Tourin' Tuesday: Japan Update
One thing is certain, Japan is not giving it to us easy on this trip.
Last year when I was in Japan, it snowed every day. So far on this trip we've had perpetual sunshine. Not what I would expect for Hokkaido in January, but it's not necessarily a bad thing.
The calm weather has allowed us to get above the tree line and explore the bigger peaks on the island. At the same time, pushing above tree line has its difficulties. Most of the snow up high has been very wind affected. It's made for some heinous skinning conditions. I'm definitely glad I brought my splitboard crampons.
It's fun seeing this side of Japan, though. We're still finding that classic Hokkaido blower. We're just working harder for it than normal.
We spent a few days in Furano touring off the back side of the Furano Ski Area and at Tokachidake. You can buy a one ride ticket at Furano for about $13 USD and have access to endless tree runs off the backside of the ridgeline. Tokachidake offered big lines in the alpine and mellow pow in the trees down low. You can also ride down to a few different onsens in that area, which is a treat in itself and puts a unique twist on a backcountry tour.
On Tourin' Tuesday we went to Asahidake. It's pretty much the Silverton of Japan. There is a tram that takes you above tree line to the caldera of the volcano. From there you can skin or hike in any direction and ride amazing terrain. There are no trails or avalanche control so backcountry gear and experience are a must. Riding in the alpine would also be quite difficult in storm conditions.
If the weather stays tranquil, we will continue to seek out bigger mountains. If it starts snowing again, we'll ride those classic tree runs that make Japan's north island famous. Either way it's going to continue to be fun.
We spent a few days in Furano touring off the back side of the Furano Ski Area and at Tokachidake. You can buy a one ride ticket at Furano for about $13 USD and have access to endless tree runs off the backside of the ridgeline. Tokachidake offered big lines in the alpine and mellow pow in the trees down low. You can also ride down to a few different onsens in that area, which is a treat in itself and puts a unique twist on a backcountry tour.
On Tourin' Tuesday we went to Asahidake. It's pretty much the Silverton of Japan. There is a tram that takes you above tree line to the caldera of the volcano. From there you can skin or hike in any direction and ride amazing terrain. There are no trails or avalanche control so backcountry gear and experience are a must. Riding in the alpine would also be quite difficult in storm conditions.
If the weather stays tranquil, we will continue to seek out bigger mountains. If it starts snowing again, we'll ride those classic tree runs that make Japan's north island famous. Either way it's going to continue to be fun.