Yuki Matsuri

The Sapporo Snow Festival is a long standing tradition in February. In Odori Park in the middle of town 100's of snow sculptures are created. For many people it is a highlight of their stay in Hokkaido so Sarah and I managed to get a day off together and with a hired car and a couple of friends made it over to Sapporo for a night. The sculptures were amazing. The creators had trouble as a day before the opening it rained and many were damaged. So a few last minute touch ups were required. The festival goes for about a week and there are many others like it around Hokkaido. A testament to how cold it is here in winter!

Trying not to laugh

But it just keeps on coming. Here are some more pics. The first is of a mate called Buddy in some off the chair back country. The second is Sarah loving the pow the first day riding after a 2 week forced lay off due to a snapped sewing needle stuck in her foot. This resulted i n a night in hospital, 8 stitches, NZD600 and 2 weeks of no riding!