4 years with SASS

We met Guts five years ago and knew right away that he would end up part of our team. Guts has been on Hokkaido for over 20 years exploring both the mountains and the surf. Residing in Kutchan (positioned between Niseko and Kiroro), he and his crew of snowboarders (Downchill) are pioneers on Hokkaido, bringing Japanese snowboard culture away from the ski areas and into the backcountry. A lover of nature, when asked if he has a girlfriend his response is always the same: “I have two… the mountains and the ocean.” His laugh is contagious and he is consistently our most requested guide. Known for his love of the perfect slash, Guts is the epitome of a soul shredder.  He provides a truly Japanese perspective to our experience and has welcomed us as well as all of our clients to his home for the past three years. He knows these mountains as well as anyone and is happy to share his extensive knowledge and unique approach to mountain travel.