Riding untouched powder had been on my bucket list for years. Last winter, I finally checked it off in Hokkaido, Japan. It was my first true backcountry experience, and it was everything I dreamed of—intense, humbling, and unbelievably beautiful.

We started the morning with avalanche safety checks and a short hike through pine forests. I had my splitboard, beacon, probe, and a heart full of adrenaline. The silence was powerful, only interrupted by the wind and crunch of snow.

The descent? Pure bliss. Waist-deep powder, no tracks in sight. I floated with every turn, navigating between trees with instinct and focus. But I also learned hard truths—like how fast conditions change and how important it is to trust your gear and your crew.

This experience pushed me in every way. It wasn't just about riding. It was about awareness, trust, and presence. And I'd do it all again in a heartbeat.