Backcountry Exploration in Central Hokkaido since 1981
At Alpine Backcountry Guides, we’re passionate about sharing the best of Central Hokkaido’s backcountry, Japan’s northernmost island and home to some of the deepest, driest snow on earth.
With over 40 years of experience guiding in the region, our team of highly skilled, professionally trained guides is dedicated to delivering exceptional, worry-free adventures tailored to your goals and experience.
From seamless planning and local insight to safe, expertly guided days in the mountains, we take care of every detail leaving you to focus on what you came for: incredible snow and unforgettable moments.
Explore. Ride. Experience Hokkaido.
Tour options and Itineraries
Contact us now to arrange your groups private backcountry tour for 2026
Something for everyone
We believe we have a little something for everyone with our range of tours, we cater to all levels of touring experience in the backcountry and always include skill development as a crucial part of our trips.
Most importantly, we try and cater different tours to different levels of experience. You will see we offer some Progression and Advanced versions of a few tours, this way we can achieve the best results for every client who chooses to travel with us.
If you are confused about which tour works best for you, feel free to reach out to discuss your options, or read more about our grading.
See you in Japan!
A word from our founder, John Morrell
John Morrell, at Tomamu.
I have been lucky to have had a career ski guiding in central Hokkaido since 1984 and have been skiing backcountry and resort here since 1981.
My guides and I still enjoy sharing our best spots in the backcountry, but these days you'll find me supplying you with equipment from through Alpine Backcountry Rental, located in our lodge in Tomamu.
Contact us with your dates and ideas so we can tailor a trip or come see us when you're in Tomamu to talk about guided day trips.
If there is one word that sums up central Hokkaido’s most important feature it is this; consistency. Many places in the world and throughout Japan have great powder snow. What sets central Hokkaido apart from the pack though, is that the odds here favour deep, light, soft, powder snow. Powder snow is the norm here.
That is why we have skiers coming year after year, certain in the knowledge that their best chance of deep powder is in central Hokkaido. It's coupled with our 40 years of experience and knowledge of putting people onto the world’s best lines, season after season.
Whether you are looking at resort or backcountry or combinations of both, we can advise you or guide you on your adventures. I look forward to you joining us for some great powder skiing and a great cultural experience in central Hokkaido.
John Morrell
Tomamu
Alpine BAckcountry Guides are proud winners of Ski Asia’s community voted award for best ski tour operator, Japan.
We are incredibly proud to have won the Ski Asia award “Japan’s Best Ski Tour Operator” two years in a row, in both 2024 and 2025. We believe our success in this community voted event is largely due to our dedication to delivering high quality, unforgettable experiences for our clients year after year.
Alpine Backcountry Rental
Please refer to our Dedicated website for rental options at Alpine Backcountry Rental
High quality Alpine Touring skis (Tech and Frame options)
Skins/ Snow shoes
Telescopic poles
Ski and Boot Crampons, Ice Axe
Alpine Touring Rental Boots
Beacon/Shovel/Probe/Backpacks
Avalanche Air Bags (electric)
