https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/Deep notes from the SnowWind coaching team: training details, gear breakdowns, technique, resort intel and backcountry prep.enWed, 11 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/bc-prep-04-hokkaido-backcountry-accident-lessons/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/bc-prep-04-hokkaido-backcountry-accident-lessons/Wed, 11 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTHokkaido Police data: 231 backcountry accidents in five winters to Reiwa 7. 西西 on a storm-day accident, board stalls, post-storm avalanches; KAKU on not riding.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/carving-lab-09-carving-fundamentals-five-elements/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/carving-lab-09-carving-fundamentals-five-elements/Wed, 11 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTStuck carving? KAKU: step back a level. Five elements: pressure, edging, rotation, lean, angulation. Low stance hinges on angulation; touching snow is a result.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/carving-lab-10-open-hips-and-angulation/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/carving-lab-10-open-hips-and-angulation/Wed, 11 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTSitting back, butt out? Often, KAKU says, open hips and angulation aren't working together: hips steer, angulation stabilises; hips first. With 西西's drill.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/carving-lab-11-duck-or-forward-stance/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/carving-lab-11-duck-or-forward-stance/Wed, 11 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTKAKU's view: duck and forward stance don't rank, and neither has to come first. What each does well, what it costs, and whether JSBA exams set an angle.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/carving-lab-12-how-to-choose-a-carving-board/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/carving-lab-12-how-to-choose-a-carving-board/Wed, 11 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTLinking turns and eyeing a carving board? KAKU: beginners don't need one; later, judge stiffness, sidecut radius, effective edge; if serious, buy top-end once.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/coach-choice-01-how-to-choose-a-ski-instructor/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/coach-choice-01-how-to-choose-a-ski-instructor/Wed, 11 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTPrincipal KAKU's three steps (certification system and level, riding videos against official demos, teaching logic) plus two things to watch on lesson day.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/coach-choice-04-snowboard-instructor-systems-compared/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/coach-choice-04-snowboard-instructor-systems-compared/Wed, 11 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTWhat do JSBA, CASI, AASI and SBINZ each emphasise? KAKU reads their instructor exams as carving, all-mountain and freestyle. A personal view, no ranking.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/coach-choice-05-can-a-level-1-instructor-teach/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/coach-choice-05-can-a-level-1-instructor-teach/Wed, 11 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTFlying to Hokkaido and getting a Level 1 instructor? KAKU: they can teach beginners well if properly mentored. To learn carving, find someone who can teach it.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/first-turn-06-opening-shoulders-counter-rotation/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/first-turn-06-opening-shoulders-counter-rotation/Wed, 11 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTTold not to open your shoulders or that counter-rotation is wrong, then told to open up? KAKU: you didn't learn it wrong. Only what fits; systems set limits.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/how-to-choose-snowboard-type-and-length/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/how-to-choose-snowboard-type-and-length/Wed, 11 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTChoose by use first: all-round, carving, ground-trick and powder boards each have trade-offs. Then pick a length; 'height minus X cm' is only a final check.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/jsba-exam-04-tech-test-notes/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/jsba-exam-04-tech-test-notes/Wed, 11 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT西西 on JSBA Tech 1 vs the Badge Test (steeper slopes, any snow, high speed, moguls), the first turn, heelside and pressure. Personal notes, not official.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/snowboard-bindings-quick-entry-or-strap/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/snowboard-bindings-quick-entry-or-strap/Wed, 11 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTQuick-entry or strap? KAKU asks what they're for: everyday riding favours efficiency, focused practice favours performance and adjustability. Feet can differ.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/powder-riding-02-hokkaido-november-snow/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/powder-riding-02-hokkaido-november-snow/Wed, 11 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTIce crust up top, wet snow below: 西西's first day of the season at Sapporo Kokusai, and JMA's view of this winter. Personal observation, not settled science.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/bc-prep-02-can-avalanches-be-predicted/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/bc-prep-02-can-avalanches-be-predicted/Tue, 10 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTForecasts give a regional probability; research says no single avalanche can yet be predicted in time and space. So ask: any reason to skip this slope today?https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/carving-lab-02-toeside-ankle-lock/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/carving-lab-02-toeside-ankle-lock/Tue, 10 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTA low knee doesn't mean the edge is up. In KAKU's view, kneeling into the tongue dumps force into tongue and shin; a locked ankle lets the body drive the edge.