Here’s What 3 Feet of Snow in 24 Hours Looks Like in Japan

Here’s What 3 Feet of Snow in 24 Hours Looks Like in Japan

Feb 15, 2019 | Skiing & Snowboarding, Trips & Destinations

Here’s What 3 Feet of Snow in 24 Hours Looks Like in Japan

HERE’S WHAT 3 FEET OF SNOW IN 24 HOURS LOOKS LIKE IN JAPAN
PUBLISHED BY • POWDER MAGAZINE | WORDS • Jeff Cricco

Storm Dispatch: Hokkaido, Japan

Check out some highlights from the Image Quest Photo Camps with Le Grand Adventure Tours

Last week, I had the privilege to be an instructor with a photo camp in Japan. The Image Quest Photo Camp was in the northern island of Hokkaido for a 10-day tour of duty hitting the hot spots, or should I say, the cold deep spots of the north island of Japan.

The camp closed out with over three feet of snow in 24 hours at most ski areas. Not sure how much snow fell over the full 10 days, but you know it’s a lot when you ski under a tree on a traverse at the beginning of the trip, and by the end, have to bend over just to get under it.

Check out some highlights from the Image Quest Photo Camps with Le Grand Adventure Tours below.
—Jeff Cricco

Japan Storm Dispatch Powder Magazine

A quick glimpse at sunrise of the legendary Mount Yotei. You’ll be lucky if you see it when you’re visiting Niseko. But, then again, you’ll be lucky if you don’t see it. PHOTO: Jeff Cricco

Japan Storm Dispatch Powder Magazine

Bryan Finnochario deep in the deeps of the backcountry near the Japanese sea port of Oturu. PHOTO: Andrew Chad

Japan Storm Dispatch Powder Magazine

Chloe Mello is from Vermont. It snows there, for sure. But this kind of snow is a daily occurrence on Hokkaido. Chloe seen here at Asahidake. PHOTO: Jeff Cricco

Japan Storm Dispatch Powder Magazine

Image Photo Quest camp participant Paul Tagley caught this shot of an old abandoned tram at Sapporo Teine. A ski area right outside of the biggest city on the north island. Sapporo Teine is one of the unknown gems Le Grand Adventure Tours shared with the camp. Outside of the ski industry, Sapporo is know for the beer. But for those in the know, it’s the gateway to many of Hokkaido’s ski areas. PHOTO: Paul Tagley

Japan Storm Dispatch Powder Magazine

Every one knows Niseko. So does Bryan Finnochario. But he’s a close personal friend with the powder. They’re on a first name basis. PHOTO: Jeff Cricco

Japan Storm Dispatch Powder Magazine

Our fearless guide and purveyor of stoke, Le Grand Adventures guide Jeff Easter, late in the afternoon at Furano. This could have been one of the deepest days of the camp. But…they were all pretty deep. PHOTO: Jeff Cricco

Japan Storm Dispatch Powder Magazine

The public train above our favorite gyosa spot off the beaten path in Oturu. If you’re looking to enjoy some true Japanese culture away from westernized ski hills, Oturu is the spot. It’s not lift side and you need a rental car, but it’s a short drive to a bunch of ski areas and touring spots right off the Sea of Japan. There’s multiple alley ways that you can wander all night. Little 10 person bars and Miso joints overflowing with that authentic Japanese vibe that’s as good as the powder you will ski the next morning. PHOTO: Andrew Chad

Japan Storm Dispatch Powder Magazine

Chloe Mello in Asahidake. It was supposed to be sunny. A great time to check out the fumaroles fields of the active volcanos that is Asahidake. We barely saw them. Cause….it snowed. No one was complaining! PHOTO: Jeff Cricco

Japan Storm Dispatch Powder Magazine

This is Andrew Chad’s second year doing the Image Quest Photo Camps. He was a student. Now he’s a Sensi. Here’s an awesome image of Paul Tagley shot during a whiteout session later in the day in Furano. It’s a little blurry. But that’s probably because of the Sapporo Classics he loves as much as he loves the powder. PHOTO: Andrew Chad

 

Publication by POWDER MAGAZINE

 

Powder Magazine

 

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Image Quest Photo Ski Camp To Start a Career in Skiing

Image Quest Photo Ski Camp To Start a Career in Skiing

Jan 3, 2019 | Skiing & Snowboarding, Trips & Destinations

Image Quest Photo Ski Camp To Start a Career in Skiing

PUBLISHED BY • FREESKIER | WORDS • Tom Winter | PHOTOS • Jeff Cricco

So you want to make a living skiing, but not just any living. Bumping chairs won’t cut it and teaching pizza pies and French fries to the under 12 crowd for eight bucks an hour isn’t your dream job either. Slinging $20 burgers at some on mountain restaurant also isn’t at the top of your list, despite the free pass and employee discounts on said burgers. Getting paid to heli ski? Sure, now you’re talking!

