It was almost go time. I could hear the gondola turning from my office; see the skis and boards being waxed; smell the anticipation. Everything was in motion for the moment we were all waiting for, yet something was amiss… Where was the snow?
There was a dump a couple weeks back that had us squirming with excitement in our swivel chairs. It came down as light and fluffy as can be expected in Niseko, blanketing not only the slopes, but the whole landscape in four feet of the white stuff. We reveled in our good fortune, already dreaming of sliding. Then, tragedy struck. Sparkling white crystals changed to water and washed the snowy dream away. Not to worry, we thought, it will be back soon. The weather had certainly been toying with our emotions. I’ve had Elton John’s “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” playing on repeat in my mind. Cheesy, yes, but also fitting. November has that effect on me as it holds the fate of my passion (and my career!) in it’s fickle grips. It had been snowing on and off with very little accumulation less than a week from opening day.
Aside from holding my breath, I did participate in a unique way to ring in the winter season. Every year, before we open our doors to skiers and snowboarders from around the world, a safety prayer ceremony is held to bless the resort. This ritual is known as Anzenkigansai, a Shinto ceremony aimed a providing good auspices all season long. I must confess to my complete lack of skill where Japanese language is involved, so my experience was limited to observation. What I do know is this: Shintoism is not so much a religion as it is a collection of rituals and stories that encompass Japanese spirituality. It’s practices express a clear connection between all things living and the natural forces they are subjected to. How better to plead for the right snow conditions? Our shinto prayer for safety coincided with my prayers being answered as we silently took in the shinto priests chants. His voice echoed off the walls while snow fell as quietly as we stood, making for quite a surreal setting.
Winter has finally arrived here, but somewhere else… Winter is coming.
K