Around The World: Japan
Last winter we traded our familiar Pyrenees for a far-off dream: Japan. With the crew, we squeezed into two tiny campervans — Japanese-size, of course. Full of Majesty skis — and hit the road towards the Northern Alps. Fifteen days of adventure, from Hakuba to Shiga Kogen and Seki Onsen, chasing the legendary powder snow that makes this country a freerider’s paradise.
The trip became much more than just skiing: long days of riding deep lines, endless laughter, sushi dinners inhaled after exhausting sessions, the incredible onsen’s and the inevitable little technical hiccups that turn a simple journey into a real adventure. Between Japanese tradition and pure freeride spirit, this journey will stay with us as the perfect mix of friendship, discovery, and skiing.
Life on the Road
Every morning in Hakuba felt like waking up in a dream. We drove our campervans along snowy roads that seemed to lead into the middle of nowhere, hopping from one resort to the next in pursuit of Japan’s legendary storms.
Each night the sky delivered, and each morning we opened the door to find 30 centimeters, sometimes even a full meter of fresh snow piled around us. You couldn’t help but smile — the anticipation of dropping into untouched lines of cold, dry powder was enough to keep the stoke alive day after day.
Our Weapon of Choice
For this trip, we all chose the Havoc Carbon 110 — the perfect combo for what Japan had to offer. Light yet powerful, trustworthy and reliable, strong, reactive, and fast: exactly what you need when sending big jumps into deep snow, charging through open faces with the white room chasing you, or weaving tight lines through trees.
It quickly became one of our favorite Majesty skis. Paired with the ATK R13, it allowed us to rack up freeride laps inside the resorts and still have the option to push further into untouched terrain. It’s the kind of gear you want for a trip like this — a truly versatile ski that adapts to every situation.
Skiing Until the Lights Went Out
We skied from the first lift until the last light, and on some nights we just couldn’t resist — headlamps on, carving turns under the stars. The snow was that good, and the stoke was impossible to switch off. Our legs were burning, begging for rest, but in the end we rode 13 out of 15 days — not too bad, right?
Coming home was tough; every night we kept dreaming about those conditions. And even now, some of us are already planning the next trip back. Honestly, who wouldn’t be?
Go big or go home
A dream come true. Who hasn’t, as a skier, dreamed about jumping a snow barrier in Japan? It’s one of those bucket list items every freerider carries in the back of their mind.
And trust me — from afar it might look easy, not that big of a deal. But when you’re standing in front of it, with massive snow accumulations stacked against the wall, it suddenly feels like a whole different story.
Still, you don’t think too much — you just drop in and send it. Worst case? You crash into five meters of bottomless powder, lose your skis, and spend the rest of the day digging around with your friends, laughing at the chaos. But in that moment, none of it matters. You’re there, and you’re going to try it.
Maintenance and fuelling
There’s something truly special about skiing in Japan: the day doesn’t end when you step out of your bindings. Instead, you head straight to the local onsen — natural hot springs hidden in the snow — where steam rises into the cold evening air.
Soaking there with your buddies, swapping stories and laughs, was the perfect way to rest our bodies and reset for another day of powder hunting. And then came dinner. Ramen or sushi? The choice was never easy. The food was so good that sometimes we simply couldn’t decide… so we had both. Two dinners in one night — extra energy for the next day’s adventure.
HAVOC CARBON 110, EVERYONE WANTS IT
And how could we forget the true locals of Japan’s hot springs? The snow monkeys. Surrounded by deep snow, they jump from tree to tree before sliding into the steaming pools like it’s their daily routine. Watching them chill in the water was surreal — a reminder that we were only visitors in their home.
Respecting their space was key… although one curious macaque seemed particularly interested in our Havoc 110s. Can’t blame him — who wouldn’t want to try them?
Eyes wide open
In Japan, sunshine isn’t something you can count on — most days, it’s storm after storm, deep snow falling through endless clouds. That’s why having the right goggles is key. When you’re weaving fast through tight trees or blasting through powder fields, vision makes the difference.
Our choice was clear: the Majesty goggles. We had already tested them in different conditions during our previous Néou Muga adventure, and they proved themselves again in Japan. Easy lens changes even with gloves on, multiple lens options, never fogging, and simple to clean. After this trip, we can say it without hesitation: we trust their vision.
Until next time
This trip wasn’t only about powder. It was about culture. Wandering through temples, getting lost in Tokyo, sharing lifts and runs with local riders, tasting sake, and laughing endlessly between us. Japan gave us more than skiing — it gave us memories of friendship, discovery, and immersion.
We left Japan with our legs tired, our hearts full, and smiles on our faces. The snow, the culture, the food, the people — it all came together in a way that felt unforgettable. And while the trip may be over, the dream isn’t. Some of us are already looking at flights back. What’s next for 2026? You’ll see soon.Until next time
