In Focus: Central Hokkaido

Hokkaido is the promised land for powderhounds everywhere. It is situated to be the perfect catcher’s mitt for Siberia’s low pressure storms, which slam into Hokkaido and are trapped by some of these mountains. Riders flock to the western region of Daisetsuzan National Park for its secret pockets of extreme terrain, steep spines and massive powder bowls.

Skinning through Daisetsuzan National Park View from Kurodake at duskOverlooking the surrounding mountains from KurodakeBackcountry at Mt. SandanA bluebird powder day at FuranodakeA bluebird powder day at FuranodakeIcy runs at Daisetsuzan National Park

Nolan Isozaki is a Niseko-based adventure photographer, skier, climber, and trail runner. He moved to Hokkaido from California after experiencing his first deep Japanese winter and cannot see himself leaving anytime soon.