björn snowsport
Snowboard training with style
Backcountry 101: Your Journey Beyond the Ropes
Step into the serene, untracked world of the backcountry! This guide will walk you through the essential gear, skills, and mindset you need to explore mountains in their purest form. From the absolute must-haves for your first adventure to the specialized tools for deep expeditions, you’ll learn how to ride safely and confidently off the beaten path.
I'm Björn alias BJ or Swissy, and I am excited to guide you on an unforgettable journey into Niseko’s incredible backcountry. All guiding and lessons are professionally handled through NBS Japan Snowsports Specialists, ensuring you receive the highest standard of service. Specializing in Gate access powder tours within the Niseko United area, I will help you unlock the deep snow and find the best lines the mountain has to offer.
I also offer lessons to work on your technique, getting you ready for powder riding or even into the backcountry.
As a fully qualified SBINZ Level 3 (formerly Stage 2) and Swiss Snowsports Instructor with the prestigious Fachausweis Schneesportlehrer L4 (Swiss Snow Pro), you can be confident that you are in the hands of a highly-skilled and internationally certified professional.
I will provide introduction avalanche course, and you can rent avalanche packs through NBS while guiding with me, ensuring you have the foundational knowledge and the right gear for a safe and confident ride.
The Foundation of Safety
Safety isn’t just a checklist; it’s a mindset. Your first priority is preparing for the unpredictable.
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Essential Safety Gear: This is your life-saving trio. An Avalanche Backpack or Vest should be equipped with a Shovel, a Probe, and a Beacon/Transceiver. The beacon is a small electronic device that sends out a signal so rescuers can find you in the snow. The probe is a collapsible pole used to pinpoint the exact location of a buried person, and the shovel is for digging them out. Always carry a First Aid Kit for minor injuries and an SOS Blanket in case of an emergency to prevent hypothermia.
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Smart Planning: Never head out unprepared. Before you go, always check the official Avalanche Bulletin for the latest conditions and plan your route with an Offline/Online Map on your phone or GPS device. Offline maps are crucial because you won't always have a cell signal. Always have your Phone with SOS Numbers handy and pack a Battery Pack and Spare Batteries for your Transceiver/Beacon to ensure your lifeline is always powered.
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Fuel and Hydration: Your body is your engine. Pack plenty of Water and high-energy snacks like Muesli Bars and Energy Gels to keep you going strong. Hand Warmers are a simple but crucial addition for cold days, as they help maintain dexterity and prevent frostbite.
Safety Gear
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Avalanche Backpack / Vest
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Shovel, Probe, and Beacon / Transceiver
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First Aid Kit
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Map (Offline / Online)
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Trip Planning
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Avalanche Bulletin
simply scan the QR Code
or
click on it
<<< Left for the official Niseko United Avalanche Report
Right for the official Japanese Avalanche Report >>>
Niseko, Mt. Yotei, Yoichi-dake, Shiribetsu-dake
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Muesli Bar, Energy Gel, Water
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SOS Blanket
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Spare Batteries for Beacon
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Phone / SOS Numbers
Niseko United Ski Patrols
Grand Hirafu: +81136223760
Niseko Village: +81136442211
Niseko Annupuri: +81136582080
Niseko HANAZONO: +81136230104
Moiwa Ski Resort: +81136592511
Emergency Services (Japan-wide)
Police: 110
Fire & Rescue: 119
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Battery Pack
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Hand Warmers
Your Gear for the Ride
Choosing the right gear is all about matching your equipment to the mountain.
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The Right Board: For exploring fresh powder, a dedicated Powder Board will have a wide nose and tapered tail or fish tail to give you incredible float. A Freeride Board is more versatile while still performing well in powder. An All-Mountain Board can also be a good choice for variable conditions.
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Outerwear & Layers: Your clothing is your shield against the elements. A high-quality waterproof and breathable Outerwear system is non-negotiable. Layering is key: start with a moisture-wicking Baselayer to pull sweat away from your skin, add an insulating Midlayer for warmth, and carry extra Layers you can add or remove to regulate your body temperature as you tour.
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The Essentials: Never forget your core gear. A sturdy Helmet is essential for head protection. Goggles are not just for vision—they protect your eyes from wind, snow, and sun. A Face Mask and a good pair of Gloves are a must to keep you warm.
