Guide diaries: Charlie E.
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 Charlie “Chucky Buckets” Eaton – he is an endless ball of energy and enthusiasm. He has been chasing the endless winter ever since he finished school, working as a Ski Patroller in Canada and Australia, a Guide with an accredited Canadian Avalanche training company in Australia and he is also a Nurse. You’re in safe hands.
Where did you grow up, Chuck?
Cabarita Beach, a sleepy little surfing village just north of Byron Bay, Australia. The surf is no good there though… go to Byron.
How did you start skiing?
When I was 18 and first finished school, I planned to have a gap year before maybe studying or finding a “real” job. I managed to snag a job cleaning dishes in a ski lodge and the rest is history. I’ve now spent my entire adult life chasing winters!
Favourite local spot to ski:
Mt Nitonupuri! It’s easy to access, there’s plenty of safe, fun terrain for when conditions are marginal and some more critical stuff for when it’s on! But the best thing is Yukichichibu Onsen, two minutes from the head of the trail!
Favourite thing to do on a day off:
Grab some mates, hit the skin track, snap some shots, jump in an onsen, smash ramen, crush responsibly enjoy a beer, hit the hay early and get ready to do it all again tomorrow!
Favourite place to eat:
Niseko Kushiya, the best local Yakatori you’ll find.
Favourite piece of guiding or photography equipment:
For guiding my Oakley goggles, if I can’t see, I can’t ski or shoot!
For photography my Nikon D500, it’s a beast!
It’s a powder day! What do you do first?
Being a guide, I should say, I start by checking weather and avalanche conditions. But to be honest you’ll find me at getting a coffee off Nana at the Morning Owl. Can’t start my day without the best coffee in town!
What do you love about Japan?
The culture, the food, the pow! Same as everyone, right?
What do you wish you knew about Japan before you got here?
The toilets double as bidets. A pleasant surprise however.