FREESKIER photographers get paid to heli-ski. They get paid to go to the Alps. They get paid to eat sushi in Japan and ski the deepest powder on the planet.

This year, Image Quest travels to Hokkaido, Japan, for ten days of skiing. Instruction and cultural immersion begins with on-hill photo classes with FREESKIER contributor Jeff Cricco; Tom Winter oversees each day’s educational seminars; and on-snow logistics are handled by former pro skier Jeff Robertson and his guides at Le Grand Adventure Tours.

Past students have gone on to work with brands like Victoria’s Secret, Vail Resorts and Aspen. “We want to give participants the keys to the castle when it comes to a career in action sports,” says Cricco, who oversees photography instruction at the camp. “Not everyone will end up shooting photos for FREESKIER, but if they love skiing and want to create a career and lifestyle that revolves around the mountains, we show participants how to make their dream job become a reality.”

That sounds like fun, right?

You can learn how to become a photographer for FREESKIER, how to get a job with the Freeride World Tour or how to become a sponsored skier this January at a unique on-snow learning experience called Image Quest. Developed by former FREESKIER editor-at-large Tom Winter, Image Quest Camps started as photography and action sports journalism boot camps featuring top talent in the field at primo locations in Chile and Italy. The camps have since expanded to include insights and marketing strategies for budding semi-pro athletes and photo hobbyists looking to take their skills to the next level, seminars on how to break into the ski industry as brand managers and all sorts of other things that, as the saying goes, “they don’t teach you in school.”

Image Quest Camp Details:

The Image Quest Photo Camp in the Furano and Otaru zones of Hokkaido, Japan. Media & Marketing track participants focus on content creation and photography, while participants in the Athlete Experience component will work on ski techniques and overall mountain & backcountry skills. All participants will leave the camp with a portfolio of images and other content that will help jumpstart a career in action sports.

 

Publication by FREESKIER MAGAZINE

Freeskier Magazine

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Tips for Powder Skiing in Japan

Tips for Powder Skiing in Japan

Dec 10, 2018 | Skiing & Snowboarding, Travel & Sport Tips

Tips for Powder Skiing in Japan

Earlier this month we shared with you five good reasons to take a ski trip to Japan.  Here is a link to our last blog on Japan Ski Trips in case you missed it. Hopefully after reading that and seeing all the pictures over the years of neck deep powder, you are getting ready for a trip of a lifetime this winter.

Every year we need to start preparing mentally and physically for the upcoming ski season. The photos and videos make it seem like skiing deep blower powder in Japan is a breeze, but we all know there’s much more to it.  Having a successful ski trip to Japan not only depends on conditions but having the right guides to take you there, the early season training, and not having to deal with the logistics of traveling through a foreign country.

Here are five tips to have a great ski trip to Japan and make the most of your experience.

#1- Start Training Early!

Even though the mountains in Japan aren’t quite the size of those in the Alps, Jackson Hole, Utah or Colorado, it doesn’t mean you won’t be skiing a lot of vertical! In order to be ready to go from open to close and maybe a small hike or two, you’ll need to be working the dry land training as soon as possible. Spend time at the gym, on stair sections, squats, anything you can do to improve your stamina for skiing. Not only will you feel better mentally and physically, you will be laying down the foundation for skiing some of the best days of your life!

When you are doing morning laps of bottomless in-bounds pow with no lift lines, and an afternoon of exploring secret stashes, you can easily ski as much vertical as you would during a day at most ski resorts in North America.  If the conditions are right and you really want to ski some deeper snow by going on a ski tour, you’ll be breaking trail through feet of snow.  It takes a serious amount of strength and stamina to ski through chest deep powder.  Do yourself a favor and start early to maximize your training as the last thing you want is to take a day off of skiing in Japan. Based on our experience the day you take off will be the deepest day of the week, it’s happened before!

#2 Speed & Managing Terrain

 

Most of the mountains in Japan are not on the same scale as others like the Alps or most Western US states are. However, areas like Hakuba and the Tokachi Mountains require the utmost respect as there are serious avalanche risks in these regions. As with every mountain environment you will always have risks such as avalanches, terrain traps and managing your speed through terrain for efficiency. Japan has a fair amount of terrain traps, tight tree sections, avalanche zones, and bracken bushes that can easily snag your skis while skiing deep powder. We always suggest hiring a guide as they truly know the areas and risks that are associated in certain locations.  

A majority of the time, the deepest and freshest snow is found on/off resort areas that have flat runout sections where you are left having to manage your speed through the terrain. This is a critical skill that can easily make or break your day. Lots of these run outs get you back to the chairlift with either a small track to follow or some trail breaking which our guides will always be happy to do! Smart and educated route selection is critical as you can end up either in a terrain trap or off the safest route. After skiing run after run of untouched bottomless powder, you will be laughing and wondering if what you just skied was real life or a dream.  Yes, it was real and the best part is you get to do it all over again!  

