Sun rise with Mt.yotei

Niseko Gates

Discover the legendary 11 backcountry gates of Niseko - your ultimate guide for Japan's premier powder skiing terrain.

Niseko Gate 9 (Waterfall) info card. Int-Adv. Spaced trees, snow pockets, creek crossing, waterfall hazard.
Niseko Gate 9 (Waterfall) info card. Int-Adv. Spaced trees, snow pockets, creek crossing, waterfall hazard.
Niseko Gate 10 (Moiwa Sidecountry) info card. Adv-Exp. Open powder bowls, tree glades, natural pillows.
Niseko Gate 10 (Moiwa Sidecountry) info card. Adv-Exp. Open powder bowls, tree glades, natural pillows.
Niseko Gate 11 (Mizuno No Sawa) info card. Adv-Exp. Open alpine bowls, tree glades, wind lips.
Niseko Gate 11 (Mizuno No Sawa) info card. Adv-Exp. Open alpine bowls, tree glades, wind lips.

The 11 Legendary Gates

Each gate offers unique terrain and challenges. From gentle powder fields to extreme backcountry adventures, discover what makes Niseko's off-piste sliing world-renowned.

Niseko Gate 1 (L-GI) info card. Annupuri, Int-Adv. Wide open bowl, west-facing slopes, rolling terrain.
Niseko Gate 1 (L-GI) info card. Annupuri, Int-Adv. Wide open bowl, west-facing slopes, rolling terrain.
Niseko Gate 2 (Annapuri Peak) info card. Adv-Exp. Open alpine bowl, steep pitches, wind-loaded slopes, few trees.
Niseko Gate 2 (Annapuri Peak) info card. Adv-Exp. Open alpine bowl, steep pitches, wind-loaded slopes, few trees.
Niseko Gate 3 (Hirafu Peak) info card. Adv-Exp. Steep alpine faces, wind-loaded slopes, chutes.
Niseko Gate 3 (Hirafu Peak) info card. Adv-Exp. Steep alpine faces, wind-loaded slopes, chutes.
Niseko Gate 4 (Hanazono Ridge) info card. Adv-Exp. Open bowls, gullies, natural drops, no trees on top.
Niseko Gate 4 (Hanazono Ridge) info card. Adv-Exp. Open bowls, gullies, natural drops, no trees on top.
Niseko Gate 5 (Hanazono Gate) info card. Int-Adv. Open powder faces, spaced trees, wind-loaded cornices.
Niseko Gate 5 (Hanazono Gate) info card. Int-Adv. Open powder faces, spaced trees, wind-loaded cornices.
Niseko Gate 6 (Moiwa Peak) info card. Adv-Exp. Open alpine faces, cliff bands, creek walls, half-pipes.
Niseko Gate 6 (Moiwa Peak) info card. Adv-Exp. Open alpine faces, cliff bands, creek walls, half-pipes.
Niseko Gate 7 (E-Sawa Gate) info card. Intermediate. Gladed trees, subtle rollers, natural half-pipe gullies.
Niseko Gate 7 (E-Sawa Gate) info card. Intermediate. Gladed trees, subtle rollers, natural half-pipe gullies.
Niseko Gate 8 (Hachi-Ban) info card. Int-Adv. Tight, well-spaced trees, half-pipe, short punchy runs.
Niseko Gate 8 (Hachi-Ban) info card. Int-Adv. Tight, well-spaced trees, half-pipe, short punchy runs.
Ready to master Niseko's gates??

Learn from certified instructors who know every gate, every line, and every secret of Niseko's legendary terrain. Transform your skiing & snowboarding with professional guidance.

Super Ridge from old Quad lift

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Safety First

Backcountry skiing carries inherent risks. Following proper safety protocols is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience in Niseko's gates.

Banner 'Know Rescue Numbers': Ambulance/Fire 119, Police 110, Ski Patrol Hirafu +81-136-22-0109.
Banner 'Know Rescue Numbers': Ambulance/Fire 119, Police 110, Ski Patrol Hirafu +81-136-22-0109.

Mountain School

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Professional insights and safety tricks from certified Niseko instructors. Master the mountain with expert guidance.

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Safety First

Weather Awareness

Skill Assessment

Timing Matters

Always carry proper safety equipment including avalanche gear when accessing backcountry gates.

Essential safety protocols

Check current conditions and forecasts. Gate access depends heavily on weather and snow conditions.

Early morning access often provides the best snow conditions and fewer tracked areas.

Honestly evaluate your skill level. Each gate has specific requirements and challenges.

Real-time conditions

Optimal timing

Know your limits

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Current conditions
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Best time to visit

🕒Early Morning (7–9 AM)

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Fresh powder, fewer tracks

🌨️Post-Storm (Next Day)

Deep powder conditions

📅Weekdays (Off-Peak Season)

Less crowded, better access

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Infographic 'Essential Equipment': Avalanche transceiver, probe & shovel, first aid kit, emergency whistle, headlamp, emergen
Infographic 'Essential Equipment': Avalanche transceiver, probe & shovel, first aid kit, emergency whistle, headlamp, emergen

🛡 Essential Equipment

Never enter backcountry gates without proper avalanche safety equipment.

Infographic 'Group Safety': Ski in group, experienced leader, meeting points, inform plans, communication protocols, practice
Infographic 'Group Safety': Ski in group, experienced leader, meeting points, inform plans, communication protocols, practice

👥 Group Safety

Backcountry skiing is a team sport. Group safety protocols save lives.

Infographic 'Communication': Device, local knowledge, monitor weather, emergency procedures, rescue numbers,  protocols
Infographic 'Communication': Device, local knowledge, monitor weather, emergency procedures, rescue numbers,  protocols
Infographic 'Route Planning': Study maps, check avalanche conditions, identify escape routes, set turnaround times, multiple
Infographic 'Route Planning': Study maps, check avalanche conditions, identify escape routes, set turnaround times, multiple

📶 Communication

Communication can make the difference between a clean line and a tragedy.

🗺 Route Planning

Proper planning prevents poor performance. Know your route.