I’ve had a few messages about how I’ve managed walking around the village at Nozawa Onsen in the snow and ice. It is a very high risk activity for me – when we came here in 2020 I took a really bad, icey tumble in Otaru and that likely contributed to my spinal discs getting more squished than they already were. Both my feet went out from under me with no warning and it was bad enough to stop traffic.
So this time, I made sure I used the “flip grip” spikes on my very-bloody-expensive boots from Canada and it’s made a huge difference. I believe it Is the “OC System” found on Olang brand boots. I’ve mostly used the back grip to anchor myself as I’ve walked around, but when we visited the snow monkeys I had both grips in use. The boots do come with a tool to flip them (which I lost within about a week) but B 3D printed me a bunch of mini tools and we have been carrying them in wallets, handbags and pockets for when I need them.
Excellent investment, highly recommend.
P.S. B used the crampons that you can just loop on over your shoes for the snow monkeys which are also pretty good. They are way cheaper as well…but if you have large feet (like we both do) the Asian sizing can be problematic.
P.P.S. my boots also zip up and down on each side completely which is fantastic when you have to take them off to enter so many places here.
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