Spread Stoke » japanuary http://spreadstoke.com Fri, 18 Oct 2019 23:32:30 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.8.23 Japanuary Chronicles – Part 2: Getting Pitted in Niseko http://spreadstoke.com/snow/japanuary-chronicles-pitted-in-niseko-japan/ http://spreadstoke.com/snow/japanuary-chronicles-pitted-in-niseko-japan/#comments Mon, 16 Feb 2015 03:43:47 +0000 http://spreadstoke.com/?p=4477 DyerJ1Jan. 3rd: I left a few days ago to embark on a spontaneous journey to Japan to experience the deepest powder on Earth, at least that’s what I have been hearing about my whole life. I am here now. It has been an incredible week so far, and the landscape and energy of this place have already moved my spirit. Like all my travels, the trip started out with no place to stay, sleep, or eat and the rental car shop was closed upon our arrival to Sapporo Airport. Searching through my backpack to see what would work for a pillow and a nice spot on the airport floor, we just so happened to stumble upon a 24 hour Onsen – a spa type atmosphere with hot pools for ultimate relaxation, which in this case, also happened to accommodate travelers IN the airport. Was this real life? Our tired, sore bodies were presented with robes at the door, slippers, ramen and a room full of recline-able chairs to sleep. We awoke rejuvenated and strolled around the Sapporo airport which resembled a course from Mario Cart, lots of flashing lights and animated features. After exploring, we hopped into the rented van, crammed six ski bags, 6 duffle bags, camera equipment and our bodies into limited space and headed off to Hokkaido, the northern island of Japan. Driving to Niseko, I felt as if I was a five year old driving to Disney Land for my first time. My heart was pounding heavily and my eyes were bulging out of their sockets. There were massive snowbanks, fluffy pillows on every house and building, glowing arrows to keep the driver aware of where he was going, and a plethora of ski-able terrain with every turn of the head. We all took turns pointing, drooling and yelling, “that line looks DOOOOOPE!”. When we finally arrived in the village of Niseko, we hastily put on our ski gear and hit the slopes for some evening riding. No time for warm up runs! We hit the trees where we remained until it was too dark out. It was the first time I had my Mini-Gun skis from DirtyBird Skis in the deep and oh man did they charge. With a 109mm footprint and set for touring  – they were my only pair of skis I had brought on the trip which were more than perfect for all conditions. With a taste of Japan’s finest snow, our giddy selves enjoyed a nice ramen dinner and started to experiment with the different libations that Japan had to offer… we are after all thirsty pow stuffed ski bums. Some few days later: We are staying in a cabin next to the Hirafu train station, a quaint spot outside of the Niseko village. The Kiri Krew (Kiri is Japanese for MYST, the name associated with our crew) and I have been extremely grateful for this small, yet cozy spot. It is outside of Niseko’s proper village, which is refreshing because it allows us to escape the alarming amount of tourists and party animals. The curator of the property is a man named Yoshi, who has spent 10 plus years managing the small cabins surrounding the train station, which he operates as a hostel and notably built himself. The 6 members of the Kiri Krew make our own parties. Just give us a couple bottles of sake and the upstairs of our small abode turns to the Sake Lounge. Waking up in Japan is better than waking up on Christmas morning, better than waking up to breakfast in bed, and damn if I say it, even better than waking up next to Brad Pitt. When your eyes open and you look out the window, you see nothing but a white mist, snowflakes elegantly falling and stacking on top of one another, forming huge mushroom-tops on every single object . Your hangover, from too much Sake and Sochu, instantly vanishes, because you know you are about to have the best day of skiing of your life. Again. and again. And again. Outside of Niseko is a resort called Rusutsu. While here at first, you may experience feelings of nostalgia, because of the giant roller coasters next to the chairlifts. Other times, you feel like you have entered the twilight zone. Rolling into the lodge, your typical hot coco machines and chili galore are completely MIA. Instead, there is a giant talking tree, carousel, and Japanese arcade games with beer vending machines and churros for sale. Once on the mountain, you let go of this bizarre reality and enter Japan’s infamous white room. During my first turn, I sunk 6 feet into Japan’s heavenly depths and immediately popped up to only be finding myself diving into another six feet of fresh pow. At one point, I had to ask myself, do I know how to ski snow THIIIIS DEEP… and instantly found out that 1.) YES I DO, and 2.) it’s the shit. Rusutsu may not offer the steepest of terrain, but the thought doesn’t even cross your mind when you are skiing untracked all day. There are plenty of pillows to smash, trees to jump through, and rocks to huck your meat off of. The trees are perfectly spaced and capture the vibrant and mystical energy Japan is known for. Our time at Rusutsu has been astounding, yet comical. Leaving Rusutsu, one has to stop at many of the 7-Eleven. Yes, 7-Eleven, the convenience store. Not your typical après scene, but when ‘sevs’ are serving Strong Zeros, seaweed triangles, mini pancakes and hot meat buns, it’s undeniably satisfying.   READ MORE: THE JAPANUARY CHRONICLES – PART 1: 5 BROS AND A TOE JAPANUARY CHRONICLES – PART 3: IS THIS REAL LIFE?]]> DyerJ1

