Feburary 2nd 2025:
This event has always been really high on my ‘want to experience’ list. Taking part in an event like this, gives a real insight into the culture and people of a place. Japan is such a unique country with a very special culture and I felt this event displayed that first hand. My first international ski experience was here in Sapporo in 2019 where I skied the 25km distance. I think the first one is always special and in my case, it was here in 2019 when I caught the 'travel and ski bug'. It felt special to come back to the Sapporo Ski Marathon and have the opportunity to do the longer distance for the first time and at the new venue at Shirahatayama Open Stadium. I couldn't help reflect on the expereinces and what the sport has given me since my first time at this race as a novice 20 year old in 2019. Also, I am now living and working as a swim instructor in Furano, in the middle of the island of Hokkaido. I have been fascinated by Japan for a very long time and now being able to live and work here feels in many ways like a dream come true. Although this is not my home race, it definitely comes in as second best. Not to mention the ease of logistics when I only needed to travel 2 hours by car.
Due to snow, the course was changed to 3 laps of a 10km loop. Despite the changed course, the organizing committee maintained its very high standards from communication and planning through to the event delivery. It was a fantastic event and that is credit to them. Also, the weather was warm and sunny, and some snow fall earlier in the week meant for great snow conditions. To sum up, it was a great day out, but there were certainly some highlights from my trip.
There was the joy of reuniting with people in the ski community, who come from all around the world. I saw JP and Beatrice from Snow Farm in New Zealand. JP dressed up as a kiwi bird and was very easy to spot at the start line. They say kiwi birds don’t fly but I didn’t see him until the finish, so I would say this particular kiwi bird took flight:)
After the race, I went to the onsen at the accommodation. They give you Yukata to wear to and from your room to the onsen. So everyone has an image, Yukata could also be described as bath robes or pyjamas. In our Yukata in the onsen lobby, I bumped into Gunnar, who just received his Global Skier award. Congratulations Gunnar! Then Bobbi arrived, who I met at the the Iceland Night Fossavatnsgangan and who I remember as the most fun, energetic and passionate person in Iceland. It is so lovely to see these people again and again reminds me how special the sport of cross country skiing is. The oppertunity to connect with these great people from all around the world is a real privilege.
Also I feel I want to go into the onsen experience a little more. Onsen is a hot spring, where the water has a high number of natural minerals. Onsen is a big part of Japanese culture and Japanese people love them. A university swim team I was part of in Japan went on an “onset vacation” where we travelled from place to place with the main purpose of going to the various onsen. They are not only for relaxation, but they are said to have healing properties. Also, I talked to some people who live in Hokkaido and pay a winter membership where they go to the onsen every day instead of showering/bathing at home as it is cheaper than paying for hot water. Although I have been to onsen before, this was my first time in a snowy winter. There were multiple baths, with one outdoor bath. Sitting in the steaming hot water with snow falling on me was the best combination and the ultimate way to relax. After a morning of skiing…Delightful!
The accomodation parking was also a new experience. Well at first there seemed to be no parking, just signs pointing to this small garage door which didn't seem to open, even when I jumped out of the car and waved and jumped infront of it. It seemed to be one of those parking elevators which I had heard about but never seen or experienced before. After some time, the garage operator showed up and directed my car inside. Even though I have a tiny wee car, this was a tight fit. Then, for some unknown reason I thought I was supposed to go up with the car. I waited in the car, all excited and curious about the idea of going in a lift in a car. The operator must have thought I was taking ages getting my luggage. Eventually he came to check if I was okay and I was just sitting in the drivers seat. We both laughed. Such a new experience. I didn’t know if your're supposed to leave your keys inside or what to do. Anyway, I watched the lights from outside as my car soared up to the 32nd floor. The next morning, in no time at all my car was back in the ground floor little garage, and had somehow been turned around to face the street, all ready to drive off. Very impressive and a funny experience.
The next day I went to see some of the artwork displayed at the Sapporo Snow Festival during the day. Incredible what people can create with snow and ice and I really love seeing the creativity behind it.
On my drive back to Furano, I went on my own improvised Tofu Tour, to visit some of the places who make fresh tofu by hand. I am a total tofu fan and the fresh tofu here is on a whole new level compared to what is available overseas. There used to be these small tofu shops in every town in Japan, but with large factories now selling tofu in supermarkets, they are slowly going out of business. I love to find and support the small shops, where you can see them making it by hand and get the freshest tofu available.
Now I am back at work in Furano, with an extra bounce in my step after a weekend of skiing, travel and great people. Fortunately there is much of winter left and much more skiing to be enjoyed. Thank you Sapporo Ski Marathon!
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