pierrecarvalho2003

Ski Touring . . . what’s the big deal anyway!? It looks tiring . . . the snow might not be that good . . . the gear can seem expensive . . . .and there are so many pieces of equipment needed that I don’t know where to start! Today we’ll help you pack your bag so you can be on the front foot next time you head into the backcountry.

The climb isn’t as bad as you think

The reality is that ascending (climbing uphill) isn’t as hard as you’d expect, thanks to advances in ski touring and splitboarding equipment over the past 15 or so years. For one, you no longer have to carry your skis/snowboard on your back, which comes as a huge relief for first time backcountry tourists. Setups are now lighter and easier to use, making the ascents easier for beginners and experts alike. For skiers who are concerned about energy expenditure (or if you’re friends are way fitter than you and you need an advantage) we suggest going for a lightweight techpoint boot/binding set up, while for snowboarders we s..

In Japan, the birthplace of manga and anime pop culture, many people enjoy cosplay. Among the many fun cosplay events held in Japan each year, where people dress up as characters from their favorite series, perhaps one of the most fun ones is the “Daikura de Cosplay,” held at Aizukōgen Daikura Ski Resort.
Wait – Cosplaying at one of northeastern Japan's celebrated ski resorts? Let's take a look at how things are like on the ground!
What kind of place is Aizukogen Daikura Ski Resort?
Aizukogen Daikura Ski Resort is in the Minamiaizu area of Fukushima Prefecture, which is at the southern side of the Tohoku region. It is well-known even in the Tohoku area for its deep snow.
With excellent snow conditions and high-quality powder snow, skiers from throughout Japan and all over the world gather here. Peak season typically starts around mid- to late-December. As you can enjoy yourself here until the end of March, February is the best time to visit.
Aizukogen Daikura Ski Resort has..

What does a shredder want for Christmas? The answer likely goes something like “open borders, flights to Japow and some serious big snow equipment”.

Read below to see what our staff members are hoping to see under their christmas tree!

SEASON EQPT FORMA SNOWBOARD

I am really excited about this brand new company created by freeskiing legend Eric Pollard and snowboard lord Austin Sweetin. The Nexus is said to be reasonably stiff, stable, agile, and is designed to float in fresh pow. I imagine that this board will be perfect for first lifts when the pow is fresh, and once it’s tracked out it will be stable enough to carve the groomers and the rest of the mountain. I can’t wait to get on one! – Matt

SUUNTO SPARTAN SMARTWATCH

It’s great for ski touring, and I’m not going to lie, I love statistics! The stats keep me motivated to do more throughout winter, and also the navigation features will help me keep track of my adventures – Hannah

GOPRO HERO 9

From what I’ve heard the in came..

It goes without saying the COVID-19 has thrown a spanner in the works for the 2020/2021 season, so it’s time to break down the good and bad of the upcoming winter.

Travel Status for International Tourists

Things are not looking good for those currently outside of Japans borders, as at this stage there is no indication that they will be letting non-Japanese travelers in. There are special exceptions for business travelers, students and long-term foreign residents, however it is unclear when they will begin to allow tourists in again. The silver lining? Those who are already here are anticipating minimal crowds, plenty of pow to go round and once in a lifetime deals on accommodation.

COVID-19 Restrictions and Social Distancing

Japan has a reputation for hygiene and it is no surprise that most people are wearing masks in public as a preventative measure. Social distancing guidelines are in place across many prefectures and judging by the low transmission rates, these guidelines seem t..

For people both young and old, bathing in an integral part of Japanese culture. In pre-war times, many Japanese houses didn’t have bathrooms; instead people bathed together in public bath houses known as sento. Of course, the obsession with bathing isn’t just cultural–it’s geographic. Due to its positioning above several tectonic plates, Japan has a very active geological landscape, with thousands of hot springs, or onsen, dotted across the country. For visitors to Japan, having a dip in a hot spring or public bath provides an opportunity for an authentic local experience, not to mention real insight into Japanese culture and daily life.
The Differences between Japanese Public Baths, Deluxe Public Baths, and Hot Springs
Public baths, or sento, are bathhouses comprising a washroom and either one or several baths of varying temperatures.
Aside from regular public baths, there are also “deluxe public baths” or “health spas.” These have restaurants and resting areas in them. Some of thes..