The people of Niseko, Kutchan and surrounding area rallied together on the snow with a charity ride and auction to raise funds for the Tohoku tsunami relief fund and Red Cross Japan yesterday. Local legends, companies, embassadors and professional riders all donated their time and gear to this great cause and event that has been touring from resort to resort around Hokkaido the past couple weeks.

A small donation of  500 yen got you a respect-ribbon to tie on your goggles, a few hour ski or snowboard session with your pick of 37 Japanese pros and a chance to bid on gear in the afternoon auction. Two MC hosts gathered the attention for a long moment of silence in respect for the lives lost, homes and land in ruins, then organized everyone into freeride or park groups.

The level was raised on our first run by our leader and crew spinning 3's, 5's and 7's off the catwalk on Roy's run and cruising powder. Everybody was cheering each other on, buttering and getting fresh. Rome sds pro Hiromasa Ihara and friends were inspirational riders to rip with and follow through the pipe and park. The sun and snow came and went throughout the session and kept switching back and forth during the auction keeping it real. Everybody's spirits were high and the general feeling of doing something worthy was felt through the crowd. Loud laughs and big smiles all around while the bidding wars were battled for loads of gear. It was a day to remember and a reminder to continue supporting by doing what we can. Thanks to everyone who participated and donated! Holiday Niseko