Uncategorized
Japan’s Ski Season 26/27: When Do Resorts Actually Open?
If there’s one rule every powder hunter knows, it’s that the best turns rarely wait around. When it comes to chasing Japow, those first few laps can make all the difference. But before you start setting those 5am alarms and dr [...]
Nozawa Onsen: The Ultimate Winter Escape Guide
There’s something truly special about Nozawa Onsen. Nestled in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, Nozawa Onsen is one of Japan’s most iconic winter destinations. Renowned for its deep powder snow, expansive ski terrain an [...]
Myoko Kogen: Japan’s Quiet Powder Escape | Ultimate Ski Trip FAQ Guide
If you’re dreaming of endless powder days, peaceful mountain villages, and authentic Japanese hospitality, Myoko Kogen deserves a place at the top of your ski bucket list. Hidden in the snow-covered mountains of Niigata, Myoko K [...]
Shiga Kogen: Your Complete Guide to Japan’s Largest Ski Area
There’s something for every kind of traveller in Shiga Kogen, High in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, deep within the Japanese Alps, lies Shiga Kogen, Japan’s largest ski area. Set within Joshinetsu Kogen National Park [...]
Is Niseko Worth It? Everything You Need To Know Before You Go
There’s a reason travelers keep coming back to Niseko. Niseko has earned a reputation as one of the world’s premier ski destinations – but does it really live up to the hype? From legendary powder snow and breathtaki [...]
Some of Our Best-Value Japan Stays for the 2027 Season
Got Japan on your ski-dar? Now’s a pretty good time to make it happen. We’ve rounded up some seriously good-value accommodation-only packages across Japan, with set dates and cracking rates to help you lock in your next powder [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
