With the volcano Yotei in the background a female and two male backcountry skiers are hiking to the summit of mount Annupuri, in the ski resort Niseko United on the Japanese island of Hokkaido. Niseko United is comprised of four resorts on the one mountain, Annupuri (1,308m). 100km south of Sapporo, Niseko Annupuri is a part of the Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National Park and is the most eastern park of the Niseko Volcanic Group. Hokkaido, the north island of Japan, is geographically ideally located in the path of consistent weather systems that bring the cold air across the Sea of Japan from Siberia. This results in many of the resorts being absolutely dumped with powder that is renowned for being incredibly dry. Some of the Hokkaido ski resorts receive an amazing average of 14-18 meters of snowfall annually. Niseko is the powder capital of the world and as such is the most popular international ski destination in Japan. It offers an unforgettable experience for all levels of skier and snowboarder. Mount Yotei in the background is often referred to as the "Mount Fuji of Hokkaido".

color image day outdoors horizontal nature full length mid adult men adventure three people sky young women women walking young adult weather hiking small group of people men exploration young men people mountain non urban scene winter snow adult mid adult asia japan backpack caucasian ethnicity sport ski cloud 25 29 years cold temperature 35 39 years ski goggles ski pole adults only hokkaido niseko annupuri skiwear ski helmet sapporo onuma quasi national park niseko shakotan otaru kaigan