Snowboarding in Japan - Niseko and Rusutsu

[@j.p.6228]

Awesome video man!! Did a great job filming this

[@TonyApfelbeck]

@@j.p.6228 thank you!

[@mattcostello3567]

When was this filmed? Looks great just planning a trip myself. This one look like an Evo tour? Thanks for putting this up and the time editing it.

[@TonyApfelbeck]

Evo Trip, yes. Was in early February this year.

[@SportNut1]

I am a skier. So looks like you can do the whole trip by boot packing without any touring setup

[@TonyApfelbeck]

Yes, the vast majority of people just bootpack the peak. If you're doing lift-assisted backcountry access like we were, the only really good spot for skinning would be when heading back up the road that leads to the Hanazono boundary.

[@maxzhang8740]

Do you have a website link for the guides you had during your Niseko backcountry access?

[@TonyApfelbeck]

Hi Max, I went with an EvoTrip so our guides are Evo/Rhythm Japan employees. They were great and experienced but not just a solo guiding company as it's part of the whole travel package www.evo.com/adventure-travel/asia/japan/niseko-ski-snowboarding

[@coloradoruffneck4230]

Howd that spring break float? Ive only ever ridden the Slush Slasher

[@TonyApfelbeck]

I love my Powder Racer! It slays powder for sure but the positive camber also feels great on groomers.

[@coloradoruffneck4230]

@@TonyApfelbeck Positive camber is the ONLY way :) Im stoked you found a board good in powder with regular camber. I found the Telos Backslash with the same and its a joy to take everywhere. Would you recommend these resorts to go to?

[@TonyApfelbeck]

@@coloradoruffneck4230 Yes, definitely! I am planning to go back as soon as I can. Japan is really special.

[@dianaa8125]

I’ve only ever gone out of the newbie gates in Niseko without any gear. Basically strawberry fields and one of the gates by the slopes in annapuri. Is there some sort of course of something you need to do before you can go out with the guides? I’ve never used avalanche equipment before… like do they teach you what to do and avoid?

[@SkyZhouRealEstate]

Hi Tony, lovely video. I am also planning a Japan pow trip for 2025. This video showed me a lot of tips! Btw, do you mind sharing the name of your trekking pole(shown at 17:42). It is so compact!

[@TonyApfelbeck]

Stoked that you're planning to head to Japan! The poles I use are Black Diamond Carbon Compactor 120 Z-Poles. Looks like there's a huge discount on them right now on black diamond's site where they're $80 instead of $200. www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en_US/product/carbon-compactor-ski-poles/ so... lucky you!

[@SkyZhouRealEstate]

@@TonyApfelbeck Thank you so much! Much appreciated