Japan is a diverse country, known for its distinct gardens, tea houses and traditional arts as well as its natural beauty. The island nation is home to striking mountains and is notorious for incredible amounts of fresh, lightweight powder.
Some friends and I spent several weeks between Hokkaido and Hakuba, two areas known for their skiing and snowboarding, following storms and monitoring low-pressure systems. Even during an off year on Hokkaido, the snow did not disappoint.
Much like the mountains need snow, the snowboarder needs friends. Friendships create a harmony that makes adventure travel special, be it in Japan or elsewhere. Snowboarding isn’t just about finding the best powder; it’s about finding people who share the same passion—who drive through the night, travel to far places and hike beyond seemingly safe limits all for the high that comes with gliding down a mountain. Hokkaido and Hakuba without snow are akin to an adventure travel experience without friends.
This story first appeared in RANGE Magazine Issue 10. Order your copy of our “Work in Progress” issue HERE.
XX Rob Schanz