Learning small techniques to skate with your poles properly, mastering the rollers like a pump track, and cruising the traverse tracks like you are in Star Wars is a skill of the Jedi’s. Knowing when to point your skis for speed, absorbing the terrain, and when to bob and weave so you don’t knock off your goggles is a skill every skier should learn.  Managing the terrain, looking ahead for terrain traps, and controlling your speed will save you enough energy to make that extra run of deep Japan powder.

#5- Ski Clothes & Staying Warm

Japan’s geographical position to the Sea of Japan and the flow of cold air that travels from Siberia delivers some of the best snow on earth. With this also comes extremely cold days and the need to properly prepare yourself for the weather. A good 3 layer waterproof or insulated jacket and pant will be your best friend on those really deep days. We can not express how important it is to not only have proper outer layers but a solid base layering system. The last thing you want is to cut a day short due to your clothing. Investing in your ski clothes is just as important if not more important than your skis. Keeping your core warm and maintaining a good temperature will make an epic day better or turn one into a bad one.

Remember it typically snows six out of seven days a week in Japan with an average of 5” inches per night. In 2016 our team of guides only saw the sun for 3 days while spending over one month in Japan leading trips. Start with either a good synthetic or wool base layer against your skin, then add in either a lightweight down jacket or secondary base layer that comes up around your neck to keep the cold and deep snow out. Yes, it’s that deep and at the end of the day you will find snow in spots you never know snow could get to. One of the best things to bring with you are multiple buffs/neck protection as it will really help for those snorkel deep turns. Combine this with the extra accessories you have in your back and you will be ready to battle a wide range of conditions.

#5: Travel with Le Grand Adventure Tours to Japan!

Traveling internationally is a lot of work period. A typical ski trip abroad can take months of research, scoping the spots to explore, weather forecasting, transportation, lodging, etc. Our team has spent decades traveling the globe in search of the best spots. LGA will not only save you time and money but will allow you to focus on one thing, skiing!

There’s nothing worse than wasting your first couple of days on a ski trip getting oriented and figuring out where the best terrain is.  As you see countless groups coming back after a day of skiing and high fiving each other the odds are pretty good they wont tell you where they went.  For the amount of time spent trying to dial in new countries to ski, you should really consider spending the extra couple dollars to follow LGA’s team of all star guides so you can maximize your time on snow in Japan.

Over the years we have had many guests and guides join our groups only to say that they could not have experienced what they did on their own. We’ve been working hard over the last four years to dial in Japan’s deepest terrain so our guests truly get a once in a lifetime experience. From the minute you land and are greeted by our team (we won’t make you take a bus from the airport like other tour companies do) we’ll show you the best spots to ski, eat, and explore this amazing country. On top of this, our packages provide you with the lowest price on lodging you can find, private 4×4 vans every day just for our group, 2 guides every day, Welcome and Farewell group dinners, trips to natural hot springs, lift tickets for 6 to 8 resorts, backcountry touring amongst the volcanos and the seldom explored mountain ranges.

Japan is a mecca for powder skiing and finding accommodations to stay can be very difficult as they sell out months in advance. LGA will take care of everything for you so all you have to do is show up and ride the best snow of your life. Rest assured at night that you’ll be the amongst the first groups to access the goods in the morning. LGA Japan is an experience like no other: it’s time to rally your crew of friends and visit the land of the rising sun!

#3- The Art of Skiing Deep Powder

Storm after storm arrives in Japan with some of the lightest snow on earth. It can snow feet upon feet of snow during your stay in Japan. On average, places like Niseko and Furano receive roughly 5” each night. Add that up over the course of a 10 day/ 9 night trip and you will be looking at 45-50 inches of snow! That is not a bad week of skiing deep powder.

With this amount of snow the true art of powder skiing comes into play. It’s a technique that every skier must learn in order to properly ski this volume of snow. Learning to properly weight and unweight your skis is a skill of the Jedi. Too much tip pressure and you nose dive, too much tail pressure and you are skiing on your tails and will have some serious shin bang at the end of the day. Not only do you also need to balance fore and aft, but also the standard left and right turns. This will need to be adjusted for deep snow as you can not weight the downhill ski as much as you would on a groomer.

With the recent changes in skis over the last 5+ years, ski widths vary tremendously. This will help with your overall flotation but you still need to find that sweet spot of 50/50 weight distribution. You have probably heard the term “porpoising” which is a common name for the technique. This still requires a lot of work and once you work your way up to the Jedi level, you will find the up and down is not needed as much. This takes some practice but you will be able to adjust your weight in a variety of ways to not only conserve energy but also how to get deeper! That is the real trick my friends!

