Study time: Avalanches

February 5, 2012

Bill here, just back from taking the Japan Avalanche Network's eight-day Level 1 course, in conjunction with (and with the help of an instructor from) the Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA). It was a very interesting and challenging week-plus. I've always been fascinated by avalanches (and keen to stay out of them), but, as you can imagine, it's hard to take time out in the peak season to be away for a week. Not least because of the snow that always falls and the need to run a snowthrower all the time just to keep the house dug out. But this year I went, and I'm glad I did. It's not a course for everybody (it's really aimed at daily, long-term observations), but both organizations have great resources in Japanese and English—since we're on this page, take a look at the online training resource from the Canadian Avalanche Centre, the CAA's sister organization. The more we all know, the safer we'll be, and there are many different courses available here and elsewhere. In fact, we may be holding some sessions in March—more information coming soon.

Wild grape raisins and a private tour

January 2, 2012

What Ralph is enjoying here is something I've only seen a few times on our trips down the hillsides: wild grapes that somehow have been overlooked by the birds, frozen a few times and also slightly dried. Meaning a lot of the tartness has turned to sweet (and wild grapes in season are delicious, but definitely on the sour side). It was a pretty bushy area that we were coming through when we looked down on a bent-over tree covered with vines, and there they were partially hidden by the snow.

They're even better later in the season, but really nice anytime after you've beens skiing down through the woods for awhile.The vines, though, are definitely something to keep your eyes out for, especially early in the season. They are just like cables, and can snag a ski—or your legs—very easily.

Supporting K2 at the new b.c. map Niigata

November 14, 2011

We had a really fun, rainy day at the beginning of the month, as James and I drove north to Niigata City to take part in the opening of the new b.c. map, ICI Sport's backcountry ski/extra outdoor shops. Some, like in Niigata, are shops-in-shops, but that is a great big shop to begin with.

Officially we were there to represent K2 Skis, which is never an unpleasant job to do. Please see photo: my new skis for the year, the redesigned Pon2oon; James holding the ski he really should have, the Darkside. With us is Toshihiro Yamazato, the manager of the b.c.map section of the store.

I'm also pleased to say that we are listed as one of just a few recommended guide centers in Japan; if you do stop in their stores, including the flagship shop right outside Harajuku Station in Tokyo, hopefully you'll see us on the suggested guide map.

The entire blog entry (in Japanese) can be found at the blog page for ICI Sports Niigata.

Featured in The Australian

September 16, 2011

We hate to blow our own horn... OK, that's a lie; we love it when someone writes a well-drafted article that features—us.

It was a lot of fun to do, too, with writer Rick Wallace coming along for a simple, short tour up from Ikenotaira Ski Area. It's a great tour, by the way, for anyone who would like to try a backcountry tour and is feeling more and more confident about skiing on challenging snow, but might not be so sure about a long climb.

To read the whole pdf file version (sorry, it's a little large), just click here or on the newspaper image at left.

Everything's OK in Myoko

August 20, 2011

It's been a tough year in Japan. The massive March 11 earthquake and devastating tsunami that followed was bad enough. Then, of course, came the disaster at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear reactor, creating a problem that still is not resolved.

Here in Myoko, though, we've been very lucky. We felt the first earthquake, but it was in big, long and not particularly sharp waves. It was another earthquake in northern Nagano the next day that we felt much more; it even brought down some avalanches (luckily, no one was caught in them).

Looking at a map of Japan, it might seem like Myoko is right next to Tohoku—and, straight-line, it is close. But there are a lot of mountains between here and there, and we’re upwind of the area. Radiation levels here have never gone beyond absolutely normal.

If you’re thinking about a trip here, but you’re not sure, there’s some good information on the top page of the Myoko Tourist Office. Our friends at Snow Japan also have an excellent review of the events in March, and what has happened since. I just want to quote how they close the section:

“Japan is a wonderful country full of wonderful people.

Oh yes, and wonderful skiing and snowboarding too.

After reading the facts, and if you feel comfortable with it.... hope to see you on the slopes next winter!

Because, if you do decide to come, you’ll have a great time, and will help Japan to rebuild (the easiest bit of charity work ever!).