Important Information - Powder Guiding

– Weather, Snow and Avalanche conditions
– What “gates” are open allowing access to “out of resort areas”
– Your skill level
– Where you want go

GoSnow will provide avalanche safety gear & instruction on its use including:

• Beacon
• Shovel
• Probe
• Backpack

Skins, snow shoes or split boards are not required for our tours, however, if you would like to access more remote terrain please contact our team to discuss your goals

We can cater your tour to your preferences including how much you would like to hike or if you have a focus on progression. Your guide will ask you on the day;

• Your experience in the backcountry
• Your preference for terrain accessed by lifts or hiking

We recommend reviewing the Niseko Gate Guide to familiarize yourself with the terrain available. If you have a preference to visit a particular area, please discuss this with your guide on the day.

• Powder Skis or Board can make riding Niseko’s deep powder easier
• Water & snacks to keep your energy levels high
• Extra layers/neck-warmers
• Good googles with a low light lens. If you have a spare pair it’s a good idea to bring those

• We recommend starting as early as possible to get the best tracks the lifts open at 8:30am with check in time 15 minutes prior. Private tours can select a starting location of either the Gondola or Family Base
• Our Group Guided tours meet at 8:15am at the Gondola Base
• You must have an All Mountain lift pass to participate in our tours. Lift lines are long in the morning so we recommend purchasing the evening prior
• Have a good breakfast & a stretch to warm up in the morning, we find the snow is best found early in the day & as such a later lunch is recommended to make the most out of your tour.

• Your safety is our main priority, GoSnow Guides have the final decision on where is safe for you and your group to ski/board.
• Tours will only be rescheduled if the lifts are not operating.
• You must follow the direction of GoSnow Guides, including respecting the Niseko Rules and Alpine Responsibility Code at all times
• There is a minimum of 2 guests required for Group Powder Guiding to run.
• Please note that the Niseko United Gates which access the out of resort terrain are opened / closed by the resort Ski Patrol. Gates are scheduled to open at different times of the day and season and are always subject to weather and snow conditions.
• Children must be at least 13 years old to take part in our Guide products that go out of the Niseko United Gates.
• Half-day tours cannot access some backcountry terrain and resort areas due to time constraints. If skiing/riding the peak is your goal, a full day tour is recommended.
• You accept that touring in the Niseko backcountry is a dangerous activity, and while our guides take utmost care, there is additional risk involved in touring the alpine backcountry areas. You accept that no liability will be held to GoSnow, our employees or Grand Hirafu Resort in the event of accident, injury or death.
• You accept that in the event of an accident, you will be responsible for all costs associated with their recovery. The fee for backcountry rescue is a minimum of ¥100,000 per/person.
• You must have and you agree that you do have valid Travel Insurance which covers you for accident or injury while skiing in “off-piste” areas.
• All guests accessing gate numbers G1, G2, G3, G4, G5 & G11 must carry avalanche safety gear including beacon, shovel, probe & been instructed in their usage prior to accessing these gates.
• Guests in Private Lessons, Workshops & Powder Guiding Privates/Tours are permitted to access Gate 9 & Gate 7 without avalanche safety equipment providing they are of an advanced skill level & have signed the back country additional waiver.
• Gate 6 & Gate 10 "Moiwa Gates" are not accessible in any GoSnow products.