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Local Knowledge: Some of our Favourite Queenstown Experiences
Mountainwatch | Travel Known as the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown takes things to another level in winter. From world-class skiing and adrenaline-fuelled activities to incredible food, wellness experiences and sceni [...]
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2026/27 Japan Early Bird Deals Ending Soon!
After an all-time 2025/26 season packed with endless pow days, fresh terrain, and some of the deepest conditions Japan’s seen in years, demand for next Northern Hemisphere winter is already building fast. Japan’s snow season t [...]
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Snow Machine Festival adds Hilltop Hoods and a stack more to Queenstown 2026 line up
The temperature has dropped and so has Snow Machine’s second line up. Snow Machine returns to the heart of the Southern Alps from 8–13 September, transforming Queenstown into the ultimate alpine party playground. Joining Chet [...]
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Grasshopper’s 2026 New Zealand Snow Season Outlook – El Niño to Favour South Island
Mountainwatch | The Grasshopper Summer has been and gone and now we move into May, one step closer to the 2026 Winter Season. Coming off a La Niña event peaking over the summer, and mostly neutral conditions with an inconsist [...]
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Powder Paradise: Winter in Japan’s Gunma Prefecture
Sponsored content Mountainwatch | Reggae Elliss Over the past few years I have been a regular winter visitor to Gunma prefecture, lured by its consistent snow, variety of ski resorts and authentic Japanese experience. It’s a u [...]
Read More Chasing Powder in Japan by Train
Mountainwatch | Travel One of the great things about travelling in Japan is the ease and efficiency of the rail system, particularly the multiple Shinkansen lines. The sleek Shinkansen, known as the Bullet Train, travels at spee [...]
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Snow Machine Festival announces stellar line-up for Queenstown 2026
Ready to blend your dream ski trip with a world-class music festival this September? Snow Machine returns to the slopes of Queenstown for its fifth New Zealand edition, and it’s bigger and better than ever. 30+ ARTISTS | 8 STAGE [...]
2026 NZ Early Bird Ski Packages Are Here!
Nothing beats a New Zealand ski holiday… except nabbing the best deal before everyone else does. After an epic 2025 season with plenty of snow, exciting new terrain, and endless Southern Alps vistas, demand for the 2026 season i [...]
First Snow Has Fallen – Japan’s Resorts Are Waking Up!
As the mountains across the Northern Hemisphere are starting to disappear under a blanket of snow, ski enthusiasts around the world are starting to dust off their gear, in preparation for those first powder turns! Japan is leading [...]
The Grasshopper’s North America 2025-2026 Snow Season Outlook – La Niña Set to Send Snowfalls North
Mountainwatch | The Grasshopper Welcome back to our North American Outlook series for the 2025/26 winter season and it’s off to an early start in some areas with decent snow totals already falling. Early snow falls are always [...]
Everything You Need to Know About Hakuba: The Ultimate FAQ for Your Japan Ski Trip
There’s truly something for everyone in Hakuba. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Japanese Alps, Hakuba Ski Resort is one of Japan’s standout alpine destinations. With deep, consistent powder, expansive terrain, and [...]
