Land of the Rising Sun

I check my watch; it is 2:57 a.m. I usher the last guests out of the bar; their day is coming to a close, but mine is just beginning. I finish my closing duties and pack my bag with my camera and ski gear. I put on my snow pants and jacket and get ready to head out. The owner of the bar is having a cigarette after our shift, and I wish him a good night as I walk out the door. The ski hill isn't far away—maybe a ten-minute walk up the street from the bar. It's still dark, but I know there is no time to waste as dawn is fast approaching. I meet up with my friends at the base of the Grand Hirafu resort as planned. The lifts don't run in the middle of the night, so we have to walk up the slopes...View all