EVERYONE, THIS PAGE REALLY NEEDS TO BE IMPROVED - db

The areas described in these pages can be extremely hazardous and you are expected to have a full understanding of the risks involved. These pages make an effort to be a guide and as such have tried to be as accurate as possible, but no liability is assumed for any misinformation, mistakes in content, misjudgment of the conditions in the mountains, or routefinding errors. The specific terrain described in these pages requires a certain degree of backcountry knowledge and mountaineering experience. This terrain is not for beginners. If you are new to backcountry travel or are unsure about the terrain, please go with a guide. Most popular ski areas in Japan will have an English-speaking guide service. The forums can help you find one.

If you are new to freeriding then read this info and apply it in the mountains. It applies whether you are ridding off-piste within resort boundaries, riding side-country or touring back-country.

1. Never cross above a group already below you
That includes whilst ascending, traversing a bowl or during the descent. You could trigger an avalanche on top of them.

2. Never ride below a group already riding above you
This very selfishly outs the higher group in a position that would result in an unexpected avalanche hitting you. They most likely tried very hard to avoid any peoiple beolow them, so don't cross in below once they are riding (or ascending). In doing so you instantly put your life in their hands.

3. Never drop in without knowing if anyone is below you.
This is often difficult to manage. It means knowing the terrain. Wait for a long enough period to know that anyone riding should have appeared from a blind spot.

4. Always carry a beacon, shovel and probe.
And know how to use them, including how to perform a proper search, when to start probing and how to dig. Practice regularly your beacon search skills to be able to locate a buried person within 5 minutes. Carrying a beacon straight from the box is as useful as not carrying a beacon at all.

5. Always carry first aid and equipment spare parts in your group
It is selfish not to and dangerous if a vital bit of equipment fails as a storm or late afternoon approaches.

6. Always tell someone where you are going.
And what time you expect to return. Don't deviate from your plan.

7. Know what weather has been for the last 72 hours
Follow bulletins and forecasts and blogs. Call around for local knowledge, ask pension owners.

If you don't understand why there is a need for the above points or you know but don't care, please stay on groomed slopes.