japan2012

Video:Dave doing Cookies Chute

Video: Mick with friends

1. Skiing Day Six: Thursday  Jan 12.

   Strong wind this morning and -17C kept many skiers off the hill. Not our crew!! Up early, on the bus and at Hanazono skiing before 9.00am. So few skiers, so much untracked terrain! Top of mountain was closed which made it difficult for skiers to get over out of the wind, more fresh snow for us. After snowing for most of the night, fresh flurries continued throughout the day. Tod had to break track into Water Falls three times, Marg lost the track and ended up on
   the Hirafu Home Trail. Visibility closed for 15 minutes at a time, but then would lift. It was cold but the team tore up Strawberry, Blueberry, Legends, Water Fall and everything in between. The powder is building up and is now approximately 40cm, so ski tracers are essential.

   Mike is enjoying any run he is dragged onto. Dave is loosening up somewhat and beginning to rip it up, Tod was happy with any untracked chute. Ridges were still un-skied at 2.00pm. Hugh and
   Greg T skied with the Go-pro camera and have some great footage. Courtney crossed over to the dark and boarded for the day. However Courtney did impress the Boyz with a number of high speed “duffs”!Helen had a break through moment today in the powder, experiencing the “float” as she enjoyed the untracked on “Cookies Ridge”. She now is stealing untracked from Neil, much to his disgust.  Ken has tried a pair of powder skies the past few days and is now trying to convince Rhythm Ski Hire to swap his old skis for the new ones!

   In summary:  Snow continues to fall, dinner is out this evening, Onsen is mandatory, everyone has their own story of great powder snow, great ski runs, improvement and tiredness.