34 replies to this topic

[samurai]

Hakkoda is one tram, 1000 yen per ride, with like one cat track with some colored bamboo guiding the first timer back to the base. It is a pow rider's heaven in that you can ride that peak, or hike anything. Avalanches are real there in the IB too. When I rode, i was with some advanced riders who didn't have any bc gear. If you can manage to stay in the trees, (of which there are heaps) you can limit your exposure to danger. The same is true with Hachimantai. Hachimantai has a few runs that are barely groomed and they don't have the pitch to be dangerous for slides. The side country however, proved once again this winter to daver and I that moving snow does exist in the trees, especially when it is as steep and as gully-like as Hachimantai's northern side-country.

People go to those two resorts for their pow and BC-like terrain. Not all, perhaps not even most, have BC gear or education. Neither are places you would go to for piste runs, although they do barely exist. However, they are not places strictly for the avy-savvy. They can accomodate all abilities, guides are available at both and I highly doubt anyone would have a lousy time. But if you like carving piste, terrain parks, highspeed quads or mountain top curries, find another resort.

If you are looking to start venturing off into the BC, understand that snow is a medium you have never imagined. The world's elite avalanche forecasters get more and more freaked out every year as they learn more and more. These two resorts are absolutely no-rules and completely free of any safety regulations you have encountered in the past. The guides, (of whom I cannot vouche) would probably be happy to give you that first exposure. But with the history of guides in this country, please take a moment and at least study up on route selection and safe zones so that guide is a mere finger pointing you to the goods, and not a reliance of safety.

This country, with no disrespect, is seriously behind the rest of the world when it comes to snow science. The credentials of many (by no means not all) guides in Japan would be equivalent to a weekend-long avi 1 cert in the states that would cost about 180 bucks.

[BagOfCrisps]

Hakkoda is not really on the list....

[spook]

thanks for the info samurai. very extensive post and much appreciated.
i'm an intermediate snowboarder and i only reallly like riding pow and trees, so i like the sound of a place like hachimiantai.
as far as in bounds powder goes, i'd consider myself good a good rider, but i don't have any proper BC experience or avy gear. i've done a few short introductory avy courses, which basically openned my eyes to how much i don't know and how danergous things can get. i've got a fair idea of terrain traps etc, but i want to ride safely. getting some solid BC knowledge is next on my things to do, but for next winter i'm unfortunately only going to manage a short 2 week holiday so the focus will be on riding .
i probably should have mentioned all this in my earlier post.
so when you say that most people seem to ride hachimiantai without any avy gear - is this because it is relatively safe, or because they're ignorant of the dangers?

[samurai]

they're ignorant. That or I'm anal. Don't get me wrong, many had gear. But any time I see a skier with snowshoes, it's pretty obvious he doesn't spend much time hiking.
If you've had a drop of avi training... then check it out.

[spook]

cool. thanks for the info matey

[Curt]

I'm keen on the idea too. I really wanted to make a trip up there this last season but it didn't happen for one reason or another.

[Kingofmyrrh]

 Quote:

Originally posted by samurai:
they're ignorant. That or I'm anal. Don't get me wrong, many had gear. But any time I see a skier with snowshoes, it's pretty obvious he doesn't spend much time hiking.
If you've had a drop of avi training... then check it out.

Why is a skier with snowshoes ignorant? I'm not arguing, I just wouldn't know why as I don't have any experience. Is it because skiers should be using skins for hiking? Thanks.

[xxx]

I was wondering that as well actually.

[samurai]

Perhaps that was a bit abashed. Maybe me poking fun at the rookies.

I have never seen a happy skier on a set of snowshoes. I have seen a few attempt it, only to later either completely give up on bc adventures or actually invest in skins and at least trekkers. Actually most skiers first attempt skins/trekkers. The next season they'll sell their trekkers and get some touring bindings.

Snowshoes on a skier's back means first attempt at skiing bc. softer snowboard boots and lighter snowboards are far less to deal with than a skier's gear when it comes to snowshoes. Snowboarders too also move on to split boards or ascent skis.

simply put- snowshoes are a lot of work.

[SKI]

Sounds like a good idea to me UK-dudes. Go for it.

I might be interested in doing something similar myself.

[BagOfCrisps]

It'll cost you.
(Car transport and/or beer supply acceptable)

[Hokkaidough]

If I remember correctly you guys haven't been to hokkaido yet (?) - interested to know why you have ruled that out.

[Marshall]

I am going to be doing some Tohoku areas next winter with my g/f - she is from Akita and we were meant to this winter but due to work and a bit of illness couldn't get round to it. The plan is to take in what Akita & Iwate has to offer.

[oo]

Seems like there is a bit of interest in a few places for Tohoku trips, including myself. Definitely lets get together and check it all out.

[Poppie]

I'm moving to either Akita or Iwate in a few months so I'll be exploring the area as well