Shakunage-dake ski tour via Chisenupuri Ski area (Hokkaido, Japan)

Shakunage-dake (シャクナゲ岳, 1074m) is a gorgeous conical peak sitting to the west of the more well known Niseko Range peaks of Iwaonpuri and Chisenupuri. It's more of a commitment to get to the peak, involving a 30 minute skin across the broad col between Shakunage and Chisenupuri. Skiing can be enjoyed on all aspects from the peak, and the broad face down towards Naganuma Pond is also prime skiing terrain. When we visited, Chisenupuri was crawling with skiers, vying for the last remnants of untracked pow, whereas Shakunage and surrounding slopes were largely untouched. On a good day, skiers will often link up both Shakunage and Chisenupuri for a quality day out in the hills.

  Shakunage is Japanese for Rhododendron. Apparently this peak was named Shakunage-dake (literally Mt. Rhododendron) because there was a colony of rhododendrons on the mountain. Most commonly approached via the public uptrack next to the Hokkaido Backcountry Club’s Chisenupuri ski field, this is a fine fair-weather peak with a couple of good options for downhill skiing in the surrounding area. The route outlined on this page is geared towards bagging the peak, but in stable conditions, the short drop from the ridge next to Venus Hill down to Naganuma Pond is also a great option.