Hachimantai Gozaisho Meteorological Information
(Past 10 days, 960m altitude)
*Data represents conditions from 7am to 8am
Sky (Cloudiness): CLR: 0, FEW: 1-3, SCT: 4-5, BKN: 6-9, OVC: 10, X: Unknown
Precipitation Type: Nil: None, R: Rain, S: Snow, RS: Sleet, G: Hail/Ice
Precipitation Rate: RV: Very Light Rain, RL: Light Rain, RM: Medium Rain, RH: Heavy Rain, S-1: <1cm Snowfall, S1: ~1cm Snowfall, S2: ~2cm Snowfall, S3: ~3cm Snowfall
*The “C” under each date marks the end of a continuous snowfall. From the following day to the next C-marked day is a single period of precipitation weather.
Hachimantai Gozaisho Meteorological Information (Past 10 days, 960m altitude)
*Data represents conditions from 7am to 8am
Sky (Cloudiness): CLR: 0, FEW: 1-3, SCT: 4-5, BKN: 6-9, OVC: 10, X: Unknown
Precipitation Type: Nil: None, R: Rain, S: Snow, RS: Sleet, G: Hail/Ice
Precipitation Rate: RV: Very Light Rain, RL: Light Rain, RM: Medium Rain, RH: Heavy Rain, S-1: <1cm Snowfall, S1: ~1cm Snowfall, S2: ~2cm Snowfall, S3: ~3cm Snowfall
*The “C” under each date marks the end of a continuous snowfall.
From the following day to the next C-marked day is a single period of precipitation weather.
What is Backcountry Skiing?
What is Backcountry Skiing?
The “backcountry” is typically defined as the area that awaits you outside the boundaries of most ski areas’ manicured courses and compacted snow slopes. Here, you can enjoy the snow in its most natural state, sliding through pure fluff and powder as you take in the true scale of nature’s glory. Nowadays, backcountry skiing is frequently sought after by riders from abroad, and its popularity is only increasing.
Once the domain of the old Hachimantai Ski Resort, Daikoku Forest is now an expanse of ultra-fine powder snow. Thanks to many different tours on offer by experienced local guides, it is quickly earning a reputation for itself.
The Risks of the Backcountry
The Risks of the Backcountry
Even with an experienced guide, accidents such as falls and tree collisions can still happen if you’re not prepared for the wildly varying snow conditions. Please be sure to judge your own skill and ability honestly before taking part in any tour, and follow the regulations of the tour strictly.
It’s also important to remember that backcountry skiing is just like any other manner of winter hiking activity in that the danger of avalanches is always present. Remember that the backcountry is by definition a place that people do not often go into; prepare your equipment accordingly, and be sure to follow your guide’s instructions carefully.
Backcountry Skiing in Appi & Hachimantai
Backcountry Skiing in Appi & Hachimantai
Based in Hachimantai City, various guide companies certified by the Japan Mountain Guides Association are offering tours within the Appi and Hachimantai area. These vary in flavor from beginner-friendly courses to full-on adventures.
Avalanche Risk Management in Hachimantai
Avalanche Risk Management in Hachimantai
Hachimantai’s backcountry ski tours are held in the now-defunct Hachimantai Ski Area, known today as Daikoku Forest. CAT vehicle operations are managed by the Daikoku Forest Management Cooperative, which monitors the area’s weather conditions every day during the ski season. As part of stringent efforts to ensure safe operations, this information is shared with the various guide companies.
Backcountry CAT Tours
Backcountry CAT Tours
CATs, or “snowcats” (short for snow caterpillar), are heavy duty utility vehicles made for easily traversing snow. You can ride a CAT though Daikoku Forest (formerly Hachimantai Ski Resort) and the surrounding region. The snow here is frequently viewed as the finest powder in Honshu, and you can experience it and Hachimantai’s gorgeous outdoors easily.
Cat & Hike
With this option, you’ll take a CAT vehicle from Gozaisho (960m altitude) up to about 1,440m, before disembarking to hike towards either Mt. Chausu (1,578m) or Mt. Yanomune (1,397m) for a 40-60min hike. This tour will take you through Chausu and others’ great open corridors.
Cat & Ride
This option begins with a CAT ride up from Gozaisho at 960m up to 1,440m, after which you’ll ski or snowboard through the Daikoku Forest area (formerly Hachimantai Ski Resort). This repeats once more, with the CAT delivering you back up to 1,440m to ride down again.
Hachimantai CAT Tour calendar
Hachimantai CAT Tour calendar
*Disruption of operations may sometimes occur due to vehicle trouble or weather/climate conditions. We appreciate your understanding.
Important Notes:
- Tours are held by Hachimantai City’s guide companies, each certified by the Japan Mountain Guide Association (JMGA).
- Required and recommended gear is subject to change based on the tour. Please check the guide company’s website for equipment information.
- CAT Tours may be cancelled due to vehicle difficulties or weather/climate conditions. In such cases, transportation fees to the tour site are not guaranteed to be reimbursed.
- When boarding, riding, and disembarking from a CAT vehicle, always follow the instructions of the guide(s) and/or tour staff.
- In the case of a CAT-related vehicle accident, any measures beyond those described by Hachimantai CAT Tours’ insurance contract with Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance are not guaranteed.
HACHIMANTAI CAT TOURS
Hachimantai CAT Tours offers tours using CAT vehicles operated by the Daikoku Forest Management Cooperative. The Cooperative manages the CAT vehicles, maintains the land, runs accident prevention courses, and collects and publishes climate and snowfall data.
HACHIMANTAI CAT TOURS
Hachimantai CAT Tours offers tours using CAT vehicles operated by the Daikoku Forest Management Cooperative. The Cooperative manages the CAT vehicles, maintains the land, runs accident prevention courses, and collects and publishes climate and snowfall data.
