Was in Niseko the whole of last week for some late season shredding! It was a fun ski and snowboard trip! Everyone in the party levelled up their skills! And the Snow Guys met and made new friends!
It is extremely important that your fitness is kept in tip-top shape to ensure maximum enjoyment on the slopes. Many people don't realise it but skiing and snowboarding are very physically demanding sports. We are all very busy people, but make sure you get your runs going in the weeks leading up to the trip. We recommend 5km runs 3 times a week at the very least to maintain your fitness. Go to the gym to strengthen your core and thigh muscles. Of course this varies according to the individual.
Riding powder requires way more stamina than hard packed snow. Stronger thigh muscles too. If you are not fit, you would surely experience cramps and be out of breath while you are up in the mountain. Even as early as the first day. This could then affect your overall enjoyment of the trip.
One of our favouritest places in the world is Niseko in Hokkaido, Japan.
Here, the powder never stops. It is said that the powder is blown over from Siberia. Soft and fluffy powder! Easy on the butt as well. Better than icy slopes =)
We spent a week in Niseko on our last trip. It was snowing non-stop every day of the week. And this was in March!
Can't wait to get back on the slopes there! Trying to organise one this March.. Hope that works out! =)
Check out Shaun and what he has to say about the Siberian snow in ニセコ (Niseko) : )