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The village of Hirafu looks set to continue it’s transformation into a world class ski resort with the announcement of a brand new 8-person, high speed gondola, replacing the current Hirafu gondola! The new gondola will not only cut the trip down down to under 5 minutes, but also feature a brand new base station including a restaurant and kids centre!

This, along with the planned Hirafu main street upgrades and beautiful new developments such as ‘Shiki’, shows that the enthusiasim which you, the international ski community, have shown for Niseko is bringing plenty of exciting changes for the area!

Talk to our Japan ski specialists today, phone 0800 11 22 99 or email info@skitraveller.co.nz

Niseko is world famous for powder. One of the best ways to learn to ski powder or improve your skills is with a local ski guide. Our powder expert, Hiro, is available for ski guiding and will give you tips to improve your technique in powder. Contact Sarah at Ski Traveller, our Japan ski specialist about booking a private ski guide for the 2011 - 2012 ski season.

Email Sarah on sarahh@skitraveller.co.nz  or phone 0800 11 22 99

Also talk to Sarah about our current snow melter accommodation deals that are now available.

Book an HT ski property in Niseko with Ski Traveller and receive this amazing bonus offer - FREE on Mountain Valet Service for ski and boot storage. Skiers come off the mountain and leave their ski wear overnight with the HT Ski Valet and collect equipment the next morning.  HT are the only company that offers this exclusive on mountain service, for the entire 2010/11 winter season. For more information about ski deals in Niseko, contact our specialists.

The World Heli Challenge ski and snowboard festival will be held in the Mount Aspiring National Park region near Wanaka and Hawea in New Zealand’s South Island, from July 30th to August 8th, 2010.

The success of last years “resurrection” certainly caught the attention of international athletes, media and sponsors, as the 2010 competition goes from strength to strength in gaining global popularity as one of the most captivating events on snow.

50 athletes representing the cream of talent from over 6 countries will participate. The 2010 format has been slightly revised and will consist of an Extreme Day and a Freestyle Day.
www.worldhelichallenge.com

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

Did you know that Kyoto is on the Lonely Planet Top 10 Cities to visit in 2010?
You can stopover in Kyoto before or after your ski holiday in Japan. 

….Kyoto is the most beautiful city in Japan and, arguably, the most beautiful city in Asia….quote from Lonely Planet - Best Travel in 2010.

www.skitraveller.co.nz/japan
NZ Toll Free 0800 11 22 99

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