ABOUT THE COVER:
Japan
PHOTO: Jack Dawe
According to the internet, winter 24/25 was the snowiest on record in the Hakuba Valley. I was lucky enough to join The North Face crew – consisting of Spencer Schubert, Blake Paul, Nik Baden, and Brock Nielsen – on their first trip of the year to Japan.
I’m not sure when Spenny decided he wanted to hit this feature (possibly sight unseen, possibly three years prior via Google Maps street view), but when the sun finally broke the incessant snowfall, he had the in-run prepped, take-off built, and was ready to go. Spenny is an extremely hard worker; anyone who has spent time in the mountains or streets with him knows this, and anyone who has witnessed his current home remodeling journey definitely knows this.
The spot itself had it all: park, pow, street—something for everyone, viewer and rider alike. Other than a bit of danger rider’s right (certain hospital visit), the spot was straightforward enough, especially for an ATV like Spencer. Quick boardy and a bit of airtime before a steep pow landing, and just like that, you're one step closer to your daily tonkotsu. Spenny made short work of it, landing second try, but of course hitting it a few more times for good measure (as is necessary with all perfectionists).
It went on to snow nearly eight meters in Hakuba throughout the season, so thankfully we got this thing checked off, because it probably wouldn’t have looked all that impressive in March.
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