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POWDER & PEAKS- JAPAN 2020

We’ll begin and end this expedition visiting some lesser known sidecountry areas of Hokkaido. Expect to bookend the Rishiri mission with secret tours around Furano (and group dependent) a crack at Tokachidake. Our team’s main focus will be the remote and elusive Rishiri volcano. Working with my local partners at Stealth Backcountry allows us to hit the goods from the moment we land!

Floating the Volcano

Rishiri Island is a backcountry skiing haven with a huge variety of ski and snowboard terrain for those willing to earn their turns. Mount Rishiri is a dormant cone-shaped volcano at the center of the remote Rishiri Island. In the native Ainu language, “Rishiri” means “island with a high peak”, which pretty much sums it up! Others call Rishiri the “floating island”, possibly because you’ll gain a lot of pleasure from floating in the deep powder!

Skiing Rishiri Island is on the bucket list for many Japan backcountry skiing aficionados. Powder on Hokkaido is world renowned because of the abundant, light, fluffy, amazing cold smoke that results from the weather systems that blow down from Siberia. Compared to most Hokkaido ski areas, Rishiri Island is much further north (and closer) to Siberia so the powder there is even better than amazing!

And if devouring all that Japanese powder isn’t enough for you, there’s also an abundance of local seafood to satisfy your appetite. A Rishiri ski trip provides a delightfully unadulterated Japanese experience.

Where is Rishiri Island?

Rishiri Island (Rishiritō) is a small island in the Sea of Japan, about 20 kilometers off the northwest coast of Hokkaido. The Oshidomari Port on Rishiri Island can be accessed via ferry from Otaru or Wakkanai (Hokkaido’s northernmost town). Wakkanai is a 5.5 hour train trip from Sapporo.

Rishiri Terrain

Mount Rishiri has an elevation of 1,721 metres. Depending on weather conditions, the backcountry terrain we’ll access will include a combination of ATL alpine zones and NTL/BTL tree skiing. Mt Rishiri has many ridges, gullies, and bowls- some of which are super steep, and there are several peaks to tackle. BUT, there is also a reasonable amount of mellow terrain below treeline for us to explore.

We will utilize a snowmobile to cover the long and flat distances at the base of the mountain before committing to human-power. No worries if you’re not a seasoned sled-neck!

Rishiri Ski Season

In late winter and early spring there’s a greater chance for clear days, although the main, year-round weather inhibitor to summiting Mt Rishiri is the wind. Rishiri is renowned for its oft-gusty conditions! Our expedition will run from 2/22/20 to 3/1/20.

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Stepping Out

I've waited all winter to step out.

This has not been the season to go large....That is, until now.

Finally made it up to Camp Bird last week to step out into some lines that I've eyed all year.

It's funny, some seasons you wait and it never happens.

Some seasons, you sneak in your entire list.

If there was one line I wanted this year, it was the Hidden Treasure.

Ever since EJ suggested it back in November, I wanted this booty. We claimed it on Thursday and snuck in a late day Waterfall- "a mellow ending to the day"

There's never a dull moment skiing with Eric.

Left Gut was left for later. Waterfall is done for the season. Feeling blessed by it all.

Final Silverton Based Level One followed the slaying.

Although the rest of the world gave up on winter, this season has actually been pretty darn good.

Yes, it started slow and may not last long into May...but my students and clients have been stoked. And shhhhhhhh, don't tell- the conditions off-piste are downright rad right now.

Nothing like completing the OH-POW tour on the final day of an L1 to drive that point home- way to get it done SAS!

Are you ready for Splitfest? I can't contain my stoke for the 7th Annual gathering of the tribe- I'll keep working on the list. We'll see you there!

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