Mt. Iwaonupuri Ski Tour (Goshiki Onsen, Hokkaido, Japan)

Mt. Iwaonupuri (イワオヌプリ, 1,116m – also marked as Mt. Io, 硫黄山) – the smaller sister to Niseko’s Mt. Annupuri, sits to the northwest of the bustling ski slopes of Hirafu. It is a long circular drive to get there though, so it is a great way to get away from the madding crowds. Bring a towel, because you’d be mad to miss a soak in the Goshiki Onsen, just a few meters down the road from the carpark.

or its ease of access and relative wealth of options, this area around Goshiki Onsen is a popular spot for backcountry skiing. Access by car is a solid 30 to 40 minute drive from Hirafu.