Level Up Your Backcountry Kit
For adventures far from civilization, consider this advanced gear to enhance your safety and comfort.
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Touring Equipment: To efficiently reach those distant peaks, you'll need a Splitboard and Split Bindings. A splitboard breaks in half to form two skis for easier uphill travel. Snowshoes are a good alternative and can be paired with your powder or freeride board. Collapsible Poles are a game-changer for ascending and traversing difficult terrain.
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Splitboard and Split Bindings
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Snowshoes (with Powder or Freeride Board)
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Collapsible Poles
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Advanced Provisions: For long days or overnight trips, a more substantial First Aid Kit and a Rescue Sled can be vital. Pack a hearty Lunch/Dinner (like hiking or military food) and something warm like a thermos of Tea, Coffee, or Hot Water to boost morale and keep you warm on a cold day.
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Bigger First Aid Kit / Rescue Sled
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Lunch / Dinner (Hiking, Military Food)
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Tea, Coffee, Hot Water
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Comfort and Navigation: Stay comfortable with Big Hand Warmers/Body Warmers or even Heated Clothing. An Emergency Stove can be a lifesaver for melting snow or heating water. A reliable GPS is your ultimate navigation tool when visibility is poor or you're deep in the trees.
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Big Handwarmers / Body Warmers
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Heated Clothing
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Emergency Stove
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GPS
Your Best Gear: Knowledge & Fitness
No piece of equipment can replace proper training and preparation. Your brain and body are your best tools.
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Avalanche and Touring Knowledge:
Invest in your skills. Take an Avalanche Course to learn how to read snowpack, understand weather patterns, and identify dangerous terrain. Develop strong Trip Planning Skills. -
First Aid Training:
This is just as critical as your avalanche skills. A certified First Aid Course teaches you how to handle common backcountry injuries and provides the confidence to help yourself or a partner in an emergency. -
Survival Training:
For the unexpected, consider Survival Training to learn how to build a shelter, signal for help, and stay warm if an overnight stay becomes necessary. -
Physical Fitness:
The backcountry is physically demanding, and being fit makes the difference between a tough day and a great one. Always plan your trips according to your riding ability and current fitness level. Maintaining your fitness through activities like hiking, running, mountain biking or any sport during the summer will ensure you have the endurance to enjoy your tour and stay safe.
Finding the Right Avalanche Course
When you're looking for an avalanche course, it's best to choose one from a reputable organization that has a standardized, widely recognized curriculum. This ensures you're learning the most current, effective, and professional-grade information.
Here is a comprehensive list of highly-regarded avalanche course providers, starting with options in Niseko, Japan, and followed by major providers in other regions.
Top Avalanche Course Providers in Niseko, Japan
In Niseko, a number of excellent avalanche courses are available that follow internationally recognized curriculums. The most common and respected certification you'll find there is the Avalanche Skills Training (AST), which is an educational program developed by Avalanche Canada.
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Hokkaido Backcountry Club: As a certified AST training operation, they offer both the introductory AST 1 and the more advanced AST 2 courses. Their programs are tailored to suit Hokkaido's terrain and snowpack, and they often provide gear rentals.
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Black Diamond Tours: They also provide AST 1 and AST 2 courses. They are well-known for their experienced guides and a comprehensive curriculum recognized by Avalanche Canada.
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Rising Sun Guides: This is another reputable provider of the AST 1 and AST 2 courses in the Niseko area. Their courses are also certified under the authority of Avalanche Canada and are a great option for those looking to expand their skills.
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Whiteroom Tours: This company offers courses accredited by the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council, which is another excellent and internationally recognized standard for avalanche training. Their courses are taught by experienced instructors with a wealth of knowledge in avalanche forecasting and safety.
Other Top Avalanche Course Providers by Region
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North America (USA): The primary standard for avalanche education in the U.S. is set by the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE). AIARE courses are the gold standard for recreational backcountry users. The most common courses are AIARE 1 (foundational), AIARE Avalanche Rescue (hands-on rescue skills), and AIARE 2 (advanced).
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North America (Canada): The leading organization for avalanche education in Canada is Avalanche Canada (AvCan). Their curriculum is widely respected and includes the foundational AST 1 (Avalanche Skills Training Level 1) and the more advanced AST 2.