Our guides will work with you everyday on skill techniques to not only make you a better skier, but also teaching you the art of skiing truly deep snow over your head! Don’t worry if this is a new concept or if you are on your way to becoming a Jedi, join us in Japan and we’ll teach you the ways. Chances are it’ll be the best ski trip you have ever been on!

#4- Bring the Proper Gear

This tip is pretty much self explanatory: It snows a lot in Japan and its deep snow which means you need a wide pair of skis or snowboard. Our team always skis on wider skis around 105mm to 120mm at the waist. We also use a touring set up (Dynafit, Kingpin, etc) as it provides more options for touring and is lighter weight.

If you will be snowboarding in Japan, it would be wise to consider bringing a split board as it really does open up a lot of possibilities and you don’t want to be that guy post holding a nice ski track. Post Holding a ski track just makes it harder for everyone else and is not efficient. It’s a good idea to keep a pair of collapsible poles in your pack as well to help with any traverses. Powder baskets on your ski poles is also a must as you will need these to be more efficient and you do not want to get your arm caught behind you because your pole sank too deep.

As with any other day of skiing deep powder you should consider using a backpack to carry extra tools and accessories. It is very common to need another goggle lense or goggle during the day as it gets that deep and if your goggles fog up, it’s just going to make skiing that much harder. Extra gloves, a buff to keep you warm, goggles, water, snacks, and most importantly backcountry tools. Always carry a beacon, shovel, probe, and if you want an airbag system as well. Just remember an airbag is a tool and the best tool is your brain. Be smart and know before you go!

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Why Every Skier Needs to Ski Engelberg

Why Every Skier Needs to Ski Engelberg

Nov 3, 2018 | Skiing & Snowboarding, Trips & Destinations

Why Every Skier Needs to Ski Engelberg

Engelberg, the Swiss Freeride mecca that is known throughout the world as a must travel to destination for the true powder skier. From big lines, consistent snowfalls, an après scene that rivals the best, to over 100,000 acres of accessible terrain through touring, Engelberg is in a class of its own. This is one of our favorite places to ski and we are very excited to launch a series of new Freeride camps and tours that will be exploring this area starting in 2017. Below are our Top 5 reasons to ski Engelberg.

#1- Pure Skiing

From the top of the 10,600’ Mt Titlis, with over 6,500 vertical from town, you have access to an unlimited number of descents. The views of central Switzerland are some of the best and on a clear day you can see the iconic Eiger, Jungfrau, and across the way to Andermatt.

The ski area offers something for everyone and if you are lucky enough to ski Engelberg on a powder day, you will be guaranteed one of the best days of your life. Overall, Engelberg provides access to 24 lifts, 50 miles of perfect piste, and 25 official trails. This is somewhat misleading stats when you consider a single trail is seven miles long and there are about 100,000 acres of accessible backcountry skiing if you pack your climbing skins. Bottom line, go ski Engelberg!

#2- The Big 5

These are some of the classic lines in Engelberg. Note to self before attempting these: hire a guide. Some of the lines are exposed, have access to serious cliff drops (100’ plus) and if you do not know the conditions or terrain, you could get yourself into a bad spot. I have been lucky enough to ski all of these and I can tell you one thing, they are all time. The Laub is one of the best powder runs in the world.

The Sulz- This area has 3 sections and offers a wide range of skiing options for everyone. Wendelücke- part of this area is reachable from the lift but the real action happens with a short tour that leads to one of the best powder runs in the area. Steinberg- the classic glaciated area under the rotating Titlis tram. From here there are a number of options to explore but requires a good sense of conditions to navigate. Galtiberg- the biggest of the Big 5! At 6,500 vertical from top to bottom, it gives a whole new meaning to big lines. One of the biggest lift served runs in the world that demands respect before heading out.

#3- The Après Ski Scene

One of the best areas in Switzerland to enjoy a après beer and to reminisce about the great powder you just skied. From the igloo bar on the mountain to the lively “Chalet” at the base area they’re a number of places to visit. The Yucatan is a must visit for every skier as the place is an après hot spot. Be prepared to dance on the tables in your ski boots. The Ski Lodge also has a great vibe and heritage for those looking for a more classic après scene with some of the best skiers in the valley. Engelberg offers a wide variety of après options for everyone.

#4- Access to Resort

Engelberg is incredibly easy to get to from Zurich and a majority of Switzerland, as it is set in the middle of the country. Somehow, set an hour south of Zürich in the exact middle of Switzerland, the resort has remained largely undiscovered. The train from Zurich airport will deliver you to the heart of town in just over 2 hours with one stop in Zurich or Luzern to switch on to a direct train. Driving to the resort will take less than 1 ½ hours. Once you get to town you will not need a car so we always suggest taking the train plus it provides a true Swiss experience.

