Elevation Guides

The Pineapple Express is alive and well here in the Howson Range west of Smithers, BC. Despite 150+ cm of snow in about three days: we're managing to put together a safe ski and riding program.

But it's a lot of work!

I'm guiding this week at one of my favourite heli-accessed lodges

A major storm just moved through the region, and today we were able to get up high and see the avalanches up to size 3.5 in the alpine.

The layer is tricky and nearly everywhere, so continuous assessment and investigation is needed to choose save, good skiing.

Our last day of JaPow 2026 delivered the goods that has guaranteed our return every year since 2015.

We wrapped up our trip last night near Sapporo with an authentic karaoke experience. It was my first time hearing this new instrument. 😄

The backcountry was good near Asahidake, Hokkaido today.

The weasels put on a show for us outside our Hokkaido ryokan tonight. 😄

Asahidake JaPow chasing today.
The secret special zone always delivers.

Asahidake: the highest summit in the island of Hokkaido, Japan.

It's always great to summit a distinctive peak. But the Hokkaido snowstorms don't often offer the opportunity. Today they did, and we Carpe Skiem!

And seeing as how the descent down the north side was in rare powder condition, we did a fun circular tour through the light and pouffy JaPow.

Most Canmorons don't know our town is sistered with Higashikawa, Hokkaido. In honour of this, they renamed their local ski hill Canmore Ski Village replete with a great logo (backwards moose antlers anyone?).

Hokkaido, Japan. Research is important.

A few days between trips equals some exploration of new zones. I study maps to find potential: elevations, aspects, contour lines, access. I worked out a plan for today's adventure at home before leaving for JaPow 2026.