Tokachidake is the premier ski touring area in Hokkaido. Access is at the end of the highest road in Hokkaido (1280m), and the skiable vert is from the peak of Tokachidake at 2077 to the valley floor below 1000m. The area has many options, taking in all the terrain available in Hokkaido. Furanodake is the busiest tour, with classic widely spaced trees on 30-35 degree pitches in the best snow in Hokkaido. Also on Furanodake is an open bowl and one of the classic descents of Hokkaido, a 800 vertical meter chute that looks steeper than it really is. Only for bomber conditions. Also popular in the are is Sandanyama, a popular beginner and intermediate tour, and in the spring the boundless area above tree line, with plenty of exposure if you want it, and long corn runs on the open faces of Tokachidake.

Although the area can be busy on weekends, there is plenty of room and besides the most popular areas on Furanodake and Sandanyama, there are always completely untracked faces and bowls – you just have to explore a little more than the average Japanese punter. There are fantastic accommodation choices, all with hot springs and suiting all budgets, a couple of cabins for spring tours, and getting there is easy too. Highly recommended in all seasons and all weather.