Orofure Pass Snowshoeing Tour
Tour Overview
Experience snowshoeing in a winter wonderland!
Orofure Pass is home to some of the best snow in the Noboribetsu area. Every winter heavy snow sticks to the birch trees and creates magical snow monsters! From all sorts of shapes and sizes, these trees are famous in Hokkaido and were even featured on this NHK documentary, ‘Wild Hokkaido’.
Check it out here:
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/shows/2069121/
On this tour you will snowshoe with your guide through these forests and up to the ridgeline that overlooks Noboribetsu and the Pacific Ocean. On a clear day you will even be able to see Lake Toya and Mt. Yotei to the West! Amongst the beautiful trees we will find a spot to have a rest, snack and a hot drink before returning back through the forest and to the start point.
Details
- Availability: January-March
- Duration: 4.5 hours. 9AM start – early or late start available for private tours depending on availability.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Max participants: 4 people
- Equipment: Snowshoes, poles and gaiters are included.
- Clothing: Layers that can be easily added or removed. Cotton shirts are not suitable, moisture-wicking clothes are better. Trousers suitable for moving (no dresses or skirts) and do not wear jeans. Sturdy footwear like hiking shoes or snow boots are recommended. Hat and gloves are a must and sunglasses for sunny days.
- Food and drinks: Please bring water. A sandwich and drink is included.
- Pick-up: Free pick-up and drop-off is available in Noboribetsu and Noboribetsu Onsen.
- Payment: Cash only
Tour Schedule
9:00-9:30: Pick-up (pick-up from Noboribetsu and Noboribetsu Onsen)
9:30-10:00: Drive to Orofure Pass
10:00-11:30: Snowshoe through the forests and up to the ridgeline
11:30-12:00: Have a rest. hot drink and a snack
12:00-13:00: Snowshoe back to the start point
13:00-13:30: Drive back and say goodbye!
Know before you go
- This is a physical activity and participants should be able to walk up and down uneven terrain over a distance of 4km
- Please prepare for bad weather even if it is sunny, mountain weather can change quickly.
- Tour will be either be canceled or postponed (if possible) if bad weather occurs.
- If there is an injury or the guide deems it unsafe to carry on, the tour will finish.
- Please prepare your own insurance as Nobo Tours does not have insurance for its customers.