Baby It's Cold Outside

There’s something this trip that I’ve achieved, something I thought truly unattainable. I’ve joined an elite branch of the human race; I’ve climbed up the ranks of physical ability, agility and endurance.

I am now officially someone who can ski.

That’s right folks, you heard it here first. If you were in the Hakuba region last week, yes, that was me zipping down the slopes and no, I shan’t be handing out autographs. I’ll save the publicity for the upcoming Winter Olympic events I’ll obviously be partaking in.

In fact, the entire Caruana troupe skied down the slopes with so much grace and finesse, you’d have thought we were a posh German family on our winter vacation because the pooowder in Japan is just faaaabulous…

There’s only one way to say it - we were naturals. The only thing German about us losing our ski-ginity was the head-to-toe Aldi snow gear we were sporting. Everything else – sheer talent.

In all honesty, we weren’t sure how we’d go in the snow. Our Aussie bods – they’re built for UV rays and the sea and the sand – not snow. The -9° temps seriously had us questioning if we’d be able to tackle Hakuba.

But all it took was a ski lesson, a healthy stack or two, and a broken ski before we were all gliding down the slopes.

So, let me run you through an average day in Hakuba…

Cue the breakfast buffet. We’re talking fresh udon, winter veggies, miso soup, all served over fluffy rice and drenched in soy sauce. We’d then squeeze ourselves into our gear and ski all day long, stopping only occasionally to rescue someone/someone’s ski/someone’s ski pole from the deep powder/forest/bottom of the chairlift. Our evenings were spent rugged up in all our winter clothes, and revolved around yet another meal, before coming back to our beautiful hotel and watching the perfect snowflakes floating down from the sky.

I must also mention the wonder of popping my onsen cherry at Hakuba (it really was a week of firsts). An onsen, a traditional Japanese bath, is one shared with several other women in steaming hot mineral pools… stark naked. Just think of a day spa but, you’re naked with other naked people. A thought that truly terrified me, one that made my face twist with discomfort, but honestly came to be my favourite part of the day after I’d given it a go. It was incredible to experience some proper tradition with Japanese people - especially one as soothing as an onsen after a long day on the chilly slopes. Better yet, the outdoor hot bath, where mum and I sat each night whilst the snow came down around us.

Heaven? Better.

Hakuba.

Ps. Special kudos to my wonderful and talented mum who was behind the camera for most of these photos. She has a whole lot more on Instagram at @alittlepeacephotography