Japan's backcountry brought together Zeb Powell, Ylfa Runarsdottir, Takeru Otsuka, and Maria Thomsen for a return that felt familiar but never stale. From quick roadside hikes to instantly classic runs, the snow delivered exactly what everyone hoped for. Deep, dreamy, and worth the effort. Between early-season laps, local perspective, and nights spent over ramen and onsen, this chapter captures why Japan keeps pulling riders back in, season after season.