Interested in taking an avalanche course in Japan?  Hokkaido Backcountry Club has you covered.  We’ve been providing courses in Japan for over 15 years, and we take great pride in providing the absolute highest standard in international avalanche education.  That’s why every year, students come from all over Japan (and sometimes abroad) to take their course with us.  HBC also offers all students free touring gear for the course and even a free cat skiing run at Chisenupuri!

HBC offers the AST 1 avalanche skills training courses in Niseko under the authority of and with curriculum provided by Avalanche Canada but tailored to suit Hokkaido’s terrain and snowpack.

The 2 day AST 1 course is an introductory course designed to increase awareness and basic knowledge of travelling in avalanche terrain. At the end of the course participants will be able to recognize avalanche terrain, conduct various tests to determine snow stability, and should an avalanche occur, perform a self- rescue.

This course is highly recommended to recreational skiers and boarders who intend to ski/ride off-piste, sidecountry or backcountry terrain. These courses are recognized by Avalanche Canada and participants will receive a certificate upon completion.

Additional information on both courses can be found by visiting Avalanche Canada.

For Japanese courses, please click the link here.

AST 1 Course Dates (¥ 35,000 per Person):

*Locals discount of 5000yen is available to all Japan residents. Please bring a valid foreign resident card or Japanese ID indicating your residency in Hokkaido to qualify.

Includes: Avalanche gear (beacon, probe, shovel, backpack) and touring skis or splitboards

Course Location: Black Diamond Tours Office (Niseko)

2023/24 Course Dates

Dec 2 – 3

Dec 5 – 6  (Japanese Course)

Dec 9 – 10  (Japanese Course)

Dec 12 – 13

Dec 16 – 17

Mar 14 – 15

Mar 16 – 17 (Japanese Course)

ec Note: AST 1 certification is a prerequisite for AST 2.

*minimum of 4 people needed to run the course

(Course fees includes manual, avalanche & touring gear, and one free cat bump at Chisenupuri!)

*Avalanche courses are weather dependent and may be cancelled as per our standard terms and conditions. In particular, some snow is required to achieve the course objectives so early season courses may be cancelled if there is insufficient snow. In the event of cancellation, Hokkaido Backcountry Club will contact all registered participants and either reschedule or offer a full refund (less any unrecoverable transaction fees).