Vehicles: Skiing and boarding most days does not require the use of a vehicle - however for guests who also want to explore the surrounding areas we offer a selection of rental vehicles for day use. Guests are required to hold a valid International Drivers Permit and be comfortable driving in winter (snow/ice/blizzard) conditions.
2005 BMW X5 4.4i Sports Pack: full moon roof; 19 inch wheels; snow tyres; seat heating; right-hand drive; seats 5 comfortably with luggage area; xDrive full-time, four-wheel-drive system; computer-controlled limited-slip centre differential; car navigation; electronic stability control; 4-wheel ABS; traction control; heated washer; daytime running lights; child seat lower anchorage; BMW child seat x 1; side airbag; front airbag; front and rear roof airbag; tire pressure monitor; 10 speaker audio system; dog cage.
1996 RangeRover HSE 4.6: 18 inch wheels; snow tyres; seat heating; right-hand drive; seats 5 comfortably with luggage area; roof racks; dual airbags, side-impact beams, traction control and ABS; front and rear heated glass; heated windscreen washer jets; automatic climate control; dual temperature controls; tilt steering column; variable speed wipers; cruise control; power glass sunroof; power door locks; power outside mirrors and power windows; 120-watt audio system; six-disc CD changer and 11 speakers; tow bar for dual snowmobile trailer.
1996 Mitsubishi Delica Space gear: Perfect 4x4 for Niseko; snow tyres; seat heating; right-hand drive; electric sunroof; dual air con; seats 7; roof racks; driver airbag; ABS; dual temperature controls; audio system; 12-disc CD changer; car navigation system; iPod FM transmitter; snowboard ski racks;
Back Country skiing/boarding/snowmobiling/snowcat boarding/skiing: The average day skiing or boarding in Niseko is generally very satisfying indeed - however with anything between 5 to 10 day stays we highly recommend combining it with a few adrenalin pumping activities. the Niseko area is ideal for back country boarding and skiing which generally can be accessed via lifts, exiting to the same resort or in many cases a connected resort - most of these areas are well tracked and in some cases patrolled by volunteer patrol but many of the best areas that we recommend are not accessible from the lifts and require vehicle/snowshoe exits of up to 40-80 minutes. Rather than renting a vehicle, and doing long walk ins/outs - we highly recommend a guided snowmobile and/or snowcat session. Niseko SnowCat Adventures and Niseko SnowMobile Adventures offer several packages that will get you into some of the most beautiful and adrenalin packed terrain in the world. Please refer to the links below or call us to enquire/make reservations.
Enjoy a day in Niseko's back country with Niseko Snowmobile Adventures (NSA).
Experience the rush of riding high performance snowmobiles in Niseko's legendary powder. What a way to experience the real back country onboard your own sled. NSA's guided tours will take you through Niseko's highest powder bowls, winding ridge tops and forest trails, experience spectacular views from surrounding mountain ranges that are un-attainable by any other means, definitely some of the best sledding in the world! NSA offer small-personalized tours with the highest guide to customer ratio in the area.
NSA guides are certified in wilderness first aid, back country and avalanche safety and are equipped with the latest G.P.S units. Never ridden a sled before? no problems, before your adventure begins you will receive a comprehensive 45min orientation on snowmobile operation and alpine safety. All customers are supplied and briefed in using beacons, shovels and probes.
Enjoy Niseko's pristine back country with Niseko Snowcat Adventures (NSA).
Experience the beauty of the regions hidden back country and famous bottomless powder, all from the comfort of your heated Snowcat. NSA have a choice of adventures available from scenic back country tours to guided cat skiing. Their guided tours will take you to untracked powder fields, along winding ridge tops and forest trails, through majestic Birch forests, and into fields dotted with Pines, offering you unsurpassed views of Mt. Yotei.
NSA guides are certified in wilderness first aid, back country and avalanche safety and equipped with the latest G.P.S units. NSA pride themselves on having the most experienced guides, giving the most exciting snowcat experience around, and setting the standard for back country adrenalin in the Niseko area.
If you do choose to venture into the back country areas we highly recommend an initial guided session or sessions - and most importantly we suggest you go prepared. Never venture out of bounds without basic safety gear - it will save you and/or a friends/family member life.
Check out the options below and before or during your stay please let us know your adrenalin activity preferences and we will advance/tentatively book. We only recommend the experts and rather than carry all the necessities to Japan we have prepared a number of gear choices to ensure you stay safe and travel light.
QuickDraw Carbon Fiber 230 Probe
This lightweight probe reduces weight without sacrificing the strength or stiffness necessary for slicing through ice chunks and setup snow. The Carbon Fiber 230 incorporates a rapid deployment stuff sack, speed cone ferules to accelerate assembly and a non-slip grip. Stiff, ultra-light carbon fiber tubes provide durability and strength and metal inserts at each joint reduce flexing. This probe is marked every five centimeters.
Tracker
Roughly 3/4 of all avalanche victims die from asphyxiation. If you can find the victim and get them air within 15 minutes, their chances of survival are good—barring major trauma. If you miss that window, their chances drop precipitously. With the Tracker, you’ll shave valuable minutes off the search, giving your companion their best possible shot at survival.
Ascent packs
Revelation keeps your gear quiver easily accessible, protected and riding close to your body. The zippered top-loading design features back panel access for making quick grabs. Your shovel and probe stow separately in their own quick-access pockets and the exterior attachment points for skis, ice tools, crampons and helmet are simple and dependable. To comfortably handle large loads, it uses a Y-rod aluminum stay and thermoformed backpanel, waistbelt and shoulder straps.
Shovels
Built for back country travelers and first responders, these shovels deploy instantaneously for emergency situations. Utilizing a trapezoidal, curved-shaft design, they provide rotation-free, fast activation with the squeeze of a spring pin. For integrated storage the shaft slides into the metal blade, which is made of exceptionally strong aluminum and designed to move large quantities of snow quickly as well as for creating smooth pit walls.
Lightning Ascents
Unrivaled Traction Serrated Total-Traction frame delivers unprecedented 360 degree grip. The lightest snowshoe in its class. Televator・heel lifter reduces calf fatigue, making climbing easier and more efficient. User-Friendly 3-strap step-on binding fits a variety of boots and is fast, secure, and easy to use. Stable Support True-Hinge・steel crampon enhances foot stability and minimizes heel drift, resulting in more efficient gait mechanics and less expended energy.
Polaris Snowmobile 900 RMK 166
The best all-around mountain sled - the RMK 900 performs better than any other sled. Simple, powerful - the best suspension available to tackle off-trail rough and deliver agility through the steep and deep - ensuring you spend your time carving through the snow instead of shoveling it.
Both our sleds are used under supervision by NSA guides. Sleds are transported via dual snowmobile trailer or garaged near the NSA trail head.