In early January, EOC Japan, which owns brands like K2, LINE, and VÖLKL, held a test ride event for related parties, media, and dealers at Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort in Hokkaido. We'll report on the backcountry tour that was held at the event, which brought together all of the company's riders
This time, we report on Hatano, a new member of the STEEP editorial team. The day after joining the company, he took his freshly printed business card and camera with him, and set off on his first interview, ready to hit the ground running.
His skiing background is 20 years of alpine racing and two days of backcountry skiing. His home slope is the now-defunct Racing Camp Nobeyama. He grew up skiing after school nights and on ice runs on a plateau where winter temperatures can be the lowest in Japan.
He has visited ski resorts all over Japan, but to avoid exhausting himself, he always skied only two runs: one for warm-up and one for the main event, and he had no experience with powder or backcountry skiing.
Shortly after retiring from competition, I decided that if "JAPOW" was so great, I wanted to continue skiing as a Japanese person, so last year I tried a backcountry tour for the first time. I was confused by everything, both the equipment and the process - my skins would peel off, my probe wouldn't stretch, and I was afraid of the trees. For now, like a stray cat that has never been petted, I'm still unsure how to accept this new, fluffy sensation and searching for ways to enjoy powder.
I hope that this experience report, which serves as a greeting, will be read with a warm heart by those with a similar background, those interested in backcountry tours, and of course, by all those who enjoy winter.
"Premium" Private Tour
The tour's venue, Moiwa Ski Resort, is a relatively calm resort in Niseko, known for its rich natural terrain and slightly moist, creamy powder snow thanks to its proximity to the sea.
New ski and boot models were lined up at the venue, and owners of independent ski shops and contracted riders from all over Hokkaido were eagerly trying them out. We also had the chance to hear more about next season's gear, including the much-anticipated Double Boa.
Borrowed Cat
In between these interviews, I was given the special opportunity to join a backcountry tour. I had only been told that we would meet at 9am, but when I got to the meeting place, I was surprised. Four of the 12 participants were veteran guides who have pioneered Japan's backcountry scene, including some whom I had interviewed for STEEP.
Other guests included the president of K2 Japan, a photographer, and a writer, making for an impressive lineup. From the way everyone was dressed, I could imagine how they would pose while skiing. It felt like their equipment was perfectly integrated into their bodies, from head to toe.
Lead guide Jun Horie 's outfit looked light to a beginner, but in fashion terms, it was what you'd call "sophisticated." In contrast, I felt a bit rustic, having been to Tokyo and the snowy mountains for a long time, and had rented skis, poles, and a backpack. Clad in unfamiliar gear, I was nervous about looking like a cat in clothes, and whether I could keep up with the others with my body and skis, which were a little thicker at the waist, so I greeted everyone, and once we were all ready, the tour began. First up was the quad, so I followed along, making my presence less noticeable than a beacon.
Niseko Rules
The first thing we did in front of Gate 6, just after disembarking from the quad, was to check our beacons. Niseko has established the "Niseko Rules" to prevent accidents outside the ski resort, which stipulate that
skiers must always exit through the gates and wear helmets and beacons. Akio Shinya, a "Niseko Legend," was instrumental in establishing these rules, patrolling the mountain earlier than anyone else every morning and providing "Niseko Avalanche Information" for the safety of all ski resort personnel. He is the inspiration behind the name of Niseko Hanazono Resort's signature course, "Legend of Shinya." With a "good day" from this legend, we began our ascent one by one.
Everyone climbed the long 100-meter slope with ease. This aggressive climbing style is apparently called "split-leg climbing" or "reverse eight" in Japanese, and "herringbone" in English. It's named after the pattern that resembles the shape of a fish with its legs spread apart, and is primarily used as a running technique in Nordic skiing. But leaving aside such trivia, what I want to say is that everyone was as lively as a fish in water
A reliable mind bender
One of the attractions of Moiwa is being able to explore backcountry trails using a quad and a light hike. We started by skiing a few courses through a beautiful birch forest to warm up, then hiked deep into the mountains. Each guide was assigned to a position at the front, rear, front, and rear, creating a luxurious arrangement. It gave us a premium sense of security.
The weather changed every time we stopped, from clear skies to blizzards. The guides repeatedly discussed which route would be best to take in response to the ever-changing conditions.
