About Your Hosts

Meet the Ikigai Powder Tours Team: Your Guides to the Ultimate Myoko Kogen Snowboarding Experience

Welcome to Ikigai Powder Tours, where a dedicated team of passionate snowboarding experts is ready to make your mountain adventure in Myoko Kogen unforgettable. Get to know the incredible hosts who will guide you through the best powder runs and hidden gems of Japan’s top snowboarding destination.

Sam – Snow Safety Expert & Freeride Tour Competitor
Sam is our snow safety guru and freeride tour competitor, bringing over a decade of experience riding the mountains of Myoko. Originally from Victoria, Sam knows these slopes inside and out. Sponsored by YES and Snobdi, he competes in freeride tours, combining his deep knowledge of snow safety with his love for backcountry, ice climbing, and splitboard mountaineering. Beyond his snow expertise, Sam is also a professional DJ and soon-to-be dad. If you're looking to master the mountains and understand snow safety, Sam is your go-to guide.

Slugga (Shaun) – Park Specialist & Backcountry Enthusiast
Shaun, better known as Slugga, is our laid-back park specialist with a flair for tricks and jumps. His extensive knowledge of Myoko and fluency in Japanese make him an invaluable guide both in the park and the backcountry. Whether you’re hitting the jumps or navigating the powder-filled forests, Slugga’s expertise will make your ride truly memorable.

Lance – Charger & Young Legend
Lance is the embodiment of youthful energy and expertise. Despite running several businesses and being the life of the party, Lance dedicates himself to progressing as a rider in Myoko. His passion for park riding and exploring the powdery tree runs is infectious, and his love for Japan as a second home shines through in every ride. Join Lance for a dynamic snowboarding experience you won’t forget.

Abra – Sport Psychologist & Backcountry Expert
Abra is our resident sports psychologist with a love for snowboarding, nature, and Japanese culture. At 40 years young, Abra brings a wealth of experience in sport science and mental coaching, including working with Olympians. Having spent winters in Myoko since 2017, Abra is a master of backcountry touring and deep powder riding. With his expertise in both mental and physical performance, Abra is here to ensure your experience on the mountain is not only exhilarating but also mentally empowering.

YES Snowboard Pros on Tour

DCP – Legendary Snowboarder & Co-Founder of YES Snowboards
David Carrier-Porcheron, known as DCP, is a co-founder of YES Snowboards and a true legend in the snowboarding world. With a career that started on the Burton team and evolved into creating his own brand, DCP has been a trailblazer in the sport. Hailing from Canada, he’s been coming to this area of Japan for years to film and ride with friends and family. A down-to-earth family man and avid surfer, DCP is ready to share his journey and favorite spots in Myoko with you.

Watch DCP in action
Explore more of DCP’s journey
See DCP ride in Japan

Madison Ellsworth – YES Snowboard Pro
Madison Ellsworth, or Mads, is a YES Snowboard pro from the USA who’s been carving through Myoko’s deep pow trees for years. Mads is known for his powerful riding style and his friendly, approachable nature. It’s an incredible opportunity to ride alongside such an experienced pro, and we’re thrilled to have him on board for our Ikigai Powder Tours.

Join us on the slopes and experience the passion, expertise, and camaraderie of the Ikigai Powder Tours team. Whether you're a seasoned snowboarder or new to the sport, our team is here to ensure your time in Myoko is nothing short of extraordinary.