#5- The Town of Engelberg

Rich in history, skiing and culture, the town of Engelberg should be on every skier’s bucket list. The town has great infrastructure in place for tourist as well as locals who are lucky enough to call this beautiful area home. On any given day you will have a wide selection of accommodations like the Skiers Lodge, Angels Lodge and the classic Hotel Terrace on the hillside to choose from depending on your budget. The options for restaurants, bars, nightlife, and local cuisine will satisfy any traveler spending time in the valley. The Alpenclub, the Bierlialp as well as the Spice Bazaar serve up incredible options for everyone to enjoy.

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Top 5 Reasons to Ski Japan

Top 5 Reasons to Ski Japan

Oct 1, 2018 | Skiing & Snowboarding, Trips & Destinations

Top 5 Reasons to Ski Japan

TOP 5 REASONS TO SKI JAPAN
PUBLISHED BY • LGA BLOG | WORDS & PHOTOS • Jeff Robertson

Have you been dreaming of that deep Japanese powder?

If you have a crew of friends that search for new adventures, or are in search of a solo mission, this is the winter to enjoy the epic powder Japan is known for. Every year Japan is our go to destination for those that want to ski the best snow of their lives and for less than a heli-ski trip in Alaska!  Our ski trips to Japan are our favorite and with over 20 years of guiding experience, our team will show you the goods.

Here are our Top 5 Reasons to Ski Japan this winter:

Japow Snow!

Yes, the rumors and stories are true! You have seen the photos and videos, you’ve heard the legendary tales of bottomless Japanese powder or aka JaPow, and it’s all true. Last year was a low season by Japan standards (most places would be stoked to receive this much snowfall!) but our Japan ski tour guests were constantly raving day after day saying, “that was the best snow I’ve ever skied” or “that was the best ski day of my life.”

Our guests and guides got treated to some incredibly deep days and for some of our seasoned guides they were reporting top 5 ever ski days. Our team and guests had one day at an undisclosed location (we keep some stashes secret!) were over 3 feet of fresh powder had fallen overnight on top of another 18+” inches from the night before, and it was time for the snorkel! Our groups last year only saw the sun a couple of days as it was constantly snowing.

The snow is light, it snows consistently due to the storm patterns, the terrain is vast, and if you ski with the right guides, it will be untouched nirvana.  On top of being one of the most consistent places for deep powder, the weather forecasters are predicting Japan could have one of its biggest ski seasons in years due to ocean temps. It’s time to book a flight and join one of our LGA guided Japan ski trips!

Japan Backcountry & Resorts

The backcountry skiing in Japan is filled with a lifetime of deep powder turns to explore. On Honshu and Hokkaido, there are many mountains to do ski tours through. There are over 500 ski resorts in Japan (there were 1200 at one time!) ranging from modern facilities like Niseko to ski resorts with 2 lifts that access you to a powder skier’s heaven.

Our LGA Japan Ski Tours visit roughly 6 to 8 different resorts per trip so every guests gets to explore new locations on a daily basis. We also have access to Heli skiing in Japan and Snowcat skiing if the groups want to add-on this experience. Given the frequency of the snow storms, our guides will do their best to add in a day of ski touring if the conditions permit.

We leave our trips open and flexible to optimize the experience. Each day our guides will take you to the best snow, find the deepest snow, and access areas of untouched powder. Numerous side/backcountry options at each of our locations offer guests the chance to explore the other side of each resort. Most ski days start before 8 am and end around 4pm or as long as your legs can make it!

With so much to explore, its time to book your next Japan ski trip.

Japanese Culture

Bottom line, it’s a place everyone needs to visit as the culture is one of the best we have experienced. The culture is represented in a wide range of unique artifacts and the fascinating history of Japan.  The Japanese people are incredibly respectful, very kind, are punctual and timely in all aspects of life or work.

Japan is a very safe place to travel as the laws are rarely broken, the cities and ski resorts are well maintained, and like Switzerland trains or planes never arrive late.  The culture is so unique that you can buy just about anything you want from vending machines which are located everywhere you turn.  For around a couple of US dollars, you can get snacks, hot/cold coffee, beer, and more from the thousands of vending machines in the country. Many of our guests love to try the Sake but no trip to Japan is complete without trying the Japanese whiskey as they are starting to get pretty good at it.

Plan Your Ski Trip To Japan!

This is a perfect opportunity to enjoy everything that Japan has to offer and the endless powder on one of our 10-day Japan Ski trips. Our team takes all the planning and stress out of your trip by including airport transfers, all accommodations at our partner hotels where we can pass on the savings to you, all lift tickets, 2 LGA Guides, all ski/resort transportation, all breakfast, 2 group dinners, and trips to local onsens.

