Niseko Zen Guiding
Niseko Zen Day Guiding Tours are based on PRIVATE GROUPS only, so your group of up to 4 people will have the ultimate say in how you want the day to run. You can go hard and push the limits or just take it easy and get to know Niseko and surrounding ski areas such as Rusutsu or Kiroro. You can choose one day of Niseko in-bounds guiding or multiple days of lift-access backcountry or backcountry touring.
Tours vary from lift-access in-resort off-piste skiing and boarding through to full backcountry touring days. You have the option of:
- Inbounds powder tour - spend the day being shown the powder stashes in the off-piste zones of the ski resort within the boundaries of the ski resort, so avalanche safety gear is not required.
- Lift accessed backcountry (aka sidecountry) zones of Niseko, Rusutsu or Kiroro - head out of bounds and let your guide sniff out the powder - surcharge for single day
- Backcountry tour - go ski touring or splitboarding in the Niseko area and you have the option of a full day or a half day of touring followed by an onsen. Minimum of 2 days.
- Backcountry clinic - learn the basics of skiing/riding in the backcountry.
Additional services include:
- Tail guide
- Professional photographer
- Omakase Powder Tour - guided day with photographer and optional onsen stop at the end of the day. Up to 6 guests.
- Equipment rentals - avalanche safety gear, ski touring set-up or splitboading set up
The Niseko Zen Tours team have many years experience riding and skiing in Niseko and its surrounding resorts and backcountry zones. The guides are all qualified with avalanche safety certification and first aid qualifications.
Please note that lift passes are not included in any prices with the exception of the Niseko Deluxe Powder Tour.
Below are some potential options for your group. If you want to check availability or have any questions you can
make a booking request here.
NISEKO Lift Accessed Backcountry (Max group 4)
For those who are looking to ski the epic deep powder that Niseko is famous for but want to minimize the hiking and maximise the vertical, a lift access backcountry tour is ideal. This tour requires some traversing and little to no hiking and uses the lifts to access the backcountry. Avalanche safety gear is mandatory.
Niseko Backcountry Touring (Max group 4)
This tour is suited to skiers and boarders who are happy to earn their turns without the use of any lifts. Tours take place at a number of hidden locations around the Niseko area. If the weather plays ball, this could even be a Mt Yotei expedition if you wish. Includes Niseko/Kutchan accommodation pick-up/drop-off and transport to backcountry area.
Rusutsu or Other Resort Lift Accessed Backcountry (Max group 4)
Rusutsu has some of the best lift-access tree skiing and riding in Hokkaido. Get a group together and head over there for the day from Niseko and see for yourself. This tour requires some traversing and little to no hiking and uses the lifts to access the backcountry. Avalanche safety gear is mandatory.
Other nearby ski resorts such as Kiroro are also a possibility and the tour will head to wherever the snow conditions are the best.
Backcountry Clinic
Learn the basics of backcountry skiing or riding, and the risks and dangers
experienced with the backcountry under the supervision of a professional. This tour will be run in easy and safe terrain, generally under 30 degress of pitch angle.