Powdertopia, Recommended Over Viagra by 9 out of 10 Doctors by Dane Sjoblom

Powdertopia was a dream. Just as much ass slappin' fun as last year.  I had to keep my fly open so I could hold my dork during descent!　That's not a joke.

For all you people who didn't save for this trip or thought you couldn't afford it, you suck.　 For all you people who thought you couldn't get the time off, you suck.　 Powdertopia now holds two spots on my “Top Ten Best Times In Japan” list. A very heartfelt thank you to the founding fathers, and to Dave for all his hard work organizing this year's extravaganza.　

So Niseko was pretty good. (I only say pretty good because these mountains have turned me into a shameless powder snob).　 The snow was not as good as I have seen it there before, but having a pass for the whole mountain (three resorts) really helped.  We could always find freshies and great lines.  Peak runs just can’t be beat.  Cornice drop.  Ooohhhhhhh, the cornice drop...　

Hakkoda-san - the better of the two this year - was in fact POWDATOPIA!　 Big freshies every day.　 Low viz to really mess with your head, dis-orienting you enough to give you fear of flying over a cliff or into a tree well unexpectedly.　 Really got a grip on the mountain this time around which gave me a lot of freedom to rip.　 I took a couple hikes, but if I hadn't have done I would have been disappointed.  I would just like to say right now that I choked on pow three times in one day!  Even a snorkel wouldn't have helped! Glate criff dulops, and the rollies on Y?  Out of this world.

The group was top notch and we all had a good hoot every day, every night.  I think I had a double hoot every night, making for rough mornings.  But the morning feasts never failed to sort me out.

The last day was perfect.  Like last year, nothing but blue skies.  Could see the whole mountain by 10 or 11:00 and now, feeling more comfortable with the place, we just went for it.  One of the best riding days of my life!  Left of direct was nipple twistin' fun.  Straight under the rope-way for all the freshies and a really clean run. Tree wells at the top were shallow and dished so you could ride in and out of them for a real boarder cross feeling.  Oooh Daddy!!

Best quote goes to Gren the Grenturion.  Upon finishing the forest runout after a fantastic run down Y:　"I think I saw this in a dream," said in utter seriousness.　 Yes sir, Powdertopia is so good you may receive premonitions.

Best cartoon crash: Joe, tearing down the mountain goes flying rollie after rollie, the launch after number three sends him clashing straight into a perfect wall of snow.  After pulling his face out of the pow he looks down to see his board stuck in the wall suspending him about two feet off the ground! Yeah!  I wish I had been there to take a picture.  Cartoon-body-imprint and all.  Last run of the last day so we couldn't go back for the shot.  Bummer.　

All in all, a full on rager like last time.  I am seriously considering flying back from the States for next years jaunt.  If I was a rich man, la da da da da.....

Click here to read a POWDATOPIA 2003 JOURNAL >>>