Geto, located in Iwate Prefecture in the northern Tohoku region, is the slope with the highest amount of snowfall in Japan.A few years ago, when I hit the best blue sky and powder in this place, I used the photos from that time for posters and pamphlets.The husband and son who saw the picture brought back to the United States said, "I want to go skiing."This winter when that wish came true.The same blue sky and powder as at that time were waiting for us.
Text: Yukie Ueda
Special Thanks: Geto Kogen Ski Resort
* In this project, Yukie Ueda's son, Toranosuke (tiger), visits various parts of Japan and tells the charm of the area and resort facilities to foreigners in English while sliding on the YouTube channel "Tora".TORA BURGER』Delivery in. In the SBN FREERUN serialized article, I will collaborate with the video and keep a record of travel in various places from the perspective of Yukie Ueda.
This is summer oil snow
Summer oil is amazing this season as well. In early January, there was already more than XNUMX meters of snow, and the snow walls covered the roads and buildings at the foot of the mountain.When the field of view opened, a pure white snowy mountain appeared in the clear sky.We challenged the mountain with an uplifting mood.
The slopes were covered with snow that had been falling for the past few days.From the snow on the roof and the height of the snow-removed wall, we know that the amount of snow is beyond our imagination.As soon as I arrived, I received a message saying "Summer oil, be careful too deep".It was an advice from a Nakanishi photographer who was visiting Natsuyu at exactly the same time.He who took the picture that became the poster is one who knows Natsuyu very well.
I was a little prepared to think that if I stepped into the powder poorly, it would be too deep for my son, who is XNUMX cm tall, and would have a hard time.It is not good if it is deep, but how to enjoy snow changes depending on the slope and humidity.If you have a small child, you have to be even more careful in assessing the situation.
When you get on the gondola and reach the top of the slope, you can see the magnificent view as far as you can see.This is the scenery I wanted to show to my family.First of all, I carefully applied it to the powder on the side while running the slope, and I was really surprised at the depth of the snow. "Wow! Deep!" I can hear strange voices from my husband and son who slide in front of me.For me, it's hard to experience the depth to fill the thighs by the side of the slope.
The ridiculously deep but soft snow made us slip through.Keeping speed from the compressed snow burn and jumping into the fluffy fresh snow is like jumping from the sky onto the clouds.Despite my worries, my son was swimming comfortably in the snow, which was as high as his waist.We buffed into an unusually deep powder at high speed.
Depth that I have never experienced. "This is summer oil snow!"
The ultimate in luxury for snowy mountains
Wherever you like summer oil, there is a facility where you can stay comfortably because it is directly connected to the slopes.The natural hot springs in the facility will quickly recover your tired body.From the open-air bath, you can overlook the city of Kitakami, the sky dyed orange at sunset becomes dim and the night view shines brilliantly, and in the early morning the sunrise dyes the entire sky pink.It relaxes the mind and warms the body from the core.
When you wake up, there is a snowy mountain in front of you, which is an irresistible environment for people who like to slide.From the high-ceilinged glass-enclosed dining room, you can see the darkening slopes while drinking beer after the hot springs, and after a warm dinner, you can lie down on your healed body.Dining while watching the snowy mountains and starry sky illuminated by the moonlight and the snowy mountains in the dazzling sunrise makes you feel very luxurious.
This time, I stayed in a luxury hotel room called "Premium Stay Go" and enjoyed the feeling of a resort in a relaxed and elegant manner with my family.A white slope spreads out of the window, and there is also a space and workspace where children can play around in the spacious and spacious room.Both adults and children can relax.Many overseas resorts are directly connected to such resorts, but the higher the digits, the higher the price.It's nice to have a gorgeous restaurant where you can dress up when you eat when you're skiing or snowboarding, but for the whole family, this environment is the best place to have a warm set meal with a beer in the shape of a mountain. is.
Have them serve freshly made side dishes at the counter in the cafeteria, and eat only the amount of rice and miso soup you want to eat. He lowered the plate, saying, "Thank you for the feast," and exchanged words that today was a good day.It feels good to feel at home like a training camp when I was a student.
