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Nikon D700 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 340 mm — ¹/400 sec, f/7.1, ISO 220 — map & image data — nearby photos
Kindergarten Olympic Slalom Time Trials
ready to hit the gates

Anthony spent the weekend at a “ski camp” with the Kyoto YMCA. I put “ski camp” in quotes because over the course of the entire weekend they spent only two hours on skis.

The real point of the weekend, as it is with all YMCA events, is the overall experience that fosters “Caring · Honesty · Responsibility · Respect” (as per their logo). Still, getting on skis was certainly the highlight of the sleepover weekend. It was held at a small ski area an hour and a half north (Hakodateyama Ski Area), and I scooted up on Sunday morning to catch them during the actual ski time.

It was the first time for six-year-old Anthony.... and most of the kids.

Nikon D700 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 200 mm — ¹/1600 sec, f/5.6, ISO 200 — map & image data — nearby photos
Anticipation

Nikon D700 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 180 mm — ¹/1250 sec, f/4.8, ISO 200 — map & image data — nearby photos
Final Instruction
before his first run

Nikon D700 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 200 mm — ¹/1600 sec, f/4.8, ISO 200 — map & image data — nearby photos
First Run: Like a Pro

Nikon D700 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 320 mm — ¹/800 sec, f/5.6, ISO 200 — map & image data — nearby photos
Sportsmen and their Gear

Nikon D700 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 220 mm — ¹/1000 sec, f/4.8, ISO 200 — map & image data — nearby photos
Second Run
amid a few flying flakes of snow

Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 24 mm — ¹/400 sec, f/14, ISO 220 — map & image data — nearby photos
Hakodateyama Ski Area
Anthony's group spent the entire time in this little area (mouseover to see)

Nikon D700 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 230 mm — ¹/500 sec, f/8, ISO 200 — map & image data — nearby photos
First Run With Poles

Nikon D700 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 130 mm — ¹/1250 sec, f/4.8, ISO 200 — map & image data — nearby photos
High-Speed Pass

Nikon D700 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 120 mm — ¹/1250 sec, f/4.8, ISO 200 — map & image data — nearby photos
End of Run
runs ended with an oomph into the arms of a YMCA “leader” volunteer

Nikon D700 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 340 mm — ¹/2000 sec, f/4.8, ISO 200 — map & image data — nearby photos
Break Between Runs

Nikon D700 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 130 mm — ¹/2500 sec, f/2.8, ISO 200 — map & image data — nearby photos
Group Photo-Op
Before Heading Home
( the guy in the foreground is a “leader” YMCA volunteer taking a photo )

Nikon D700 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 200 mm — ¹/6400 sec, f/2.8, ISO 200 — map & image data — nearby photos
Heading Home

Nikon D700 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 86 mm — ¹/2000 sec, f/4, ISO 200 — map & image data — nearby photos
About to Descend the Mountain
to busses waiting more than half a kilometer below