Ski touring Japan – Hokkaido – Ashibetsu pt.1
This was day 9 in Hokkaido for us, now in the Northern part of the island where everything is more wild. Here the Daisetsuzan Mountains offers many adventures with some places quite isolated and challenging. That day we went for the top of Ashibetsu-dake; unfortunatly due to safety conditions (avalanches) we stopped 40 meters from the top, where the slope is steeper to reach the ridge. The snow conditions were good, with 30 cm of powder, very stanle in the middle and lower part, while in the super upper part the snow was good but affected by winds, so very dangerous (50cm slabs). The slopes are nice and playful with many opportunities in the upper part, where it is possible also to laps if you are well trained. The lower part is a long ridge with forest where you need to traverse. Overall rating 8/10, one of the top 3 of our adventures in Hokkaido.