Most of the members were using Mindbenders. While the Wayback is good for tours that include long hikes, the Mindbenders are recommended if you want to prioritize both climbing performance and smoothness. The Mindbenders were certainly stable and easy to maneuver, and were fun to use on tight tree runs and rough powder
Extreme Therapy
Although I was a little fuzzy on how to use the equipment, every time I got a little lost, advice came flying from all sides. I was impressed that the guides were not only paying close attention to the surrounding situation, but also to the participants' every move
Stopping and climbing is taboo in alpine racing. It's a blood-curdling act, but it's what makes skiing on tours that much more enjoyable. I thought that skiing, sometimes not skiing, and taking breaks might be the secret to continuing skiing for a long time. I take walks through the forest, listening to the sound of the river flowing and the birds singing. A friend of mine said that backcountry skiing is like therapy, and I really think that's true
Play is the heart
Before we knew it, we had arrived at the skiing spot. Despite the strong wind blowing our skins away, we switched to skiing mode. The atmosphere seemed to become a little more tense. One by one, we all started skiing, cheering. We stopped at each checkpoint to listen to explanations about the different snow types, the terrain, and things to be careful of
This time, there was also a participant from Germany, and Horie gave all the explanations in both Japanese and German. He was considerate enough to suggest several routes before the meeting point so that everyone could ski on pristine powder. He also made suggestions tailored to each individual, such as, "I think this is more fun for you." While we were waiting our turn, I noticed that the only German participant was wearing Line skis, so I asked him why he chose them, and he replied, "Fun." I felt that was a good enough reason. With that kind of attitude, it seems like you can make good choices in both equipment and lines. Horie would occasionally watch the participants ski and say, "That was a good line."
Along the way, there were times when we were sure to get lost if we didn't follow the exact same line as the leader, and when we accidentally went down into the valley and couldn't get back, but the participants called out to each other and the guide's jokes lightened the mood, and we spent a time filled with excitement, silence, and a gentle undulation. One
piece of advice that left a lasting impression was Nakazawa mentioned many times when the slope changed and we couldn't see what was ahead. Perhaps the true meaning of this is left to each individual's intuition.
Katsudon 25 AUD
Our conversation turned to ski resort food and recommended lunch menus, and the white snow began to look delicious. Before we knew it, it was past lunchtime and four hours had already passed. Four hours on the slopes is hardly a long time, but the tour felt like it went by in the blink of an eye.
Although it was a tour, I also got the sense that all the participants had created their own time and space together. It was all the result of the guide's meticulous calculations, measuring the appropriate route, pace, and individual discretion. As I was writing this, I remembered that we hadn't done a single kick turn during the tour. I was amazed at how smoothly and linearly we navigated that complex terrain, and how perfectly we climbed.
Well, they say that hunger is the best seasoning, and just like how food tastes better when you're hungry, skiing is fun, climbing up and down the slopes yourself. I checked out the restaurant, which recommended the katsudon and cola, but they were quite expensive, so if you're timid like me, it might be a good idea to bring some snacks with you
The tour continues until you get home
This time, I experienced the depths of skiing in the mountains of Moiwa. What impressed me most was the warmth of the guides. They seemed to be genuinely enjoying themselves in the mountains, embodying STEEP's "lifelong skiing declaration." I
realized that skiing skill alone is not enough to continue skiing safely and enjoyably. In the mountains, how you interact with things you cannot control can determine life or death. Even wrapped in layers of high-tech clothing, you still need to sharpen your animal instincts and tactile senses to perceive information. In addition to relying on these senses, you also need to make a reasonable plan and follow the rules. For your own protection and to make backcountry skiing even more enjoyable, I think it's wise to go into the mountains with a guide.
This marks my third day of BC, but I'm going to start planning for the fourth day so I don't give up after three days. I also want to remain a beginner (someone who never forgets their beginner's mindset) no matter how many days I ski. I'd like to express my gratitude once again to everyone who cooperated with me in this interview despite the cold weather
Information
Moiwa Ski Resort
448 Niseko, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 048-1511
Official website: https://niseko-moiwa.jp/ja/
Official SNS: Instagram │ Facebook │ X │ Youtube
EOC JAPAN
6th floor, TMM Building, 1-10-5 Iwamotocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0032
Official website: https://www.eoc-japan.com/