Nito-nupuri Ski Touring (Hokkaido, Japan)

There are 13 major peaks in the Niseko Range, and Nitonupuri (ニトヌプリ, 1080m) is the one of the lowest, tucked away behind an imposing false peak. Given the easy access to its lower flanks, however, Nitonupuri is one of the range's most popular for a relatively quick morning or afternoon ski. With two distinct 'steps' to the mountain, separated by a compact plateau, skiers can adjust plans on the fly according to conditions. The steep climb to the plateau, as well as the steep slope above it offer very good, lappable skiing potential. Our hot tip to Hokkaido Wilds readers is arrive early at the trailhead to avoid missing out on parking.

Nitonupuri means ‘the mountain with a forest’ in the Hokkaido indigenous Ainu language. The mountain is one of the many dormant volcanoes that make up the Niseko Range. The majority of this Nitonupuri summit route is most certainly more of a ski than a walk, with some fantastic downhill and lappable slopes both down below and up top. The final push to the true summit, however, does require some rather flat traversing. It’s likely that most skiers headed to the summit will leave their skins on for the return to below the false summit. That said, if the weather is good, it’s worth taking the extra 20 minutes or so to bag this minor peak on the Niseko Range. Good views are had down to the coast at Iwanai, east to Iwaonupuri and Annupuri, and west towards Chisenupuri.

Parking:Parking is an ongoing issue at the Nitonupuri start point (around here). See our transport notes below for details.