Featured Image: Sam Ingles
JAPOW. A word banded around like Brexit’s going out of fashion. But also, as it turns out, an accurate word-blend for somewhere that is undoubtably the powder mecca of the world. No longer a best kept secret, Japan’s bottomless powder and endless tree runs hold prime position on most skier’s bucket list.
Japan’s ski industry has snowballed with the rise of social media and affordable international flights. With storms from the Sea Of Japan driving huge snowfalls (on average 15m + per year), it’s obvious why. Tales of deep turns, whisky fuelled nights and unlimited sushi are both the dream and reality of many a weary-legged skier here.
“JAPOW. A word branded around like Brexit’s going out of fashion”
Far removed from sharp European Alps, the idea of chest deep snow and mystical lands had become an obsession of mine too. So when a friend asked me if I wanted to join their trip last minute, I did what any powder hungry skier would do; begged my boss for time off, borrowed a better jacket and booked an impromptu ticket to Japan’s North Island in the pursuit of unlimited powder refills, insane skiing and eye-opening culture. And what a decision it was.
Where East meets West, Siberian winds collide with volcanic ranges, and soup always comes with noodles: Hokkaido Japan, makes for one extraordinary ski trip.
