Bio
Yoichi Watanabe has been alpine skiing since he was a child, competing during his school years, and then starting backcountry mountain skiing at 18. At the age of 26, he moved to Sapporo, Hokkaido and was baptized in powder snow. From the age of 30, he has been living at the foot of Hirafu Ski Resort in Kutchan, Niseko, as a ski guide and photographer. He has skied and photographed in North America, South America, Oceania, Scandinavia, Europe, and Japan. During the off-season, he enjoys mountain bike riding on forest roads and trails. Currently, he spends his days on a road bike exploring the beautiful scenery of the Niseko area.
Message
I lead “Niseko Upas Tours”, where I help guests of all ages, skiing types, and levels to enjoy and be inspired by nature in Niseko's snow. During the guided tours, we will take photos of you as you become one with nature. Please feel nature and be prepared for a little challenge. Join us for an inspiring experience!
Guide Q&A
Q: What is your most memorable experience in nature?
My skiing experiences in alpine areas and big mountains all over the world, and tree skiing in the natural forests of Japan.
Q: What does nature represent to you?
I myself am a part of nature. Every day, I live in the forests of Niseko and become one with nature.
Q: What has nature taught you?
That there are non-human creatures living on the earth, and that by working in nature, we can actually experience life.
Q: What do you hope that people will get out of experiences with you as a guide?
Nature sometimes provides fun and excitement, but it can also teach us about the harshness and fear we experience in life. I hope you will feel a part of nature through the day's experience.
Highlights
・ Established 1996 ・ NWGA (Niseko Winter Guide Association) member ・ Niseko Yotei Alpine Club member ・ Kutchan Ski Federation member ・ Language: Japanese
