Time flies when you're having fun! Back in November, we kicked off the season with a challenge to win an all-inclusive trip to Hakuba Valley with the Slopes team. Now, with spring right around the corner, we've returned from an unforgettable week in the snow with the winners. From fresh powder to après-ski laughs, these are memories we'll cherish long after the snow melts.
Meet Kevin and Noah!
Of course, none of these memories would exist without our challenge winner, Kevin from Spokane, WA, and his friend Noah, who joined in on the adventure. From the moment they landed in Hakuba, they brought an infectious energy that perfectly matched the mountain's magic.
A Smooth Start 🌲❄️
Kevin’s favorite moment happened on the very first day of our trip. We were greeted with deep powder and an incredible terrain, making it impossible to resist spending the entire day in Tsugaike Mountain Resort's famed Double Black Diamond (DBD) zone. This area is known for having some of the best lift-accessed powder in the entire valley, and it certainly didn't disappoint.
Tucked beside the resort’s upper lift, the DBD zone transported us into a powder-filled realm of its own. With deep snow blanketing the forest and sunlight filtering through the trees, each run felt like we were uncovering a new hidden treasure.
But don't mistake serenity for simplicity. As Tsugaike’s crown jewel for advanced riders, DBD offers resort-managed access to steep, ungroomed terrain with all the feels of a true backcountry without the long approaches. Be prepared to sign in at the gate, collect your avalanche gear (beacon, shovel, probe), and check with patrol before entering.
The terrain delivered in every way imaginable with its long technical tree runs, natural features, deep gullies, and neverending powder bowls. The light, bottomless Hakuba powder practically demanded us to give big turns and bolder drops. We followed Kevin and Noah through glades that twist along the frozen creek bed, and paused only to soak in the silence and exchange wide-eyed grins with one another.
Ringing the bell đź””
While part of the crew was busy carving lines in the DBD zone, the rest of us worked just as hard at the gondola midstation, hosting our Slopes pop-up booth. With fluttering flags waving in the breeze, our little blue-and-white canopy became a beacon of attention, drawing in crowds eager to swap stories and share hearty laughs.
Our lucky draw had Slopes enthusiasts queuing for a chance to win exclusive merch like t-shirts, water bottles, and stickers. Every winner was announced with a cowbell ring from our one-and-only Emma. You could hear its echo rolling down the slopes and luring in any curious passersby. From locals to international visitors, so many stopped by just to talk about Slopes, share their love for the mountains, or simply warm up with some good vibes. What a fulfilling first day in the valley!
Into the Backcountry We Go! đź—»
The next two days took us into the backcountry of Tsugaike with a private guide. We explored fresh lines, took in unbeatable views, and even had a truly magical encounter — spotting a kamoshika hanging out between the trees! These elusive creatures are considered to be one of Japan’s national symbols. They’re often referred to as the “spirit of the forest” because of their quiet, solitary nature and ability to seamlessly blend into their surroundings. Seeing one in the wild is a good omen — a sign of good fortune for many years to come.
And the real star of the show? The snow itself. Tsugaike is famous for its “Tsuga POW,” a super light, dry powder that makes you feel like you're floating. Locals know it, and now we do too: on some runs, it felt like we were barely touching the ground. The combination of elevation, weather patterns, and perfectly spaced terrain gives this area some of Hakuba Valley's most playful, rideable snow. Turn after turn, it was nothing but pure fun.
From Our Lens... 📸
We’re beyond grateful to our team photographers Justin and Travis who were able to capture these moments for us to look back on. Their lenses preserved the entire trip without missing even a single moment: from our first glimpse of Mt. Shirouma's peaks to foot onsen après-ski sessions — and who could forget the walks to dinner with those towering eight-foot snow walls surrounding us?!
Japow Meets Japanese Cuisine 🍜
Of course, we have to mention all the amazing food we ate: steaming bowls of ramen, chewy udon, crispy katsu, and mouthwatering donburi. And don't forget the sukiyaki we feasted on at a traditional Japanese house in Otari Village! Dinner was always a welcome change from the quick bites we managed to grab between runs. Every meal was a new adventure that left us more than satisfied.
The fun doesn't just stop there though. We also ventured into the legendary world of Japanese karaoke. What started as a low-key plan to sing a couple songs to wind down quickly escalated into something more. Before we knew it, we were passing around the mic like pros and didn't stop until our voices were hoarse and unrecognizable.
More Than Just Skiing 🎤🎉
Noah said it best:
“The sensory overload of endless, deep snow made the ski trip undeniably exotic, a feeling that found comforting resolution in the steaming, savory embrace of mountain ramen.”
But what really marked this trip as one for the books wasn't just the bottomless powder or even the life-changing ramen (though they were really, really good). It was the crew who made these moments unforgettable—from slightly out-of-tune karaoke to jokes that cracked everyone up. It’s proof that with the right combination of friends and amazing snow, you're bound to leave with stories you'll retell for years to come.
Whether you're chasing that legendary Tsuga POW, dipping into the backcountry, or trying to get a taste of the food and karaoke, Hakuba has it all.
So, are you dreaming of your own Hakuba adventure? We certainly are! We've already started planning our next trip. Heads up: hotels in Tsugaike and across Hakuba Valley are booking fast for next season (we've secured ours already).
We can't wait to meet you out on the slopes! ❄️🎿
