A Special Rosco Report

Wow, something I have thought about but never done - climbing and skiing Mt Yotei, the massive volcano across the valley from both Niseko and Rusutsu, on the island of Hokkaido in Japan. You will have seen many a shot of Yotei-zan in my past reports. Also called "Ezo Fuji" because of its beautiful silhouette that resembles Mt. Fuji.

Well, Rob, his son Jed and Rosco did it. Ten hours (yes 10) of climbing and one hour of descent made for an epic day out on the snow.

I've tried to do my best with the huge number of photos Rosco sent me.

I'll let them do the talking, save for the fact that they left at 7:00am and ended up returning well after dark. As many of you will know, the days are short in Niseko this time of year.

Target: volcano Yotei-zan

Early morning start through the trees

The climb went on

And up and up

Niseko in the background

The closer to the top the steeper it got
until the rim of the volcano was reached

The team on the rim
Rob, Jed & Hideki-san with Rosco taking the photo

Sunset over Niseko during the descent

Twilight tree run

Hirafu night-skiing as seen from Yotei

What else can be said but wow - well done Rob, Jed & Rosco.

Meanwhile the weather in Thredbo remains near perfect for summer - as far as I'm concerned. Sunny, dry, cool breeze, no flies :-)