IF there is one subject that stops most winter snow sports aficionados in their tracks, it’s avalanches.
Different countries and resorts have their own philosophies and techniques on how to manage them.
Japan has often favoured a ‘no access’ policy to backcountry skiing while Canada has a more liberal approach.
On Friday night at the Yuki Bar in Hirafu, avalanche expert Tomoaki Fujimura will address Niseko residents with a talk comparing and contrasting avalanche safety techniques in Japan and Canada.
Fujimura-san is a Japanese national who spent the past 11 years in Canada working as a member of the ski patrol at several resorts continually working to improve his understanding of snow science, and is currently touring Japan to promote awareness of the hazards associated with backcountry skiing.
The presentation will also feature the award winning documentary The Fine Line, a ski and snowboard film produced by the Rocky Mountain Sherpas.
The movie highlights Canada’s worst ever avalanche disaster and the steps that have been taken since then to increase awareness, reduce risk and prevent similar disasters.
Location: Yuki Bar Hirafu. Doors open at 7pm with the presentation beginning at 7.30pm.
The entrance fee is Y500 and copies of the DVD are available from Y2000 (usually Y4935Yen).
All proceeds from the event will be donated to avalanche control groups in Japan and Canada.