The flight
We booked flights with Emirates because it is possible to book 40kg luggage without size restrictions. Other airlines can be quite strict about the weight, size and content of the baggage. For example, "ski luggage" often only includes a pair of skis, poles, boots and helmet. In other words, you can't take your board with you and you need a second piece of luggage for your clothes. If you then look at the surcharges for excess baggage, you get a little dizzy. The search for the right flight therefore takes some time, but is (hopefully) worth it in the end. In my case, it was worth it, as I had to rebook once and instead of flying at the start of December, I'm flying at the start of January. The rebooking was super easy. Jojo has already flown ahead and is already exploring the area.
IMPORTANT: If you want to take your airbag with you, you should enquire with the airline BEFOREhand as to which cartridges work and which do not. An e-mail history at the counter can help if you are unsure. Unfortunately, I had to leave my cartridge in Munich as the 250mg fill level of the Mammut cartridge was too high (200ml net of Division 1.4S is permitted). However, there was a mix-up here as the cartridge falls under Division 2.2 and should have been allowed to take with me on the flight. Four weeks earlier, Jojo had flown with the same airline and the same cartridge without any problems, as they had probably categorised it correctly. I was given the tip with the email from the airline at the counter. For Emirates you can find the information about the airbag backpack here and it is always worth reading exactly what it says in order to be able to argue in case of doubt. Jetstar, on the other hand, recommends that I obtain authorisation for the backpack 3 days before departure. However, this recommendation is a little useless as Jojo had tried to contact the airlines for a month before her departure without success.
The luggage
We both work in Furano, in a private ski rental shop, which also offers guiding and lessons. We prepare the rental equipment for guided backcountry ski and snowboard tours. I'll tell you more about the job when I get there. We were warned in advance that the average temperature there is -15C. In other words, it's advisable to bring some warm clothes. I've been racking my brains for a few days as to what I should take with me. Skis and snowboard? Just skis? The really thick down jacket, the thin one or both?
We are both keen ski tourers and have also spent a night or two sleeping in huts in Tyrol. In addition to powder skiing in the resorts, this is also supposed to be fantastic in Japan. However, the huts are usually pretty snowed in and it takes a lot of work to get them warm. That's why I opt for my 3-season sleeping bag from Mammut and a sleeping mat with an R-value of 3. I probably won't be able to sleep outside with it, but hopefully it will be enough for the huts. Additionally, wood is not usually available there. You have to bring your own on the way up 😉
In the end, the size and quantity of your luggage will determine what you take and what you don't take.
My "I'm packing my suitcase" looks something like this:
1 set of touring skis + touring poles + crampons
Safety equipment from Mammut (avalanche airbag, avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe)
Goggles & Helmet
Thick & thin down jacket
Gloves in various designs
Down slippers (a luxury I can't do without ..)
2x ski underwear
2x fleece in various degrees of warmth
3x ski socks
Ski touring vest
Cosmetic bag with toothbrush etc.
Sleeping bag 0C comfort + sleeping mat + bivouac sack
Everyday clothing
Laptop, camera & electronics
All of this was then stowed in my Evoc Snowgear Roller. I also have a small piece of hand luggage with me.
The airbag has to be checked in as special baggage, as does the Snowgear Roller, as it is too big for normal baggage. Individual pieces of luggage must not weigh more than 32kg, but you can check in several pieces of luggage without any problems. For example, I simply handed in the airbag separately at the airport, even though it would have fitted in the large bag. In total, I ended up with 38 kilos of checked baggage.
Immigration
Once you have arrived, you must of course immigrate. This is very easy with the visa and you get a resident card, limited to one year. This allows you to buy a car or rent a flat, for example. A real "door opener". Without it, it is way more difficult if you plan to stay longer.
