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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

And this year, it’s bigger and better than ever! Ready to blend your dream ski trip with a world-class music festival this September? From slopes to stage, Snow Machine returns for 4 action-packed days of après, side parties, s [...]

If you thought Japan’s ski magic had peaked in recent years – think again. The 2024/25 winter season has been nothing short of legendary, with record-breaking snowfall painting the country white from Hokkaido to Honshu. W [...]

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… …for shredders across Japan, as ski resorts nationwide are off to an absolute flyer! While Niseko continues to make headlines with their heaviest snowfall in decades, Honshuâ [...]

Strap in folks we’re going on a tour of some lesser known things to learn (the easy way, not the hard way) in Japan. Photo: Matt Wiseman/Niseko Photography & Guiding Mountainwatch Travel | Matt Wiseman [...]

If you have not already heard of Western Canada’s Columbia Valley, it is time that you did. As a section of the Rocky Mountain Trench, this mammoth glacial valley separates the Rocky and Purcell Mountain Ranges, serving as the d [...]

Perfect after a big day on the mountain to sooth achey muscles  or even just to freshen up, soaking in Onsens are one of Japan’s most popular pass times and a must when visiting the land of the rising sun. Hot springs have been [...]

Myoko Kogen, getting snowed in at the end of January, 2018. Photo:: Eric Berger

  The land of the rising sun, the falling snowflake and the ski resort… if New Zealand has the most helicopters per capita, Japan has to be up there when it comes to ski resorts – with more than 500 liberally scattered ac [...]

Legend has it Japan has seen some 500 ski resorts grace its many hills at some point in time (predominantly the 1980’s and 90’s). Many have fallen by the wayside, but many more have combined into bigger and better resorts. [...]