Snow Explorers

Snow Explorers


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Latest Stories

October 5 24
Yoko Nakamura x Aya Sato at Seki Onsen
July 31 24
Part 2 of my solo journey through Hokkaido. Traveling from Hakodate to Niseko and skiing Moiwa.
August 6 24
In the Winter of 2024, we took a road trip through New Zealand’s South Island to sample the ski fields, food and wine.
March 19 24
Part 1 of a solo journey through Hokkaido where I ski Hakodate Nanae, check out the Asaichi morning markets & eat a dancing seafood bowl.
October 11 24
Discover the best places to buy ski and snowboard gear in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Find everything you need for your winter missions.
March 1 24
The Essential Transport Guide for Travelling Snowboarders and Skiers or How to Move Through Japan like a Shinobi in the Shadows.
September 25 24
A guide for those just starting out on the Japanese slopes. Intermediates can skip ahead.
August 28 23
One of the most beautifully shot snowboard travel videos ever. Get lost in the video as Korua riders snow surf and experience Hokkaido.
August 28 23
Watch the Konishi Family shred Seki together.
August 28 23
Team Oyuki score big in Japan.
August 28 23
S20 / S21 Riders from Vector Glide in Hokkaido
August 28 23
2020 / 2021 season Burton Hokkaido road trip part 2
October 5 23
2020 / 2021 season Burton Hokkaido road trip part 1
August 28 23
Snowsurfing's past and present through the eyes of Shinzo Tanuma - creator of MOSS Snowstick.
June 14 23
Host your own apres nomikai with Japanese drinks & snacks.
February 28 24
A guide to this Hokkaido specialty, how to eat it and locations of the best soup curry restaurants on the ski fields and in the cities of Hokkaido.
June 14 23
Essential gear you need for chasing those Winter storms in Japan.
August 28 23
Snow, Sake & Festivities at Japan's famous Winter festivals.
October 17 24
Bring your snorkel to these mountains which are known to dump hard.
September 4 24
Japanese Brews for your Snow Trip
February 28 24
For Families With Little Skiers & Boarders.
February 28 24
Tips & advice for skiers & boarders heading to Japan.
October 2 24
Gear for deep powder riding in Japan.
October 22 24
Some of the best places to try Hokkaido's local specialty ramen!
March 25 24
A list of ski & snowboard shops where you can update your gear for your snow trip.
August 10 23
The evolution of snow surfing.
April 8 24
Make sure you try BBQ Genghis Khan style on your snow trip to Hokkaido
August 28 23
The Supernatural is unique to Rusutsu.

Latest Posts

vinceJuly 22 24
Fergbaker - Fergbaker was the last pie stop before heading off…

Fergbaker was the last pie stop before heading off to the airport. Some skiers we met on the trip recommended the Pork Belly with Apple Sauce. I would usually steer clear of a sweet flavours, but this did not taste like that at all. Maybe it's the mustard? I am not going to pretend I know what they did but this combo was amazing. More succulent than beef with the belly fat melting into the sauce. Oh man.. Having withdrawals as I am typing this.

Fergbaker
vince
vinceJuly 21 24
Small Planet Sports - Connoisseurs of outdoor sports are going to gasm w…

Connoisseurs of outdoor sports are going to gasm when they walk into this shop. So much great gear for playing in the mountains from hiking, climbing to skiing with an emphasis on backcountry. Books and mags for inspiration. Sadly no snowboards. The Small Planet Queenstown branded merch looks pretty good too. There is also a workshop in the back to get your skis tuned.

vince
vinceJuly 19 24
The Remarkables Ski Area - Father son day with the youngest at Remarkables. B…

Father son day with the youngest at Remarkables. Blue skies and groomers. On our last run we stopped by the Ice Bar on the Centurion trail. Sucked up the sales tax on drinks for this awesome view.

vince
vinceJuly 18 24
The Remarkables Ski Area - Katsu curry - crumbed schnitzel and curry sauce on…

Katsu curry - crumbed schnitzel and curry sauce on rice. Didn't quite taste like what you get in Japan, but the kiddo liked it.

vince
vinceJuly 17 24
Lake Ohau Lodge - You can choose to have breakfast and dinner includ…

You can choose to have breakfast and dinner included during your stay. Tonight's 3 course dinner give you a choice of rib eye roast or Aoraki king salmon. The beef was superbly tasty, we wolfed this down fast before calling it a night.

vince
vinceJuly 17 24
Fairlie Bakehouse - Fairlie Bakehouse was our second pie stop and is l…

Fairlie Bakehouse was our second pie stop and is located between Ohau and Queenstown. Was very popular with a constant line of customers. The Salmon & Bacon and Beef Mince pies were both very good and got two thumbs up from the kids.

vince
vinceJuly 17 24
Fairlie Bakehouse - They named this pie the Ultimate Steak & Mushroom …

They named this pie the Ultimate Steak & Mushroom and I am definitely not one to go past the pie to end all pies. It lived up to its name with big chunks of steak and crunchy pastry that was topped with a hint of melted cheese.

