New Dormies' Trip to Kokusai Ski Resort

Written by Khant Htoo Naing; Photos by Khant Htoo Naing

Introduction

In order to experience the winter season, new dorm students in Hokkaido International School Dormitory organized their own trip to Kokusai Ski Resort. On Saturday at 9:30 AM, Batgii from Mongolia, Aito from Kazakhstan, and Khant—a senior dormie—headed for Sumikawa Station while taking their gear with them.

A Rough Start

The group made use of the Chuo Bus Pack, a round-trip bus from Makomanai Station to Kokusai Ski Resort, and a day ski lift ticket. They were supposed to leave at 10:07 AM, but as the bus did not come on schedule, they thought that they had already missed the bus. In a nervous state, they doubted if they were standing in front of the right station. Batgii, the sole individual who could speak Japanese, reluctantly boarded a commuter bus to ask the driver. Fortunately, they did not have to worry because they were at the right stop after all.

Equipment Problems on the Slopes

After they arrived, they got ready and took the gondola up the mountain. Just as they were about to ski down the hill, Aito realized a ratchet buckle was missing from her snowboard ankle strap. After a quick laugh, she took the gondola back down to rent a snowboard, while Khant and Batgii skied down the hill.

A Fun Day

Following a delicious takoyaki and fried chicken lunch, the group ran into their AP Literature and Publications teacher, Mr. Pangier, and his family inside the resort building. They were on their way out when Mr. Pangier realized that he had forgotten his driver's license after exchanging it for a ride on a Gentem Stick powder board. After he retrieved it, they said goodbye a second time as the three went back out to the slopes.

Still in the learning stages, the new dormies stayed on the green run/beginner's trail for the rest of the afternoon. They fell many times, but this only made it more enjoyable since they laughed and cheered each other on. They all had fun learning and improving together (kaizening in Mr. Pangier's words), making memories that would last a lifetime.

A Surprise Ending

At 4:10 PM, they finished and rode the 4:45 PM bus home. After getting back to the dorm, Khant discovered Aito's missing ratchet buckle in a storage room floor corner. Despite the small setbacks, the trip gave the new students a perfect bonding experience in Hokkaido’s snow. Plus, Aito's snowboard was fixed.

Words From New Dormies

“It was a lot of fun! thanks to Khant 😼.”  - Aito

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“It was very fun to learn how to ski with everyone.”  - Batgii