Niseko Annupuri West Face Laps (Hokkaido, Japan)

  The west face of Niseko Annupuri ニセコアンヌプリ (1308m), away from the madding crowds of the resort on the eastern side, is a popular smorgasbord of backcountry skiing options. This lowlands hot-laps option is good for when the alpine is inaccessible due to high winds. While the western face of Niseko Annupuri tends to bear the brunt of strong NW winds, skiers can expect good stashes of powder in protected areas. All this is accessible with relatively little effort, and a hotspring soak at the tailhead. Views across to Iwaonupuri are also stellar on a good day.  

  The lower reaches of the western face of Niseko Annupuri, just east-northeast of Goshiki Onsen, offer a couple of relatively sheltered, diminutive bowls that can make for a nice morning or day out. The western face of Niseko Annupuri is subject to the full brunt of the prevailing winter NW Siberian monsoon winds, but the wide gullies on this route here hold the snow well. Choose your day based on the day’s wind direction, and you’ll be in for a fun time lapping these easy-access slopes.