Japan

[bboytommy]

Oh yeah. I wasn't even sure why they had "gates" when I was in Niseko in 2023. People were just going out and in without any gear. I think it's well known that tourists can just ignore the gear requirements .

[casjcade]

https://www.niseko.ne.jp/en/niseko-rules/

[yukinori]

Oh yeah. I wasn't even sure why they had "gates" when I was in Niseko in 2023. People were just going out and in without any gear. I think it's well known that tourists can just ignore the gear requirements .

that's the thing, it's mostly tourists bc it surely wasnt a thing before niseko turned into disneyland. it's the same overtourism narrative we see across the planet. most japanese are a bit too rule abiding to be playin w that fire.

[bboytommy]

Oh yeah. I wasn't even sure why they had "gates" when I was in Niseko in 2023. People were just going out and in without any gear. I think it's well known that tourists can just ignore the gear requirements .

that's the thing, it's mostly tourists bc it surely wasnt a thing before niseko turned into disneyland. it's the same overtourism narrative we see across the planet. most japanese are a bit too rule abiding to be playin w that fire.

Yeah, I'm just surprised the rule abiding Japanese don't start pulling passes.

[tracer]

Yeah, I'm just surprised the rule abiding Japanese don't start pulling passes.

Japanese rules are for the most part "social norms" "enforced" by social pressure to maintain social harmony (the fundamental principle behind pretty much all Japanese behavior and culture). That means they are not "law" and they do not generally have the legal system of enforcement and all that. In public affairs they of course have laws (you know, actual crimes, or things that are overtly dangerous for society at large, like say drunk driving or owning guns, etc…), but for a context like a ski resort that is sitting on public land, no one will claim the authority to stop you from endangering yourself or taking something from you (like your day pass). And there's a lot behind that: first of all it creates a horribly embarrassing situation for all involved (something the Japanese absolutely avoid at all costs). Second, and more perhaps philosophical, is the question of authority. There is little what we call "legal" (lol words on paper what a joke) basis for such absolute authority in Japanese society. It drives Westerners nuts (business contracts? lol), but it is also way closer to actual freedom than what we have in NA and EU.

"Idiots wanna go die in an avalanche? Dōzo. We'll go retrieve the corpse when the weather clears."

[bboytommy]

Hmm, very interesting observation @tracer !

[benjinyc]

it seems like a lot of pros, brands, and influencers doing guided tours or packages to Japan…

Terje
Austen Sweeten
Burton Evo
Boardarchive


I'm doing some research myself as I want to go there once before it gets even more crowded. My friend (doesn't speak Japanese at all) went last winter solo and had no problem split boarding alone.

[pow_hnd]

I booked, then had to back out because the timing was too tight between other trips to really enjoy it and not be completely fucked on jet lag at Baldface.

I will make it happen soon.

I’m thinking I might have to give up my cat at Valhalla in February for other trips.

[benjinyc]

who did you book with?

Rip Zinger at Powder Company seems like the top of the list for me

I follow Stealth Backcountry but some of his posts make him seem unhinged lol
Some have said the same with alkaline

I'd rather go to Baldface but going to Japan asap since literally everything I'm reading is that it's getting more hectic and crazy each year. (also $ ¥ looks good)

[pow_hnd]

Mint Tours is who I booked with.

If you want in on Baldface W25/26 let me know, I will have open seats at The Lodge and Valhalla most likely.

Will need to make deposit in February