Our guides have over 20 yrs experience guiding through Japan and we know the best spots. We also have access to areas that many other do not so you won’t be skiing over other people’s tracks. Our guides love skiing powder and have spent countless hours dialing both inbound and the out-of-bounds terrain.

Hopefully, the decision will be easy – as airfare prices are at some of the lowest in years. It’s great to enjoy the winter at your home resort or maybe take a ski trip out west with your friends, but there is always that one trip every year that you will remember. Most of these trips come from skiing deep snow and exploring new areas that you may not have heard of before or finally going to that far off destination that you have seen countless videos and pictures of deep blower powder from.

Don’t wait another year, grab your friends, pack your skis, as our Le Grand Adventure Tours Japan ski trip is calling! 

VIEW JAPAN TRIPS

Japanese Food

The food is incredible and you will find great chefs at all restaurants. We highly encourage our guests to eat at the small restaurants inside of the houses hosted by locals. You will truly feel like you have been welcomed into their home. I guarantee you this will be some of the best food you have every had! You will eat the best sushi of your life, but note not all places serve sushi rolls like you find at most US establishments. Here, you will find the freshest pieces of tuna and salmon as well as items you have never heard of before.

Japan’s menu is more broad than rice and fish. You will find fresh curries, omelettes in Furano that have to meet a certain criteria to be labeled as an “omelette of Furano”. Enjoy home-made crispy gyoza (Japanese dumplings), cook-it-yourself grills with a variety of meats and vegetables, and our personal favorite, the legendary Ramen noodle bowls.  Our team has tried these all over Japan and after a long day of skiing powder, there is something incredibly satisfying and warming about a massive bowl of freshly made hot noodles. These are a go to for all powder skiers in Japan!

Micro brews, Sapporo’s, Asahi, and many other cold beverages can be found throughout the country. The breweries are a great experience if you like to sample the local varieties.

Japanese Onsens

The onsen is a big part of the culture in Japan. You will find these in hotels, resorts, cities, and in nature for you to enjoy away from the crowds. We have a couple of secret onsens we go to on our backcountry tours that are perfect after a long day of skiing.

A majority of the onsens are fed by natural hot springs which are abundant in Japan.  All of the hotels we stay at either have private onsens available for free to all guests or discounts to the larger ones at the local onsen houses. You will find saunas, steam rooms, a cold tub (yes, this feels very good after skiing and a hot soak!), and everything you need to relax.

All onsens are separated by female/male, indoor and/or outdoor, a wash station, and a set of rules for everyone to prepare themselves for the onsen. Tattoo’s are not allowed in some onsens and they may ask you to cover it up if possible. It’s pretty hard to find a better après routine than a cold beverage to celebrate the day, an onsen, and a fresh homemade meal.

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How to Pack For an International Ski Trip

