WATCH THIS Before You Go Out the Niseko Gates!

I decided it was time to level up my knowledge! If you ride outside the Niseko gates or in the backcountry, you should really watch this video. ⭐️Watch Next: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpScE9kMWaE Two specific events took place last season that led me to reshuffle my mountain priorities during my off season. I came back to Niseko this season with the goal of taking safety as seriously as possible and a hunger to learn as much as I possibly could. This led me to enrolling in an Avalanche Canada AST 1 (Avalanche Skills Training) Course with Rising Sun Guides. The video mostly contains me talking about the events and thought process that led me to enrolling in the course, as well as my debrief and key takeaways that I learnt from doing it. My entire perspective was shifted unexpectedly and I'm glad it was. If you enjoy skiing outside of the Niseko gates or in the backcountry and haven't at least done this course, I really think you should watch this video in its entirety. Hopefully, I will convince you that getting this basic level of education is a valuable resource and it may just help you, your group or other groups in the future. Riding in unpatrolled terrain without the correct avalanche equipment in my opinion is foolish. I'll be the first to put my hand up and say that I have done it many times and it's only now that I recognise that it was irresponsible for many reasons. I'm definitely a hypocrite for making this video, I acknowledge that. But if I can help spread awareness from my own stupid mistakes, then I am happy. I want everyone to enjoy the powder that Niseko and other resorts have to offer. But doing it safely should be of the utmost priority, for everyone. This course gave me a basic level of understanding weather and snow conditions so that I can make smart, educated decisions on where to ride safely. I was taught and given hands-on experience performing multiple companion rescues and I can now confidently say that I know how to effectively use my avalanche gear to extract the best result possible. It also taught me that I am still a young mountain padawan and that I have much to learn. I recommend this course to absolutely anyone who steps foot outside of the Niseko gates, especially wants to do backcountry touring. ❤️Subscribe for future videos: https://www.youtube.com/@UC2NDmoEW_qx8uivSSgnlOVw 🚗Need to hire a car in Niseko? https://www.northtreksinc.com/ For seasonal car hire, contact Northtreks directly: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563855637699 Rising Sun Guides: https://risingsunguides.com/ Other companies offering AST 1 in Niseko: https://www.hokkaidobackcountryclub.com/ https://blackdiamondtours.com/ https://www.hokkaidopowderguides.com/ https://www.evergreen-backcountry.com/ --------- ❄️ Niseko United Ski Resort is renowned for its 15m average annual snowfall, incredible backcountry terrain, and vibrant ski culture. Experience the magic of Hokkaido, from deep powder runs to peaceful forest glades. 📍 Filmed entirely in Niseko United, including Hanazono, Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village, Annupuri and the surrounding backcountry. --------- 0:00 Intro 1:07 I'm doing my AST 1 3:11 Why I decided to get educated 5:12 My friend was in an avalanche 7:38 Doing the training 9:46 Check out Rising Sun Guides 10:28 Key takeaways Day 1 12:35 Key takeaways Day 2 14:45 Know how to use your gear 17:20 This can happen in resort too 17:53 You should have avy equipment --------- Shot on: Go Pro Hero 13: https://amzn.to/4g9vaiK Ultra Wide Lens Mod: https://amzn.to/3ZeNC2K GoPro Shorty Pole: https://amzn.to/49b4goy Media Mod: https://amzn.to/3VhFzBk Sony A7iii: https://amzn.to/4g79Ryl Sony 24-70mm Lens: https://amzn.to/4eYe7zb --------- Follow me: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blaize2k/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@blaize2k