Hokkaido Backcountry Huts - Ski Touring

[rob_thomson]

Over the last couple of years, I have been slowly visiting some of the fantastic backcountry huts here in Hokkaido (northern Japan) - most perfect for overnight and multi-day ski tours. I've recorded locations on my GPS route maps, and tried to explain how to use the huts (i.e., booking, etc).

The list: http://www.14degrees.org/hokkaido-ba...k-country-huts

HIGHLIGHTS have been:

The Okuteine Yama-no-ie maintained by Hokkaido University
Trip report: http://www.14degrees.org/multi-day-o...okkaido-japan/




Shokanso Hut on the Japan Sea coast
Trip report: http://www.14degrees.org/shokanso-hu...okkaido-japan/




Mt. Piyashiri Summit Hut in northern Hokkaido
Trip report: http://www.14degrees.org/mt-piyashir...okkaido-japan/




Just last weekend, the Shakotan Hut just west of Sapporo
Trip report: http://www.14degrees.org/shakotan-hu...okkaido-japan/

[klar]

I love seeing these more "unusual" glimpses of skiing in Japan. Perhaps unusual only in the sense that 90% of Japan pictures I, as someone who has never been there, notice are of deep ski resort powder. I was completely unaware that this sort of thing existed in Japan. Thanks!

[rob_thomson]

Cheers! Mountain huts are loved here, as they are in many countries :-) For me, if I get a nice powder run on the way down on a ski tour, it is just icing on the cake. The hills here are beautiful and have a depth of history that goes way beyond the pow...I am definitely having fun exploring all that.

[greensnow]

That is one of the best resources i've come across. I have been to Hokkaido a few times, though not known about those huts.

[Mike Pow]

Excellent work