Blog

What a season it was !

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 05:32:00 GMT

Andy Filer

Program Director / Head Ski Coach

Once again Japan has amazed us all again.... by coming up with what has to be the best season I have seen in my 16th season in Japan, Moiwa and surrounding areas of Hokkaido, to make all our programs in 2012 ones to remember !

From our Japan Powder Tours to Progression Camps everyone was blown away by how much the area of Niseko can snow .....and boy does it snow ! To date the Niseko area has received 19 meters of snow up top and 14 meters in the village !

It was a very consistent and solid season this year, giving everyone knee to chest deep dry powder daily ...... with very few down days in between.

The Progression Campers had a ball with heaps of cool natural futures along with the Hirafu and Hanazono parks that they hit on a daily basis. This mixed in with Snowmobiling and a trip to the Toyota Big Air in Sapporo everyone went home stoked and keen for more next year ..... A big thanks to all the coaches and guest coaches who made it a great time for all !!!

Japan Powder Tours was just amazing this year, with day after day of snow, it was just never ending ..... and I must say, even I was surprised at how much snow we got this year ! January saw many great snowfalls mixed with sun and no wind, which is very rare for the Niseko area in Jan, but no one was complaining ! February saw a return to the wind..... but the snow didn't stop and there were some great days had at Rusutsu as usual, which is always a favorite with our guests and myself.

Things have shifted into the spring pattern in Niseko now, and will still see at least another meter or so to come, but with the warmer sunny days mixed in between. The parks and Back country will be the places to be until lifts close in early May.

Well we all hope to see you join us again next season, or if you haven't yet make room to come over and enjoy Moiwa and Niseko with us for a time you will not forget !

Hope you all have a great southern winter, and hope to see you soon neck deep in Japan !

Andy

Dumping !

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 14:53:00 GMT

It has been an amazing 3 days here in Moiwa !

Check out a little action from today

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=hpskip#!/photo.php?v=10150515102525836

Jetstar on SALE ! giddy up !

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:49:00 GMT

No excuse to not get amongst it in Japan this season ..... our Powder Tours and Progression Camp

have room to fit you in with your very cheap Jetstar flight .....

http://email.jetstar.com/pub/sf/FormLink?_ri_=X0Gzc2X%3DUQpglLjHJlTQpIQf80zbQitzbuQuEwQ3f9R4QGQaQ7mMVXMtX%3DUQpglLjHJlTQpIQf80zbQitzbuQuE6Q3f9R4QzgQaQf8O&_ei

JaPOW delivers the goods

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 01:09:00 GMT

Niseko has been witness to a record start to the season and reports have it as the best start in 50 years !

During the month of December there was almost 1000 ! yes no typo 1000 ! centimeters of snowfall leaving the rest of the world in it's wake, as storm after storm just kept on delivering the goods to the Niseko area.....

This has now consolidated into a fantastic 5 meter base on the mountains, allowing for all back country gates to be open 2 - 3 weeks earlier than in past seasons.

For those of you lucky enough to be traveling to Japan with us this season, prepare yourself for a trip to remember as the whole outlook is for more snow, as that wonderful northern airflow from Siberia just keeps on keeping on !

Here are some links for the Niseko area which are are a good daily tool to be in the know....

http://niseko.nadare.info/

http://weather.yahoo.co.jp/weather/jp/1b/1600/1400.html

Merry Christmas

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 00:57:00 GMT

DEEP DEEP DEEP ! Niseko has been blanketed in record amounts of snow !

It has been just an amazing start to the season in Japan and with truly chest deep conditions on almost every turn i'm sure you are all getting very excited to get on the plane !

Bring your Fat Skis !!

December and it's what !!!!

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:54:00 GMT

Yes that right it's Christmas time again, and the man in the red suit has been very early with his presents in Niseko this season....

With over 350cm of snow on the ground to date, and another Foot of snow this morning .... the area is looking in the best shape it's been at this time of the year for a long time. It just hasn't stopped snowing for the past three weeks and there is more to come from that lovely northern airflow from siberia this week.

Hope you can join us in what is shaping up to be an amazing winter here in Moiwa.

New Web cam @ Rhythm

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 06:55:00 GMT

Here is a nice resource for keeping an eye on LIVE action in Hirafu Niseko !

Thanks to the crew @ Rhythm Snow Sports

http://www.livestream.com/rhythmsnowsports

It is Dumping !!!!

Blissard conditions for Niseko !

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 02:08:00 GMT

It's thumping down !!! with over 150cm and the past few days, and much more to come in the next 3-4 days, things are looking great for the Niseko area which is already around the 2 meter mark with snow on the ground, and it's only the first week of December.

This is great news for the resorts which will be able to open some good skiing in the next week!

Another good topic is the snow-pack, and the couple of 30cm dumps we had early that melted and re froze and then got snowed on again. this happened about 3 times before this big dump we are seeing now, and this a good thing for a nice and strongly consolidated base on all the bamboo that covers the mountains in our area, and makes for a great set up for safe backcountry skiing this season when there is around 16 meters of powder on top of it !

here is a newcam to check out andkeep an eye on for what is happening LIVE from Rhythm Snow Sports in Hirafu.

http://www.livestream.com/rhythmsnowsports

Bring on the dumpage !!!

Andy Filer

It's that time of year again

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 11:08:00 GMT

As the weather in some parts of the world starts to warm, over in Japan it's cold and has already started to dump lots of that super dry powder that it is famous for.

We offer people a chance at seeing the real Japan by traveling to some 10 or more ski resorts in Hokkaido with our tours that we run from our own lodge based in Moiwa Niseko.

