Chisenupuri Southeast Face (Hokkaido, Japan)

Caution: Chisenupuri SE face is a popular backcountry zone, but requires a good knowledge and understanding of the snowpack – it is particularly avalanche-prone.

The southeast face of Chisenupuri チセヌプリ (1134m) in the Niseko Range is the powder pocket that just keeps on giving. Often in the lee of prevailing storms, this area is hope to some of the deepest powder in the range. Access is relatively straight forward too, with a snowed-in highway at the base of the face, and relatively safe ridge-line access to the face proper. Being classic avalanche terrain, utmost care is required here though - the face funnels into a moderately constrictive gully. With careful planning, however, this is arguably one of the range's most accessible backcountry powder runs.

Caution: Chisenupuri SE face is a popular backcountry zone, but requires a good knowledge and understanding of the snowpack – it is particularly avalanche-prone.