How to Pack For an International Ski Trip

Feb 28, 2018 | Skiing & Snowboarding, Travel & Sport Tips

How to Pack For an International Ski Trip

So you need to know how to pack for an international ski trip! It’s one of the best experiences someone could ever embark on and you will want more when the trip is over. We have been on so many ski trips over the past 20 yrs that I have probably packed and repacked my bags thousands of times trying to come up with the best way possible. It really comes down to personal preference but I hope these tips might help. Lots of things to consider and plan for on an international ski trip. How many skis, what gear do I need? Is this a casual trip or one that will require additional safety gear like a harness, avalanche beacon, airbag system (make sure to plan for this step and your canister as you can rent them in a lot of locations now), what is our main mode of travel (car or train)? How many destinations or countries are we going to? How many days? the list goes on and on… I always recommend to our guests to start with the basics and go from there. Start looking at the weather a couple months out so you can see what the overall snow conditions are and watch daily starting 2 weeks out so you know whats going on. This way you can pack your clothes and layers accordingly.  If your going to a place you have never been before I always recommend hiring a local guide or joining us on one of our tours. They know the mountains, the conditions, the local stashes and offer a great experience. I always travel with a wheeled ski bag and trust me it will be a good decision especially on international ski trips. I like the Dakine Fall Line as its a little more sleek and can accommodate all your gear for at least 2 weeks. One of the best ways to start is by laying everything out on the floor. It will help do a quick inventory of your gear and give you an idea of what you will be carrying for the next couple of weeks. Don’t forget to get  TSA approved locks, you will thank me for this and its worth the $10-15. Be sure to get enough locks to secure each compartment for all of your checked luggage (typically, 3 per bag). Bag- Dakine Fall Line Skis- 1 or 2 pair depending if your touring and agenda. If you have a touring set up you can bring just that and should be fine. Boots- For years we have carried our boots on the plane with us and it can be a life saver if your gear is lost. Up to you and most good ski bags allow you to pack the boots on the top, just be sure to lock those up to. Poles- an adjustable pair of poles is always best Clothes- One solid jacket and pant that will keep you dry in all conditions. Multiple base layers that you can create a wide range of layering options with. Any type of compression base layers and socks really help and its worth the money. Goggles & Helmet- at least 2 pair or 1 goggle and multiple lenses for different light conditions. We prefer the Smith I/O and they are awesome. Always wear your helmet, enough said. Here is a video that our friends at the HighFives Foundation created and it offers a lot of great information “Helmets Are Cool”. Gloves- Bring a spring pair and a gauntlet glove in case your storm skiing. Ski Socks- some compression socks and a couple pair as we all know ski boots will start to smell! Safety Gear- Avalanche beacon, shovel, probe, walkie talkies, ski backpack or airbag. If needed and depending on what your agenda is. I would highly suggest renting the canister/trigger for your airbags at your destination. Misc- Sunglasses, a hat, beanie, chap stick, sunscreen, extra batteries, headlamp, international adapter for all of your electronics (this is key so get a good one!) Once your gear is laid out, start by putting the skis, poles, helmet, jacket, pants, gloves, basically the list above should all fit in your bag if laid properly. Remember to keep it under 50LBS and this is not only for the airline fees but for yourself because 50lbs after 2 weeks of moving around  and repacking is a work out itself. Especially in the small stairs, rooms or elevators in Europe. As far as your boots go, that is up to you. If you feel comfortable and lock the top boot compartments with the TSA locks, you will probably be fine. Otherwise through over the shoulder and make sure you don’t knock anyone in the head when your walking down the aisle of the plane! A great way to weight the bag is with a scale at your house. Weigh yourself (be honest!) and step back on the scale with your bag vertical in front of you like you are hugging it. Its a good way to make a special bond with your ski bag 🙂 That should tell you how close to the limit you are. If you have room and want to spread the weight among the 2 bags you will be traveling with (ski bag, rolling clothing bag), it will help. Plus you will also have your back pack or messenger bag so you can take certain things on board with you. International ski trips and adventure tours are a great way to experience new cultures, meet new people and follow your passions. Contact us if you have any questions and we look forward to having you on a Le Grand Adventure Tours ski trip someday soon!

Over the last 16 years of traveling to the Alps for ski trips, there has only been a couple of places that have really stood out to me. Each resort has its own unique character, culture, and history but certain locations just have something special that you can feel as soon as you pull into the valley. La Grave, Chamonix, St Anton, the Dolomites and for me Engelberg. I remember the very first time I arrived in Engelberg and the feeling that overcame my senses. The beauty, power and pristine mountains such as Hanen, the Gross Spannort and Titlis Mountains were incredibly captivating. You could feel the buzz of energy in town from the skiers who just came down off the mountain after an exhilarating powder day. The smiles, high fives and the overwhelming sense of joy that only a powder skier knows. All I could do was stare up at the infamous Laub with awe and daydream of what tomorrow would bring. Gazing upon the 4,000’ foot descent gleaming with fresh powder, one has to think is this real? Yes, it is. After visiting Engelberg for the last 5 years, I am still overcome with this feeling every time I arrive in the valley by train.

Engelberg History

The history of Engelberg dates back to the early 1100’s when a member of the Swiss aristocracy, Blessed Konrad, Count of Sellenbüeren, was lead to the valley with his Ox looking to lay his roots for a divine passage to Heaven by building a monastery. This monastery eventually became the Engelberg Abbey that one can still visit to this today. Upon arrival to the valley, he noticed a group of Cherubs on the summit of Hanen Mountain and happily named the area “Angels Mountain” which would eventually become “Engelberg”.

The Trubsee area had been used before this time for its resources but the birth of a new mountain village was born. Over the next few hundred years, Engelberg would be known through the country for the educational quality at the Benedictine monastery and as a major trade destination. In roughly 1850, the area became an international vacation resort. The healing properties of the fresh clean air, the altitude, and mineral springs quickly grew as a hotspot for Swiss and British tourist alike.

As Engelberg competed with the likes of St Moritz, Davos, and St Anton for a top winter destination, the area took its own path. Families like Hess, Odermatt, and Cattani where pioneers of tourism building some of the well known hotels that still stand in the valley- the Hotel Titlis and the Hotel Trubsee for mountaineers.

Around the late 1880’s the first hydroelectric plant was built bringing power to the famed resort well before Zurich. Shortly after, the longest running electric railway in the world was developed which marked another milestone for this small quiet mountain town. Generations later, one of the Hess family members built the first licensed aerial cableway in Switzerland, which spanned from Gerschnialp to Trübsee. The tramway continued to carry skiers until 1984. Truly incredible feats that not many resorts can match.

