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POWDER & PEAKS- JAPAN 2020

We’ll begin and end this expedition visiting some lesser known sidecountry areas of Hokkaido. Expect to bookend the Rishiri mission with secret tours around Furano (and group dependent) a crack at Tokachidake. Our team’s main focus will be the remote and elusive Rishiri volcano. Working with my local partners at Stealth Backcountry allows us to hit the goods from the moment we land!

Floating the Volcano

Rishiri Island is a backcountry skiing haven with a huge variety of ski and snowboard terrain for those willing to earn their turns. Mount Rishiri is a dormant cone-shaped volcano at the center of the remote Rishiri Island. In the native Ainu language, “Rishiri” means “island with a high peak”, which pretty much sums it up! Others call Rishiri the “floating island”, possibly because you’ll gain a lot of pleasure from floating in the deep powder!

Skiing Rishiri Island is on the bucket list for many Japan backcountry skiing aficionados. Powder on Hokkaido is world renowned because of the abundant, light, fluffy, amazing cold smoke that results from the weather systems that blow down from Siberia. Compared to most Hokkaido ski areas, Rishiri Island is much further north (and closer) to Siberia so the powder there is even better than amazing!

And if devouring all that Japanese powder isn’t enough for you, there’s also an abundance of local seafood to satisfy your appetite. A Rishiri ski trip provides a delightfully unadulterated Japanese experience.

Where is Rishiri Island?

Rishiri Island (Rishiritō) is a small island in the Sea of Japan, about 20 kilometers off the northwest coast of Hokkaido. The Oshidomari Port on Rishiri Island can be accessed via ferry from Otaru or Wakkanai (Hokkaido’s northernmost town). Wakkanai is a 5.5 hour train trip from Sapporo.

Rishiri Terrain

Mount Rishiri has an elevation of 1,721 metres. Depending on weather conditions, the backcountry terrain we’ll access will include a combination of ATL alpine zones and NTL/BTL tree skiing. Mt Rishiri has many ridges, gullies, and bowls- some of which are super steep, and there are several peaks to tackle. BUT, there is also a reasonable amount of mellow terrain below treeline for us to explore.

We will utilize a snowmobile to cover the long and flat distances at the base of the mountain before committing to human-power. No worries if you’re not a seasoned sled-neck!

Rishiri Ski Season

In late winter and early spring there’s a greater chance for clear days, although the main, year-round weather inhibitor to summiting Mt Rishiri is the wind. Rishiri is renowned for its oft-gusty conditions! Our expedition will run from 2/22/20 to 3/1/20.

The Ego is Not Our Amigo

I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. The only thing scarier than our "dumpster fire" of a continental snowpack right now are the decisions I see humans making in the backcountry. I spend too much time out there. I’m seeing too much scary stuff. And it causes me to think a tremendous amount about the motivations and behaviors of others. More backcountry recreationalists died this weekend in the American West. It’s been a tough and deadly month with avalanche fatalities

The Ego is Not Our Amigo

An Oldie but Goodie

Surviving

On January 9, 2017, Jeremy Bird and Mark Helmich set out for a backcountry tour on Coal Bank Pass. That adventure ended with Bird getting swept over a cliff and buried by an avalanche on Highway 550. Jeremy survived this ordeal due to the quick actions of his partner, a passing motorist and a fair bit of luck. The team's story can teach us a tremendous amount about safety and risk in the San Juan Mountains. For the last two years, I’ve used the 550 slide as a case study in m

Surviving

Harden Up and Push Out

Since turning the corner into 2019, I’ve taught one level two, two level ones, three avy rescue courses, led one special forces training, guided five, private ski days, enjoyed three personal ski days and slept in my own bed approx. four nights…..and it’s only the 22nd of January! Upon hearing what I do for a living, many folks comment on how cool the job is. And yes, it’s pretty fucking rad. Yet, when you push this hard your body and mind inevitably feel pretty cached and th

Harden Up and Push Out

SJMG AIARE Rec Level Two- 2019

Congratulations on completing your SJMG AIARE Level Two Rec Course. I hope your experience this past weekend serves as a solid foundation upon which you will build a brilliant life in the alpine. But remember, this is only the beginning of your journey in the backcountry! Some Post-Course thoughts to consider: On multi-day ski tours and avalanche courses, we learn and experience a ton. Students are living and traveling at altitude, climbing and touring in alpine terrain, expe

SJMG AIARE Rec Level Two- 2019

SAS Rec Level TWO- 2019

Congratulations on completing your Level Two Rec Course. I hope your experience this past weekend serves as a solid foundation upon which you will build a brilliant life in the alpine. But remember, this is only the beginning of your journey in the backcountry! Some Post-Course thoughts to consider: On multi-day ski tours and avalanche courses, we learn and experience a ton. Students are living and traveling at altitude, climbing and touring in alpine terrain, experiencing mo

SAS Rec Level TWO- 2019

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