Backcountry Basics Asahidake
Backcountry Basics Asahidake is a half-day skills practice session that covers some backcountry skiing and snowboarding essentials. The program from Asobi Master includes trip planning, terrain analysis, snowpack observation and how to read what the mountain is telling you, and travel technique. It also includes how to respond if it goes wrong such as transceiver–probe–shovel drills and companion-rescue scenarios. You get to practice hands-on in the snow at the mountain, with the tools in your hands.
Beyond the very limited piste at Asahidake is unpatrolled backcountry, and skills are required to safely navigate the backcountry whilst out skiing and snowboarding. This program exists for exactly that reason. This session doesn’t issue, replace, or imply any avalanche or rescue certification, yet it is a great chance for skills practice under mentorship. Your guide instructor will let you know what formal training to seek next.
You may like to book the morning skills session and pair it with private guiding for the following day. See the Asahidake Freeride Guiding for more information.
If you want to check availability or have any other questions, please get in touch.
Groups
The group size is 2 to 4 participants. The standard session is a mixed group so solos and duos and welcome to join. Solos can open a session with a two-seat booking and it is guaranteed to run; or join an open session at the per-person rate. See the Rates & Inclusions tab for pricing.
Or you can choose to have a private session.
Ability Level & Equipment
No backcountry experience is required. The minimum ski and snowboard ability level is strong intermediate and a reasonable level of fitness is required. There is no minimum age. Minors can participate with a parent present and guardian-signed waiver.
All avalanche equipment is provided; participants bring their own skis or splitboard and boots. Helmets are mandatory for everyone, so please bring your own.
Transport
Transport is not included as part of the session. If you don't have a rental car, you can get a bus to Asahidake. The Ideyu-go bus (route 66) runs from JR Asahikawa Station via Asahikawa Airport to the Asahidake Ropeway. The trip takes about 90 minutes from the station, with a stop in Higashikawa. There are a few departures daily.
Or if you have wheels, it's roughly 70 minutes from central Asahikawa, with free ropeway parking through winter.
Lodging
Lodging is not included. You can stay in Asahidake Onsen accommodation and walk to the ropeway. Alternatively you can stay in Higashikawa accommodation, or in an Asahikawa hotel.
Insurance
Insurance is required and as a second layer of protection, Asobi Master enrol every guest in Japanese domestic accident insurance covering skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing beyond ski-area management boundaries, with rescue and rescuer expenses to ¥3,000,000 and personal liability cover to ¥100,000,000, open to non-resident visitors and minors. This is a local backstop behind your own insurance cover.