Engelberg, Swiss Freeride Mecca

Freesking Movement

To many individuals in the country as well as avid skiers, we know Engelberg as The Swiss Freeride Mecca. Starting in the early 2000’s an insurgence of Swedish skiers descended upon this small mountain town. Over the next decade, pro skiers from all over the globe would travel to this resort located in the middle of Switzerland to find their own path amongst the big lines surrounding the area. Skiing Waste Deep Pow in Engelberg, Switzerland The draw of waist deep powder, big cliff lines, and long descents that burn the legs after thousands of vertical feet, have skiers from all over visiting this iconic location. From just over 10,000 feet, skiers of all abilities have an opportunity to ski some of the best runs of their lives. There are a handful of classic lines in the area (some we are keeping secret!) whose reputations precede them for good reason. Please note these lines are not for the everyday skier and we always recommend getting a local guide or going with a tour operator before choosing to descend one of these classic Swiss lines. Every skier should ski these at least once, actually as much as possible, and below is a list of the “Big 5” for you to daydream about.

The Skiing

The Laub

A 3,900-vertical-foot slope of perfect powder turns that stands as the longest continuous lift-served powder field in Europe. When the Laub is open and safe to ski, this consistent 30-40 degree pitch is one of the best powder runs in the world. Its width spans several football fields which leaves enough room for everyone. A must do for every powder skier! A 3,900-vertical-foot slope of perfect powder turns that stands as the longest continuous lift-served powder field in Europe.

The Sulz

Here you have the small, little and big variations that divide the area. A lot of skiers will start off on the small as it is easily accessible by the lift and you can spin multiple runs on it. There is a massive cliff wall on the traverse out and yes, people have jumped it. The middle section offers some of the best cliff lines in all of Europe. It could arguably be on par with some of the best in the world as the options are endless. There are also a number of epic lines that descend through this section and on a deep powder day, it could be one of the best runs of your life. The big section offers a lot of mellow skiing but don’t be fooled as there are a number of variations that can challenge every skier if you know where to go. Andermatt & Engelberg Switzerland Ski Tour – Le Grand Adventure Tours

Galtiberg

This is the biggest of the big ones. Boasting 6500+ vertical feet of pure bliss, Galtiberg gives new meaning to “really long run”. At the start of the run you can go as fast as you dare over the open glacier fields. The majestic middle part descends between 500 meter high cliff walls towering above you that very few runs offer. The end of the run will have your legs screaming like never before but your inner skier is saying “Again!” – it’s a perfect run. The Galtiberg is not only a Big 5 in Engelberg; it’s a Big 5 in the world. Incredibly easy access mixed with an amazing diversity of terrain will make it one of the most memorable runs in your lifetime. There are some great places to have lunch at like the Restaurant Wasserfall, or if it’s your last run of the day head into town for an apres beer to celebrate one of the longest runs you will ever ski. The Galtiberg demands respect and you should hire a guide to be safe. This is one of the classic runs you will do on our Engelberg Freeride Tour and at the end of the day, it will be one to mark as an all time descent!

Wendelücke

This is a run of dreams for most skiers. The area can be accessed off the lift but the real line comes from a 30-60 minute hike. From this point, it’s almost as good as it gets with close to 3,200+ Vertical foot descent to the valley. Make sure you have enough energy left in your legs as there is a 10 minute hike back up to the lift but it’s well worth it! This was one of the best runs I skied last year with one of our other tour guides, Andy Knouse, and let’s just say it was one of the best runs of 2016.

Steinberg

The Steinberg is the massive off piste area you reach from the top of the Titlis Rotair, which lies at the top of the ski area just under 10,000 feet. The runs from here offer endless options for your descent to Trubsee. Some skiers choose to enter through the technical Gaff area, located on the far skier’s right side. Other options for steep lines are in the “Never Sun” area, situated on the skier’s left. Between these two options lies a wide rolling area that offers dozens of possibilities. From steep chutes to mellow powder fields, Steinberg has it all. You’ll never run out of options, but always take the appropriate safety precautions. Certain aspects of this run are like glacier skiing on steroids. Know your routes, and stay clear of the crevasses.

Final Conclusion

Overall, Engelberg has a total of 24 lifts, 50+ miles of piste skiing, and 25 official trails. Given the resort boast 6,500 vertical feet of skiing, this is somewhat misleading until you actually ski the area. One trail alone is seven miles long (this can be a fun run at the end of the day but watch for the people!) and the backcountry options open up roughly 100,000 acres of accessible skiing with the proper gear for touring. Set an hour south of Zürich in the middle of Switzerland, this remarkable resort has remained largely undiscovered. Engelberg is a true gem with incredible hospitality, accommodations to meet the needs of every traveler, dozens of world class restaurants serving up local specialities, and an apres-nightlife scene that rivals the best of them. We are proud to offer an Engelberg Freeride Ski Trip that not only highlights the skiing but the history, culture and lifestyle of this special place. Once you visit this incredible area we are sure you will want to keep visiting every year!

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