Top Routes for Backcountry Skiing in Furano and Kamikawa

Furano and Kamikawa, located in the heart of Hokkaido, offer some of the most spectacular backcountry skiing opportunities in Japan. With their vast, untouched wilderness, varied terrain, and world-class powder, these regions attract backcountry enthusiasts from around the world. Whether you're seeking a popular route or a hidden gem, here are some of the top backcountry skiing routes in these areas.

1. Furano’s Dam Run

Difficulty: Intermediate
Access: Lift-accessed from Furano Ski Resort (Gate #1)

The Dam Run is one of the most famous backcountry routes accessible from Furano Ski Resort. From Gate #1, skiers can venture into the backcountry and enjoy long, uninterrupted runs through fresh powder. This route offers great vertical descent and multiple lines, with plenty of options depending on snow conditions. The run ends at a small dam, from which you can ski back to the resort. It’s a great mix of accessibility and excitement, perfect for skiers looking to dip into the backcountry without a long hike.

Why it’s great: Easily accessible from the resort, this route offers long runs with minimal walking, making it a favorite for both locals and visitors.

2. Furano-Dake (Mt. Furano)

Difficulty: Advanced
Access: Requires a longer skin uphill from the trailhead in Tokachidake Onsen

Furano-Dake is a stunning backcountry route that offers more challenging terrain for experienced skiers. Starting near the Tokachidake Onsen area, skiers skin up through beautiful forested areas before reaching wide-open slopes with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. This route offers a variety of lines, including some steep chutes and wide bowls. The summit of Furano-Dake is a rewarding goal for those looking for an adventure, and the descent offers epic powder runs with fewer crowds.

Why it’s great: Furano-Dake’s remote location means it’s less crowded, and it offers challenging terrain for advanced skiers seeking longer, more demanding tours.

3. Kurodake (Mt. Kuro)

Difficulty: Advanced
Access: Gondola from Sounkyo Gorge

Located in Kamikawa, Kurodake offers one of the most thrilling backcountry experiences in the region. Starting from Sounkyo Gorge, skiers take a gondola up the mountain, gaining significant elevation before beginning their ascent. Kurodake’s higher elevation means that the snow remains deep and light throughout the season. The terrain is challenging, with steep slopes and technical descents, making it perfect for advanced skiers. Kurodake is known for its long descents through untouched powder, offering a thrilling experience for those seeking a remote backcountry adventure.

Why it’s great: The combination of a gondola ride and high elevation makes Kurodake an excellent choice for accessing deep powder and thrilling descents.

Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Access: Ropeway from Asahidake Onsen

Asahidake, the highest mountain in Hokkaido, is an iconic backcountry destination. Accessible via a ropeway from Asahidake Onsen, this route offers some of the best powder skiing in Japan. The mountain is part of the Daisetsuzan National Park, and its volcanic terrain provides a unique skiing experience, with steam vents visible from the slopes. The terrain varies from mellow powder fields to steeper, more technical lines, making it suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers. The views from the top are breathtaking, and the wide-open terrain makes for an unforgettable descent.

Why it’s great: Asahidake is renowned for its abundant powder, and the ropeway access makes it an excellent option for skiers looking to combine a lift-assisted climb with stunning backcountry terrain.

Difficulty: Intermediate
Access: Ski tour from Kamikawa town

Sandan-Yama is a hidden gem in the Kamikawa region, offering a quieter, more off-the-beaten-path backcountry experience. The route begins from the town of Kamikawa and requires a longer approach than some of the more popular routes. However, the reward is well worth it, as Sandan-Yama provides fantastic powder runs through open glades and gentle bowls. The route is relatively mellow compared to Kurodake or Asahidake, making it ideal for intermediate skiers looking to explore Hokkaido’s backcountry at a more relaxed pace.

Why it’s great: This lesser-known route offers solitude and untracked powder, perfect for skiers seeking a peaceful backcountry experience.

Difficulty: Advanced
Access: Trailhead near Fukiage Onsen

Tokachi-Dake is a must-visit for advanced backcountry skiers looking to challenge themselves in Hokkaido’s rugged wilderness. Starting from the Fukiage Onsen area, skiers ascend through dense forests before reaching wide-open alpine terrain. The upper slopes of Tokachi-Dake offer steep, technical lines, while the lower slopes provide long, flowing runs through powder-filled bowls. Tokachi-Dake’s volcanic landscape creates dramatic views, and the snow conditions remain excellent well into the spring.

Why it’s great: Tokachi-Dake offers a mix of challenging terrain and spectacular scenery, making it one of the premier backcountry routes in Hokkaido.

Furano and Kamikawa offer a wide variety of backcountry routes, from easily accessible lift-assisted runs to remote, off-the-beaten-path tours. Whether you're an intermediate skier looking for a relaxed day in the powder or an advanced skier seeking a challenging summit, these routes provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable adventure.

For a safe and guided experience, book a backcountry ski tour with Yukiumi House to explore these stunning routes with expert guidance and local knowledge!