This is an online blog journal of all my kitesurfing activities. I blog and log every kitesurfing session and provide information on skills progression, gear, weather and locations. I am based in Melbourne, Australia where we are blessed with good winds and some wonderful kitesurfing. I also take kitecam photos and video. I also record many sessions with a GPS.
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!
Our guide Douglas drove us from Saebo in the van up the road to near the DNT Standalhytta (hut).
A large group of Norwegians, mainly young women, was heading off on another route when we arrived.
We skied up following a creek gully then climbed towards a ridge, stopping for lunch on a rock outcrop. It was quite warm in the sun with no breeze.
We then skied to the right of the ridge to over a steep high "notch" pass, with a great view to the summit appearing.
The high traverse was tricky with firm snow with a slippery dusting and a steep skin track.
We reached a flat section below the summit then booted up a steep exposed boot trail to summit. My self arrest grips came in handy near the top.
We got fantastic views from the narrow summit with a 360 degree panorama and the ocean visible in the distance, Ronny and Roger found the climb and the summit quite exciting!
We then walked back to our skis and headed down. Douglas scoped out fresh tracks, initially through powder then wetter snow.
The tip for the day was "never point at where not to go, always point at where to go" as people in the distance often can't hear you.
It was a fast run down the trail back to van.
Our last ski mission for this trip and a great way to finish our memorable boat and ski trip to the Sunnmøre Alps around Hjorundfjorden. The cruise back down the fjord soaking up the sun and views with a beer in hand was very relaxing.
We spent the last night on the boat back in port. After dinner we headed out for some celebration. We met Jesse Richman and the La Nuit de la Glisse crew who had been filming around Hjorundfjorden while we were there. Jesse told us of his exploits kiting from a peak and getting unexpected updraft and going much higher than intended. He was looking across at the helicopter pilot until he was able to lose some height and get back to the snow!
Here is the video:
Martin, Ronny and I then went to Dirty Nellys (Irish pub) for a guiness, then on a mission for more food (baked potatoes and hot dogs) before fetching up in a local pub/club that was full of young boisterous Norwegians with the faces painted blue (possibly a University break up?) before staggering back to the boat for a solid sleep.
All good things must come to an end, but I shall return . . .
The summit is in the distance
Still a way to go - that's the summit
View from summit of Kolåstinden
View from summit of Kolåstinden
View from summit of Kolåstinden
View from summit of Kolåstinden
View from summit of Kolåstinden
View from summit of Kolåstinden looking to the ocean
Me on the summit of Kolåstinden
Ronny down climbing
Where we left our skis, ski descent to the left
Roger on the summit of Kolåstinden
Ronny, Martin, Roger, Peter and Douglas cruising home on the boat
