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Van Life and Skiing in Japan When the Mercury Plummets

The turns on display are sweet even if the air temperature inside the van is not.

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Ask anyone who’s ever waited out a winter storm in a cramped tent — it ain’t fun. I can’t imagine the claustrophobic confines in this crowded van were much better. But YouTuber Ryan Butterfield and friends seem to be having fun regardless as they weather an impressive Japanese snowstorm that included some of the coldest temps in 10 years.

And, of course, they found time to gnar down on some of that powder towards the middle of this twenty-minute watch. Butterfield is determined to show his viewers “the Japan you don’t know,” but if you love winter sports, you already know Japan’s slopes are not to be missed.

Just remember, you don’t have to live in a van to ski Japan. It’s a soaking culture. Make like a macaque and book a post-shred onsen instead. I can promise you it’ll be more fun than sharing van funk with your buds.

Runtime: 20 minutes

a woman weaves between trees while skiing in Japan

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