So this weekend is coming up thought I would put up something if anybody wanted to come along.

I'm planning on going into the Karasawa Valley again with my friend Dan (Yakedake Trip)
We are going to bring bikes to avoid the long approach of 11 km each way. But if you want to walk go right ahead.

So if anybody is interested. There should still be lots of snow up there although probably not so much that skinning will be a big thing. We are both going to go light with summer bags and will freeze our balls off in my small tent

If you want to come there are tons of buses going into this area. Just go to your local travel agent and ask how to get to Kamikochi. I think you can get overnight buses from anywhere big.

SerreChe, Montoya, Kev - I'm looking in your direction
Anybody else?

Will be starting raft guiding training toque or you know I would be in there. I know what frezzeing in a bag is like are you sure you dont want to add 2kgs and go winter bag?

More about the space. I want to get everything into my day bag
And 2kg is a lot on a long approach

What are you looking for "minimum experience" wise?

Should be comfortable walking/skiing/riding on steep icy snow. And have basic backcountry knowledge. Really just being to look out for yourself. I'm not a guide and am not guiding this trip.

Definitely sounds interesting, if we can juggle a few things around it may be possible. If we go, we'd probably bring the regular boards, hike the 11k, and stay in a hut there.

dude, steep icy snow is not that fun on a board. steep corn-snow, now that's a different story...

Are there no comfy posh hotels up there to stay in then?

nice idea on the bikes man can we do that next year?

Teikoku Hotel at Kamikochi, can't get plusher than that...

http://www.imperialhotel.co.jp/cgi-bin/imperial_hp/index.cgi?ac1=JK&ac2=&Page=hpd_view

There are other nice lodges around Kappa-bashi, Tokusawa and Yoko as well..

Toque,

Thanx for the invite. I am basically dead meat right now. I barely have time to login, spent last w/e in the office, and got to go to doctor's appointment this w/e for the monthly baby ultrasound's check.

It has been a wonderful season for me and I had the pleasure of meeting and riding with some cool SJ dudes such as Montoya and Sven. Unfortunately looks like that will be it for me until next season (bear any miracles). Will try to catch-up with you and FT next season though. Who knows, might even stop by Takayama during the Summer for some sightseeing!

Take it easy!

I say steep icy snow cause you really never know in the backcountry right
Could be steep icy snow or could be steep beautiful high speed corn snow

To bad SerreChe. It should be a good time.
Maybe see you in the there Montoya.

Sometime I would like to do something like this, although I'm afraid I am not good enough to keep up. But I would be a good friend to have re: cheese supplies. We could take a range of cheeses with us, some snacks and maybe some for a meal up top maybe a fondue. How does that sound?

The weather is turning again toque calls for rain from tomorrow.

Good luck and bring a vcover for your bag in case of rain.

That's to bad Cheese. I am a fan of the cheese although it always gets the best of me and I get all bunged up


Only supposed to be 2 days of rain

I know the weekend is quite a ways off but so far it looks good

Gonna bring my tent along. I havn't ever gotten wet in it before. And split between 2 people will be light.

You think anyone will give you heck about using your bikes?

hey, kinda new here but stoked at the idea of meeting up

wish it were a week later, i might have been able to go then.

I have seen bikes in there before.

toque goes every weekend but he wont be sking anything less than 40 degrees you can be sure of that.

Toque, looks like we won't be able to make it, we have a crap load of work stuff that's piled up..

If any one else has the chance, definitely have a go. Even if you don't ride, you can hang out at Karasawa, enjoy the scenery, climb Kita-Hodaka, etc.

A couple of other people I ride with also want to visit Karasawa, so we will make it out there sooner or later. Really looking forward to more pics!

So here is the plan

Friday - We are going to try and catch the 5:10 bus from Hirayu Onsen. Ride the bikes to Yokoo hut area. I think that's what it's called. 11km in.

Saturday - Up early and hike in getting some skiing as soon as possible.

Sunday - Hike up to the saddle. I want to look at some skinny lines. And then ski back down to the bikes and ride out.


If we miss the 5:10 bus then we are going to drive over the Abo pass. Park on the other side of the long tunnel and ride in to Kamikochi.

That is the plan. If anybody wants to come still then they can meet us up there. Sorry if this makes things difficult. I have walked that 11k so many times that one more just isn't acceptable.