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Wanting to experince somewhere new - have you thought about Niseko,Japan?. Highlights of my recent visit here were amazing light powder, fabulous modern accommodation, unbelievable food,warm sake that puts you in the mood for karoke, efficient lifts and welcoming hospitality.  Even at the top of the mountain the toliets had warm seats a plesant surprise for us boarders whom may spend some time sitting down.  Niseko resort is Western enough to make your first visit to a Japanese Ski resort an easy transitition but still retains enough Japanese culture to not be completely spoilt.

I had no problem with the language, I did’nt speak a word of Japanese before I went to Japan.  Even in the middle of Tokyo station there was always someone who could speak English or wanted to pratice their English.  If that failed the use of hand signals never fails and is always a source of entertainment. I have spent many seasons at ski resorts around the world.  If you are thinking about skiing Japan talk to me, there is a not to be missed 25% discount being offered for accommodation in Niseko, this makes Japan a great value ski holiday!

There is something for everyone in Niseko from ski in ski out, 5 bedroom town homes, studios in the heart of the villlage to penthouses with stunning views.  The properties are modern yet with a good blend of Japanese and Western architecture.

Learn more about Niseko: http://www.skitraveller.co.nz/japan/Niseko

Sarah - Ski Traveller

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

• Pay your ski holiday deposit before 30 September 2009 with Ski Traveller.

• Your travel insurance policy will be issued the day your deposit it paid.

• A return airfare & seven nights accommodation is required to qualify.

• Your travel free ski travel insurance is valid for a maximum of 16 days.

• A fee will apply if you cancel your holiday after the travel insurance is issued.

Contact Lianne or Sarah at Ski Traveller for more information: info@skitraveller.co.nz

Ring Toll Free 0800 11 22 99

Hi LianneSorry its taken me so long to get back to you since we returned – I’ve had major computer problems  - especially with my email and had to change IP providers – hence everything has got behind.

We did have a good time at Winter Park – thank you for asking. However we wouldn’t go there again unless we couldn’t get a better deal anywhere else. The accommodation was fine and as you said just across the road from the lift. The grooming was average and there were lots of mogul runs which don’t interest us. The worst thing was that there were too many places that you had pedal across to get from one place to another. Some of the blue runs were really good, but then there was a huge flat area before you hit the lift – very frustrating.

We were lucky with the weather – 13inches of new powder while we were there!

Oh that Copper would go back to the same deal as Winter Park! Perhaps you could do some hard bargaining with them for next year.

Sandra

Hm. My favorite ski holiday would have to be when me and my cuz and a mate went up to Cardrona ski resort in central Otago for a week in 2007. We had sweet snow and fresh powder most days. I don’t know exactly why it stands out against all the others but I just remember it being heaps of fun. We had a heap of silly songs that we sung on the chair lift which was pretty cool(for us anyway, the other people on the chair might not have thought that). That’s about it really.

Sam D

Hi guys, not sure about the favourite ski holiday as any time I can get the ski’s on and not be thinking of work is great! Even though it’s nice to get away without my darling children at times one of the most memorable ski holidays would have to have been 2 years ago when my wife and I along with the two kids headed off to North America. After a week in Palm Springs and Vegas becoming “Americanised” we hit Park City for a week of skiing at The Canyons, Deer Valley, Park City and also a day of X-country at Soldier Hollow. This was followed by another week in Breckenridge skiing there as well as Keystone and Copper Mountain. The improvement you see with the children getting a full week of long runs and blue skies really makes the expense worth it, the only problem I have now is they want to go down the black runs with me! Whilst on Colorado another must visit venue with Children would be the Colorado Museum of Natural History in Denver, it can easily occupy a day and helps get one partly used to the altitude before heading on up into the Rockies.

We enjoyed the experience so much we have already booked our next trip with Sarah at Ski Traveller!

Cheers

Karl T

You arranged our best ski holiday this year – but it was after we left Winter Park that it became truly magical. We hired a car and drove from Winter Park on a ski crawl – similar to a pub crawl but the intoxication was provided by pristine slopes rather than alcohol – well perhaps both.  First stop Copper – last stop Telluride. We resisted Keystone, Breckenridge and Vail because we have been there before – so headed south from Copper – via Monarch, Crested Butte and Durango. You could even take in a mountain top church service at Durango. The mountain’s name – Purgatory!  Crested Butte was the most magical of all. Clear blue skies, pristine snow and all capped off with margaritas at a mid-mountain outside bar made of ice and aptly named The Ice Bar!      

Sandra I

Hi,

I had the most exhilarating time at Revelstoke, BC. High Speed, quality Gondola and 2 chair lifts gave me access to an unprecedented level of terrain. Deep quality powder, ample trees, carved wind lips and access to a stunning bowl!

Loved it
Nick G

Well it’s hard to pick a favourite, but really, what could be better than skiing on Christmas morning in Whistler? Waffles at Crystal Hut celebrating a 16th birthday, more skiing, then an international Christmas dinner with plenty of good wine to top off a wonderful day with friends and family.

Kirsty G

My favourite Ski holiday would have to be the time I spent in Val D’Isere, France last year.

It was like Narnia, fresh powder all the time, amazing terrain, great people and SO MUCH FUN! The best snowboarding of my life was done there, and I got to spend my time there with 6 of my best friends! HOW PERFECT! One of my favourite things about Val was the Bluebird days! Honestly I think there was only about a weeks worth of “bad days” the whole 4 months I was there…….but it was snowing fresh powder so you cant really complain!

Thanks

Toni B