Skiing in Hokkaido Japan - Feb 2009

[Dave Bear]

Excellent TR Dave and very appropriate for a backcountry site even if its not our country! Could not get over the pictures of deep snow fun then I watched the video and got an even better appreciation of it! Wow and thanks!

 

[skiguy]

Just look at my avatar and you will know how I feel about this trip report.!

 

[David Metsky]

How'd you choose Japan over Alaska, Tibet, or anywhere else? Opportunity?

I was skiing with Heather at Cannon in 2008 and she said "I'm running a trip to Japan next year and you need to come with." I gave her a check for the down payment later that day. It didn't take a lot of convincing.

If she and Ross run another trip next year I'll go on that one too. Someone who was on this trip is talking about organizing a ski mountaineering trip to northern India (where she lives now). Ross also goes to Alaska each year. Since a bunch of these folks live in Crested Butte I'm headed out there before this season is over.

The secret to adventure is low friends in high places.

 

[una_dogger]

Beautiful pictures, Dave!

What an amazing trip! I've never thought of Japan as a ski destination, until you told me you were going. Your pictures and report do not disappoint.

And a trip to Crested Butte for you this year....drool...can I hide in your suitcase!? I've been pushing for a trip to Crested Butte, but I'm being outvoted in favor of Telluride or Big Sky MT.

 

[MichaelJ]

Hey, I'm fine with Crested Butte *or* Telluride! I know sufficiently little about either to make a decision one way or the other.

I can't tell - does the North Face Lift serve Teocali Bowl or is that all hike-to terrain? How much hike-to terrain will you be doing, Dave?

 

[David Metsky]

Never skied there. I just confirmed with my host the weekend of choice (end of March) so I'll know more then.

 

[una_dogger]

Never skied there. I just confirmed with my host the weekend of choice (end of March) so I'll know more then.

Sweet! You have a GREAT time!

 

[--M.]

The secret to adventure is low friends in high places.

Snap to that. Well, congratulations on your opportunities; looks awesome!

 

[darren]

NIce TR and pix. Glad you had an awesome time.

I like the photos of the vending machines. I have some very similar shots from when I was there. You have to like the hot / cold vending machines, huh?

- darren

 

[Sasquatch]

I've read various articles about the skiing in Japan and your photos and report echo those articles;the combination of the culture,the mountains and the SNOW make this a life list trip.Very jealous.