HOKKAIDO, Japan -- It is every skier's dream, cutting through knee-deep powder in virgin, untracked snow. I float down the mountain smiling, whooping and bouncing from one turn to the next in a rhythmic trance. At the bottom of the slope I feel exhilarated, ready to go back up for more.
Destinations
Pursuing forgotten powder trails in Hokkaido's 'backyard' ski areas
Japan's small resorts are exploring ways to survive depopulation
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A snowboarder carves through fresh powder off the beaten path, with the help of the Hokkaido Backcountry Club's ski tour services. (Photo by Amy Chavez)
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