Interview

William Ross

Mountain and ski guide based in Myoko, as well as kayaker, writer, editor of Outdoor Japan magazine and local radio host. Originally from the US, but resident in Japan for nearly 40 years.

“I was living in Joetsu, Niigata, just to the north of the Shin’etsu, area when I first came to Japan. Right away, though, I was drawn to the mountains nearby, especially Mt. Myoko and the mountains around it. I come from the snowy part of the US (although without real mountains!), but I had never seen snow like it falls in the mountains here.

“After living and working in Tokyo for many years, I found myself being once again pulled back to the area. I decided to spend one season in Myoko to think about my next job, but also to improve my skiing so I could get up into the deep snows in the hills. More than 20 years later, I’m still here, now guiding and skiing as well as writing.

“The deep snow has made this area increasingly famous around the world, and for good reason. But it’s also the untouched natural world all around us that is equally surprising for visitors. Just head back behind Mt. Myoko and the human world simply disappears, especially in winter, when the few mountain trails and access roads simply disappear under the powder.

“The green season is great as well, and I enjoy introducing guests to everything from sansai (wild vegetable) hunting, paddling canoes and kayaks in Lake Nojiri to hiking through the autumn colors on the many trails.”