Otaru Intro to Backcountry Tours  

The Otaru Intro to Backcountry Tours from Otaru Powder Guides is ideal for those that are experienced skiers or riders and comfortable riding anywhere at the resort, yet want to push themselves and explore new areas and powder stashes out of the confines of the ski area.

These day trips out of Otaru or Kiroro are for private groups of up to 4 people ie you can’t join a mixed group.

The objective of the day is for the guide to introduce the fundamentals of safe backcountry travel considering that more people are venturing out of the resort in search of untouched powder. In past winters there has been an increase in incidents related to riders getting themselves in unfamiliar territory. The Intro to Backcountry Tour aims to give riders some basic knowledge, skills and decision-making ability in order to keep them and their group safe, whilst enjoying the mountains. You won’t be a backcountry pro at the end of the day, but importantly you’ll gain better knowledge of what you don’t know, and hopefully will garner a quest to further your knowledge.

If you feel somewhat comfortable in the backcountry and just want a guide to show you the best powder stashes, the other option is the Otaru Powder Tour, whether that be lift-accessed backcountry or backcountry touring.

Scope

This is not an official Avalanche Safety Training course, rather a backcountry tour with emphasis on imparting safe travel habits. Your guide will aim to address the following:

• Avalanche Safety Gear:
  • Transceiver (Beacon)
  • Probe
  • Shovel
• Other Equipment:
  • Splitboard or Snowshoes or Touring Skis
  • Skins
  • Bindings, Boots & Extendable Poles.
• Knowledge and Skills:
  • Where to find reliable weather, snow and avalanche forecasts and reports
  • Route finding (ascent and descent)
  • Deciding where to ride (aspect and elevation)
  • Powder riding techniques
  • Handy mountain resources

Flow of the Day

The day will generally go from 8am to 4pm and flow something like this:

• Pick up from accommodation and morning briefing that will include where the group will aim to hike, ride and why
• Equipment check
• Transport to the trail head including convenience store stop for snacks
• Gear up
• Basic avalanche safety equipment check, explanation, demonstration and practice
• Start hiking. Find the safest and most efficient way up the mountain
• Ride POW. Find the best terrain with the best snow whilst minimising risk
• After a full day hiking and riding the group will finish up with a debrief at the vehicles
• Optional onsen on the way back to your accommodation

If you have any questions or want to ask about availability, you can make a booking request.