Experience Powder Snow Skiing in Hokkaido – Backcountry Skiing on Mt. Shiribetsu by Helicopter

Located in the Hokkaido Toya Lake area, The Windsor Hotel Toya Resort & Spa supports skiers who love the unique powder snow of winter in Hokkaido.
This time, we introduce the “Mt. Shiribetsu Heli-Skiing” program, which is especially popular among advanced skiers and snowboarders.

■ What is Mt. Shiribetsu Heli-Skiing?

Mt. Shiribetsu is a 1,107-meter mountain located in the Niseko area of Hokkaido, renowned as one of Hokkaido’s premier powder snow destinations. The Mt. Shiribetsu Heli-Skiing service is operated by Hokkaido Backcountry Club (JRT Trading Co., Ltd.), and it provides skiers with direct helicopter transportation from the Kimobetsu heliport to the summit of Mt. Shiribetsu.
The greatest appeal is the opportunity to ski on pristine, untouched powder snow. This exclusive and private experience grants access to fresh powder snow that cannot be reached by conventional ski resort lifts.
Heli-skiing allows advanced skiers to enjoy vast backcountry slopes without the need for climbing or long approaches, all within a short period. The diverse terrain of Mt. Shiribetsu offers a variety of line selections, adding to its attraction.
Hokkaido Backcountry Club received the Grand Award of the World Ski Awards (World’s Best Heli-Ski Operator) in 2016.

■ Attractions of Backcountry Skiing on Mt. Shiribetsu

Mt. Shiribetsu is a treasure trove of powder snow and is primarily a backcountry skiing area. The region’s powder snow is highly regarded for its light, fluffy texture and low humidity, making it easy and enjoyable to ski. Throughout the winter season, Mt. Shiribetsu consistently maintains excellent snow quality. Helicopter access enables skiing on various slopes, providing a diverse range of exhilarating lines.
The Mt. Shiribetsu heli-skiing program maintains an exclusive guide-to-guest ratio of 4:1, allowing the group to progress at a pace tailored to each participant while skiing approximately six of the best lines on the mountain. The terrain ranges from 20 to 40-degree slopes, including open bowls and tree runs. Guides carefully select courses based on snow conditions and avalanche risks to ensure safety.

北海道でパウダースノースキー体験　ヘリで尻別岳のバックカントリースキーへ

■ Important Considerations for Backcountry Skiing

Unlike conventional ski resorts, heli-skiing takes place in a natural, uncontrolled environment, making risk management essential. For this reason, experienced guides accompany all trips and strictly manage safety.
The Mt. Shiribetsu heli-skiing experience is designed for small private groups, enabling personalized route planning and individual support according to each participant’s skill level. The expert local guides’ extensive backcountry knowledge further ensures safety.
However, due to rapidly changing natural conditions and challenging terrain featuring steep slopes and dense tree runs, heli-skiing is recommended exclusively for advanced skiers and snowboarders. Participants are expected to have solid skiing skills and the ability to manage themselves responsibly in snowy mountain environments.

■ Access from The Windsor Hotel Toya

The Windsor Hotel Toya Resort & Spa offers excellent access to Mt. Shiribetsu, making day-trip heli-skiing easily feasible. The heli-skiing area is approximately a one-hour drive from the hotel, with smooth transportation to the helicopter landing site.
In addition, the hotel provides support and arrangements for winter activities, including ski services for guests staying during the winter season.

The Mt. Shiribetsu heli-skiing experience offers advanced skiers an unrivaled opportunity to enjoy some of Hokkaido’s finest powder snow backcountry skiing. With its convenient location and comprehensive services, The Windsor Hotel Toya Resort & Spa serves as the ideal base for a memorable winter adventure in Hokkaido.
For those seeking breathtaking powder snow rides on Mt. Shiribetsu, heli-skiing arranged through The Windsor Hotel Toya is the perfect choice.