羊蹄山Youtei-zan (pronounced Yoo-tay and not you-tie or ute-tee) dominates the surrounding Hirafu-Niseko skyline. Mt Yotei is one of the 100 famous mountains in Japan and the name can be translated as sheep’s foot. Standing 1898m tall, Mt Yotei is also known as Shiribeshi-yama, Makkarinupuri and Ezo Fuji (Hokkaido Fuji). Mt Yotei is an active stratovolcano less than 100,000 years old.

Within 5 minutes walk from the center of Niseko Hirafu village is the start of Hirafu's hiking course. The trail leads to the Niseko village Hilton hotel and takes 30 minutes one way. So a 1 hour hike both ways. It is a relatively easy hike, no long climbs. It has been recently improved with multiple bridges and board walks.