There was much talk about this trip, but it almost didn’t materialise. The eventuality was that this was going to be a 2 men expedition. Borrowed the biggest sleeping bag, back pack, crampons, ice axe and jam packed all the gourmet camping food Taku prepared and it was game on. The 23rd hour and the … More Rishiri Expedition (Part 1)
I must admit when it came to the table, I went straight for it with my hands. Then I saw Taku slowly loading his tortilla with toppings, and I thought to myself ‘social faux pas’, boom! Here is the video guide to how to eat nachos Japanese style. Enjoi. Freestyle music by Takuro on ‘The Hung’, … More How To Eat Nachos In Japan
This story began the day before en route to Nishidake… We had 3 good skiers on board and we were testing their new AT gear, and fitness. We managed to climb 300m vertical to the ridge just below Nishidake without any issues. Weather conditions spanned between wispy clouds and some sun to light snow … More OMG Asahidake! – Part two (28’Feb’16)
So for the record Asahidake was not in the running for my favourite areas to ski in Central Hokkaido. My ‘love/not-so-much-love’ relationship with this volcano was based on tease. World class powder runs that last for 5 seconds was exactly that – a tease. So today was a ‘Skin-free’ day. John made it quite clear. … More OMG Asahidake! – Part one (26’Feb’16)
The incredibubble snow conditions has finally settled down somewhat and the sun was out and the sky was blue. With minimal new snow, it was time to look for some wind loaded area for some soft stuff. Below the wind scoured ridge, in amongst the trees we found what we were looking for. We took … More Tomamu Afterglow (25 Feb)
Today we finally decide my second favourite place to ski in central Hokkaido. Wind loaded front mountain and cross loaded back country, nuff said. This place received the ‘last wring’ of the weather system from the north west and the snow here was classed as ‘Super Dry’. It ran through my fingers like powder and … More The Freed Thing – episode 2
Pop quiz: Where is Felix’s favourite place to ski in central Hokkaido? I may have proclaimed my love for Furano on a few occasions, but who would claim my second favourite place to ski? Contrary to what we have portrayed, there were days that it did not snow in Japan and that blue skies and … More The Freed Thing – episode 1
Four gun skiers, off duty Andy and Asahidake. These were the ingredients for today’s recipe. It was a super busy day today, and the queue to the ropeway was all the way down the stairs and we had to wait over 20 minutes for a ride. The 1st run was through the ‘Baby Bowl’ so … More Asahidake 20th Feb
The weather has taken a turn just after the apex of the season. It has suddenly got quite warm and the wind was swirling around from the south. Transient rise in temperature can only mean one thing, the one thing we dread, rain. The pristine white snow started to melt and the brown discolouration started … More Furano Resurrection
‘The Diamond’ never disappoints. We are in a bit of a transitional period with the weather at the moment in Furano. Whilst this was filmed before the rain, today’s visit at The Diamond is still amazing. The lower half unfortunately is starting to get really sticky. All this powder skiing over the last few weeks … More Furano Diamond
Make Friends On A Powder Day 