Jan. 3rd: I left a few days ago to embark on a spontaneous journey to Japan to experience the deepest powder on Earth, at least that’s what I have been hearing about my whole life. I am here now. It has been an incredible week so far, and the landscape and energy of this place have already moved my spirit.

Like all my travels, the trip started out with no place to stay, sleep, or eat and the rental car shop was closed upon our arrival to Sapporo Airport. Searching through my backpack to see what would work for a pillow and a nice spot on the airport floor, we just so happened to stumble upon a 24 hour Onsen – a spa type atmosphere with hot pools for ultimate relaxation, which in this case, also happened to accommodate travelers IN the airport. Was this real life? Our tired, sore bodies were presented with robes at the door, slippers, ramen and a room full of recline-able chairs to sleep. We awoke rejuvenated and strolled around the Sapporo airport which resembled a course from Mario Cart, lots of flashing lights and animated features. After exploring, we hopped into the rented van, crammed six ski bags, 6 duffle bags, camera equipment and our bodies into limited space and headed off to Hokkaido, the northern island of Japan.

airport

Sapporo Airport, Photo: Kade Krichko

Driving to Niseko, I felt as if I was a five year old driving to Disney Land for my first time. My heart was pounding heavily and my eyes were bulging out of their sockets. There were massive snowbanks, fluffy pillows on every house and building, glowing arrows to keep the driver aware of where he was going, and a plethora of ski-able terrain with every turn of the head. We all took turns pointing, drooling and yelling, “that line looks DOOOOOPE!”.

IMG_1060

Hirafu Train Station, Photo: Kade Krichko

When we finally arrived in the village of Niseko, we hastily put on our ski gear and hit the slopes for some evening riding. No time for warm up runs! We hit the trees where we remained until it was too dark out. It was the first time I had my Mini-Gun skis from DirtyBird Skis in the deep and oh man did they charge. With a 109mm footprint and set for touring  – they were my only pair of skis I had brought on the trip which were more than perfect for all conditions.

With a taste of Japan’s finest snow, our giddy selves enjoyed a nice ramen dinner and started to experiment with the different libations that Japan had to offer… we are after all thirsty pow stuffed ski bums.

IMG_1305

Our tiny abode next to our van in lots, and lots of snow! Photo: Kade Krichko

Some few days later: We are staying in a cabin next to the Hirafu train station, a quaint spot outside of the Niseko village. The Kiri Krew (Kiri is Japanese for MYST, the name associated with our crew) and I have been extremely grateful for this small, yet cozy spot. It is outside of Niseko’s proper village, which is refreshing because it allows us to escape the alarming amount of tourists and party animals. The curator of the property is a man named Yoshi, who has spent 10 plus years managing the small cabins surrounding the train station, which he operates as a hostel and notably built himself. The 6 members of the Kiri Krew make our own parties. Just give us a couple bottles of sake and the upstairs of our small abode turns to the Sake Lounge.

Waking up in Japan is better than waking up on Christmas morning, better than waking up to breakfast in bed, and damn if I say it, even better than waking up next to Brad Pitt. When your eyes open and you look out the window, you see nothing but a white mist, snowflakes elegantly falling and stacking on top of one another, forming huge mushroom-tops on every single object . Your hangover, from too much Sake and Sochu, instantly vanishes, because you know you are about to have the best day of skiing of your life. Again. and again. And again.

