The spirit of the powder

soft and abundant, almost silky, enveloping the slopes. The delicacy of those flakes, the purity of the air, and the quiet of the snow-covered woods immediately transported us to a more authentic dimension, away from the frantic rhythms of the world.

Over time, we have skied in the most remote places, explored different cultures, and navigated through vertiginous lines and enchanted valleys.

But here, in the land of the Rising Sun, we understood how nature can be a gentle yet uncompromising teacher.

Asahidake, in Daisetsuzan National Park, the highest mountain in Hokkaido

with its fumaroles and active volcano, made us feel literally balanced on the edge of something alive and mysterious. Our friend Goro, a local reference figure, accompanied us, and together with him, we experienced the extraordinary opportunity to ski on an active volcano.

The ascent under adverse conditions, the biting cold, and then that sunset that set the sky ablaze revealed the infinite power of the mountain. Skiing at the foot of the fumaroles, we perceived sounds, smells, and vibrations that seemed to emanate from the very heart of the Earth.

It was an invitation to accept the role of simple guests and, at the same time, privileged witnesses of a world that breathes and moves incessantly.

Yasu is a filmmaker, producer, but also a great skier and a connoisseur of the best secret spots in the area.

Here, the lightness of the "champagne" snow and the view of Mount Yotei in the background transformed every descent into a dance, a gesture of pure freedom.

Gliding through snow-laden forests and immersing ourselves in those lines reminded us why skiing is not just a sport, but a way to interpret nature, to dialogue with the terrain and conditions, to feel the life pulsating beneath our feet. Every time we sank our skis into that intangible powder, it was like writing a fragment of our story in a mutable, ephemeral but intense alphabet.

On the unmistakable cone of Mount Yotei, the ascent with skins offered us an even more intimate contact with the landscape.

This is ski touring: a slow, almost meditative movement that allows us to capture the details of every snowflake and every branch bent by the frost. We listened to the silence, interrupted only by the whisper of our skis, and immersed ourselves in an atmosphere dense with ancient presences, almost guardian spirits of these lands.

It was like feeling Japan through its deepest essence, through landscapes that tell stories without using words.

a reflection of those who manage to find a balance between action and listening, between challenge and contemplation. In the photos we took, we tried to capture at least a fragment of this quiet and sincere humanity.

Alice was deeply impressed by the magnetism of this area, where people, nature, and sports coexist in an elegant and harmonious way, creating a profound connection with the natural environment.

With her expertise in marketing and communications within the outdoor sector, she captured every moment with a unique sensitivity, promoting a deep connection with the natural environment and raising awareness for the protection of the planet. Together, we shared our adventures on social media, wrote articles for international magazines, and produced docu-films that also showcase our experiences on TV. Our shared passion for nature and sports is reflected in every story, every image, and every emotion we wish to convey to others.

recognizing the natural environment as a teacher, and ourselves as students ready to learn, respect, and find solutions to protect and preserve. Every destination offers different lessons, but Hokkaido managed to speak a universal language, uniting snow, mountains, culture, and people in a kaleidoscope of emotions.

We will definitely return here, with more time and an even more open spirit.

There are still unexplored places, slopes ready to be traced with new lines, villages to discover, and flavors to savor together with our friends Goro and Yasu. We would also like to explore one of Hokkaido\'s smallest islands, such as Rishiri Island, and perhaps get even closer to the local culture, enjoying delicious Japanese food once again.