Coup d’état

Mike- The fires of revolution have been lit across the great nation known best for its unique take on toasted bread and its grease laden fries. This month, French publication ‘Fluid’ printed a groundbreaking article on the unique autureship found in Sweetgrass flicks, sending shockwaves through city streets and across the countryside. Rumor has it that the talk in the streets is of a new type of ski filmmaking founded on the principles of equality and truth for the common man and woman, so load your musket, throw your kitchen table into the smoldering street barricade around the corner, its time to storm the Bastille! Thanks to Antoine for putting this together; shots by myself and the venerable Hiroyuki Yamada.

Forrest coots getting deep in Niseko, photo by Mike Brown

Forrest Coots lays down a Signature turn

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Blessed With Sunshine In Niseko

JT Robinson laying it down in drop knee style

Nick–After battling massive snowstorms for the past several days, the Sweetgrass Productions crew was finally able to enjoy some time in the sun- if only for a short while.  Weather systems coming across the sea of japan are liable to change a picturesque sunny morning into a raging blizzard of monster sized flakes within minutes.  Nonetheless, we were able to enjoy a few shots in the early morning glow. Taro, Ken, and the Gentemstick crew watched from the parking lot as JT Robinson, Caroline Gleich, Adam M., and Forrest slid down steeper lines in the Iwanopurri zone. Spray envy ensued as the Japanese board fiends saw the snow fly out the ends of JT’s deep tele turn.

Moments like this are fleeting, as our Hokkaido snow buddies keep to their own snow sliding devices. It feels like the mid 90’s in that regard, when riding on two planks got lame and little kids rushed for the board. While mid-life crises are still fueling board rentals at Vail and the ebay Pocket Rocket bubble, dismembering someone cause they face downhill is no longer du rigeur. Occasional loogies still fly from chairlifts, but most folks are over that divisive bullshit.

No spitting or biting occurs over here on the north island, but riders hang out with riders and we’d like to see a little more hand holding if you know what I mean. Taro enjoyed JT’s turns, and we enjoyed sharing a tele-guru’s signature with a snowsurf extraordinaire. A huge thanks to Mr. Robinson for breaking down boundaries and bringing the Japanese snow scene one step closer to 2009.

bluebird morny in Niseko

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