Biei-fuji Ski Touring (Hokkaido, Japan)

Biei-fuji 美瑛富士 (1888m) is a conspicuously conical peak north of Tokachi-dake 十勝岳 (2077m) in the southern half of the Daisetsuzan National Park in central Hokkaido. The peak is well in the alpine, meaning it's a fine winter mountaineering objective. The Kara-sawa 涸沢 gully is more sheltered from the frequent winter storms, however. This gorgeous powder pocket, far away from the madding ski touring crowds further south in the range, offers both great views from the ridge and sublime lappable slopes. The approach is longer and more mellow than other objectives in the range, but getting this deep into the Daisetsuzan Range in winter is always worth it.