Last spring, he was active in the freeride scene based in Hakuba.Ayaka KatoWhen,Ayano KasaharaTwo people traveled to Canada. For the first half, we headed to Whistler Blackcomb, the number one snow resort in North America. What kind of journey story awaited them?
Text: Sayaka Kato
The beginning of March.
I left Japan in the spring and headed straight for Canada.
Two girls who love snowboarding and the mountains.
“Let’s go as far as we can.”
The journey that started with this in mind, I wondered what I could do for myself now.
Sometimes it's a journey that takes on that challenge.
I'm really glad I went on a trip after the coronavirus pandemic.
There are so many beautiful and moving things in the world.
The destination I'm aiming for is good snow and light.
I usually travel alone a lot, though.
This time I am traveling with a friend.
Isn't a girls' trip the most fun?
My travel buddy is Ayano Kasahara, who is also a snowboarder based in Hakuba.
He is a snowboarder who also works as a mountain guide year-round.
I, Ayaka Kato, am also based in Hakuba and have had many good experiences in the mountains of Hakuba, so I have grown a little and become a different person than when I visited Canada before.
I wonder how much I can challenge the majestic mountains of Canada now.
I'm sure it will be more fun than you can imagine!
That excitement and curiosity about the unknown adventure were what led him to travel to Canada.
This journey began even before I left for Canada.
Being able to be buddies who can help each other as they challenge snowboarding on snowy mountains. I wanted to try various challenges including backcountry.
In order to achieve this, it was important that we matched each other's rhythms and vibes, and that we were able to calmly make decisions and help each other even in the face of harsh times, avalanches, and other frightening nature.
The Hakuba area where we were raised has one of the most complex snow structures in the world and countless extreme slopes.
We both knew that things wouldn't always go well from the start, and that there would be times when things would be difficult or difficult, so as long as we could learn and grow little by little and expand our world, that would be fine.
Let's cherish the joy of enjoying snowboarding as much as we can right now.
This served as a guideline for my subsequent journey.
When I arrived in Canada, I felt excited as I felt the atmosphere for the first time in a while.
Finally, it's here.
The first stop on the trip is Whistler Blackcomb, North America's number one snow resort.
About 3 hours by bus from Vancouver International Airport.
From Vancouver, which is surrounded by the ocean, we climb up to a mountain area with distinctive rocky surfaces.
It still looks like winter.
Let's go back to the basics, relax and slide as hard as we can.
Luckily, just as we arrived, a big cold wave arrived.
It snows every day on the mountain.
Canada's high season is long, and even though it was March, it still felt like midwinter.
This is my first winter in Whistler. I've been to spring several times, but I always wanted to know what winter looks like. Whistler is showing his true potential. We've had some nice snow, and I'm really happy that this time has come.
The sound of avalanche control dynamite exploding resounds.
As I listened to this sound, I felt a sense of elation as I headed towards the mountain.
I'm sure everyone heading to the mountains feels the same way.
It makes me happy that it's typical of Canada to see so much happiness from early morning.
I love this atmosphere.
As I was lining up for the gondola, I met up with a local friend again.
Another reason to travel is to meet people.
It's best to make lots of friends while traveling and follow local routes first.
An important thing to remember when traveling is to treat the mountains, local people, and culture with respect.
Large peony snow. A decent blizzard.
However, snow is the best thing ever!
“Thank you,” I say to the mountain in my heart.
Whistler has an altitude difference.
If the mountain is pure white, the wind is strong, or the weather is bad, don't go to the top and enjoy the mountain at a middle altitude first.
There are countless side hits, and you have to explore while finding areas where the snow isn't blown away by the wind.
Whether or not we hit powder at the right time to go to the mountains is a matter of luck, so I thought, ``If it's good snow, I'll be happy. I'll enjoy it no matter the snow quality.'' But luckily, the first cold wave of this winter arrived. .
Now, it's time to line up for the lift heading towards the peak.
Whistler Peak is 2,182 meters above sea level.
When you step off the lift, you can see the vast mountains of Canada spread out in countless numbers.
How vast!
It was at that moment that my heart was warmed by the sight of the mountains that seemed to spread out in front of me.
Starting off with a chute drop from the alpine where a huge rock surface can be seen. There may also be rocks where you land. There aren't many ropes or other regulations, so it's nice to have a ``ski at your own discretion'' stance.
Snowboarding and skiing schools for kids in North America not only teach kids how to cliff jump, but also how to escape from falling into powder or tree holes.
I thought it was great that the children were not just saying, ``It's dangerous, so don't do it,'' or ``Don't do it,'' but they were developing skills to enjoy life while avoiding danger.
After sliding down a vast slope, you gradually slide down into the forest.
I also really like the trees of North America. Vegetation varies greatly depending on the region.
A feeling of deep, clear air.
I took a deep breath and stood in the forest. Greetings to the trees of Whistler Mountain.
The terrain is full of ups and downs, and you ski with all your might.
Use your body in a flexible manner. Let's expand our horizons and ski.
I try to align myself with the mountain as much as possible.
Slide according to the unique terrain found only on that mountain.
What fun it is to skate with all your might.
The terrain in this forest is also quicker than I expected. Concentrate, concentrate.
