Guiding

General

    • 30 days before the tour date – 50% refund

    • Within 30 days or less of tour – 0% refund.

    Exceptions – In the event of a natural or man made disaster, including but not limited to an earthquake, tsunami, volcano, pandemic, nuclear meltdown or war that causes us to cease our entire operations or means you are unable to make your tour due to flight cancellations and travel restrictions, tour dates will be transferable to another date.

  • Hokkaido is famous for its huge quantities of snowfall each year - it’s why we love it here! However, with this often comes snowy, cloudy, sometimes windy and low visibility conditions. Luckily, this does not mean your tour needs to be cancelled. Our experienced guides keep a close eye on the weather and snow conditions and know the best spots to go on any given day. We are confident that they’ll find an appropriate place for you and your crew. That said, if the conditions are deemed too dangerous to keep you safe by your guide, the tour will be cancelled prior to commencement. If this does occur, we will endeavour to reschedule your tour - weather changes quickly here, making this an easy solution. If this is not possible, we will provide you with a full refund.

  • With an annual average of 15 metres, Niseko is considered one of the snowiest international ski resorts in the world. Snow generally starts falling in Hokkaido in early December and can go right through until April. However, if it’s the famous Niseko powder you’re chasing, January and February are the months that historically experience the most snowfall.That said, we’ve seen epic dumps in March over the years. And with the start of spring often comes clearer skies and warmer days - meaning you get some epic views.

  • Our guides will generally collect you right from your accommodation, unless other plans have been made (eg. meeting at a specific lift).

  • Guest safety is our number one priority at Stay North. We have a number of procedures in place to ensure our tours are as safe as can be.

    • Employment of highly qualified guides and working with companies that meet our safety prerequisites.

    • 1:5 guide ratio for backcountry tours and 1:6 for resort tours

    • Daily guide meetings to review the conditions and trips planned before commencement.

    • Ongoing assessment of weather, conditions and hazards in and around the Niseko area.

    • Guest information overview including skill level, medical information and trip expectations.

    • Operating under the rules of the mountain and ski patrol (eg. not entering terrain that is closed).

    It is important to understand that heading out into an Alpine environment inevitably brings with it risks. However, by using a professional guiding company you can feel confident that these risks are consistently monitored and all reasonable measures are taken to keep you safe and having fun.

Resort: On-Piste

  • We’re fortunate to be located near a number of epic resorts, including world famous Niseko United (Annupuri, Niseko Village, Hirafu and Hanazono). When booking a resort tour with us, you can either choose a specific resort (Niseko United, Rusutsu, Moiwa, Kiroro) or opt for the ‘wherever is best’ option. For this tour, our guides will choose the resort based on the conditions for the day. Wherever you go, we have no doubt that our guides will create an unforgettable experience for you.

  • Yes, you will need to purchase a lift ticket for the day. If you haven’t organised one prior to the tour, our guides will be more than happy to help.

Resort: Lift-Assisted Sidecountry

  • On a lift assisted sidecountry tour, you will use the resort lifts and extensive gate system at Niseko United, Moiwa, Kiroro or Rusutsu to access the sidecountry terrain around the resort. This means you are often finding better and deeper snow, but without having to hike for long distances.

    While the gates do provide the safest entry point into the backcountry, by going through them you are entering into territory where hazards and avalanche risk do pose serious risks. Therefore, it is wise to go with a guide when entering the lift-assisted backcountry, as they know the terrain and are constantly assessing the risks. It is also imperative that you carry the necessary safety equipment - beacon, shovel and probe.

  • Hokkaido is famous for its huge quantities of snowfall each year - it’s why we love it here! However, with this often comes snowy, cloudy, sometimes windy and low visibility conditions. Luckily, this does not mean your tour needs to be cancelled. Our experienced guides keep a close eye on the weather and snow conditions and know the best spots to go on any given day. We are confident that they’ll find an appropriate place for you and your crew. That said, if the conditions are deemed too dangerous to keep you safe by your guide, the tour will be cancelled prior to commencement. If this does occur, we will endeavour to reschedule your tour - weather changes quickly here, making this an easy solution. If this is not possible, we will provide you with a full refund.

  • You will need a ski pass for the resort as well as an avalanche safety pack (beacon, shovel and probe). We can provide you with one of these, just let us know when you make your booking.

  • One of the biggest advantages of a lift-assisted sidecountry tour is that you are utilising the lift system and can therefore get a greater amount of turns in compared with a full backcountry day. Depending on your ability and desire, your guide might take you to places where there is a short hike, but this is completely up to you!

Backcountry

  • Backcountry touring equipment (skis/splitboard, skins and poles and avalanche safety pack) is required for all participants on this tour. In addition, you will also need to bring plenty of layers and water/food.

    • Touring Equipment (skis/splitboard, skins, poles) - we have a small amount we rent to our guests. Please contact us asap to let us know if you would like to arrange rental through us.

    • Avalanche Safety Packs (beacon, shovel and probe) - we can rent these to our guests for ¥4000 per person. Our guides will also teach you how to use these prior to heading out.

    • Warm Layers - be prepared to feel all the temperatures on a backcountry tour. You’ll be sweating as you hike up the hill and then cooling off on the way down. Combine this with the ever changing weather conditions in Niseko, it’s important to be prepared. As they say, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing.

    • Water and Food - making sure you’re adequately fueled and hydrated means you’ll be able to push that little bit harder and get in those extra few turns. Our guides are more than happy to make a 7/11 stop in the morning if you need it.

  • Our guides know the area inside and out - in fact, if they’re not on a tour they’re generally out exploring new terrain (that’s just how much they love it). They also keep a close eye on the weather and snow conditions. This means that your guide will be able to take you to the best spot on the day. Location will also depend on the group’s ability and fitness level (eg. longer hikes/longer runs vs. shorter hikes/more runs).

  • There’s nothing quite like leaving the crowds behind and heading into the backcountry to find some of the world’s best untracked powder. If you’re new to backcountry touring, book our ‘introduction into backcountry’ tour. Our experienced and patient guides will provide support on how to use your equipment (including avalanche safety gear), tips and tricks to get the most out of your day (eg. how to kick turn) and a safe environment for you to learn in.