After the high season in Japan, Aya Kato went on a trip to Canada with the aim of further evolution.In the first part, we skated on the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb, and then went to Whistler's first backcountry.She slipped down the snowy mountains and was impressed when she saw a landscape she had never seen before, and asked her to spell out in her own words what it was like to feel from nature.The second part will be backcountry & spring Whistler.
Text: Sayaka Kato
To a new world on the glacier
Wake up with the dynamite sound of the avalanche control.Yesterday there was a solid snowfall for the first time in a few days.The weather is sunny.The temperature is low.This day, which I have been looking forward to for a few days, has finally arrived.Only when snowboarding, I can get up smoothly no matter how early in the morning.Departure with boiled eggs for breakfast, boiled potatoes, bananas and chocolates.I arrived too early, so I bought coffee at the grocery store in Whistler Village. I really like the aroma of cheap coffee for $ XNUMX.
Joined Ichiro (Ichiro Nakayama) of GREEN LAB., Who has lived in Whistler for many years in the morning gondola.There was already a long line in the gondola.The passion of snowboarders who love powder is universal.
Backcountry where you can only go if the weather and the timing of various things are perfect.I've been to Wisler several times, but today is my first backcountry day in Wisler.Heading to Wilderness on the glacier. Get off the T-bar and go further up and back.
As you continue walking through the packed and tight snow, you will see the scenery of "this side" that spreads from the ridgeline that you finally arrived at.You can see the vast Canadian mountains and glaciers far away, and you want to go there next time, what about that?And the next fun will spread again.
The moment I meet the scenery I see for the first time is always indescribable joy and excitement.If you can see the world you don't know with your own eyes, feel it in the depths of your heart, and have something to sprout or feed for the future, I'm really glad you came here.When I was skiing on Whistler's slopes, I felt like I was "sliding in the mountains," but when I went further, I felt like I was "sliding on the earth."
First, go down the slope with crispy snow and small rocks.Snow is also different from the slopes.From there, traverse and traverse on hard snow.I've spent a lot of time wearing snowboards on the snow, so I feel very nervous when I take off the boards and walk on the slopes.There are places where the water melted by the heat of the rocks solidifies into a sudden ice burn, and the topography and snow quality of the mountains are completely different from those of Japan.There are only things I don't know yet.
Hike down the slope to be careful of slipping while stepping on step by step.Master Ichiro also taught me how to walk.The big slope of the bowl terrain spread out before I arrived safely.When you drop in from the cornice, the feeling of soft and good snow wraps around you, unlike the hard snow that slipped until you reached this place.Soft slip on soft snow.The moment of opening.The most pleasant tens of seconds felt much longer.
High five with everyone who slipped down.It is an irresistible and happy moment of snowboarding to push each other and share the best time through such sessions.In this way, I returned safely with a smile.When I descended from the top of the glacier in the midwinter air to the lower world, it was full of spring weather.
From winter to spring.My favorite spring whistler that I can still slip
Whistler, which has been open for the longest time in Canada, has a lot of fun in the spring.The banked tree run in the woods is like a roller coaster, where snow piled up on the summer mountain bike course and everyone grew up on a better course on the slippery line.There are many courses made in this way in the forest of the slopes of Wisler, and it is fun to find them and create new ones.
One of the things I learned from the snowboarders I met in this mountain is "playfulness."The free skiing and playing style that I couldn't imagine made me feel the infinite possibilities and fun of freestyle snowboarding, "This is also snowboarding!".
Say hello to the mountain and say thank you again today.It was a good day today.
After snow spreadsring
I think that "meeting people" is also very important as an element that makes a snowboard trip a deeper and more interesting trip.I'm still studying English, but I'm not good at it, so I try to say hello with a smile when my eyes meet, so that I can speak with my eyes gently and firmly.If you enjoy snowboarding in the same way, it is a mysterious power to overcome the language barrier and get to know each other.I made a lot of friends on this snowboard trip.An irreplaceable treasure.
By the way, Whistler regularly hosts parties for music lovers.This kind of interaction was one of the reasons why the number of friends who can share the time to enjoy after skiing together has increased.All the movie stars I admire are smiling and the circle naturally expands.
At the Old school hiphop night held at GLC in the gondola platform building, my favorite DJ Mat the alien, who had been DJing at Whistler for many years, was also playing, and I was sick of the coolest music.If you are in a foreign country, it is the real pleasure of traveling to feel the culture, climate and localism of that area.
Continuation of the journey
Whistler is the first spot on this trip.No matter how many times you come, you will be fascinated by the new scenery.The possibilities of snowboarding will surely expand steadily depending on you.
This journey continues on a journey around British Columbia, Canada.I have continued my wild journey while feeling the wind every day.The continuation of the trip "Kutney" is spelled out in the Freedom Magazine "HAND" published this winter.I would be happy if you could pick it up.
Seeking an encounter between snowboarding and irreplaceable moments
Lines that can be carved because it is a snowboard, places that can be reached because it is a snowboard, fascinating slips and back.The adventure of finding unseen scenery and unknown snowboarding continues forever.The moment when you can stalk so hot.The world you can see with a snowboard, the more you continue to slide, the more fun you can enjoy.What kind of season will this winter be?I'm going to rely on my excitement sensor and let the flow of snow take over.It is the beginning of the continuation of the journey.
Ayaka Kato
Born October 1992, 10 Born in Saga Prefecture, lives in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture.
From the time he was a teenager, he went to Hokkaido alone and went through a half-pipe slopestyle competition. Actively active in planning and managing events and writing in magazines.With the mission of connecting the circle of smiles by making the most of the relationship between snowboarding and nature, we continue to pursue snowboarding that is not bound by the frame.
Sponsor: RIDE SNOWBOARDS / OAKLEY / VOLCOM / AIRBLASTER (Ninja suit) / BCA / Equipment shop Mitsunaga / Tajima Kosan / Ookuma Obstetrics and Gynecology / Mine Contact Lens Center / Erica Kenko Dojo / Yuko Izumi / Ureshino Sushi / HAKUBA VALLEY / Acharm
