The backcountry skiing landscape is constantly changing, with the spread of freeride culture and an increase in inbound tourists visiting Japanese resorts. We spoke to some of the most knowledgeable backcountry ski guides about what's happening in the field today and what they're feeling.
Q. Have you noticed any recent trends among guests or changes in the field?
The people who are closest to the current state of backcountry skiing are the guides who are out in the field every day. We asked them about the changes they have seen in the past few years in terms of the types of guests and the way they ski.
・The number of Shinkansen users is increasing every year, and the number of people picking up passengers at stations is on the rise.
・More people are studying up on the subject on YouTube.
・We notice a trend of customers becoming more enthusiastic about learning, taking avalanche training courses and taking exams to become avalanche workers.
The number of tour participants during the powder season is on the rise, but it seems that the number of participants during the remaining snow season from April onwards is not increasing as much. One of the fun things about spring tours is that you can travel over a wide area by taking advantage of the mobility of skis and splitboards, and there is an increased element of mountain climbing. I would like more people to know about this kind of fun.
Splitboard usage has increased dramatically.
I feel like I'm no longer as pushy.
I think that experienced people have started to prepare equipment that matches their plans. In the past, even though the tours involved a lot of walking, there were often people with metal skis and non-tech bindings.
More and more people are choosing boots that are soft and easy to walk in. This has helped them to maintain a steady walking pace and increase the number of slopes they can enter at the right time.
On days when the conditions were good, we received many applications regardless of the day of the week, and everyone had become good at judging the conditions.
More and more guests are bringing their own videography equipment on tours.
I feel that mountain enthusiasts are also polarized.
Experienced people seek out bigger fields and deeper mountains, while intermediate people seem to be more satisfied with traveling on their own within a smaller area rather than over a wider area. I think that intermediate people tend to stay in areas close to the slopes.
Asian guests are also starting to join BC, and the field is overflowing with foreign guests.
There are a lot of cancellations of reservations for tours for Asian inbound tourists...
Q. Is there anything you would tell guests not to do at BC?
In nature, even the slightest carelessness can turn into a major risk. To ensure a safe and enjoyable time in the mountains, what are some of the things that guides ask you to avoid?
Self-reporting more than you actually are.
There is no problem with taking photos, but we will designate areas that are definitely outside of avalanche terrain, so please make sure to hold your camera in those areas. There are rare cases where first-time participants will decide to stop in avalanche terrain while skiing on their own.
There are also a certain number of people who feel nervous and find it difficult to ski when holding a camera, so please do not point your camera at people who do not want you to do so.
This is especially common at the beginning of the season, but material problems are common.
It's common for binding screws to come loose or for plastic to crack over time. Always make sure to tighten all screws before the tour and try out all your equipment at the ski resort to make sure there are no problems.
Also, if you purchase new equipment, be sure to test it out at the ski resort as well. If you can't figure out how to use your bindings during the tour, or it takes you 10 minutes to put them on, it will dampen the excitement for the other guests and, above all, it will make it less enjoyable for you. If you're using equipment for the first time, please practice thoroughly at the ski resort before joining the tour.
I think self-centered behavior is dangerous.
Upload a tour log.
・Poor gear maintenance
・Usually wearing earphones.
・Stopping at the bottom of a steep, open slope.
・Wearable camera attached to chest harness
This is something you should stop doing. It's about skiing at an excessive speed that exceeds your limits.
Not listening to the guide's instructions
because you're lazy, not putting on a jacket during breaks, not replenishing your energy, handling the seals carelessly, etc. Of course, instructions before the start and to reduce risks are important, but these kinds of small details are actually directly related to safety.
Passing a spot where there are no tracks and ending up in a dangerous area.
When skiing while filming with a GoPro or similar, the camera can crash into a tree, break, or get lost, which can take up a lot of time. Suddenly, you start skiing at the same time while filming. They should at least be told, and it's not something you can do everywhere. There may be places that allow it depending on the time and situation, but I hope they understand that it's not the same as a ski slope.
If your skiing skills are not yet at the level required for backcountry skiing, or if you can ski but are not fit enough to hike, we will ask you questions, but we would appreciate you proactively reporting your skiing skills in advance.
This includes skiing at excessive speeds and skiing without looking around.
While there are no absolute rules in the mountains, there are manners that must be observed to ensure everyone has a pleasant
and enjoyable time. We are seeing many people entering the mountains without taking these manners into consideration. In unmanaged backcountry areas, it is necessary to act with safety management risks in mind, but it seems that an increasing number of people are entering the mountains with the same mindset as they would on a ski slope.
Q. Where do you think the difference is between “intermediate BC skiers” and “advanced BC skiers”?
The depth of the backcountry cannot be measured by skiing technique alone. What is the difference between "intermediate" and "advanced" as seen by experienced guides? The depth of the backcountry cannot be measured by skiing technique alone.
This includes skiing and hiking techniques, and although intermediate skiers have acquired basic skills and knowledge, they have issues with being able to respond to unpredictable situations and making decisions in high-risk situations.
On the other hand, advanced players, in addition to these, have the ability to make sound judgments based on their extensive experience and knowledge, the ability to gather information, and the comprehensive ability to respond to any situation.
about whether you're able to behave in a manner that shows respect for each other's actions
.
It's difficult to define each of these, but I think anyone who can plan a day using only a paper topographical map when they have no other information is definitely an advanced user.
- Lack of on-piste skiing skills and lack of experience skiing off-piste (including powder).
- Whether or not you can imagine your own skiing line. Judging the terrain and snow quality.
- Appropriate selection of backpacks and luggage.
- Appropriate behavior in each location.
- Selection of ski equipment and gear based on predicted conditions.
Those who can come early and prepare before the tour starts.
Can you act predictably?
There is a difference in peace of mind.
I feel at ease when I join people who climb or hike in the mountains during the off-season, because there are other important issues to consider when climbing in the mountains.
Traversing and dealing with changes in snow conditions
・Mountain behavior (efficient and smooth)
・Skiing skills
・Ability to adapt to all types of snow
・Enjoy any type of snow and terrain
・Peace of mind based on experience
・Attentively listening to the guide's explanations
Safely hike up (track setting) while checking your surroundings, and choose your line when skiing.
Responsiveness and perspective
safety management
It all comes down to whether you have the time to be aware of your surroundings and your gliding technique.
Physical strength, relaxed judgment, and speed of action.
Q. How do you take care of your body during the season?
We spoke to mountain guides who lead tours throughout the season about the self-care habits they follow to stay healthy in the harsh environment.
I try to get in a good workout early in the season to prepare my body for winter before starting the work season. During the season, I avoid unnecessary events and drinking parties so that I have time to recover.
Regular lifestyle and regular full-body massage
I always take ZEN NUTRITION Tora before leaving in the morning and Dharma after returning home. They are natural and safe supplements.
Balanced nutrition and good quality sleep
・Hot springs, icing, and stretching
・Balanced diet and sleep
Morning Stretch Roun CBD Balm
Take a hot bath instead of just a shower.
I do the same. I take a bath to warm myself up.
"Sleep well, keep your body in shape, and rest your mind."
I try to get at least six hours of sleep every day.
I stretch for about 30 minutes after taking a bath.
To change my mood, I go into the mountains for fun, or sometimes I just do nothing.
I try to stretch and get deep sleep.
Stretching is essential.
Hot springs and saunas!
Soak in the hot springs to warm up your body thoroughly before stretching!
Relax your body and mind in the hot springs.