Par is a well known Swedish skier and snowboarder who has been riding Mt Annupuri for more than 19 years, but still retains a zest for the sport like it was his first season. His long, blonde dreadlocks streaming out from under his rasta-style helmet are a familiar sight for those who frequent Moiwa, Annupuri and Higashiyama. One of the most highly regarded guides in the area, Par has tried his hand at an interesting array of work in his time in Japan.
How did you end up in Japan?
As an 18 year-old Swede, I just put my backpack on and tried to get as far as possible from Sweden without ending up in Australia like most Swedish backpackers.
When did you first arrive here in Japan?
24 years ago. The first five years I spent in Sapporo and Takikawa, and I didn’t even ski! I worked lots of different jobs.
How did you arrive in Niseko?
I had planned to move to Furano to get back into skiing, but my friend, mogul ski champion Yamasaki Osamu, said Niseko was better so I came here 19 years ago.
What were you doing when you came here?
I got a job shovelling snow with the ‘Aspen’ pension, which is now Crossroads. I also worked with pension BAB and J First, mostly shovelling snow! I tried to work as little as possible, I just wanted to ski.
When did you begin guiding?
About 15 years ago, mostly for pro skiers and boarders for filming.
What do you think of all the changes that have happened in Niseko in the past five years?
Well as for all the new international people coming here to holiday and live, I think good for them. My main concern is mountain safety. There are so many people heading out of the gates and guides that haven’t even spent a season here. I do worry for the safety of people.
Have you seen many accidents here?
The last few years have been OK, but previously the backbowl has avalanched almost all the way down to the Annupuri resort, and that was when only the best went there. These days it’s almost like a groomer. There would be big trouble if that avalanche happened again. I think they should give away four sets of avalanche safety gear with those million-dollar apartments they’re selling in Hirafu.
Do you ever get bored with skiing or snowboarding?
Never. I still love it. I just widen my horizons to find things that are interesting.
What do you do in summer?
I paint houses, cut down trees, work an excavator and my landlord occasionally gets me to work on a Japanese road-maintenance crew!
And the dreads……how many years?
Eight to 10 I guess.
What is a typical week for you?
Maybe one day instructing, one or two days guiding, one day shovelling snow (I’m still doing that, but now I use a machine!), one day snowmobiling, and a few days free-riding/skiing. If the conditions are bad I spend more time with my family, but there aren’t too many of those days, it’s always pretty good.
What are your top three tips for all visitors to Niseko to do?
1 Hike up Mt Yotei. I’ve done it close to 100 times, but I usually only go about 70% of the way. I don’t want to end up with blood in my boots like the guy from the first issue (Captain Hirafu’s Liam from PL Issue #1)!
2 Have an onsen – my favourite is near Moiwa, the Niseko Grand Hotel. It’s the only one in the area that the whole family can have a soak together.
3 Go for a snowmobile ride. I do some tours where you can be towed behind the snowmobile. It’s like wake-boarding; there is always a bank to ride on, lots of fun on a snowboard!