Monthly Archives: August 2016

Top Five Family Friendly Ski Resorts in Japan

  Japan is the perfect location for families wanting a little more from their ski holiday whilst paying a little less! Direct flights and only a 2 hour time difference mean that no one will suffer from the dreaded ‘jet lag’ that can ruin the first few days of a North American or European ski trip. And when you only have limited time to enjoy your family holiday why would you want to struggle with jet lag? Japan has over 600 ski resorts with many offering unique experiences, terrain and snowfall and with so many resorts finding the right one … Continue reading →

Are Record Snowfalls on the Horizon for Japan?

  El Nino and La Nina are alternating global weather patterns which when in effect can give or take life from Japan’s powder gods.  Last years El Nino was one of the strongest in the last 50 years and it was responsible for the uncharacteristically warm weather and lower than normal snow levels which affected some resorts in Japan. As we head towards the 2016/17 snow season will it be El Nino delivering another uncharacteristic season or will we be graced by La Nina and all her snowy goodness? Signs are looking good!   The Japan Meteorological Agency is forecasting a … Continue reading →

Early Season Adventure – Awakino, New Zealand

  Each year as we wait for the first winter snow to fall, all hopes are for an early storm to kick things off with a bang. As it happened, the 2016 New Zealand winter started with exactly that, blanketing much of the South Island in deep snow to low levels. An opportunity like this is always welcome and provided just the motivation needed to get out and explore some new terrain. With some local insight and a crew of keen Kiwi riders in tow, we departed Methven towards the club field of Awakino, roughly 3 hours away. Planning on an … Continue reading →