IMG_7165

Japanese bakery – something to hold us over until after pow sesh. Photo: Kade Krichko

Outside of Niseko is a resort called Rusutsu. While here at first, you may experience feelings of nostalgia, because of the giant roller coasters next to the chairlifts. Other times, you feel like you have entered the twilight zone. Rolling into the lodge, your typical hot coco machines and chili galore are completely MIA. Instead, there is a giant talking tree, carousel, and Japanese arcade games with beer vending machines and churros for sale.

IMG_7239

Rusustu Lodge, another day in the life. Photo: Kade Krichko

ToriJ1

Deep As F**k. Photo: Eric Sales

DerJ4

Eric Dyer sending it into the fluffy goodness. Photo: Eric Sales

Once on the mountain, you let go of this bizarre reality and enter Japan’s infamous white room. During my first turn, I sunk 6 feet into Japan’s heavenly depths and immediately popped up to only be finding myself diving into another six feet of fresh pow. At one point, I had to ask myself, do I know how to ski snow THIIIIS DEEP… and instantly found out that 1.) YES I DO, and 2.) it’s the shit. Rusutsu may not offer the steepest of terrain, but the thought doesn’t even cross your mind when you are skiing untracked all day. There are plenty of pillows to smash, trees to jump through, and rocks to huck your meat off of. The trees are perfectly spaced and capture the vibrant and mystical energy Japan is known for. Our time at Rusutsu has been astounding, yet comical. Leaving Rusutsu, one has to stop at many of the 7-Eleven. Yes, 7-Eleven, the convenience store. Not your typical après scene, but when ‘sevs’ are serving Strong Zeros, seaweed triangles, mini pancakes and hot meat buns, it’s undeniably satisfying.

IMG_7438

Packing up after an awesome day at Rusutsu. Photo: Kade Krichko

IMG_7473

7/11 never disappoints. Photo: Kade Krichko

IMG_1155

See ya! Photo: Kade Krichko

 

READ MORE:

