It’s full on swallowtail season in Northern Japan, and the Vail Daily’s intrepid on-hill reporter John LaConte is there with a flawless delivery. Vail Daily reporter John LaConte takes viewers to Shimokura resort, one of five Japanese ski areas where the Indy Pass is accepted. LaConte weapon of choice is a Weston Japow snowboard which makes mincemeat of the deeeeeepness.

To stay up to date on all the latest shred news from Vail to Japan, follow LaConte on Instagram. He’s the only reporter who can file a traditional print story, deliver a video report while shredding, and add a backflip for style. Not in Japan, but dude can rip…

Francis Xavier is a seasoned writer for Unofficial Networks, bringing a lifetime of outdoor experience to his work. Having lived in a ski resort town for years he has a deep connection to mountain culture....