TR - Early season Yotei vibes from Hokkaido

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Photo: Shin Doi, Hokkaido Backcountry Club

This year, my first turns in Japan were on Mt. Yotei on an incredible bluebird day with views across the island.
I've wanted to peak out on Yotei ever since last February, but hadn't had the chance.
One problem: while Canada was getting blasted last week, Hokkaido had very little snow coverage.

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Photo: Mark Barsevskis, BD Tours

Our group from Black Diamond Tours and Hokkaido Backcountry Club downclimbed through crust and scree into the main avalanche slide path on the mountain's east face.

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Photo: Mark Barsevskis, BD Tours

Here's a shot of me skiing the crazy early season Japan conditions - plenty of brown and rocks!
Definitely a shock after I slayed pow throughout the winter last year.

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Photo: Mark Barsevskis, BD Tours

The approach to the crater was packed sastrugi and boilerplate.
We opted to ski down from the summit hut on Yotei, but a small group did circle the crater, ultimately not dropping in due to poor conditions..

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Despite the lack of snow, here's an amazing view across the Pacific to the southern tip of the island. Great visibility and gnarly skiing.

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Here's a shot from three days later - 20cm dump overnight means the Hokkaido Powder Machine is back on!

Hopefully a snowy January!