Guides
Gate 2 at Annupuri Peak offers Niseko's longest backcountry lines. Guide to terrain, aspect, the conditions that make it good and when to stay away.
Annupuri | Expert | 10–15 min hike to summit
Gate Details
- Resort: Annupuri
- Difficulty: Expert
- Aspect: West / Southwest
- Hike Required: Yes — approximately 10-15 minutes from the top of Jumbo #4
- Elevation at Gate: ~1,155m (The top of Annupuri ski resort)
- Typical Vertical: ~700m
- Inclination: 25° to 40° (steeper convex rolls in places)
- Return Route: Gully back to Annupuri base
- Primary Terrain: Wide alpine bowls, tree lines and gully exits
- Tree Density: Light on the upper alpine terrain; moderate in the lower tree runs
- Known Hazards: Osawa cornice; glide cracks later in season
Gate Description
Gate 2 accesses the lower second summit of Mt. Annupuri — at 1,298m it is only marginally lower than the main peak. You can continue along the ridge to the main peak at 1,308m, but most people prefer to drop in right away as the additional hike offers little benefit in terms of skiing.
The terrain faces broadly west to southwest, exposed to the prevailing north/northwest wind, which scours it. Through the cold core of winter the snow stays dry regardless of aspect; the afternoon sun only softens these west/southwest faces in spring or during a warm spell. Gate 2 demands confident off-piste skiing.
Note: ‘Mt. Annupuri’ refers to the whole mountain Niseko United ski area sits on, ‘Annupuri Ski Resort’ refers to only the westernmost ski area that makes up the Niseko United ski area.
When It Rides Best
A summit gate needing cold, calm, clear conditions. Through most of the winter the cold keeps it dry at any hour; sun only matters in spring.
- Cold and stable, a day or two after a storm once the upper snowpack has settled
- Good visibility — the upper slopes can be difficult to ski in low visibility and flat light
- Light winds at the summit; the west/southwest aspect is exposed to the prevailing wind and scours
When to Stay Away
The summit is exposed and the egress unforgiving; wind and visibility are the year-round limits, with sun added in spring.
- Low visibility or flat light — finding the way out is dangerous when you can't read the terrain
- High winds (cornicing, scouring, and an exposed walk on a windward aspect)
- In March and April, or during a warm spell, when warm sunny afternoons soften the west/southwest faces — ride early
- Avalanche hazard of Considerable (3) or above, or fresh heavy loading before it settles
Finding Your Way In & Out
Dropping In
Take the Annupuri Jumbo #4 pair lift to the top station. Gate 2 is at the summit. Follow the boot-pack to Mt Annupuri's second summit — approximately 10-15 minutes. Choose your line carefully before entry as there are hidden rocks when initially dropping in.
Getting Back
Most lines funnel into a gully back toward Annupuri base, but the exact route depends on your line and requires planning — know your exit before you enter, and don't commit in deteriorating visibility.
Local Knowledge
- A day or two after a storm, once settled and cold, the lines here are some of the longest and best on the mountain.
- Queues for Jumbo #4 build fast on powder mornings — arrive early for first tracks; in spring, also to beat the sun on the aspect.
- Hire a guide for your first descent — the drop-in is not obvious and getting it wrong can lead to skiing over rocks.
Essential Links
- Niseko Avalanche Information (NAIC) — check before every session
- Niseko Resort Patrol Phone Numbers
- Niseko United Lift & Gate Status
- Japan Avalanche Network (JAN)
- Hikari Backcountry Safety Guide
- Hikari Niseko Gates Guide
Disclaimer: This guide is advisory only and does not replace current avalanche forecasts, local knowledge or qualified instruction. Always check the NAIC bulletin before entering any gate. In the mountains, you are solely responsible for your own decisions.
