The Outbound Mountain Gear Japan BC Tour is a backcountry ski trip to Japan built around deep, dry powder, tree and alpine touring, local food, and evenings in an onsen. Two trips are offered in 2027: one in Niseko and Otaru, and one in Furano.

What it's for

This trip is for skiers with backcountry experience who want several full days of powder touring in a row. Cold storms stack light, dry snow, and the terrain is open glades, tight trees, natural pillows, and rolling features. When the weather clears, alpine tours give long descents and big views. Snow is often forgiving, but light can be flat and terrain management matters.

How it works

Touring days: you tour for your turns each day. Some days may include lift accessed backcountry, which lets the group gain vertical quickly, chase conditions, and manage energy.

Food: meals are a daily highlight, including ramen, sushi, and small local dishes.

Evenings: relaxed and social, ending with time in an onsen (hot spring) to recover for the next day.

Lodging: comfortable and well located, chosen to keep logistics simple.

Sizing and fit

• Skiing ability: you can confidently ski double black diamond terrain, including steep and tight treed lines
• Touring fitness: you can tour at least 2,500 vertical feet in a day at a steady pace, several days in a row
• Experience: you have prior backcountry experience and are comfortable using touring equipment
• Conditions: you are ready for deep snow, storm skiing, variable light, and full days in the mountains
• Not a fit if: you are new to backcountry skiing, prefer groomed or resort focused skiing, are uncomfortable in steep or treed terrain, or are not ready for multiple big days in a row

Specs

• Trip 1: January 24 to 29, 2027, Niseko and Otaru
• Trip 2: January 31 to February 5, 2027, Furano
• Minimum touring: 2,500 vertical feet per day