vince
vinceJuly 16 24
Mt Hutt Ski Area - These two almost had to make their own way down th…

These two almost had to make their own way down the International by themselves because they missed the turn off to Back Paddock. Bad move as it was foggy as hell and they had never been on that run. Thankfully older sister's wisdom prevailed and they turned round and hiked back up.

vince
vinceJuly 16 24
Mt Hutt Ski Area - Chicken Tenders, chips and mince pie from the Sky …

Chicken Tenders, chips and mince pie from the Sky High Cafe. Pretty average resort food. Kids gotta eat.

vince
vinceJuly 15 24
Mt Hutt Ski Area - Mt Hutt's impressive Nor'West Express chairlift. T…

Mt Hutt's impressive Nor'West Express chairlift. This 8 seat beast gets you the top in 2 minutes and shifts over 1500 people an hour. Nice comfy cushions too.

vince
vinceJuly 14 24
World Famous Sheffield Pies - On the first leg of our road trip we stopped for a…

On the first leg of our road trip we stopped for a break at the World Famous Sheffield Pies. Decided on the Venison & Whiskey relish, Chicken & Bacon and traditional mince. All were delicious with light flaky pastry and generous amounts of meat. You can eat in with cutlery and plates and they had complimentary bbq sauce on each table. They make a damn good coffee too.

snowexplorers
snowexplorersApril 3 24

Solomon skier Tenra Katsuno teams up with videographer Tatsu on Sasurai, a video with New Zealand's resorts as their playground. Check out the incredible tricks and lines taken in sub optimum snow conditions. They will open up your mind as to what is possible in bounds.

skijay
skijayMarch 24 24
Oborozuki - Oborozuki is a delightful sushi restaurant offerin…

Oborozuki is a delightful sushi restaurant offering omakase (degustation) which changes daily based on the freshest local ingredients of the day. Located in the enchanting Harete region of the city, Oborozuki is as tiny as its neighbouring bars and restaurants so go early if you want to be guaranteed a seat. We took our two children and while there is no kids menu per se, the chef was very accomodating in preparing them a meal that was kid friendly yet did not compromise on quality or flavour. There was no English menu but we got by fine with Google Translate. The chef and his assistant were incredibly welcoming and friendly, and we had one of the best meals of our Japanese trip. Highly recommend.

skijay
skijayMarch 24 24
Kamui Ski Links - My kids still rave about this meal. Pork soup (ten…

My kids still rave about this meal. Pork soup (tenjiru) with the most delicious rice balls in the world. Comfort food at its best! Will return to Kamui just for this!

skijay
skijayMarch 24 24
Ramen Tenkin - Enjoyed this famous Asahikawa ramen which is serve…

Enjoyed this famous Asahikawa ramen which is served with curly noodles and has the right balance between pork soup and shoyu. Service is quick and efficient. You can also order miso ramen if you wish, or ramen with extra vegetables.

vince
vinceFebruary 16 24
Powder Company - Managed to book a session with the Powder Company …

Managed to book a session with the Powder Company to demo a Gentemstick. They set me up with a Rocket fish High Performance. Dang. this thing looked soooo beautiful. Shiny black top sheet like a hand shaped surfboard. I was a bit nervous about putting any scratches on it. There was fresh pow at Annupuri, but crazy warm conditions 2 days ago meant there was a sheet of ice beneath just waiting to throw you off. Even in these conditions the Rocket Fish felt great. It turned on a dime and made it fun to go slow, hunting for banks and leaning into turns before hitting the lip like you would on a wave. Really need to try this board on a powder day.

vince
vinceFebruary 16 24
Grand Hirafu Ski Resort - The Day is a mobile tuning station in Niseko. The …

The Day is a mobile tuning station in Niseko. The truck is usually parked at the base of Hirafu and you can get a hot wax for only 2500 Yen.

vince
vinceFebruary 15 24
Rusutsu Ski Resort - Venison burger with meat sauce. This was so good I…

Venison burger with meat sauce. This was so good I can’t believe we only tried this food truck on the last day. Messy but yummy! Went down well with a can of Sapporo Classic.

vince
vinceFebruary 15 24
Daishin Niseko - This was the best Sapporo miso ramen I had on the …

This was the best Sapporo miso ramen I had on the trip. Nothing over the top, just amazing balanced flavours. Loved the log cabin look. Great service with English menus. Even though Daishin is outside the main Niseko area, in Kutchan, the tables filled up fast with locals and tourists, some who were happily slurping away in their snow gear.

vince
vinceFebruary 13 24
Rusutsu Grand Cabin - Tried the Gyu Gyu restaurant on premises. This was…

Tried the Gyu Gyu restaurant on premises. This was the Hana platter with Rusutsu pork, beef flank, beef hormone, sausages and free flow bowls of rice. Very tasty. Washed it all down with some sake and now ready to retire to the capsule.

yow3gary
yow3garyFebruary 13 24
Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort - Spiderman is heading to Hakuba Valley to have some…

