Central Zone Lift Assisted Touring
The Central Zone Lift Assisted Touring trip from Summit Ski is based in Furano in Central Hokkaido. This style of trip provides the best of both worlds and ideal way to tackle the powder.
Get the runs in with what’s for grabs in the resort and lift-accessed zones, and then if it gets tracked out then put on the
skins and tour a bit further whilst still utilizing the capabilities of the elevation that the lifts can
provide. An optional pure backcountry day can also get thrown into the mix.
We call it smart touring/hiking, not lazy, and the best way to maximise your fresh powder lines in
Central Hokkaido.
Hokkaido’s central zone boasts active volcanoes and has a great selection of ski areas and
unique characteristics that have the charm and beauty you imagined Japan to have, unlike some of the overdeveloped resorts. Some of the options to visit include:
- Furano - steep pitches and roller coaster style lines
- Tomamu - sparse trees in some zones and some big backcountry lines
- Kamui - a local ski hill with playful terrain.
- Asahidake - tallest mountain in Hokkaido and if you get a bluebird then you’ll see the active volcano with fumaroles billowing out sulphurous smoke.
- Sahoro - picturesque birch trees runs and a possible pick up from a road
- Kurodake - available in later season February (Dates to be confirmed) onwards, the most
gnarly terrain in Hokkaido
- Tokachidake/Furanodake - options A - Z with touring and a hot spring with sauna and
pools of different temperatures.
After a day of powder turns, there is also the option for a soak in an onsen on the way back to the hotel.
Based in Furano the town, you have the advantage of the best picks for local
restaurants in the evening.
Powder, hot springs, and great food - the perfect ingredients for a Hokkaido trip.
Groups
This is open for fixed date mixed group trips that solos, duos or small groups can join along with others. The sample pricing is based on there being 6 people in the group and the pricing is tiered if there are fewer people. See the Rates & Inclusions tab for information on pricing. If you want to check availability or have any other questions,
please get in contact.
Or if you have your own posse (minimum 2 people) you can request a private trip.
Equipment
Avalanche safety equipment is essential and can be provided if required. You'll also need ski touring or splitboarding gear and this is available to rent if you don't have your own kit.
Ability
This tour requires advanced riding skills with entry level backcountry knowledge. Riders should be fit and comfortable skiing black run pitch in powder, and riding amongst trees.
Your guide can give you a few tips along the way if you wish, regarding efficiently riding powder or backcountry safety.
Lodging
You will be staying in a hotel in Furano city ski resort and within walking distance to
restaurants/bars/convenience stores. Book early enough and the aim is to have a hotel
with a hot spring on the top floor. Rooms are shared twin bedrooms with ensuite bathroom.
If you are a solo traveller there is the option to upgrade to a single room for an additional charge.