Guide diaries: Eric De Paoli
When it comes to local secrets, there are no better experts than our guides here at Niseko Photography & Guiding. We’re spending the next few weeks asking each of them a series of questions. Next up is Eric De Paoli – a passionate skier, rock climber, photographer, and traveler – Eric’s excited to continue chasing snow around the globe, always with a camera in hand.
Where did you grow up, Eric?
I’ve grown up throughout British Columbia. I call the coast home now – it’s the perfect blend of mountains and ocean.
How did you start skiing?
At the Kimberley Alpine Resort, strapped into the racer chaser dragging my parents around while pizza-ing a little too hard.
Favourite local spot to ski:
Can’t tell you, I can show you though.
Favourite thing to do on a day off:
If I’m not ski touring on my days off it usually involves an going to an onsen and editing photos.
Favourite place to eat:
Seicomart.
Favourite piece of guiding or photography equipment:
Probably my down jacket. It get’s quite cold here and being cold while skiing is never fun. That, or a ski strap. I wouldn’t be able to do my job without a camera either so that always finds its way into my pack too.
It’s a powder day! What do you do first?
Wake up early, and make a strong cup of coffee. Head to Seicomart to fill my pockets with Onigiri and hit the slopes.
What do you love about Japan?
The people, the quirkiness of everything, the food, the snow.
What do you wish you knew about Japan before you got here?
Knowing more of the language would definitely help.