Blog

Having just returned from Fiona Stevens ski camps at Coronet Peak three things come to mind. Firstly what a priviledge it is to get instruction with experts like Fiona and her team. Secondly, how nice Coronet Peak has become. Thirdly, how I cannot wait to ski in Utah again utilising my new skills. I am going to ring the Ski traveller team  and make a few plans.

Getting back to Coronet Peak that used to carry the unfortunate monica of “Concrete Peak.” Much has changed. By increasing their water capacity and snowmaking they have been able to nail the May snow dump and make snow most evenings from then on. Coronet always had interesting topography and good lift capacity has been added in recent times. Being able to ski the whole mountain on good snow is great and has lead to a re-rate the resort as a ski experience.

Why not ski and then get a few days in the tropical sun in Tahiti?  Ski Traveller can package any ski resort in the USA with a Tahiti Stopover.

See our best deals package for Ski Mammoth & Sun in Tahiti.
http://www.skitraveller.co.nz/best_deals

Ski Traveller has teamed up with Curl Magazine to bring you a Ski & Ride tour to Japan…..join in the fun.  No matter what your skiing or riding ability you will love Niseko.  Sarah from Ski Traveller will lead the group, she visited Japan in December and was so impressed with the snow she wanted to get back there as soon as possible.  This is high praise for Japan as Sarah has spent the last 15 years at ski resorts in Canada and the USA.

http://www.curl.co.nz/2009/08/13/take-me-to-japan/

Want to join Sarah and the girls in Niseko?
Sarahh@skitraveller.co.nz
DDI: +64 9 520 8335
Toll Free NZ 0800 11 22 99
Toll Free AU 1800 15 95 25

From Chitose Airport a 2.5 transfer will bring you to the powdery slopes of Furano.  For those who overnight in Tokyo there are flights directly to Asahikawa Airport, which is only an hour from the resort.

Similar to its fellow ski resort Niseko, the light dry powder of Furano makes for a memorable ski holiday.   The lack of wind makes this a family and beginners delight and the lifts are open from 8.30am until 9pm.  There are stunning views of steaming volcanoes and the rural countryside making this one of the few resorts where you will see a blue sky day.

Furano boasts Japan’s only Ski Host Programme which is staffed by English speaking locals.  Playing host to 12 FIS ski and snowboard world cup events has honed the credentials of Furano Resort.

There are two base areas with the Prince Hotel located on one side in a ski-in-ski-out location and the Kitanomine base that has pensions, some apartments and hotel style accommodation.

Families will enjoy kid zone activities and there are plenty of day trips.  They include dog sledding, ice fishing, kimono wearing, cheese making classes and ice village tours.

In the evening there is a secluded adult hideaway, Soh’s Bar where you can wine and dine hidden the forest and a short walk from the new Furano Prince Hotel, otherwise it is just ten minutes by taxi or bus to the local town.

Talk to Sarah she was in Furano last season.
sarahh@skitraveller.co.nz
www.skitraveller.co.nz

From Sapporo‘s Chitose Airport a 2.5 hour transfer will take you to Niseko, reputed to be “The powder capital of the world” with an average of 16 metres of snowfall a season.

Niseko has it all.  Incredible terrain spread across three mountain faces and four base areas.  There is unbelievable light dry powder and challenging bowls to explore.  The efficient lift system has covered chairs to allow you to ride in comfort, especially if you are into night skiing as Niskeo has the largest lit area in Japan.  So try night skiing or Hokkaido Powder Guides can take you on guided backcountry trips on the back of Mt Annupuri.

The variety of nightlife sparks in Hirafu village, with a selection of good restaurants such as the Abucha, where you can enjoy a delicious Suki Yaki hot pot, or Kamimura  which is a Japanese fine dining restaurant.  There are further dining alternatives in Kutchan and Annupuri.

Accommodation in the area varies from ski lodges and pensions to luxury self catering apartments.

90 minutes drive from Nagano Station is the traditional Japanese ski village of Nozawa Onsen.  Founded in 1924 it is ranked as one of Japan’s top ski resorts in terms of total area, history and snow depth.  Although the town has cobbled streets it is connected from the old to the new with a fabulous moving walkway called the “Yu-Road” which takes you from the town to the slopes. 

There are quirky local shops and bars lining the myriad of lanes, steaming hot baths and foot baths are dotted everywhere, so if your feet are aching  after a hard day of skiing,  you can sit and soak away the aches until only the glorious memories of powder remain.

Although there is pension style and hotel accommodation available, a fabulous way to experience Nozawa Onsen is at a Ryokan (a Japanese guest house) where you can sleep on futons, dress in a Yukata (robe) and delve into Japanese customs and traditions.

A quick 90 minute train ride on the Shikansen Bullet train from Tokyo will deliver you to Nagano Station, only an hour’s drive from Hakuba.

The Hakuba Valley is spread across 30 kms of mountainous terrain.  Here the mighty ski jumps from the 1998 Winter Olympics still sit at the base of Goryu Toomi , one of eight ski resorts.   The area is well suited to all levels, with a variety of terrain from wide open groomed slopes, tree lined bowls, steeps and backcountry skiing & boarding and with one interchangeable lift and shuttle bus pass, what could be easier.

The Evergreen Ski School, owned and operated by a Canadian/Japanese couple provides expert tuition for all levels, from children to adults.

The nice thing about Hakuba is it retains a Japanese charm yet has over 100 bars and restaurants.  The Lodge at the Tokyu Hotel is a great place to enjoy an après ski drink.  For lovers of food and wine, The Phoenix Hotel Bar and Restaurant is run by the team from Falls Creek’s award winning Summit Ridge Lodge. 

Accommodation is located at the base of Happo One with hotels and pensions (bed and breakfast) and a few apartments scattered through the woodlands.

Talk to Sarah about Hakuba she was in Hakuba last season.
sarahh@skitraveller.co.nz
www.skitraveller.co.nz

Check out the following website for more information on the 2010 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games.
www.vancouver2010.com

Vancouver & Whistler are hosting the coming 2010 Winter Olympics.

Opening Date:  12 February 2010
Closing Ceremony: 28 February 2010
86 Medal Events
5550 athletes and officials
80+ countries participating

Whistler is open for business before and after the games and Ski Traveller has accommodation available in Whistler before and after the games.  Please plan your holiday around these dates.

Toll Free 0800 11 22 99 NZ
Toll Free 1800 15 95 25 AU

Yes you can stay at the Westin in Whistler…..a stunning four star grade property at the base of both gondolas and take up to 50% off your stay if you book with Ski Traveller before 31st of August 2009!

Whistler Package for the Westin Hotel
NZ$ 4285 per person
Based on two adults travelling 3 Jan – 10 Feb 2010
Includes:
·         Economy Class Airfare: Auckland – Vancouver Return with Air New Zealand.
·         All airline taxes.
·         Return transfers Vancouver Airport to Whistler.
·         7 nights in a studio condo with full kitchen at the Westin Hotel (4 star) with ski in, ski out access.
·         6 days skiing for two adults.
·         Must be booked by 31 August to qualify for this ‘book early’ package.
·         Free Ski Holiday Travel Insurance if deposit paid by 31^st August