Just Incredible
Before reading todays blog … take a peek at the video below which is a brief summary of our first first day here in Niseko.
There is nothing else that can be said about our first day on the snow here in Niseko … just incredible!
We awoke to a very white morning and once again there had been plenty of snow overnight. It is always a good sign when the first thing that you seen when you look outside is people in the street shovelling snow off their roof.
Breakfast was in good proportions, however, and possibly for the first time in a long time, the boys appeared less interested in what they were eating and more interested in the day ahead.
The first day on the snow is always a tough start as equipment needs to be picked up, rules and thorough guidelines need to be communicated and this is all before you even get on the slopes. As a general comment – the acquisition of gear went very smoothly. James Costigan (Year 10) was a little anxious at first when one of his Apres boots didn’t fit. This was certainly confusing as the other was very snug. Once he realised that the paper needed to be taken out before wearing it, all was good! At the same time as James was coming to terms with his boots, Sean Fagan (Year 10) had the attention of all the staff at “Larry Adler” who simply could not find a boot that would fit him! Before too long though, all the boys were on the slopes and the fun really began!
Mr MacMaster had prepared the boys for a low visibility day which is always important for them to know how to deal with. As luck had it, however, visibility was quite good which allowed us to view some of the incredible runs as we were in the ski lifts up the slopes.
While some boys had lessons, others got straight into exploring and boy was there a lot to explore across the expansive terrain. There were runs to suit boys of all standards and they were given a tremendous workout throughout the day.
There were plenty of stacks – which is more than expected on the first day – and age wasn’t a factor in who toppled over. Whether it be Will O’Connell ( Year 8 ) who attempted to ski down the slopes backwards, or Mr Conlon who face planted himself into the snow, the slopes certainly had their challenges. As did the chairlifts, as Hayden L’Estrange (Year 10) discovered as he crashed upon exiting the chair lift, only to kick Ski Lift Patrol in the head by accident when she tried to assist him!
The powder is something that is often spoken about when people discuss skiing in Japan. We certainly weren’t let down and at different stages of the day, many of the boys got the full experience of skiing in powder and the difficulties skiing in it and, as Jack Cullen (Year 10) discovered back at our lodge this evening … getting out of it!
As boys arrived back throughout the late afternoon it was fantastic to hear the stories of what had been going on during the day. There is no doubt that they had an awesome time on the slopes and with six days of skiing still up their sleeves, they had every reason to be on a high.
Upon arrival back, the boys made the most of the Onsen in the bathroom which certainly removed any chill from the body and had boys walking out relaxed, fresh and very content with the day past.
Dinner this evening was put on for us by the owners of our lodge and it was a Japanese meal. We really were treated to a feast. It was certainly different to our usual western meals but full of flavour and there plenty of it! It is not every day that you sit down to a meal where all 37 people have their own boiler in front of them reading to crack eggs and continue the cooking themselves. Jordan Lewis (Year 7) has certainly been a huge help so far as he speaks fluent Japanese. As the owners of our lodge don’t speak English, Jordan was able to translate to us all what each of the items of food was and how to prepare and eat them. All in all … a superb experience and a scrumptious meal!
Despite sore legs, tight muscles and a bit of fatigue to go with it, many of the boys took the opportunity to head out for some night skiing. Once again, the experience was incredible. Yes it was cold … but when you are skiing the snow that is here in Japan … you can put up with a bit of cool weather!
And so the head hits the pillow this evening after a very exciting first day on the slopes. It would be hard to imagine things getting better, however, there is just that feeling in the air that the best is still to come! We are certainly looking forward to it!
Photo 1: Chris Cooper (Year 10) and Alex Maurici (Year 10) before hitting the slopes.
Photo 2: A great view of the powder as we head up the chair-lifts.
Photo 3: James Costigan (Year 10) and Nick Chow (Year 10) just before starting for the day.
Photo 4: The boys prepare to get stuck into their Japanese dinner.
