Wow… I was honestly shocked. I never imagined Bajiri would end up in such a state. What on earth has to happen to cause something like this?? The sheer force of destruction is overwhelming…

As I stared at the scene, for some reason I imagined myself carrying a woman dressed in a kimono on my back, strapped into a packboard?me, of all people! (Yes, I really imagined it!) The woman was Aya Koda. You know, the author of Kuzure ("Collapse")?there was a scene like that in the book, wasn’t there? (Was there…?)

And then I wondered, how would she describe this scene in her elegant, refined prose? With those thoughts in mind, I clacked my way forward over rock-hard spoon-cut snow underfoot. Even from a distance, the place was so powerful it was scary… I instantly lost all will to ski anywhere near it.

Goodbye, Bajiri.

So?I changed plans and headed for my usual spot: Oiagesawa. At the entrance, the snow was still connected. And as I went further?yes, there was snow! A bit spoon-cut, but still skiable. I smoothed out a ski-width path, then another. And then?I skied it.

Ahhh… I got to ski here again this year. So happy!

As for the video I shot it contains material that I believe will be useful for studying B-tele. What downhill skiing requires is braking control and directional change. The key is to refine those two elements. It’s not about how you turn. Especially when it comes to the telemark turn?it’s not something born of necessity. It’s a matter of firm intent.

To put it more gently?it’s a style, perhaps? One path of many. If you can step away from the telemark turn for a moment, my movements are quite easy to copy.

If you have a chance to ski with me this time of year?please do!

June 17, 2025