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/carving-lab-03-heelside-gaze/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/carving-lab-03-heelside-gaze/Tue, 10 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTHeelside trouble often means your eyes turned late or didn't stay on the turn. KAKU: shoulders, torso and weight follow your gaze. 西西 adds hips and highback.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/carving-lab-04-how-low-to-crouch/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/carving-lab-04-how-low-to-crouch/Tue, 10 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTCrouching down doesn't pressure the board; pressure comes the instant the crouch stops. KAKU: external force comes first, then internal force works with it.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/carving-lab-05-edge-angle-and-transition/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/carving-lab-05-edge-angle-and-transition/Tue, 10 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTTwo common ways a carving edge change stalls: maxing the angle at entry, or holding it high at exit. Plus the extra lateral shift heel-to-toe, and when to rise.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/carving-lab-06-steep-slope-carving/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/carving-lab-06-steep-slope-carving/Tue, 10 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTEdge on a steep slope and speed jumps; the fear is turning at speed. 西西 on gaze, back hand, turn shape and rhythm for a first try. Start on slopes you control.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/carving-lab-07-turn-shape-upper-arc/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/carving-lab-07-turn-shape-upper-arc/Tue, 10 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT西西 on carving turn shape: work in the upper arc, endure the force-heavy lower arc. Where pressure goes changes speed; edging and pressure are results.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/carving-lab-08-short-turn-hands/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/carving-lab-08-short-turn-hands/Tue, 10 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTSwinging hands in short turns easily lead to runaway speed. 西西: watch the lateral line down your side compress and extend. Then toeside, heelside and head.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/coach-choice-02-what-instructor-certs-prove/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/coach-choice-02-what-instructor-certs-prove/Tue, 10 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTThe Badge Test, Tech Test and instructor qualifications prove three different things. On an instructor's profile, first work out which track you're reading.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/coach-choice-03-why-a-regular-instructor/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/coach-choice-03-why-a-regular-instructor/Tue, 10 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTEvery month of the season, 西西 takes lessons from the same experienced instructor. How that teacher teaches and observes, and why 西西 values sticking with one.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/first-ski-gear-what-to-rent-buy-bring/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/first-ski-gear-what-to-rent-buy-bring/Tue, 10 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTRent most gear your first season; if you buy, buy boots first. From home, a waterproof, breathable jacket and gloves matter most. Goggle fog has other causes.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/first-trip-04-japan-ski-resort-safety-rules/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/first-trip-04-japan-ski-resort-safety-rules/Tue, 10 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTStay with your board while strapping in or out, learn to ride the lift with it on, and stop if you hit someone. KAKU on what the instructors saw in 2025–26.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/first-turn-04-heelside-fear/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/first-turn-04-heelside-fear/Tue, 10 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTTwo heelside fears, looking back and falling backward, each with a fix. Plus what to do after a fall, and the root fix: build skill on a slope you can control.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/first-turn-05-after-linking-turns/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/first-turn-05-after-linking-turns/Tue, 10 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTKAKU on what comes after linked turns: carving, ground tricks and park don't rank, why KAKU thinks most people start with carving, and what to do when stuck.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/offseason-01-ski-conditioning-notes/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/offseason-01-ski-conditioning-notes/Tue, 10 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTIn season there's no time for dedicated training. 西西's off-season notes: big cycle, deep core, hips, thoracic spine, balance, set against public guidelines.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/offseason-02-recovery-between-ski-days/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/offseason-02-recovery-between-ski-days/Tue, 10 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTTired? Rest a day for full active stretching, and train the core with lateral breathing at bedtime. 西西's wife's method, kept apart from guidance and research.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/powder-riding-01-no-brakes-speed-and-turn-shape/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/powder-riding-01-no-brakes-speed-and-turn-shape/Tue, 10 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTIn resort powder, swinging the tail to slow down only makes you slower. 西西's view: speed buys float, turn shape controls speed; powder boards share that logic.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/powder-riding-03-reading-powder-forecasts/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/powder-riding-03-reading-powder-forecasts/Tue, 10 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTHow 西西 picks a resort: snow depth by resort first, then the snow-depth layer and precipitation forecast, then the resort's own updates. Plus what this misses.