Powder from Japan
February 2010
Submitted by Michael Banks
Friends and I just returned
from Japan. We had six days of epic powder. Below are some photos
from Asahidake, which the brochures say must be “skied to
be believed”. We skied it and man do we believe! It felt
like every ski day of my life was leading up to that unbelievably
deep day – a profoundly emotional experience. Snow cascading
over our head on every run. Light and dry, the barometer in the
onsen (hot springs) at the end of the day read -15C with humidity
of 2.1%. It was the same at the other ski areas we visited.
Michael Klausen on the deepest day of his life, Asahidake,
Central Hokkaido, Japan. Photo: Norrie Watanabe
Michael Klausen at Asahidake, Central Hokkaido, Japan.
Photo: Norrie Watanabe
Mike Banks in an epic day at Asahidake, Central Hokkaido,
Japan. Photo: Norrie Watanabe
Michael Klausen deeper at Asahidake, Central Hokkaido,
Japan. Photo: Norrie Watanabe
Michael Klausen during a great disappearing act, Asahidake,
Central Hokkaido, Japan. Photo: Norrie Watanabe
‘Geebers’ Burrell during a rare splash of
sunshine, Sandanyama backcountry, Central Hokkaido, Japan. Photo:
Mike Banks
‘Geebers’ Burrell in the Sandanyama backcountry,
Central Hokkaido, Japan. Photo: Michael Klausen
Mike Banks in the Sandanyama backcountry, Central
Hokkaido, Japan. Photo: Norrie Watanabe
Norrie Watanabe, Alpha Tomamu Resort, Central Hokkaido.
Photo: Mike Banks
Climbing Furanodake, Central Hokkaido, Japan. Photo:
Mike Banks
On the road to Tokachidake Onsen, Central Hokkaido,
Japan. Photo: Mike Banks
‘Geebers Burrell in the trees at Furanodake,
Central Hokkaido, Japan. Photo: Mike Banks
A great way to soothe tired muscles in Tokachidake
Onsen at Ryounkaku, Central Hokkaido, Japan. Photo: Mike Banks
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