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Europe: While there isn't one single overarching curriculum, look for courses taught by a certified IFMGA (International Federation of Mountain Guide Associations) mountain guide. These guides have the highest level of certification and are trained to lead in all mountain environments.
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Australia & New Zealand: The national standard in New Zealand is set by the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (MSC). In Australia, look for providers like Avalanche Training Australia.
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China, Singapore & Hong Kong: People from these regions who want to take an avalanche course must travel to a country with snow and avalanche terrain. They can choose to take a course in Japan, New Zealand, Europe, or North America, depending on their travel plans.
What to Look For When Booking Your Course
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Accreditation: Ensure the course is taught by a recognized and reputable organization. Look for providers that are certified by a body like Avalanche Canada, AIARE, or a national guiding organization like the IFMGA.
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Instructor Experience: The quality of the course often comes down to the instructor. Look for instructors who have extensive professional experience working in the mountains, such as certified mountain guides or ski patrollers.
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Course Structure: The best courses combine online or classroom theory with significant field time. Make sure a large portion of the course is spent on the snow, where you'll practice skills in a real-world environment.
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Location: The best place to take an avalanche course is in an area that has the type of terrain and snowpack you plan to ride, to give you the most relevant and practical experience.
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Gear: Many providers offer gear rental for the course, which can be very helpful if you don’t own a beacon, shovel, and probe.
Online Avalanche Courses for Pre-Trip Knowledge
While no online course can replace hands-on, in-field training, these resources are an excellent way to learn fundamental concepts, terminology, and trip-planning skills before you hit the snow.
Free Resources & Awareness Courses:
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Avalanche Canada's Avy Savvy: This is a fantastic and completely free online tutorial. It's a quick, interactive way to learn the basics of avalanche terrain, the forecast, companion rescue, and more. This is an ideal starting point for anyone new to the backcountry.
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Know Before You Go (KBYG): This is a free, short video series that provides a basic but powerful overview of avalanche safety. It’s widely used by avalanche centers and outdoor retailers and is a great way to introduce yourself to the concepts.
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American Avalanche Institute (AAI) Free Awareness Course: The AAI offers a free introductory course that covers the basics of snow and avalanches. It’s a great way to get a feel for the terminology and concepts before committing to a full course.
Hybrid & Comprehensive Online Courses:
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AIARE Online Courses: Many AIARE-certified providers now offer a hybrid format. You can complete the theoretical, classroom portion of a full AIARE 1 course online via self-paced modules or live Zoom sessions. This is a great way to save time and ensure you have a solid grasp of the theory before meeting your instructor for the hands-on field days.
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MTN Sense Avalanche Course: This is a comprehensive, video-based course taught by certified guides. It's designed for recreational riders and includes in-depth lessons on everything from snowpack analysis to human factors in decision-making. It provides a great deal of information to deepen your knowledge at your own pace.
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Ortovox Safety Academy: This platform offers online learning modules that complement their in-person training. They have resources on a wide range of topics and are a great way to get familiar with the core principles of avalanche risk management.
Helpful Tools
Having the right gear is one thing, but having the right tools to navigate the backcountry safely is just as important. These are some of the tools I use and recommend to help you plan your day and stay on track.
Maps
Whether you choose a digital or a paper map, the most important thing is to have a reliable resource. A good map is essential for planning your route, identifying avalanche terrain, and staying oriented when the weather changes.
Digital vs. Paper
The debate between a digital map on your phone or a traditional paper map is a personal choice, but both have their strengths. As long as your device has battery, digital maps are an amazing tool for route planning and real-time guidance. Just be sure to download the map onto your device before you go, as an internet connection is often nonexistent in the backcountry.
On the other hand, paper maps are always there for you. They don't need electricity or a signal, making them a fantastic offline resource. Just remember to protect them from water, as paper and moisture are not a good match.
My Go-To Map Resources
I used to rely on Fatmap for my global go-to and White Risk for back home in Switzerland. Since Strava bought Fatmap, I've switched to a few other great options:
White Risk is an amazing portal for Switzerland that's getting better at covering areas abroad every year.
For a specific paper map of the Niseko area, you can download the official map from Niseko United or pick one up in the resort. Alternatively, you can purchase a dedicated backcountry topo map online from Hokkaido Wilds. If you can't find a map specifically for freeriding or touring in the area you're traveling to, a good hiking topo map will work just fine.