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/rusutsu-winter-drive-from-sapporo/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/rusutsu-winter-drive-from-sapporo/Tue, 10 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTWinter driving notes from 西西's 200+ trips between Sapporo and Rusutsu — what to watch at Jōzankei, Nakayama Pass and the hairpin descent, plus winter parking.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/ski-filming-follow-cam-tips/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/ski-filming-follow-cam-tips/Tue, 10 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT西西's snowboard follow-cam methods: which stance setup suits it, a head strap in trees, riding parallel in powder, staying close for carving, slow-fast editing.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/carving-lab-01-what-is-carving/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/carving-lab-01-what-is-carving/Mon, 09 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTKAKU's test is the slide angle between board and direction of travel, not track width, and you can carve in rough snow. How carving differs from skidding.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/first-trip-02-how-to-choose-a-ski-lesson/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/first-trip-02-how-to-choose-a-ski-lesson/Mon, 09 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTZero experience: the Beginner Lesson. Linking turns: a Progression Lesson. Fluent S turns on red runs: Tree & Powder. The Companion is not a lesson.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/first-trip-03-snowboard-or-ski/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/first-trip-03-snowboard-or-ski/Mon, 09 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTSki first? Which is harder, riskier, where people get hurt, what each does best. KAKU answers from teaching; injury notes are not medical statistics.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/first-turn-01-how-long-to-learn-snowboard/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/first-turn-01-how-long-to-learn-snowboard/Mon, 09 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTFrom zero to linked S turns: the seven stages of SnowWind's Beginner Lesson, what each unlocks, where people get stuck, and why progress varies.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/first-turn-02-how-to-fall-on-a-snowboard/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/first-turn-02-how-to-fall-on-a-snowboard/Mon, 09 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTWhen beginner snowboarders fall backwards, the head often tips back and can hit the snow. Chin tucked, eyes on navel, back rounded: drill these before you go.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/first-turn-03-fake-weight-shift/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/first-turn-03-fake-weight-shift/Mon, 09 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTHead reach and hip push are fake weight shifts. KAKU says a real one is your whole body matching the slope and following the board. Plus a 30-second self-check.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/resort-compare-01-which-sapporo-resort-for-beginners/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/resort-compare-01-which-sapporo-resort-for-beginners/Mon, 09 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTSnowWind teaches at all four; Asarigawa Onsen and ONZE are in Otaru. Compared by stage: day-one stance, turn rhythm, and where to go once you can stop.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/resort-compare-02-niseko-or-rusutsu/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/resort-compare-02-niseko-or-rusutsu/Mon, 09 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTOf the two, SnowWind teaches at Rusutsu. KAKU on the three kinds of people Niseko suits, plus vice principal 西西 on the snow and trees at both resorts.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/powder-science-03-dryness/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/powder-science-03-dryness/Sat, 19 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTFurano City publishes a 0–100 dryness index and one anchor point. How we wired it into our model, and why the line between must be labelled inference.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/powder-science-02-slr/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/powder-science-02-slr/Sat, 12 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTSnow-liquid ratio quantifies how airy a snowfall is. How it is calculated, how temperature drives it, and why forecast snowfall cannot give it to you.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/powder-science-01-why-hokkaido/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/powder-science-01-why-hokkaido/Sat, 05 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTHokkaido snow will not hold a snowball. Part 1 traces it to the Sea of Japan, the winter monsoon and temperature — and why 30 cm is not always 30 cm.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/backcountry-gear-checklist/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/backcountry-gear-checklist/Mon, 10 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMTAvalanche trio, snow saw, snowshoes, rope, first aid and food — the full pre-departure list for Hokkaido backcountry days, with a tick-box check table.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/jsba-interview-01-carving-origins/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/jsba-interview-01-carving-origins/Why did carving go from hard to soft boots? A SnowWind interview on how snowboarding is played, its culture, names, gravity and ride quality. Original Q&A kept.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/jsba-interview-02-movement-and-control/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/jsba-interview-02-movement-and-control/Balance, starting, stopping, turning; lean, lean-out and "deeper, faster"; then why skidding on purpose matters. SnowWind interview, Part 2: Q&A and 4 graphics.https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/jsba-interview-03-whole-mountain/https://www.ykhokkaido.com/en/blog/jsba-interview-03-whole-mountain/How does carving relate to powder and the backcountry? Matching technique to snow, an early textbook and why we ride. Part 3, with 西西, kaku and the teacher.