Ski touring in Hokkaido, Japan: Mount Yotei

Mount Yotei is an inactive volcano on the island of Hokkaido in Japan. With its cone-shaped summit, it is often compared to Mount Fuji, but is much less visited. Despite this, it is one of Japan's 100 best-known mountains. Ski tourers come here for the wide, snow-loaded flanks and, from the top, a view that runs from the Sea of Japan to the surrounding ranges, with the cone falling away beneath your skis.

This summit is for experienced ski tourers in good physical shape: reaching the top means a good 1,800m of positive vertical. Less experienced or less fit tourers can still ski part of the ascent — up to the tree line, for instance — and drop back down through the same cold snow. Here's an itinerary for ski touring Mount Yotei.

Organise your ski touring holiday.

The base camp

Most ski tourers visiting Mount Yotei base themselves in the town of Niseko. There are regular flights to Sapporo airport, which is about a 2-hour drive from Niseko. Once there, you'll need to hire a car or take a bus to get to Niseko.

Ski touring equipment

Before setting off on a hike, it's important to make sure that all your equipment is in order. You need suitable ski touring equipment, including skins and climbing knives, as well as safety equipment such as an avalanche beacon, shovel, probe and an ABS® or Reactor® avalanche airbag. It's also important to check the weather and avalanche conditions before setting off, by consulting local forecasts or asking guides for advice.

Itineraries for ski touring on Mount Yotei.

The Mount Yotei itinerary

The hike to Mount Yotei usually starts early in the morning. The hike starts at the base of the mountain, near the town of Kutchan for a climb from the west, or near the town of Abuta-Gun for an easier ascent from the south.

It is advisable to set off early to avoid crowds and to ensure that the snow is in good condition for the climb. The hike to the summit can take around 6 hours, depending on weather conditions and skiers' skills.

The ascent of Mount Yotei begins with a steep slope up to the tree line. Once you reach this height, the slope becomes gentler and the views of the surrounding area are magnificent. There are landmarks along the way, such as a large ice arch that can be seen from the base of the mountain. As you approach the summit, the slope steepens again.

The last part of the ascent is often icy and can be difficult for less experienced ski tourers.

Summit and descent

From the summit of Mount Yotei the ground drops on every side: a full 360-degree line of sight over the surrounding mountains and, beyond them, the sea. You take it in, then turn to sorting your kit for the descent.

It's important to choose a slope that matches the skier's skill level. It's also important to be aware of the risk of avalanches and to choose a safe slope. The descent of Mount Yotei can take around 2 to 3 hours, depending on snow conditions.

Ski tourers who reach the summit of Mount Yotei drop into cold, deep powder for the whole descent. Below the tips, the ground falls away toward the Sea of Japan, far off on the horizon.

Down into the crater

For those with something left after 1,800m of ascent on committing, adventure terrain, often through deep snow, there's the option to drop — and then reclimb — a further 200m, tipping over the rim into the crater of Mount Yotei and skiing to its floor. Down there it goes quiet, and the only way out is back up the way you came.

GPS route: skin track, high point and descent.

The surroundings: nearby towns and the route area.

The region within Hokkaido, with its ski resorts.

What to do après-ski

Once back at the bottom of the mountain, you can return to your accommodation, or go to one of the many hot baths (onsens) to relax. Whether it's after a hard day's physical exertion or after seeing the sights, they're sure to do you good!

You can also carry on into the surrounding towns and their own stretches of country. Sapporo, 2 hours from Niseko, is the island's capital, and a straightforward way to get a feel for Japan's cities and everyday culture.

As a general rule, it is strongly recommended that you are accompanied by a mountain professional. This could be a ski instructor specialising in off-piste skiing or a mountain guide.

A number of organisations offer the services of such professionals, and organise ski trips to Hokkaido, Japan, such as PowderWeGo. PowderWeGo is an agency specialising in off-piste skiing, heli-skiing, ski-sailing and ski touring. It can take you to the four corners of the world.

Find out how to get to Niseko in our article on "how to get to Niseko". It will give you an idea of the journey time, the costs involved and all the information you need to make the decision to go there!

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