You will be blown away by just how much it snows in Japan !

No other tour company is with you 24/7 like us. We look after you from the time you arrive until you leave us !

With our packages designed to give you a great mix between coaching and guiding, being on the pulse with our ability to hop in the cars and head 45 minutes away from everyone else stuck on wind hold in one area, we will be making the most of every storm while others are scratching their heads wondering what to do for the day.....

Our tours include Transfers to/from Sapporo Chitose Airport, Accommodation, Daily Continental breakfast, Welcome dinner, Lift passes, Video analysis, Trips to local Onsen's and much more.....

Here is a little taste to get you on the path to the deepest powder you will ever ski or ride in !

(and this was filmed next to the bottom lift in Hirafu which is almost at sea level ! )

http://vimeo.com/20360525

SEASON OPEN IN NISEKO

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 03:24:00 GMT

After some great snowfalls and the promise of more to come ..... Niseko opened today, for what is set to be an awesome start to the 2011 -2012 season in Hokkaido and Japan !

check out this little edit and bring on the powder !!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tn3wYwouC1o&feature=share

Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing in Canada

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 00:30:00 GMT

If you’re an avid skier or snowboarder and have ever sat down to watch a Warren Miller flick, you will know what Mike Wiegele Helcopter Skiing is all about. Based in Blue River, BC and celebrating 40 years experience, Mike Wiegele is the benchmark for elite heli-skiing.

Packages Include: Accommodation in Handcrafted Log Chalet / 3 Gourmet Meals Per Day / Atomic Powder Skis and Poles or Burton Powder Snowboards / Full use of Spa Facilities, Sauna, Whirlpool and Fitness Centre / Extra vertical feet on top of guaranteed at no additional charge/ Use of Bell 212 Helicopter ( 10 per helicopter ) Transceiver, Shovel Pack and Probe / ReturnTransfers from Kamloops ( for 7 day packages only ).

3 Days from: $4094.00* per person twin share ( limited days per season )

5 Days from: $6118.00* per person twin share ( limited days per season )

7 Days from: $7998.00* per person twin share

Prices are for early season and subject to approximately 30% for premium of mid January- end of March
Prices are in AUD and include all taxes (12% HST )

Snowcapped Tours along with Worldwide Heliskiing are proud to be the new representative for Mike Wiegele here is Australia. Call us on 1300 765 649 or email for a quote and any additional details.

Air Canada Special Airfares

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 00:16:00 GMT

Air Canada has released some great specials for February and March departures.

Air Canada Special Airfares – Valid Ex Sydney to Vancouver, Kamloops, Kelowna, Calgary, Cranbrook and Castlegar.

Economy is a steal at $1460.00 per adult and $1095.00 per child (2-11yrs)

Australian and Canadian Taxes are approximately $410.00 per adult and $360.00 per child

Please add $135.00 for Melbourne and Brisbane. Please ask us for add-ons for other destinations.

Example packages:

Include Air, Taxes, Transfers, 7 Nights Accommodation and 6 Day Lift Pass

Whistler – Marketplace Lodge ( Studio – twin share ) from $3140.00 pp.

Sun Peaks – Coast Sundance ( Studio – twin share ) from $2790.00 pp

Big White – Whitefoot Lodge ( Studio – twin share ) from $2630.00 pp

We can package these airfares with any of the Canadian resorts. Call us on 1300 765 649 or email john@globalsnowtravel.com for a quote.

Deluxe Japan packages

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 00:03:00 GMT

Niseko, located in the northern Island of Hokkaido is a winter wonderland for those searching for the abundant powder with an oriental feel. Growing more and more popular with the western market, the village of Hirafu in Niseko can be busy, but we still have plenty of great packages available for February and March.

Deluxe Apartment Packages from: $2790.00 per person quad share ( 5 Mar – 1Apr )

Includes: Return Airfares ( Qantas / JAL ) to Sapporo*, Taxes, Transfers, 7 Nights Accommodation ( Two Bedroom – Landmark View ), 6 Day Niseko All Mountain Lift Pass.

*Valid. Ex Sydney Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth

We have many other packages for both Niseko and other Japanese resorts. Call us on 1300 765 649 or email for a quote.

Wild times in Telluride

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 23:24:00 GMT

Qantas has some excellent special airfares into the Colorado resorts that end on 27 October, making for some excellent package prices.

Imagine an old Victorian silver mining town with a Wild West image and then add some of the best mountain terrain Colorado has to offer. With a Gondola accessing the main town and also a purpose built mountain village slightly up the mountain, this is Telluride.

Packages from: $3198.00 per person twin share ( 1 – 18 Feb )

Includes: Return Airfares ( Qantas / United ) to Montrose*, Taxes, Transfers, 7 Nights Accommodation ( Deluxe Room – Sheridan Hotel ), 6 Day Telluride Lift Pass.

Qantas fare must be paid and ticketd by 27 October. Ex Sydney Melbourne, Brisbane

We have many other packages for both Telluride and other US resorts.

Call us on 1300 765 649 or email for a quote.

NZ Camp feedback

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 23:43:00 GMT

Jake has just got back from carving it up in NZ and kindly shot us out an email to let us know what he thought of the action. Thanks Jake

"Just wanted to let you know that I had an amazing time on the New Zealand Spring camp. I can't speak highly enough of how amazing both Mort and Doodle were as coaches. I will defiantly be coming back next year. I just had so much fun and learnt so much.

Looking forward to next years camp.

Regards, Jake"