of Gate 1 first to get familiar with the terrain of the lowers. And remember the lower terrain is full of creek beds that may be exposed in early season. Exercise caution when navigating concavities. http://niseko.nadare.info/ Written by FATMAP Official
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Gate 5 Far Traverse
Upper mountain gate access (Gate 5) skiing with steeper gradients and a variety of tree densities with minimal hiking. Access to the Gate 5 far traverse begins at the top of the Hanozano Hooded Quad Lift 3. For skiers this is a short sidestep but most snowboarders take their boards off and walk the first several metres into the gate. After exiting the gate, stay high and to the left. The traverse contours the main gully, and continues around to the left. Resist the temptation to drop in to the right and keep traversing. As one continues around the corner, the slope gets steeper and more difficult to traverse. Keep going, it will be worth it. The traverse eventually reaches a bench, and the ideal location to drop in. Due to prevailing winds in Niseko, the top of this run has a tendency to develop a cornice. When small this can be fun to jump off off, though caution should be exercised in late January, February, and March, when cornice fall is a greater hazard. The run starts out rather steep and open, though enters tighter trees rather quickly, after only about 100 metres. Many of these patches of tight trees are open on the far side, and are protecting good skiing. It is usually worth the effort to manoeuvre through these tighter trees as they will yield open and untracked skiing on the far side. Because it is surrounded by many trees, and is more difficult to get to, this area usually holds good snow several days after a storm. The terrain will continue to playfully roll in and out of the trees, with features to jump off and plenty of stashes that will hold good snow for a long time. Unlike the standard Gate 5 traverse, the lower terrain is less defined by ridges. It is important to be wary of water hazards through here early in the season, as creeks are less defined, though may still be open. As with the gate 5 run, be wary when nearing the road as the terrain will get steeper just before it, then flatten out abruptly, with a water drainage in between the run and the road. Skiing below the road is not advised, as the return is difficult. Riders should be wary of this, and approach the road with caution, as it will be firm. Niseko United Resort grooms the road from time to time to make return access easier, which means the road will not be as soft and fluffy as the rest of their run. Once on the road, follow the track to the right. The road bends through the main drainage of Gate 5 before gently climbing back to the piste. This is not a particularly difficult hike, but on a deep powder day this hike can get very hot as it is at the bottom of the run, out of the wind and cold. Once back on the piste, it is a straightforward return to the Hanozano Hooded Quad Lift 1. Written by FATMAP Official
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Gate 5 Traverse
Upper mountain gate access skiing with steeper gradients and a variety of tree densities with minimal hiking. Access to the Gate 5 traverse begins at the top of the Hanozano Hooded Quad Lift 3. For skiers this is a short sidestep, most snowboarders take their boards off and walk the first several metres into the gate. After exiting the gate, stay high and to the left. The traverse contours the main gully, and continues around to the left. It is possible to drop in anywhere to the right, though the more one traverses at the beginning of their run, the fewer skiers there tend to be. As one continues around the corner, the slope gets steeper and more difficult to traverse. This is generally a good place to drop in to the right. The run starts out rather steep and open. There are mellow ridges that are playful to make turns on. After about 200 metres, the trees begin to come together and the playful ridges become more defined. Trying to stay on the ridges usually yields better snow and terrain options, as skiers can choose to drop to the left or the right, depending on where there are fewer tracks, rather than being stuck in the gully. This is also a safer place to be because it is easier to see hazards from above or below. This section is very much a rider's choice and one can simply ski where things look good. There are plenty of playful things to jump off of through this lower section, almost all of them with very clean landings. The dominant winds tend to fill in this lower section very well, and one can frequently find fresh tracks in the lower section, even if the upper sections near the traverse is scoured. About 200 metres into the trees, the line concludes abruptly at a summer access road. There is a water drainage trench between the road and the slope that may be exposed into January. Riders should be wary of this, and approach the road with caution, as it will be firm. Niseko United Resort grooms the road from time to time to make return access easier, which means the road will not be as soft and fluffy as the rest of their run. It is not advise to ski below the road, as return access is very difficult. Once on the road, follow the track to the right. The road bends through the main drainage of Gate 5 before gently climbing back to the piste. This is not a particularly difficult hike, but on a deep powder day this hike can get very hot as it is at the bottom of the run, out of the wind and cold. Once back on the piste, it is a straightforward return to the Hanozano Hooded Quad Lift 1. Written by FATMAP Official
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Gate 7
