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The IPPY awards are the World’s largest international and regional book awards competition and this year the 14th annual competition saw 3,890 entries.  Snow Search Japan won the GOLD medal in the Travel Guidebook Category.

Snow-search Japan is the first book in a new series which explore countries in more depth than ever before. It also heralds a change in direction for WSG Media, from previously covering just snowboarding to including skiing as well.

The book has been designed for travellers who are visiting Japan for snow sports but want to experience many of the cultural delights Japan offers whilst there. It covers the major cities such as Tokyo that you’ll fly into and the ski towns where you’ll be based whilst there. Amongst other topics, travel, food, language, and working in Japan are all covered in detail, plus over 70 resorts have been comprehensively reviewed and broken down into easy-to-read sections and rated according to your style of skiing/riding.

Want to buy a copy?
http://www.worldsnowboardguide.com/shop/

Flights to Japan for late 2010-early 2011 are selling fast!  Ski Traveller has negotiated special ’ski package airfares’ that allow you to book your flights now and pay 60 days prior to departure.  Ring Sarah 09 520 8334 or Lianne 09 520 8335 about booking your flights to Japan.  Do not delay or you will miss out.

If you are even thinking of travelling to Niseko, Japan in January 2011….please contact Sarah now.  Accommodation is selling out!  Particularly: 29 Jan - 6 Feb 2011 (Chinese New Year).
Niseko had 17+ metres of snow last season and everyone wants to experience the infamous powder.  Don’t miss out.
email: sarahh@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.

Ski Traveller has some great value ski airfares to Japan….you must book at least one week accommodation with Ski Traveller to use these ski airfares to Japan.  Save $1000’s by booking your ski airfares to Japan with Ski Traveller.

ex Sydney / Melbourne / Brisbane to Sapporo in Japan (to ski at Niskeo)
Airfares from AU$ 1900 including taxes return.
We have space available in December 09 and January 2010.

Toll Free 1800 15 95 25
Email: info@skitraveller.co.nz

Niseko Ski Holiday for NZ$ 3405 pp + airline taxes approx NZ$ 250 pp
 

• Return economy class flights ex Auckland with Japan Airlines
• Return airport transfers Sapporo to Niseko
• 7 nights in a 4 star studio unit at Niseko Apartments
• 6 days skiing
• Free comprehensive ski holiday travel insurance
• Valid for travel: 23 Jan – 12 Feb 2010

Upgrade to  10 nights with 9 days skiing for just NZ$ 855 pp
Depart Wellington or Christchurch add NZ$ 110 pp

Please call for other departure dates 0800 11 22 99 
Email: info@skitraveller.co.nzMore info on Niseko:
http://skitraveller.co.nz/japan/Niseko

Notes:

Ski holiday is based on two adults sharing accommodation.
Must book before 15 November 2009.
Currency fluctuations may result in an increase or decrease of this price until paid in full.

Ski Traveller is able to give you a 25% discount on your accommodation if you book before the 1st of July 09.

This is a fantastic saving.  Travel from 2 Jan - 12 Feb 2010 for best value accommodation.  Christmas & New Year accommodation is still good value and your 25% discount applies.  You must book Niseko quickly as the accommodation is in hot demand this season.

Read more on our hot deal page:
www.skitraveller.co.nz/hot_deals

Email us:
info@skitraveller.co.nz

Ring us:
0800 11 22 99 from NZ
1800 15 95 25 from Australia

NISEKO’S ski season is unofficially open after significant snowfalls overnight left up to half a metre of powder up high, with locals hiking up for first runs.It unexpectedly started snowing at village level across Niseko at about 7pm last night and by this morning a solid amount of snow had accumulated on the main runs and on cars and grass.Forecasts suggested there wouldn’t be any snow at village level for a few days yet.Niseko ski instructor Mike Richards may well have been the first skier to descend a Niseko resort this season.After hiking to the 1000m hut and skiing Centre Course, he followed some well covered roads to the bottom, along the way finding plenty of boot-deep powder.“Up top the pistes were fully covered and the roads were really well covered,” Mike said.

“A few bits were sticking on the main runs so I came down on the road but I still got a few turns in.”

Thanks to Powderlife Niseko & Mike Richards for photo!

Are you stuck for accommodation in Niseko for Xmas/New Year and January?

We have some FANTASTIC Ski Chalets…great for families and friends !!
These are new chalets with a king bed or twin beds in each bedroom, a full kitchen, great living area and a drying room, your own private shuttle to/from the Niseko Hirafu village….very nice accommodation!

Two, Three and Four Bedroom stand alone ski chalets in Niseko….call us urgently if you need accommodation over Xmas/New Year and in January or February as these will sell FAST.