Monday, February 20, 2017

Summited Shiribetsu then a superb ski run down in deep snow

Japan ski trip 2017 ski day 10.  Mt. Shiribetsu!  Our last day in Japan and we scored a great run.  The bus was leaving Rusutsu around 4pm so Dave and I packed our gear then headed of for the summit of Mt Shiribetsu, a big volcano close to Rusutsu.  We skinned up from Pension Sky Be in overcast weather towards the mountain up a wide open valley, then more steeply up the valley side to gain the ridge.  It was icy - skinning without ski crampons was dicey, so I started walking in the boot trail.



There was nobody else around as we climbed steadily towards the summit.  The top was broad and quite flat. The visibility was poor but a few breaks in the clouds revealed tree clad scopes to the north and brief glimpses of distant views.  On a clear day you could see back to Yotei and Niseko.

It was chilly so we didn't waste time and traversed of the summit looking for the best snow.  The slopes and gully we came up were mixed quality snow so we were in search of nicer snow, and we found it!

The westerly aspect had really nice powder and only two snowboard tracks so we skied it and loved it.  Dave took some video of me descending.



This was one of best runs.  We earned our turns, bagged a peak and scored some fantastic snow.

We came out at the main road and started walking.  Hitch hiking didn't work but after a brisk walk we were back to the Pension, got our gear then boarded our bus back to Sapporo Chitose airport.

It was snowing all the way back and felt like the depths of winter again.

Dave and I said farewell then it was time to board our planes.

I was put on an early flight as they said the runways might close if it kept snowing.

Overall, we had a great trip and really enjoyed the skiing.  We shall return!

Skiing up the valley towards Shiribetsu

Looking back towards Rusutsu

Climbing the ridge

Looking towards Rusutsu

Dave on the summit of Shiribetsu

Dave on the summit of Shiribetsu





















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