![Snowy mountain at kokusai]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1764546174/hisacjp/jzvavepopba7pxbpipdm/Pic.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1764546174/hisacjp/jzvavepopba7pxbpipdm/Pic.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1764546174/hisacjp/jzvavepopba7pxbpipdm/Pic.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1764546174/hisacjp/jzvavepopba7pxbpipdm/Pic.jpg","width":1000}])
- Huskies Outdoors
- Huskies Wellness
Students kicked off the season at Sapporo Kokusai this weekend, arriving early to experience extraordinary early-season snow conditions more typical of December than November, allowing them to carve clean first tracks through silent, untracked snowfields from summit to base in consistent sub-zero temperatures that preserved the snow’s cold-smoke quality. Beyond the thrill, they framed the first run as the start of his annual winter wellness ritual, highlighting how snow sports provide a powerful blend of cardiovascular activity, nature exposure, and mental restoration, where the mountain acts as open-air therapy and powder days help reset stress, sleep, and motivation, while continued snowfall in the forecast fuels optimism for a standout season ahead.
First Runs at Kokusai
With winter setting in over Hokkaido, there’s only one thing on John and Liam's mind: snowboarding. The excitement for the season at an all-time high, they rushed to the slopes for the first run of the season to become the first riders to carve the untouched snow at Sapporo Kokusai Resort.
Untouched early-season powder
The snow was pristine, light, and fluffy, just like they had imagined and craved all year. It was the snow that Hokkaido is famous for. The slopes were quiet, a sort of heaven for them, giving John and Liam a chance to ride to their heart's content. Every turn, bump, and jump felt like a reward that they had waited months for.
Beyond the thrills of his first tracks, John emphasised the deeper value of the snow’s return. For him, this symbolised more than just snowboarding and snow quality — it marked the start of his seasonal wellness ritual. Snowboarding, he explained, offered him an intersection of cardiovascular exercise and mental restoration. Normally, John explained, cardio is something he dreads. But snowboarding is special. For John, snowboarding is medicine. It resets his stress and pent-up frustrations.
Snowboarding is undeniably the best way to chill and have fun with your friends, talk about life, eat food, all while ripping down the mountain. The crisp mountain air, the rush of adrenaline, and the laughter shared made the day unforgettable and left them eager for the next ski days coming.
Hokkaido's Famous Soft Serve
Living in Sapporo, our students have the chance to ski and snowboard during our winter season. With the white days HIS has yearly, students have the opportunity to experience a true Husky winter, just like John and Liam.
As the season begins, we look forward to more great snow days. Until then, we leave you to some parting comments from our Husky boarders.
“I didn’t snowboard in shorts.” - John Wang
“Finally, the best part of living in Sapporo has come. ” - Liam Adelbert Halim