Orofure Pass Snowshoeing Tour
Tour Overview
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: Winter weather can be cold and dangerous so appropriate clothing is important. Layers that can be added or removed when you get hot or cold are needed.
- Top:
- Base layer: Long-sleeved synthetic top (no cotton) that wicks away moisture.
- Mid-layer: Thin fleece or down jacket that gives you some warmth.
- Outer layer: Windproof jacket that shields you from the wind.
- Bottom:
- Trousers: Leggings will keep your legs warm and hiking trousers that are windproof for the shell layer (no jeans or skirts).
- Socks: Thick wool socks that are higher than your boots.
- Footwear: Hiking boots or snow boots will keep your feet dry.
- Head and hands:
- Wool hat that covers your ears.
- Warm gloves or mittens.
- Additional items:
- Sunglasses and Suncream
- Backpack
- Watch this video to see what you should wear. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2unwPfykJns
- Top:
- Rental (available sizes):
- Shell jackets: M (1), L (2), XL(1) – ¥500
- Waterproof gloves with inners: S (1), M (1), L (2) – ¥500
- Food and drinks: Please bring water. A snack 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.