]]> http://spreadstoke.com/snow/japanuary-chronicles-pitted-in-niseko-japan/feed/ 0 The Japanuary Chronicles – Part 1: 5 Bros and a Toe http://spreadstoke.com/snow/japanuary-part-1-5-bros-toe/ http://spreadstoke.com/snow/japanuary-part-1-5-bros-toe/#comments Fri, 02 Jan 2015 22:29:15 +0000 http://spreadstoke.com/?p=4273 Skiing Powder in Niseko, JapanSeveral weeks ago – I was invited to go to Japan with a small crew of shredders that I had only skied with a handful of times. Mind you, those handful of times were a ridiculously good time and they quickly got to know my level of stoke when I wouldn’t shut up about how much I love to poof in the powdery pillows of light fluffy AWESOMENESS…right! This brigade of skiers and snowboarders are known as the MYST, dedicated to Solitude’s finest slopes, they are a fun and crazy bunch of kids who like to get after it, drink PBR, and grill hot dogs in the parking lot.  My type for sure. After expressing my dire need to get to Japan ASAP with Facebook posts of random Japan edits and constantly reading trip reports of other skiers experience of Ja’pow’, I was utterly surprised when I was approached and asked if I wanted to go… this year! Knowing I only had $26 dollars in my bank account and needing to still acquire half the gear needed, I snap called and replied ‘fuck yes I want to go to Japan with you guys!’ When I say guys, I literally mean ALL dudes. This endeavor will consist of 5 bros and 1 toe (that’s me). The six of us will cram into a van and indulge in our quest to find the deepest, lightest, and most magical snow that Japan has to offer.  The lacking finances and missing gear has been a huge motivator to work extra hard to play even harder. I have since found myself in a variety of jobs from serving, cocktailing, teaching, marketing, sales, and so many random things that my friends still have no idea what I’m doing half the time. Plus, local ski company Dirtybird Skis hooked me up a with a custom pair of sticks to take on the trip, so that was a huge help! In between working, I have been training, eating healthy, skiing, taking avalanche courses and practicing with backcountry gear to prepare me for the trip.  Could I have planned to go to Japan next year when I would be in a more stable situation, perhaps. But my life doesn’t work like that, I thrive on spontaneity. This trip will be memorable.  It will not only be embedded in our hearts, but thanks to our trip photographer Eric Sales, we will be able to document our journey on Spread Stoke. Experience the sake hangovers, white room, terrible B.O., mullets, dance-offs, and Japanese culture with myself and the MYST crew. Meet the crew and stay tuned for trip reports, photos and edits:   Nick the ‘Langelliti’  A ripping snowboarder who is currently earning his degree is Physical Therapy at the University of Utah.  Has killer dance moves, Hawaiian flowers on his jacket, and enjoys an occasional haiku.  Ladies watch out! “I like to feel small. Forming a beautiful unison with a board under my feet while doing so resonates with me most. This form of flow is a motion that simply is. I think it’s beautiful.” “Now let’s get pitted in every sense of the word – STOKED!!!” Eric Sales Sponsored By: RAMP | Soul Poles A skier of all trades, photographer, adventurer and food enthusiast. When Sales isn’t traveling the world, he is researching climate issues and teaching at the University of Utah.  Upi can depend on Sales to scope the line and get the shot, all while getting his share of the gnar.  Sales knows the ins and outs of Japan’s finest powder and also knows where to go for the divine ramen.  “I couldn’t be more stoked to get back to Japan and get pitted with my friends!” Harrison Hogan Holley Sponsored By: RAMP | Soul Poles | Solitude Mtn Resort | Yeti Collective | Jen | Lulu Harrison enjoys getting hair deep in the white stuff but will take zero-visibility bulletproof day with friends over just about anything (bold statement).  He competes in the Subaru Freeride Series and IFSA Freeride Tour, and will do a back-flip off just about anything. “Having the freedom to look at a gnarly mountain face and choose a line that is both fun and challenging has been one of the most difficult and rewarding experiences of my life. Send it before you send it!” Kade Krichko Northwest-born, Ice Coast bred, Kade pays rent in Seattle, but calls his Subaru home—especially when the snow starts to fly. He freelances for Powder, Outside, ESPN.com, and GrindTV, but would rather talk about amateur surf adventures, slow jams, and street food. “Oh, and smanging pow!” Eric Dyer Also known as ‘Der’, he enjoys long chairlift conversations, sidestepping up steep ridges, and sipping on ice cold PBRs.  You’ll often hear Die Antwoord or Phish blasting from his car speakers while he his strapping up his boots. “Skis check, sake check.. All good” Tori Sowul Dirtybird Skis Also known as ‘Toe’ or ‘Tornado’, Tori is devoted to the mountains, loves to ascend and descend them fast, no matter what given the season. Notorious for losing phones, emphasizing adverbs (the snow was sooooooo sick), putting avocado on everything, and getting down twirling in ski boots to a science.  Will yell at you for not recycling, orders whisky on the rocks, and wears bright color tights! “Bring on Japanuary!’   READ MORE: JAPANUARY CHRONICLES – PART 2: GETTING PITTED IN NISEKO JAPANUARY CHRONICLES – PART 3: IS THIS REAL LIFE?]]> Skiing Powder in Niseko, Japan

Several weeks ago – I was invited to go to Japan with a small crew of shredders that I had only skied with a handful of times. Mind you, those handful of times were a ridiculously good time and they quickly got to know my level of stoke when I wouldn’t shut up about how much I love to poof in the powdery pillows of light fluffy AWESOMENESS…right! This brigade of skiers and snowboarders are known as the MYST, dedicated to Solitude’s finest slopes, they are a fun and crazy bunch of kids who like to get after it, drink PBR, and grill hot dogs in the parking lot.  My type for sure.

niseko japan skiing

Devon Wright in Niseko, Japan 2014 – PC: Eric Sales

After expressing my dire need to get to Japan ASAP with Facebook posts of random Japan edits and constantly reading trip reports of other skiers experience of Ja’pow’, I was utterly surprised when I was approached and asked if I wanted to go… this year! Knowing I only had $26 dollars in my bank account and needing to still acquire half the gear needed, I snap called and replied ‘fuck yes I want to go to Japan with you guys!’