The feeling of a luxurious trip is not only the splendor of the room, but also the view outside the window and the warmth of the people.In many ways, the warm summer oil "box" is a magical environment where you can jump out onto the snow at any time.Isn't this the ultimate luxury of snow mountain lovers?
Serious summer oil
The next day, the tree run area, which had not been opened yet because it had been snowing too much, opened.
Summer oil tree run has several courses so that you can enjoy it according to the level.From a gentle level that children can enjoy to a course called "Shooter" that has slopes and undulations that satisfy advanced players.Isn't it rare in Japan for a slope that opens up trees and undulating natural terrain like this?However, I am worried if I do not know the course.Meanwhile, two mountain guides who are doing tree run guides will guide us.Thanks to that, the tiger was able to challenge this Shooter on the second day.
Why is summer oil so open?It was with the president and other management and staff.Not only are there many skiers and snowboarders, but there are also many people who like to ski in deep snow.Among them, the representative is the boss, the president of Natsuyu.Being a former mogul skier, he has pioneered attractive courses one after another as well as skiing techniques and knows the terrain himself.It's amazing that the president is a "professional" on the slopes.When I visited last time, I had the president take a follow-up shot of Tree Run, but this time I was lucky enough to have a session with a tiger.
There was a Nakanishi photographer and a summer oil staff there, and there was a figure in which slippers who love summer oil enjoyed harmoniously beyond the boundaries of their positions.
A slope made by a Japanese chef
At the playful resort, the food court was equipped with trampolines, kids' spaces, and other items that tickled children's hearts.Among them, the snowmobile tour was a special nail for tigers.I was asked to run a circuit course with waves and curves on a small mobile, which is an irresistible attraction for boys.In North America and elsewhere, resorts have many options for enjoying snowy mountains other than skiing and snowboarding.Activities such as Jacuzzi, massage spa and snowmobile.Many people who enjoy other than skiing also visit snow resorts.
Soak in the hot springs and watch your friends and family slide through the large windows.You can also explore the tree run course without going to the backcountry.If you're worried, you can attach a tree run guide, and I'm sure the local guide knows best which line to go on the slopes that day.
It seemed like I was realizing that I thought it would be nice if Japan had more options for adventure.
Being abroad has made me feel good because I was distracted by the freedom and openness that Japan does not have.If the Japanese take in the good parts and make it Japanese style, I think that it will become a "Japanese taste" that is unrivaled overseas.
Even in the world of cooking, I am impressed by the authentic foreign cuisine, but sometimes it is better to cook it to suit the taste of Japanese people.
Geto may be a "slope that tickles the hearts of the Japanese" made by Japanese skiers and snowboarders, like Western dishes made by Japanese chefs.
TORA BURGER # 13 KING OF SNOW! GETO KOGEN RESORT @ Iwate Geto Kogen Ski Resort
CALI TO JAPAN TRIP "Past Articles
EPISODE 1 – A trip to Asahikawa, Hokkaido.teethClick here for more information.
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★ PROFILE
Yukie Ueda
XNUMX years of experience as a professional snowboarder.As a half-pipe and big air player, he fought in professional games and the World Cup, and after enlivening the Japanese girls scene such as movie production and launching a snowboard brand, he moved to California, USA on the occasion of his marriage.He moved to Mammoth Mountain and has continued snowboarding activities in Japan and the United States, but this time the whole family will move to Japan for one year.
SPONSOR: K2 SNOWBOARDING, BILLABONG, UN, RONIN EYEWEAR, HAYASHI WAX
ORION Toranosuke
Born April XNUMX, XNUMX, XNUMX years old.A third-generation Japanese-American bilingual born in California.I love snowboarding and skateboarding. USASA National Snowboard Championship XNUMX XNUMX Under category overall XNUMXrd place.
SPONSOR: K2 SNOWBOARDING, BILLABONG, VONZIPPER, UN. RONIN EYEWEAR, ETNIES, HAYASHI WAX, MAMMOTH TRAMPOLINE CLUB