The 3x3 Method
The 3x3 method is a powerful framework that helps you make informed, risk-based decisions. It encourages you to assess three key factors—Conditions, Terrain, and Human Factors—at three different stages of your trip.
1. Trip Planning
Before you even leave home, you should recognize and avoid potential problems.
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Conditions: Gather information on weather and avalanche forecasts.
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Terrain: Plan your route on a detailed topo map, identifying cruxes and assessing the risk of each section.
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Human Factors: Consider the skills, fitness, and equipment of everyone in your group.
2. Local Evaluation
On the day of your tour, you continuously evaluate and revise your plan based on reality.
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Conditions: Observe the current weather and look for signs of instability like recent avalanches, "whumpf" sounds, and shooting cracks.
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Terrain: Does the terrain you're seeing match the map and bulletin?
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Human Factors: Stay aware of your own mental state and avoid "Perception Traps" like familiarity or external pressure that can lead to poor decisions.
3. Individual Slope
This is the final decision point before you commit to a slope.
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Conditions: Have the avalanche problems identified in the bulletin changed? What is the current visibility?
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Terrain: How steep is the slope? Are there any terrain traps below you (e.g., cliffs, gullies)?
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Human Factors: What is the physical and mental state of your group?
After this final assessment, you can make a clear Go or No-go decision for the slope. Always travel extremely steep slopes one person at a time to reduce risk.
The "Caution – Avalanches!"
The "Caution – Avalanches!" leaflet from SLF.ch is a powerful tool to get organized once you have obtained knowledge of it.
The eighth new edition of the leaflet «Caution – Avalanches!» contains the latest avalanche knowledge compactly on a single sheet and is based on the latest state of research and practice. With this leaflet, the Swiss «Core Training Team Avalanche Prevention Snow Sports» KAT is pursuing two main objectives: On the one hand, it serves as a basis for training in the field of avalanches, from route planning to behaviour after an avalanche. On the other hand, it provides a guideline for assessing the avalanche danger and making decisions – be it when choosing a tour, in the field or on an individual slope – taking into account the factors terrain, conditions and people.
The leaflet is aimed primarily at avalanche instructors, as well as at tourers and freeriders who already have basic knowledge of avalanche awareness. The handy format, the concentrated information and the attractive design are intended to encourage people to refresh what they have learned – at home or on the road. On the other hand it serves as an education tool.
Stephan Harvey from the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF: «The leaflet is an ideal cheat sheet for when you are out and about! It should be noted that the leaflet is not self-explanatory, but requires a certain amount of knowledge. The content should therefore be learned in an avalanche course and combined with other teaching aids if possible». The leaflet is compatible with current specialist literature, such as the books «Lawinenkunde» and «Bergsport Winter», and can be studied in greater depth on all topics with www.whiterisk.ch.
Trip Planning
This is a simple framework that I use to apply the 3x3 method, helping you make confident decisions in the backcountry.
Backcountry 3x3: The SCOPE Method
Use the SCOPE acronym to guide your decision-making.
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Safety: Confirm all your safety equipment is in place.
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Capabilities: Evaluate your own and your group's physical and mental state.
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Options: Consider your first-choice route and alternatives.
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Preparation: Review the forecast and your plan.
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Execution: Follow your plan and use appropriate tactics on the mountain.
The 3x3 Method in Action
1. Preparation
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Check the Avalanche Bulletin and weather forecast.
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Plan your route on a map, considering alternatives and timeframes.
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Review group wishes, expectations, and equipment.
2. Local Evaluation
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On the way, watch for warning signs like cracks, cornices, and wind drifts.
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Confirm the Avalanche Bulletin matches what you see.
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Assess the group's mental and physical state.
3. Individual Slope
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Before dropping in, assess the specific slope's conditions and terrain.
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Consider risk factors and tactics.
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Make a final GO or No-Go decision.
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Use good travel habits like riding one at a time and regrouping in safe zones.
Before you start planning your trip, you'll need the Avalanche Report, Weather Forecast, Snow Forecast, and a Map—all to be combined with your own knowledge.
This sheet is only a tool to be used in conjunction with proper avalanche course training, as there are no guarantees for 100% safety in the backcountry.