Even in the vast forest, I try to remember the location, landmarks, and topography.
If you are in doubt, the only person you can trust is yourself.
Also, I think the more you get to know the mountains, the more fun you'll have.
Mr. Liezo, a super local from Whistler.
She is a snowboarder who has lived in Whistler for a long time, and is now the most wonderful woman with a Canadian husband and mother of two boys. She smiled and guided me to the countless pillow lines.
"Because of snowboarding, I was able to raise my children."
Mr. Liezo says this after performing a pillow drop.
Women face various conflicts as their life stages change significantly.
Still, it seems like you don't have to worry about giving up anything or letting go of who you are.
If it's up to you, you can continue to enjoy yourself forever and live a bright life.
“Snowboarding is the most fun right now! ”
Mr. Liezor's smile was the brightest as he spoke, and his words touched my heart.
“Now is the most fun.”
I will continue to accumulate snowboarding and moments that make me feel that way.
It was a moment when I was filled with gratitude for feeling so bright in my heart and being able to feel that way even at this very moment.
Commonly known as Kybers and Million. Sliding down a deep, deep forest.
Unexpected freeride intense training.
Slide down the 1,609 meter altitude difference in one go.
From alpine to forest belt, it is super vast from top to bottom. Even though it was so cold, by the time I reached the bottom I was sweating and smiling and giving high fives.
Whistler is definitely a great field.
I have to go full throttle and seriously.
I immediately felt that way when I saw the scale of Canada's vast mountains during the harsh winter.
When I get off the mountain, I cook for myself.
The connection between the mind and body through food is a huge factor.
Cooking is truly the closest thing you can do to love yourself through meditation. As we face snowboarding and our own missions, we wanted to stay fit and healthy.
Thanks to this, “LOVE MY SELF” became the theme behind this trip.
Always love yourself. Taking care of yourself is the source of everything.
Ayano actually got injured just before leaving the country.
I decided to take a break from snowboarding for a while to get some medical treatment.
There are so many things you can learn from injuries.
Dealing with your mind and body will help you grow greatly.
Always, don't rush, don't give up, don't give up.
It was tough at that time, but I'm really glad I didn't give up and persevered.
There will always come a moment when you think so.
New ideas, lifestyle, first experiences, encounters, culture shock.
I came overseas to meet such things. Even the differences can be a learning experience.
There's a lot to be gained by opening your heart. By noticing that
This trip to Canada led to even greater growth.
The next set came again soon.
Next, I decided to head to a completely unknown area.
This is my first time hiking on a snowmobile.
Thankfully, a friend I met on this trip invited me to visit this vast area for the first time.
The first time I tried snowmobiling, I realized how difficult it was, but I found myself drawn to the scenery that lay ahead. He considered the avalanche conditions and determined the timing before setting out on his next adventure.
Backcountry riding, and especially snowmobiling, is full of tough moments.
Still, I can only thank my friends who worked with me.
When I travel, everyone always teaches me various things and helps me, so I want to be like that too.
Always breathe in sync with your friends.
I donned a full-face helmet and gritted my teeth as I climbed into the mobile, desperately looking ahead to avoid being blown away. The moment when I was filled with excitement and the scenery that snowboarding showed me on the slopes of the spine terrain bathed in the morning sun.
Canada's wilderness is no wonder.
In front of the majestic nature, I realized once again that it is love after all.
Nature has taught me this over and over again.
We crossed several mountains and landed on a magnificent field.
The first thing I decided to do was say hello to the mountain.
By the time I got to this point, my heart was pounding, but at the same time I was feeling excited and calm.
This is a natural snowy mountain. When in the backcountry, I look at my surroundings carefully and try to remain calm and make decisions.
The days I spent in the Northern Alps and Hakuba seemed to be cheering me on, and it was a very happy step for me to be able to safely ski at my usual pace while looking at the mountains and skiing freely and to the fullest.
The joy of encountering the snow and mountains of Canada is beyond words.
The moment I returned to my origins.
It was the first half of a journey filled with new encounters and challenges.
Latter halfContinue to.
Writer & rider of this article PROFILE
Sayaka Kato
Born in Saga Prefecture, currently lives in Omachi, Nagano Prefecture. His home mountain is HAKUBA VALLEY. As a mountain freestyler who skis freely on natural terrain, she is one of the leading riders in Japan's girls' snowboarding scene. She won the ``2024 TOYO TIRES FWT HAKUBA QUALIFIER 1'' held in Hakuba in January 2024. In recent years, she has also been focusing on writing for magazines, blogs, brand content, and expressing herself through video works.In addition to her riding, she has also been focusing on the beauty of nature and the lessons and joy she has gained there. I'm telling you. She is an idea of a natural lifestyle and a way of living in harmony with nature. She has also continued to learn about wellness and mental health since her teens, and continues to share information based on her own experiences.
SPONSOR: RIDE SNOWBOARDS / patagonia / Oakley / BCA / HOME.MOUNTAIN / Fit tune / HAKUBA VALLEY / ACHARM / Upfield / Orthotist Mitsunaga / Tajima Co., Ltd. / Nishimura Shoten / Sanne Eye Clinic / Ureshino Sushi
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