The 2012 - 2013 Season

I've been back in Sydney for a week now and am already missing Hakuba. It was such a privilege to be able to spend the season skiing and taking care of our lovely guests. Thank you Darling Dean! 

Hakuba is not just a Winter wonderland. I watched Spring unfold and the juxtaposition of Sakura and snow was stunning. I'm hoping to be able to get back later this year to explore the region further and experience the beauty of the late Summer and Autumn. 

Thanks to all my friends in Hakuba for making the season so much fun. The Smythe Family - we love having you stay with us. Tokyo and I missed you when you headed back to Australia. Matt, Tracy and Harry - thanks for weekend roasts and mornings skiing Iwatake with you. Daniel and Dougie and the team from Hakuba Snow Sports - Thank you so much for your amazing tuition. I could never have experienced the full beauty (and challenges) of these mountains had you not taught me how to ski. Thanks also to the girls (and boys) in the office who assist me in looking after our guests.

As a picture is worth a thousand words - a few of the highlights of the season are documented in the following photos.

I hope you enjoy them (and the new website).
 
Tereza.

17 December 2012 - Winter view from the apartments.

17 April 2013 - Spring view from the apartments.

10th December 2012 - 50cm of powder in the driveway! A great start to the season.

December 2012 - It was wonderful to have Christine here for the entire month. Fun days skiing (& boarding) in incredible conditions. FYI - Christine is on a groomed run at Happo One in this photo.

Christmas Eve 2012 - I went for an early morning ski despite the poor visiblity and was rewarded with this view above the clouds at the top of Happo One Grat Quad.

11-12 January 2013. A romantic get away with Dean at Myoko's Akakuro Kanko with a private onsen on the balcony. Does it get any better? Yep - 70 cm of fresh powder the day we arrived!

Special mention to Elmo who only stays at Echoland Apartments when he visits Hakuba. (He is quite the jetsetter!) Pictured here at Smash Hits Karaoke in Hiroo, Tokyo accompanying Amy Winehouse AKA Kaz.

I finally got a clear shot of a Kamoshika.

14 February 2013 - The view from the apartments... I will never tire of this and it was made even more special by the gorgeous snowmen my CNY guests created.

Special thanks to Stu and Kaz for the very special treat of Heli skiing in Arai (Myoko) during the Easter break. Another first and a great way to finish the season!

I visit the Snow Monkeys every year...

The Program! Amazing instruction by Daniel Mee of Hakuba Snowsports. (The Ginger Ninja is pictured here.) A great week chasing powder wth fellow students Lee and Alex. I'm already looking forward to next year's intensive program!

One of my favourite lunch spots - "Kikyoya" for the best sushi in town prepared by Masuo-san.

11 February 2013 - My first Backcountry tour and there was so much snow! An incredible day with Bill Glude as our guide. Thanks to Matt for inviting me to join the boys on this trip.

19 March 2013 - A visit to Tokyo to view the Sakura but the real highlight (for me) was the panda at Ueno Zoo.

20 April 2013 - Snow on our Sakura.

21 April 2013 - The snow keeps falling in Hakuba. The Spring skiing is superb!

27 April 2013 - More snow on the upper slopes for Golden Week. A great season!

5 May 2013 - My parting view from the apartment. The hot air balloons are near the Ski Jump Stadium.