My memories on FB today reminding how shit 2020 was in so many ways.
![World Snow Map Line Font]()
Japan Stoke Thread 2023
If you didn't know, all restrictions to enter Japan have now been lifted.
Who is going?
Where are you going?
Have you been before and where?
What board/bindings are you taking?
I can't believe I'm actually going, if you asked me 4 weeks ago we were holding off until 2024 but now myself and 3 other mates have already booked our flights and accommodation for the first week of Feb 2023.
This will be my 7th time to Japan, I've been to around 30 different ski resorts already in areas such as Hakuba, Myoko, Fukushima (Bandai), Yamagata (Zao Onsen) and several resorts up on Hokkaido.
This trip I have 2 first timers coming with me and the only way I could convince them was to keep the trip reasonably short and inexpensive. So we have 7 days on snow in Hakuba Valley and we will be getting 5 consecutive days of lift tickets for free with our Epic pass. We are staying right next to the gondola at the base of Tsugaike Kogan ski resort.
I am taking my Salomon Dancehaul 152 with Now Drive bindings and my Korua Dart 156 with Ride A-10 bindings. Both boards should be good in powder with the Dancehaul having a softer more freestyle focus and the Dart will be great for carving.
![]()
Who is going?
Where are you going?
Have you been before and where?
What board/bindings are you taking?
I can't believe I'm actually going, if you asked me 4 weeks ago we were holding off until 2024 but now myself and 3 other mates have already booked our flights and accommodation for the first week of Feb 2023.
This will be my 7th time to Japan, I've been to around 30 different ski resorts already in areas such as Hakuba, Myoko, Fukushima (Bandai), Yamagata (Zao Onsen) and several resorts up on Hokkaido.
This trip I have 2 first timers coming with me and the only way I could convince them was to keep the trip reasonably short and inexpensive. So we have 7 days on snow in Hakuba Valley and we will be getting 5 consecutive days of lift tickets for free with our Epic pass. We are staying right next to the gondola at the base of Tsugaike Kogan ski resort.
I am taking my Salomon Dancehaul 152 with Now Drive bindings and my Korua Dart 156 with Ride A-10 bindings. Both boards should be good in powder with the Dancehaul having a softer more freestyle focus and the Dart will be great for carving.
201 - 220 of 374 Posts
Riding buddy left today so headed out solo. Headed over towards Kanko in the morning for some steep powder runs, they're a massive workout on my legs so after decided to head back towards the far west area of Onsen. Found some really cruisy mellow powder runs which kept me occupied for a few hours before heading back for an early Onsen.
Great day, although I'm not sure if I'm a fan of riding solo much.
Had the Surfari out, handles the powder so well and is a dream to ride through those heavy powder lines. In fact it might be sold so may not even bring the board back to Aus.
![Cloud Sky Wheel Car Mirror]()
![Sky Building Cloud Snow Vehicle]()
![Sky Cloud Snow Building Plant]()
![Snow Building Sky Electricity Freezing]()
Great day, although I'm not sure if I'm a fan of riding solo much.
Had the Surfari out, handles the powder so well and is a dream to ride through those heavy powder lines. In fact it might be sold so may not even bring the board back to Aus.
Bruising starting to come up now, painful and uncomfortable to ride with. On day 1 of all days.
![Sleeve Grey Tints and shades Eyelash Woolen]()
Day 4 on new boots, already massive heel lift on my back foot. You know I tried on 6 pairs and this was by far the best fit but its shit already (boot fitter assisted at Snowbiz btw). Almost like I need a shin pad or something also as its pretty much on max already as you can see by the picture. Left one is fine but obviously doesn't work as hard. No boot fitter anywhere near Shiga Kogan or Madarao where I am going next. Might try an extra pair of thick socks over the top and if that doesn't work maybe put something under the heel. Had so many pairs of snowboard boots and never had this happen so quickly. Sometimes when you live 1000 klms away from the snow you don't get the chance to try dozens of shoes. Apart from that, plenty of powder and few to share it with so can't complain
Attachments
Careful out there everyone smashing the Japow, there have been avalanches taking out people in the back & side country around Nagano region, apparently. Looks like it was in Hakuba valley.
Having a shovel, probe and beacon ( and knowing how to use them properly) is still no guarantee of survival.
www.japantimes.co.jp
Having a shovel, probe and beacon ( and knowing how to use them properly) is still no guarantee of survival.
Two missing skiers confirmed dead after Nagano avalanche
Authorities said they were unable to immediately confirm the nationalities of the men, but Mountain Gazette reported that one was professional skier Kyle Smaine from California.
www.japantimes.co.jp
Probably one of the best days I've ever had, wasn't super deep but good powder all day. Long runs at Suginohara, vis was down as it was dumping but felt like the Surfari was right at home in those conditions today, there's a confidnence of riding that board when Vis is down in that it handles chopped out terrain so well.
Still dumping, last day tomorrow and tossing up between Kanko, Ikenotaira or possibly Sugi again as I'm falling in love with those long runs.
Today my body loosened up and let me use the hips more and wasn't as stiff and as upright as I'd been for the last couple.
1 day left riding 😭😭
![Snow Building Slope Window Freezing]()
![Snow Window Sky Building Facade]()
![Snow Sky Fog Slope Tree]()
Still dumping, last day tomorrow and tossing up between Kanko, Ikenotaira or possibly Sugi again as I'm falling in love with those long runs.
Today my body loosened up and let me use the hips more and wasn't as stiff and as upright as I'd been for the last couple.
1 day left riding 😭😭
201 - 220 of 374 Posts
