Guests
Niseko Backcountry Guiding
Niseko Academy 2026–27 Season Rates
Season Dates
Peak: 18 Dec – 04 Jan / 06 Feb – 12 Feb
Holiday: 12 Dec – 17 Dec / 05 Jan – 05 Feb / 13 Feb – 28 Feb
Off Peak: 01 Dec – 11 Dec / 01 Mar – 05 Apr
| Guiding | Information | Duration | Price (peak/holiday/off-peak) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Day In Bounds Resort Tour | Ideal for first-time visitors who want to learn the mountain and find the best lines. Inbounds resort guiding (not out the gates). | 6.5 Hours | Peak ¥105,000 Holiday ¥95,000 Off Peak ¥75,000 |
| Half Day in Bounds Resort Tour | Inbounds resort guiding (not out the gates). | 3 Hours | Holiday ¥60,000 Off Peak ¥45,000 |
| Full Day Lift Accessed Side Gates Guiding (Sidecountry) | Best for confident intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders. Guiding off piste using any open side country gates. Backpacks required. | 6.5 Hours | Peak ¥120,000 Holiday ¥110,000 Off Peak ¥85,000 |
| Premium Full Day Side Gates Guiding (Sidecountry Concierge, with private transport) | Includes pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation or Niseko resort of choice. Guiding off piste using any open side country gates. | 6.5 Hours + travel time | Peak ¥135,000 Holiday ¥125,000 Off Peak ¥95,000 |
| Explorer Guiding Full Day (Rusutsu) | A full day guided experience at nearby Rusutsu Resort, with pick-up service included. | 6.5 Hours + travel time | Peak ¥140,000 Holiday ¥130,000 Off Peak ¥100,000 |
| Touring | Backcountry touring in the local Shiribeshi area, with pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation or Niseko resort of choice. | 6.5 Hours + travel time | Peak ¥145,000 Holiday ¥135,000 Off Peak ¥105,000 |
| Touring Yotei | Early-start backcountry touring on Mt. Yotei, with pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation or Niseko resort of choice. | 7–9 Hours | Peak ¥185,000 Holiday ¥170,000 Off Peak ¥135,000 |
Niseko Academy Guiding
Niseko Academy provides private ski and snowboard guiding across Niseko and surrounding areas. Maximum 4 people per guide.
WEISS Powder Cat Tours 2025–26 Season Rates
| Guiding | Information | Private tour (1–12 guests) | Group tour (7–12 guests) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mt. Weisshorn Powder Cat Tour | Each tour includes return transfers from your Niseko accommodation, professional guiding, exclusive mountain access, lunch at the Park Hyatt Mountain Lounge, snacks and water, and downloadable photos from the day. | ¥1,750,000 /group | ￥175,000 /person |
WEISS Powder Cat Tours
Ski or snowboard untouched powder on Mt. Weisshorn with a full-day cat-assisted tour. A specialised snowcat vehicle provides lift-free access to a private mountain, delivering fresh tracks all day without queues or hiking.
Tours run for six hours from 08:30 to 14:30 with a maximum group size of 12. Experienced local guides select the best terrain based on conditions and manage safety throughout the day. This tour is suitable for confident intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders.
Advance booking is essential due to limited daily capacity.
Add a WEISS Powder Cat Tour to your accommodation booking
Note: 2026–27 rates for the Hanazono Powder Guide have not yet been released.
Rhythm Rides Guiding 2026–27 Season Rates
| Guiding | Information | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resort Guiding | Start: 8:30/9:00/9:30/10:00am. Max 6 people, Level 4-6. | Full Day (6 hrs) | ¥115,000 Off-Peak ¥100,000 |
| Lift-Accessed Backcountry | Start: 8:00/8:30am. Max 5 people, Level 4-6. | Full Day (6 hrs) | ¥140,000 Off-Peak ¥130,000 |
Rhythm Rides Guiding
Rhythm Rides offers Resort Guiding and Lift-Accessed Backcountry guiding in Niseko, led by expert local guides who navigate Japan’s gate system to find the best terrain based on conditions. Suitable for confident intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders. Get in touch to add this service to your Niseko accommodation booking.
Niseko Resort Services Available to Book
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need previous backcountry experience?
For in-bounds guiding, no. Sidecountry and touring require intermediate ability and good fitness. If you are a strong skier, a guided backcountry tour is a good way to learn about backcountry skiing and is suitable for those even without experience. Speak with your guide in advance about your experience so your tour can be tailored to you.
Is avalanche safety gear included?
Equipment is available for hire as part of your guiding booking. You will receive instructions on how to use all safety equipment.
Do I need a lift pass for guided days?
Lift passes are required for in-bounds and sidecountry guiding, but not for backcountry guiding.
What happens if weather conditions are poor?
Guides will adjust the itinerary or location to suit conditions and safety.
Can beginners join backcountry tours?
Backcountry touring is not suitable for beginner skiers. In-bounds guiding is recommended instead.
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