Ski mountaineering in Rishiri

Since we arrived in Japan and before we knew about the existence of Rishiri Fuji. The lonely island, the pointing volcano that rises 1721 m above the sea. Located in the most north side of Japan is a difficult access place, where you could go to it from Wakkanain port with the ferry that every day goes twice. The most challenging part is to spot the correct weather window. It's location is very prompt to be all time under storms. Once you get your weather window pretty clear, the best is to commit and head up north.

Once you are on the island there are very few places to host yourself and most montanierus people will decide to camp or viuvac before climbing it. A long climb ahead from 0 to 1721m.

Early start and maybe for most skiers the normal route through the north ridge would be the easiest. Middle way there is this little hut where you can shelter, or overnight depending on your necessities and activities plan.

About skiing there are plenty of possibilities and the summit will become secondary if we prioritize ski! The famous Aftaromamai is the line that links all the east face from top to bottom Then in the West we have a more safe talking gully/face that usually is not super loaded. Though nothing or NE there are some hidden gems with just pleasant ski on it pretty much full of pow. Finally on the south side of the island for those early months. Probably well loaded after any nothly storm.

Any time of the winter is special there, but the most recommended time is about mid to late March. Each time we head there we feel like we would like to spend more and more time on the Island. Let's hope for more!!!