"A DAY IN THE SKI" by Aiko Uemura, Nobuyuki Nishi, Junya Maruyama, Masahiro Maruyama, and Keisuke Tezuka. A day of skiing for the alumni of Hakuba High School

During the winter months, Masahiro Maruyama works as a ski patrol at Hakuba Iwatake, while also dedicating himself to supporting freeride competitions and photographing in the backcountry . In late May, the ski resort had long since closed, the town at the foot of the mountain was covered in lush green, and a refreshing breeze began to fill the air. Let's take a look at a day in the life of the skiers who gathered at his command, through his text and the photographs of photographer Takeshi Ito, who accompanied him.

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Five skiers gathered together after I called them up to go skiing at Hakuba Oike for their final run of the season.
These members all have something in common: they simply love skiing, and they are all graduates of Hakuba High School.

The youngest,Keisuke Tezuka, is an 18-year-old who just graduated from Hakuba High School this spring. He loves mountains so much that he moved from Ueda City to attend Hakuba High School, and he spends the whole year thinking purely about mountains. He's a mountain-loving boy who asks to ski together every time we meet.

Nishi Nobuyukiis, as you know, an Olympian in moguls. The term "ski fanatic" suits him best. Nobu is 35, so we're not from the same generation, but he's an old friend and more like a younger brother than a junior. I remember the days when we skied from morning till night. Having experienced three Olympics and declared that he would be a skier for life even after retirement, it was only natural that I invited him to the mountains.

Junya Maruyamais a 30-year-old active national demonstrator who not only climbs mountains but also jumps off kickers. He knows all about different types of skiing and embodies that knowledge as a skier. Incidentally, Junya's off-piste skiing is almost entirely moguls.

Aiko Uemurawas my senior in her third year of high school when I was in my first year. She's a legend in the mogul skiing world, having competed in the Nagano Olympics and making the name of Hakuba High School famous. Lately, she's been actively involved in mountain climbing, and even while climbing, she's a camera enthusiast who enjoys the great outdoors and snaps pictures.

They competed in different sports in high school and are all different ages, so it's always refreshing to skate together across generations

While we were climbing, someone suddenly brought up something from our high school days, and we all stopped in our tracks.
It was about an outdoor activity class taught by Mr. Yaguchi, who was also the advisor for the ski club.

Gathering wild vegetables, making fishing lures from driftwood and using them to fish—these were unique classes, typical of Hakuba High School, and probably not seen at other schools. The classes blended seriousness and fun, with students needing to catch fish to earn credits. I remembered those days when I couldn't catch anything and had to attend remedial classes, and a smile spread across my face.
Out of the many elective courses, everyone chose outdoor activities. Everyone loves nature.

As they reminisced about trivial things, each of them must have realized once again that it's not "skiing" that they love, but "skiing in nature," and that even after graduating, outdoor activities classes have continued in a different form

It's the same this time.
During the season, everyone is engaged in their own skiing activities, such as competitions, photo shoots, and lessons. But when we gather like this, the atmosphere feels different from our usual skiing.

It's not just because today is our last day of skiing for the season, but also because each of us has something we want to do with our skis on.

Everyone had more than just the desire to slide.
It was all part of the outdoor activity classes that had continued uninterrupted since high school.

Aiko climbs with her heavy camera slung over her shoulder, hoping to capture the beautiful cobalt blue of Hakuba Oike Lake as the snow melts.
, on his first serious mountain climb, is excited to see the sea from there.
Junya climbs, covered in sweat, seeking the freedom of skiing that is different from technical competitions, all for the sake of a beer after descending. Keisuke,
his heart racing with excitement at the uncharted route, continues walking with seemingly endless energy, poring over the topographic map.
And I want to share with everyone the fun of skiing and foraging for wild vegetables, something that can only be experienced at this time of year.

Everyone had more in mind than just skating. This was a part of the outdoor activities classes that have continued since high school

As I trudged uphill, lost in thought, two skiers came swiftly down from Funakoshi Peak.
It's rare to encounter anyone else here at this time of year.
I greeted them, and they turned around with beaming smiles; they were senior alumni from Hakuba High School.
It made me happy to think that my seniors were still continuing their outdoor activities. I'm sure they'll be gathering wild vegetables on their way down the mountain.

We reached the mountain peak overlooking Hakuba Oike, and each of us rushed to drop into the lake in our own free style.

After finishing our runs, Aiko took photos of the breathtaking view of Hakuba Oike, Keisuke played in the water by the lake's edge, Nobu, seemingly captivated by the mountain's charm, climbed back up recklessly and couldn't finish his runs, and Junya, not to be outdone, climbed back up and made a spectacular run down the lake, eagerly awaiting a beer with a rice ball in hand.

We don't just love "skiing," we love "skiing in nature."

As the sun began to set, we started our descent, climbing back up from the lakeside.

From the mountaintop at dusk, we could clearly see the school building of Hakuba High School, which had taught us to play in the mountains while coexisting with nature.
The bond among Hakuba High School alumni, forged through skiing, transcends generations, and we will continue to ski together for years to come.

Photo:Hiroya Nakata