Playful, mellow tree skiing with lots of features A super fun and playful tree skiing zone that is perfect on storm days when the upper mountain is closed. Access to this zone is through Gate 7, on the riders left of the Shirakaba R Piste. From the Jumbo Pair Lift 2, ski down and to the left no more than 50m. The gate will be just below the loading station for Jumbo Pair Lift 3. After exiting Gate 7, riders will pop in and out of mellow trees without significant landmarks as the terrain rolls along. It is useful here to use the rope line to the riders left as a landmark. This rope indicates the Yuno Sawa zone, an area that skiing into is prohibited, and getting out of requires a difficult hike through private property. If in doubt, note that this rope line will continue all the way back to the resort, and can be used when visibility is limited. Many other skiers do this too, so staying to the riders right of the rope line by about 50m can put you just far enough from other people's tracks to find some fresh snow at any time of the day. Work the playful terrain slowly around the the riders right, and enjoy the steep dips into the natural halfpipe that will bring you back to the Annupuri Gondola. Be wary in early season as this gully can have exposed water, though it is usually filled in by mid January. Unfortunately there are very few landmarks in this zone aside from the rope line and the natural halfpipe, which more or less make up the left and right hand perimeters of this zone. Both are very useful as they will take you back to the resort. Written by FATMAP Official
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Mt. Iwaonupuri Ski Tour (Goshiki Onsen, Hokkaido, Japan)
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Alternative route
Wrap around to the summer trail if the main ridge is too icy.
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Iwaonupuri Bowl
Check avalanche conditions carefully before considering skiing the main Iwaonupuri bowl.
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Avalanche risk
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Goshiki Onsen
Very nice natural hot springs.
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Nitonupuri SE Face Backcountry Skiing (Hokkaido, Japan)
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Waterfall
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Descent
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Ascent
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Parking on road - keep well to left, clear your own snow
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Nitonupuri False Summit (1076m)
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Nitonupuri Summit (1080m)
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Nito-nupuri Ski Touring (Hokkaido, Japan)
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874m plateau
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Nito-nupuri (ニトヌプリ, 1080m)
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Nitonupuri West Face Backcountry Skiing (Hokkaido, Japan)
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Clear own parking spot on side of road
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Nitonupuri False Summit (1076m)
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Nitonupuri Summit (1080m)
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Descent
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Ascent
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Ascent
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Nitonupuri West Hot Laps (Hokkaido, Japan)
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Treeline
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Park well to the side of the road
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Furano-dake Nishi-shamen (Hokkaido, Japan)
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Cleared parking
Parties with multiple vehicles should park each other in (park as efficiently as possible, taking up as little space as possible)
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Okinakoenmae Bus Stop (翁公園前)
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A number of snow-bridges
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Heinous entry/exit via tight woods
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Around 1400m is the general limit of powder on this ridge
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Giant Ridge
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Nishi-shamen
Nice tree skiing
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Kaun Bowl Backcountry Skiing (Hokkaido, Japan)
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Tokachidake Onsen Parking
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Ryounkaku Onsen
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Very steep (but short) bootpack
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Kaun Bowl
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Flat plateau
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Nukkakushi-furano-kawa Creek ヌッカクシ富良野川
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Sanpozan-sawa Creek 三峰山沢
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Mt. Furano ski tour route (Hokkaido, Japan)
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Giant Ridge
Prominent ridge known as the "Giant Ridge".
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Climb till crusty
It is often around the 1500m mark that crampons are required to climb any higher. It is around here that we would start the downhill skiing back down the ridge.
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Avalanche risk
The Beberui Creek valley is known for its amazing powder, but is also prime avalanche terrain. Only venture into here in the most stable conditions.
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Creek-crossing
There is usually a snow-bridge of some kind.
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Parking for about 10 cars
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Onsen
Great hot springs here.
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Ansei Crater Backcountry Skiing (Hokkaido, Japan)
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Ansei Crater
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Ryounkaku Onsen
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Large plowed parking area
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Kamihoroso Onsen
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Asahidake to Nakadake Onsen Loop Ski Tour (Hokkaido, Japan
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Nakadake Onsen Hotspring
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Asahi-dake Summit
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Asahidake Ropeway Ski Area
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