At 1,898 meters, Mount Yotei is the highest mountain in western Hokkaido and is located near the Niseko ski resorts. It's an active volcano, though the last eruption is believed to have taken place 3,000 years ago.
courtesy niseko xtreme tours
Ultimate backcountry experience —
According to Sam Kerr of Niseko Xtreme Tours, climbing the volcano and skiing into its crater is the ultimate backcountry ski experience in the region.
courtesy Niseko xtreme tours
Best snow —
Apart from bragging rights, those who summit the volcano get amazing views and some of the world's best powder snow.
courtesy niseko xtreme tours
Into the powder —
There are only about 10 days a year when Yotei can be scaled and skied, since heavy snowfall and changing weather can make the climb too hazardous.
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Off-trail —
The area offers plenty of backcountry, off-piste ski and snowboard opportunities. Niseko Adventure Center operates a private Cat vehicle for those who want to head up Mount Weiss Horn.
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Powder lover —
Former snowboard champ and Niseko resident Tomoki Takaku operates the Powder Company Guide at the Niseko Annupuri ski area. He regularly takes to the slopes of Weiss Horn and has snowboarded Yotei around 20 times.
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Carving through 'cream cheese' —
With Yotei in the distance, Takaku gets ready to carve his way through the "cream cheese" powder that covers the mountainside.
