A not so casual ski...

Today Ali and I headed out to casually cruise the mountain only to find some amazing cloud filled views and lovely fresh pockets of powder! Great day ripping it all up!

 View over Hakuba!

 Ali at the top of Alpen Quad

Views from the top of Skyline

Shiga Kogen

For the first week of Feb myself and some of the other evergreen instructors went to teach the Tokyo International School in Shiga Kogen. We had 2 days of full instructing and an evenings night skiing here and then a half day of bluebird powder at the end of the trip! After being stuck on the beginners slope I was craving  some ski action and to explore this new resort. We skied hard all morning and took in some breath taking views of the valleys surrounding Nagano including being able to see right across to Happo. An unforgettable end to a brilliant trip.

Views of the mountains surrounding Shiga Kogen

 Little fella and Big fella photo

 EOC enjoying the bluebird pow day! Me, Ryan, Emilie, Toby, Julien, Alex, Hana and Simon.

Shredding the Powder!!!

Snowboarding 101

Today I embarked on becoming a double agent and attempting to learn to snowboard! With my trusty triple cert instructor and sidekick to teach me. Progress was rapid when we got bored of the flat and headed straight up the lift. By the end of the session I had learnt to link turns and was no longer terrified everytime I pointed the board down the hill! result! Hopefully with a bit of practice by the end of the season I should be a semi competent snowboarder as well as the best skiier on the mountain!

 Chair numbero uno! Well done Chorley and I!

Me in snowboarding action!

Backyard Jibbing

Out the back of the Evergreen Outdoor Centre you will find a box, rail and jumps built by some dedicated evergreen jibbers. One night this week we all headed outback and had a bonfire and jib session. People worked on new tricks and tail grabs, 50/50s and daffys could be seen everywhere. Even a cheeky jump on tele's! Results included an extremely blood filled nail that was swiftly dealt with in an extremely professional manner...needle through nail...needle removed from nail...blood spurting everywhere!

 Essential ingredients for a good jib... dutch courage and excellent equip!

A nice little bonfire to keep warm and spectate

Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival!

In the new year the Japanese like to set things on fire to exorcise demons and bring good luck. I had the fortunate opportunity to experience such an event at Nozawa about 2 hours drive away from where I am based. The evening consisted of a large wooden plinth/bonfire with men sat on top and tied to the side. Other japanese residents then ran at the men with what can be described as wooden flaming torches and proceeded to attempt to light the plinth! Meanwhile free sake flowed generously in the crowds as we all swayed back and forth trying to stay upright as the crowd surged forward and retreated! A fantastically mental evening! 

 Banners with wishes that have been fulfilled in the last year.

 Some of the evergreen gang at Nozawa!

 An attempt to light the plinth!

Japow! (Henderson, A,. 2012)

Life in Japan is treating me well! I have unfortunately not been too quick on the uptake of blogging, but from now on feel free to follow my adventures on here! I am working for Evergreen Outdoor Centre this winter in Hakuba as a ski instructor and loving it! Xmas and New Year have come and gone but I will be skiing until the end of march here. Today was one of my days off and what a day it was, Thurdays seems to bring Powder days which is ideal and we shredded it all day!

                                          Scotch trying to resist the "jump off the lift" sign in the pow!

                                         Amanda and the view of Hakuba from Happo-One on
                                                      one of the resorts sunnier days!

                                         The Evergreen insructors on xmas day!