Skiing Powder in Niseko, Japan

Devon Wright in Niseko, Japan 2014 – PC: Eric Sales

When I say guys, I literally mean ALL dudes. This endeavor will consist of 5 bros and 1 toe (that’s me). The six of us will cram into a van and indulge in our quest to find the deepest, lightest, and most magical snow that Japan has to offer.  The lacking finances and missing gear has been a huge motivator to work extra hard to play even harder. I have since found myself in a variety of jobs from serving, cocktailing, teaching, marketing, sales, and so many random things that my friends still have no idea what I’m doing half the time. Plus, local ski company Dirtybird Skis hooked me up a with a custom pair of sticks to take on the trip, so that was a huge help! In between working, I have been training, eating healthy, skiing, taking avalanche courses and practicing with backcountry gear to prepare me for the trip.  Could I have planned to go to Japan next year when I would be in a more stable situation, perhaps. But my life doesn’t work like that, I thrive on spontaneity.

This trip will be memorable.  It will not only be embedded in our hearts, but thanks to our trip photographer Eric Sales, we will be able to document our journey on Spread Stoke. Experience the sake hangovers, white room, terrible B.O., mullets, dance-offs, and Japanese culture with myself and the MYST crew.

Meet the crew and stay tuned for trip reports, photos and edits:

 Nick-Lange-Myst-Japanuary

Nick the ‘Langelliti’ 

A ripping snowboarder who is currently earning his degree is Physical Therapy at the University of Utah.  Has killer dance moves, Hawaiian flowers on his jacket, and enjoys an occasional haiku.  Ladies watch out!

“I like to feel small. Forming a beautiful unison with a board under my feet while doing so resonates with me most. This form of flow is a motion that simply is. I think it’s beautiful.”

“Now let’s get pitted in every sense of the word – STOKED!!!”

Eric-Sales-Myst-Japanuary

Eric Sales

Sponsored By: RAMP | Soul Poles

A skier of all trades, photographer, adventurer and food enthusiast. When Sales isn’t traveling the world, he is researching climate issues and teaching at the University of Utah.  Upi can depend on Sales to scope the line and get the shot, all while getting his share of the gnar.  Sales knows the ins and outs of Japan’s finest powder and also knows where to go for the divine ramen. 

“I couldn’t be more stoked to get back to Japan and get pitted with my friends!”

Harrison-Holley-Myst-Japanuary

Harrison Hogan Holley

Sponsored By: RAMP | Soul Poles | Solitude Mtn Resort | Yeti Collective | Jen | Lulu

Harrison enjoys getting hair deep in the white stuff but will take zero-visibility bulletproof day with friends over just about anything (bold statement).  He competes in the Subaru Freeride Series and IFSA Freeride Tour, and will do a back-flip off just about anything.

“Having the freedom to look at a gnarly mountain face and choose a line that is both fun and challenging has been one of the most difficult and rewarding experiences of my life. Send it before you send it!”

Kade-Krichko-Myst-Japanuary

Kade Krichko

Northwest-born, Ice Coast bred, Kade pays rent in Seattle, but calls his Subaru home—especially when the snow starts to fly. He freelances for Powder, Outside, ESPN.com, and GrindTV, but would rather talk about amateur surf adventures, slow jams, and street food.

“Oh, and smanging pow!”

MYST - Eric Dyer - Japan

Eric Dyer

Also known as ‘Der’, he enjoys long chairlift conversations, sidestepping up steep ridges, and sipping on ice cold PBRs.  You’ll often hear Die Antwoord or Phish blasting from his car speakers while he his strapping up his boots.

“Skis check, sake check.. All good”

Tori-Sowul-Myst-Japanuary

Tori Sowul

Dirtybird Skis

Also known as ‘Toe’ or ‘Tornado’, Tori is devoted to the mountains, loves to ascend and descend them fast, no matter what given the season. Notorious for losing phones, emphasizing adverbs (the snow was sooooooo sick), putting avocado on everything, and getting down twirling in ski boots to a science.  Will yell at you for not recycling, orders whisky on the rocks, and wears bright color tights!

“Bring on Japanuary!’

 

READ MORE:

]]> http://spreadstoke.com/snow/japanuary-part-1-5-bros-toe/feed/ 1