Hello. This is Domyson Abuan, one of the Learning Mentors at ICT Hakusanroku.
On March 17th, 2026, in partnership with Hakusan City, students and teachers from Hakusanroku Campus participated in a snow-walking excursion at the Nature House Chugu Onsen Ski Area. The trip was guided by our very own Philip Cadzow sensei and the ever-energetic Mr. Aikawa, who told us to call him Ai-chan from the Hakusanroku Youth Nature Hous.

We took a short bus ride, during which Ai-chan entertained us with fascinating stories about the mountain village until we arrived. Although the ski area is no longer in operation, it is still carefully maintained. A tiny clock tower greeted us at the entrance. The slopes were flat and quiet, as if resting. We were led to the cafeteria, which—despite being unused—still had neatly arranged pots and tables. There, we learned about the site and how to wear kanjiki (traditional snowshoes). Ai-chan’s lively storytelling quickly became the highlight. He shared how young couples once skied and snowboarded at night while watching fireworks. He also told a funny story about an elderly couple reminiscing about watching fireworks in their youth, only for everyone to realize that only one of them had actually been there.

Once our kanjiki were securely fastened, we were ready to begin. It was a short hike up a gentle slope. The weather was sunny, birds were chirping in the distance, and we all took in the peaceful scenery. Along the way, we found old animal tracks, and Ai-chan taught us how to identify the animals that made them. We then moved into a small forest area with a narrow stream, trekking down carefully under Philip sensei’s guidance. The students were buzzing with excitement—giggles, “oohs,” and “aahs” filling the air. Following the stream, we reached a small waterfall, where a few brave students touched the water and immediately realized how freezing it was.

After hiking back up, we returned to the main slope. This time, we faced a different direction, and the mountain view surprised us. From the top, the mountains looked like a towering painted wall, brushed in shades of gray and white. After some playful snowball fights, “snowball cannons,” and sliding around, we gathered to take a group photo—engineering-style. We attempted a human pyramid and, after a few tries, managed to get the shot.

Lunch followed: a delicious set of onigiri, miso soup, and tea. Re-energized, we moved on to the afternoon activity—snow sledding. For two nonstop hours, the slope turned into a highway of laughter. Each student held a sled, and the tour guides even built a small launching platform for those eager to try a gentle sled jump.

At the end, all the students lined up at the top, sleds in hand, and raced down the slope together. Once everyone reached the bottom, we wrapped up the day, thanked Ai-chan and the Hakusan City officials, and left with a simple reminder: in nature, we don’t need gadgets—just our senses to take in its beauty.

Domyson Abuan