Together, We Want to Value...
YOU
Together, We Want to Value...
Belongs to none,
Yet matters the most,
For the generations to come...
- Mr. Shinya -
We want you to enjoy Niseko safely— because your life matters to us.
Niseko's nature is beautiful and perfect for adventure —
powder snow for skiing and snowboarding, mountains for hiking, and rivers for rafting.
But nature is not a theme park.
Avalanches, falls, and getting lost are some of the very real dangers.
Niseko once had the highest number of fatal avalanche accidents in Japan.
Back then, backcountry skiing was banned.
Still, many left the course to chase for untouched snow,
unaware of the risks, and lives were lost.
Locals rushed in to rescue, again and again,
but most of the time, it was too late.
Banning backcountry skiing didn't play the magic to stop the accidents.
Letting people go at their own risk didn't help either.
No one should lose their life for the sake of a joyful sport.
No one should have to mourn a loved one for the sake of a thrill.
That's why we created the Niseko Rules, together with the people on the ground.
Rather than banning backcountry skiing,
we chose to allow it — with conditions.
The rules are simple:
Access the backcountry only through designated gates.
which open only when avalanche risk is low.
With this system, people can ride freely, while still respecting the risks.
Since the rules were introduced, no one has died while following them.
Avalanches are natural events, but accidents happen when people are present.
Not just those who triggers it, but anyone nearby may be at risk.
So please, breath the fresh air, feel the thrill.
And come back safely to the ones who are waiting for you.
That is how we welcome you to Niseko.
Learn more and stay safe:
Niseko Rules: https://www.town.niseko.lg.jp/sightseeing/rules/
Niseko Avalanche Information:http://niseko.nadare.info/
Avalanche Textbook:
(Japanese)
https://www.town.niseko.lg.jp/resources/output/contents/file/release/3161/53322/182x257mm_4c4c_kidsAvalancheBook_2024-3-2.pdf
