Myoko, Japan

It was a very spontaneous decision to go to Japan this year. I was searching for a hut trip in British Columbia. Going up to a hut for a week, making it your base and do backcountry day trips from there. But all I found was booked up.

So I panicked, thinking I'm not getting out of the snow-deprived Northeast.

Then I saw a trip to Japan, to Myoko, a place I've never heard of. In my panic I booked it.

Didn't regret a single minute. It was probably the best riding days that I remember going back for a long time. Compared to the European Alps or the Rocky Mountains, the terrain is fairly small, at least around Myoko, where we went. It's decent and you don't get bored riding the resorts, but the variety is limited.

That being said, the quantity and quality of snow there is simply unreal. That's the reason why you want to make the trip to Japan in Winter.

And not only that. I kind of fell in love with this country. The reserved culture speaks to me, or my personality. I loved the food, everywhere, best food on ski huts ever! No greasy fries and overprized chili,  but really good ramen, soba, curries and other dishes I didn't even know existed.

Japan is just amazing.

I'm also a little bit conflicted right there. It's the most homogenous country in the world (I think). In an age where we put our energy to bring positive change to our society and embrace diverse cultures, I started to question my excitment about Japan. But then, Americans (the progressive ones) like to point to Scandinavian countries for their policies. And guess what Scandinavian countries really shine on, quite literally?

Anyways, I totally loved the trip to 🇯🇵.

Oh, I didn't even mention the Onsen. There are natural Onsen you can ride to, strip down naked, hop in and continue riding after a quick hot dip. How cool is that?

I also learned how overrated some investments in lift infrastructure are that you see in Western resorts - fancy 6 person bubble lifts with heated seats, etc. There was one lift we rode that was probably 50 years old, still going strong. A single chair, no bar or even a back rest. No fear, hop on, and hold on to the pole, it will get you up there!

A super small family run resort, 2 lifts, this was one of them, one cat-track was groomed to get a ski school down, everything else was left untouched, with plenty of tree runs to explore. Best powder day I remember in my life, so much fun!

Have to come back next year!