It's Never Too Late To Have Your First Touring Experience

Whether you've been involved with the skiing community for a while or just stopped by a mountain for a day trip, there’s one quote that you’ve most likely heard time and time again. 

“I’d love to try backcountry skiing.”

It’s something that almost every skier and snowboarder out there has wanted to try, but for many, fears and excuses quite often stand in the way. 

“I’m too old”, “I’m not fit enough”, “I wouldn’t even know where to go” – all common excuses that people use, and while they are valid considerations to keep in mind whenever you are venturing into the backcountry, Jackie, alongside her shredding troupe in the Ski Goddesses are here to prove you wrong. 

Having ventured across to Japan alongside a group of 8+ women skiers from all around the world, visiting Japan for their first ever dose of backcountry pow, Jackie has now opened up a whole new world of skiing – one that she didn’t think was possible after over three decades on the planks. 

“I love trees now and I never thought I'd say that,” she laughs. 

Having primarily spent her winters skiing in the French Alps, Jackie broke down the big differences and what really helped Japan's terrain stand out as a massive point of difference from her usual style of riding. 

“Our mountains are much higher back home, we normally ski up to about 3,000 metres.  But here in Niseko, it’s only about 1,000 metres, which means it’s not too steep. Once you get out the gates it gets a little bit more hectic, but overall, it’s been amazing.”

"Fresh snow every day, getting in amongst the trees, having guides that take us to find the best powder every day, it’s been unreal.”

Discussing how her abilities have developed throughout the week and the positive impact of riding alongside a group of other women of the same ability and a certified guide, Jackie now couldn’t be a bigger supporter of venturing out with a group while skiing.

“Because you're with other women who are of a similar standard, or maybe even better than you, they stretch you to try new things.”

“We're not chasing after our husbands anymore. We're with other women that have a similar mentality, I think it absolutely creates more of an inclusive community.”

Something that every rider out there needs, a safe community that'll be there for you when pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone. Something that Jackie, a self-confessed “nervous skier”, credited to helping to try new terrain and push her abilities safely.

“I like to go where the other people aren’t skiing, so a bit of back country is really good fun, but I'm quite a nervous skier, so I always like to go with someone who's experienced. But that being said, with this trip, I wanted to be pushed and tested as well. So coming to Japan really was the perfect opportunity to try skiing powder in the backcountry.”

And when you're exerting maximum energy tearing up the slopes every day, we all know how incredibly important things like sustenance and rest can be. Luckily, it's not something Jackie has to worry about again, having now found her winning formula within the Japanese snow lifestyle.

“Honestly, to be out on the mountain early, skiing powder, and then stopping in the afternoon for a nice lunch, and then going to the onsen early afternoon. For me, it definitely beats most other skiing experiences I’ve had.”

We agree, Jackie, we agree. There's truly nothing better than a shred, sushi, onsen 1,2,3 combo. If you haven't tried it for yourself, you're missing out big time.

Keen to try your first ever touring experience? Take a note out of Jackie's book and take the leap this winter! Explore options