GENTEMTRIPS A DAY BY DAY featuring Hiroki Hoshi a story about his season in New Zealand

Hiroki Hoshi, who joined GENTEMSTICK last season, made an abrupt move this spring by traveling to New Zealand. We learned of his plan to use the working holiday scheme to integrate travel and life—a "live-to-travel" approach—just days before his departure. The news brought us more delight than surprise. For GENTEMSTICK, travel is fundamental, and this aligns with actions we ourselves have often taken. Though born and raised in Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture, and a precocious rider who started snowboarding at eight, Hiroki had never spent a full year continuously engaging with snow. This was a completely new experience as he approached thirty. GENTEMSTICK rider Kazushige Fujita accompanied him to document a portion of his journey.

Even after the season concluded in Japan, my desire to ride was unrelenting. During those restless days, New Zealand in the Southern Hemisphere kept surfacing in my mind. I had never visited the country, but I was drawn to the atmosphere of the Club Fields seen in videos. Furthermore, the working holiday visa offered the chance to make ends meet while continuing to ride.

"That felt like the ultimate opportunity!"

The decision was made. The goal of the trip was to discover "how I would transform by riding continuously." I wanted to witness the changes that a year-round commitment to snowboarding would bring. This aspiration provided the motivation I needed.

My home base was Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city, offering a suitable balance of nature and urban convenience. The mountains and vast natural areas are easily accessible by car, while the city itself is well-equipped with amenities and numerous skateparks. I managed to secure work as a kitchen hand at a Japanese restaurant, spending four days a week preparing food and making ramen, with after work skateboarding sessions. The remaining three days were devoted to the mountains. This rhythm was proving to be more fulfilling than I had imagined.

The Club Fields that captivated me are non-profit slopes operated by communities. The strong sense of camaraderie among members creates a familial and inviting atmosphere, unlike the feeling at conventional resorts. The terrain itself is pastoral, with rocky peaks serviced only by rope tows. Ascent requires a metal clip, the "nutcracker," attached to a waist belt, which grips the moving rope. This system is iconic, symbolizing the enduring tradition of these fields.

I was both surprised and thrilled to learn that there are roughly ten such fields. I purchased the Chill Season Pass, which covers 13 slopes, primarily the Club Fields, and began my exploration across the region.

My New Zealand season officially began on July 4th. My first day was at Porters Ski Area, just an hour and a half drive from Christchurch. As I hadn't acquired a car yet, I was fortunate to be driven by Hijiri-san, a Japanese resident of 20 years. Starting with Hijiri-san, every local I encountered was remarkably kind and helpful to me as a first-time visitor. I am truly grateful, as securing my own car later on was only possible with local assistance.

With a vehicle finally at my disposal, I dedicated my days off to driving to the mountains that interested me. Initially, due to low snow closer to my accommodation, I drove three to four hours toward the Tekapo area. The Chill Season Pass allowed me to chase better conditions by moving to where the snow was falling, such as Mount Dobson and Fox Peak. I was particularly lucky to find powder at Fox Peak, which operates on an unusual weekend-only schedule.

Later, I began frequenting Mount Olympus, located closer to home. It is known as the most demanding field in the area, and the drive to the mountain is an adventure in itself. A long stretch of off-road driving is followed by a harrowing path along a cliff, littered with sharp stones that present a constant risk of flat tires. This demanded cautious driving, forcing me to maintain a decent level of attention at the wheel.

I quickly developed an affection for Olympus, journey and all. Reaching the summit after the hike always brought a sense of accomplishment. That feeling of adventure culminates when you drop in from the peak. Olympus consistently delivered these exhilarating moments.

My early visits were guided by Rene, a local friend of Shige’s. He taught me about access and how to approach the mountain. With each visit and gained experience, I gradually started to read the mountain myself, identifying sectors like Back Ridge and Little Alaska, and developed an understanding of the relationship between wind direction and where the snow accumulated.

A notable characteristic of New Zealand is the intense wind in the mountains. Looking up, you can frequently see snow being scoured off the ridges—the air flow is almost visible. This constant strong wind means every day starts with the question: "Where is the snow sheltered today?" Reading the wind direction and terrain to choose a line is one of the distinct joys of this environment.

The sensation of riding in these alpine areas was novel. The absence of trees offers vast views, but shallow snow cover means jagged rocks are hidden everywhere. A fall is a quick reminder of a helmet's necessity, and every run engraved my board with "good memories." Navigating the harsh terrain, hunting for snow on exposed ridges, and connecting a single, clean line while avoiding rocks proved incredibly difficult. Yet, the deep conviction that I was gaining invaluable experience was imprinted on my spirit.

The community spirit is another strength of Olympus. The more I visited, the more I recognized it as a place where people easily connect, share laughs, and engage in conversation. I recently spent time in the Olympus hut where club members and staff gathered. Adults enjoyed relaxed conversation while children played outside. Joining in the moment, conversing in my developing English, was thoroughly enjoyable. The atmosphere is naturally comfortable because the people who gather there are genuinely good-natured. This is surely the characteristic and appeal of the place. I felt I had tapped into the true culture of the Club Field, a precious experience that will undoubtedly enrich my future snowboarding life.

Eventually, the New Zealand winter drew to a close. Despite a highly fulfilling season, one item remains on the list for future winters: staying overnight at the lodge. Staying on the mountain would allow me to fully immerse myself from dawn till dusk, feeling the quiet air and sharing conversations with fellow riders. This will surely lead to new encounters and deeper insights into the Club Field culture. Next time, I plan to visit not only Olympus but also Temple Basin and other locations, savoring the unique experience that only an overnight stay can provide.

Committing to a year of continuous riding sharpened my ability to read the snow and expanded my riding repertoire. Furthermore, the numerous connections made at the Club Fields, a place where birds of a feather flock together, have been a powerful inspiration for my life ahead. I am eager to see how this New Zealand experience will influence my upcoming Japanese winter and the subsequent seasons of snow life.