Hakuba, Japan

Leaving Tokyo, by bullet train on Christmas day, we made the first leg of the trip to Hakuba, via bullet train. I asked the conductor about the transfer to the next train. I knew our next train was a local train, but I didn't know that it was really local. The bullet train made a brief stop in the station and we looked across the platform at a one car locomotive from the 60's or 70's. We were at first suprised and unshure if we had borded the correct train, but indeed after asking the two other individuals on board, we were assured it was correct.


The diesel engine was fired up and we chugged away from the station and crawled into the mountians. I felt like we had boarded a mining car. We went through tunnels and narrow passes with snow piled high on each side. Occasionally, we made stops at one man stations buried in snow. It really put us in the mood for what was coming.


We arrived at our cozy little cottage, warmed oursleves by the potbelly stove, and then got a good nights sleep. The next day began cloudy but cleared up giving us a great first day on the slopes of Japan. Hakuba 47 was the first on the list.


Wearing our ski boots, the local shuttle picked us up right in front of our cottage and in ten minutes we were at the bottom of the lift.

We were delighted to find that it was not a crowded as the Korean slopes. The lift lines were very short or non-existent.












We really enjoyed ourselves the first day.


Our cozy accommodation with wonderful staff and a great location. Being hostel style, we had a private room, shared a bathroom, kitchen, and living room. The little stove in the living kept the whole place really toasty.


The town was filled with cozy buildings and Japanese restaurants.


A delicious traditional meal at a local joint.




The next day, Happo One called our names. Having well researched the ski areas in the valley, we were sure to hit this one up. It was the location of the 1998 winter Olympics. Although the powder wasn't as deep as Wolf Creek in Colorado. We had a fantastic time.


With mountains surrounding us we thoroughly enjoyed the scenery. We watched some boarders hike to a clean ridge to get into some fresh powder.



Chelsie greatly improved on her ski skills. We are both trying to tackle the mogul trick. Someday maybe we will be able to ski those tricky bumps.








Three nights and two days didn't seem like enough, but historic Japan was yet to be seen. Yudanaka was our next stop.

Muju Skiing

This past weekend we bought a package which included transportation, rentals, and lift tickets. Since it was early season it was only about $50 for the deal. No complaints. The week in the classroom sped by as we eagerly waited for the weekend to come. It is now come and gone, just as many things in life seem to do.


It was our first time to ski this year. It was a good warm up. Chelsie and I went with five other friends to the resort. Many of them had never skied before, some had never seen snow, being they are from Indonesia and South Africa.

The lift lines were a bit busy before lunch it was about a 20 minute wait at the base, and then after lunch it was more like 50 minutes. A bit too crazy for me.

Skiing is a very popular sport. Each area caters to a large number people because the population density is so much highter. A drive to the ski area here is alot closer for many more people than it is back home.



Joe Teacher (green hat) headed to the top. He has his mean face on. We call him shredder Joe.

Here is our famous "Marker" teacher. He is use to the warmer weather of South Africa. It was his first day on the board and he did really well keeping two feet under him.

At the summit of the mountain there was this sweet pagoda. It would have been really nice if there was some snow blanketed over it.

The sun set on the other side of the mountain.

The Summit and the landscape. We took "chorus" lift and then had the option of taking "Harmony" or "Melody" to the top.

Snowy Evergreen Colorado

It was so much fun to have a reunion with family that hasn't been all together at one time for a number of years. Chelsie was able to meet many of her new relatives. A good, old, traditional game of hand and foot with Oma. We have been playing this for years.




Uncle Richard and Aunt Melanie were able to show us the slopes at Mary Jane/ Winter Park Ski area. It was an early morning, but beating the crowds was well worth it.

Skiing with the Family in Colorado

My Mom and Dad spent a week in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, and Jesse and I joined them there for a few days. It was a great time with family. Left is the view out of our cabin.

Skiing at Wolf Creek was a blast. Above is the family (a few of them), Faith, Ben, Myself, Amber and Ethan.

There was no lack of snow while we were there... Above is what was left of Ben after skiing into a snow bank, there was about 5 ft. of powder.

Jesse being his usual goofy self

Grant soaring through the air after hitting a ramp that the boys made.