Feathery flakes had fallen the last 16 hours, luring every powderhound in a 100-mile radius. Given how remote this place is, that means maybe 300 skiers and snowboarders. With no wind the snow crystals had stacked up along the spindly hardwood limbs in lines as delicate as a haiku. Indeed, Hokkaido, Japan, might be the only other place I’ve ever skied that could match these conditions. To those in the know, this ski area, seven-hours from the closest major airport in Minneapolis-St. Paul, is legendary.

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Persons: Paul Locations: Hokkaido, Japan, Bohemia, Michigan, Minneapolis, St