Watch: Jon Olsson in Hakuba Japan
Former elite freeskier and alpine ski racer, Jon Olsson has spent plenty of time in the Hakuba Valley. Why? As you’ll hear him say in the below videos “Welcome to pow town” – it’s the snow, and the sheer volume of it that keeps him returning year after year.
The Swedish-born Olsson took many medals away throughout his career on the slopes. From the Rip Curl tour to the US Freeskiing Open and the Red Bull Big Air Championship. He also received medals at the Winter Games too many times to record. Since 2005 he has been hosting his own tournament – the annual Jon Olsen Invitational (a prestigious Big Air competition).
Outside of all the awards, Olsson is also known for his inventive moves. Including his famous ‘Kanagaroo Flip’ – a double flat spin 900 that saw him win the 2008 Winter X Games.
Off the slopes, Olsson is a professional YouTuber, creating weekly vlogs filled with travel and adventure. Lucky for us, that means we can get an inside look into what the adventures of an alpine ski racer in Hakuba look like.
Watch below to see Olsson and his mates navigate tree runs in a snowstorm, hike to find epic stashes of snow, and enjoy freeskiing on a bluebird day. The hype level is well and truly high.