Spiderman is heading to Hakuba Valley to have some ski. Come let’s join and have some fun !

vince
vinceFebruary 12 24
Rusutsu Grand Cabin - The basement area / dry room and ski storage room.…

The basement area / dry room and ski storage room. Its a free for all and first come first served, but finding some space for your gear shouldn't be a problem.

vince
vinceFebruary 12 24
Rusutsu Grand Cabin - The lounge area. There is a microwave, hot water a…

The lounge area. There is a microwave, hot water and vending machine. Place gets packed around dinner time.

vince
vinceFebruary 12 24
Rusutsu Grand Cabin - There is a Lawsons a short walk away where you can…

There is a Lawsons a short walk away where you can grab bentos and snacks. This is a Hamburg steak with spaghetti and rice. With an added slice of Lawson fried chicken.

vince
vinceFebruary 12 24
Rusutsu Grand Cabin - The capsules are definitely on the smaller side an…

The capsules are definitely on the smaller side and are stacked in columns of two and next to each other. Bring your ear plugs.

vince
vinceFebruary 12 24
Rusutsu Grand Cabin - The Rusutsu Grand Cabin is located at Kimobetsu ab…

The Rusutsu Grand Cabin is located at Kimobetsu about a 20 mins drive to the ski resort. The capsule hotel is a budget friendly way to ski Rusutsu which is notorious for super high accommodation prices. The hotel has a free shuttle to and from the resort each day.

vince
vinceFebruary 12 24
The Lodge Moiwa 834 - There weren't any beer vending machines at the Lod…

There weren't any beer vending machines at the Lodge when I was there. But if you ask the front desk, they may or may not know how you can procure some biru.

vince
vinceFebruary 12 24
Rusutsu Ski Resort - The magical singing tree. Like Studio Ghibli on LS…

The magical singing tree. Like Studio Ghibli on LSD.

vince
vinceFebruary 12 24
Rusutsu Ski Resort - Steamboat cafe at Isola was our favourite lunch sp…

Steamboat cafe at Isola was our favourite lunch spot. The Hamburg curry was one of the best I have had on resort. Went down well with Rusutsu Love beer.

vince
vinceFebruary 11 24
The Lodge Moiwa 834 - For dinner, Raphael is the only restaurant around …

For dinner, Raphael is the only restaurant around Moiwa. The other option is to hike it to Moku No Sho onsen hotel (about 10-15mins) and see what they have in their kombini / souvenir shop. Usually yakisoba buns and bento boxes. This is a chicken katsu and tempura bento with Niseko Sake.

vince
vinceFebruary 11 24
Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort - Quick snack. Love how in Japan there is great frie…

Quick snack. Love how in Japan there is great fried chicken and beer everywhere.

vince
vinceFebruary 11 24
Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort - Yaki Imo (sweet potato) van at Moiwa's carpark. Wh…

Yaki Imo (sweet potato) van at Moiwa's carpark. When you got to replenish those calories.

vince
vinceFebruary 10 24
Annupuri Kokusai Ski Resort - Annupuri Nook’s King Katsu Spaghetti. We had this …

Annupuri Nook’s King Katsu Spaghetti. We had this over 10 years ago and have been dreaming about it since. Pile on the free Parmesan cheese.

vince
vinceFebruary 10 24
Powder Company - Powder Company located in Annupuri resort is a bas…

Powder Company located in Annupuri resort is a base for powder surfers, carvers and backcountry boarders. They have the complete range of Gentemstick models which you can demo. Very helpful when answering questions. You can try out a board before plonking down some serious money. They run guided tours and carving classes and you can even pick up some energy bars and cans of Sapporo Classic 🍺!

vince
vinceFebruary 10 24
The Lodge Moiwa 834 - Such a cool little hotel. Just across the road fro…

Such a cool little hotel. Just across the road from Moiwa ski resort.

vince
vinceFebruary 10 24
The Lodge Moiwa 834 - The margherita pizza from Restaurant Raphael which…

The margherita pizza from Restaurant Raphael which is in the same building as Lodge Moiwa.

vince
vinceFebruary 10 24
The Lodge Moiwa 834 - Nice modern capsule. Enough space to sit up and ge…

Nice modern capsule. Enough space to sit up and get changed. A roller privacy shutter to keep the noise down. There is a lockable compartment under each capsule with enough space to store your luggage and board bags.

vince
vinceFebruary 9 24
Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort - It was a good day and an awesome intro to Moiwa.

It was a good day and an awesome intro to Moiwa.

vince
vinceFebruary 9 24
Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort - There is a little pop up shop by Mojane selling go…

There is a little pop up shop by Mojane selling goggles, gloves and accessories.

vince
vinceFebruary 9 24
Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort - Restaurant Moiwa's gyu don. The second floor resta…

Restaurant Moiwa's gyu don. The second floor restaurant has window seating and a view of the main slope.

vince
vinceFebruary 9 24
Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort - The rental center at Moiwa had standard Head skis …

The rental center at Moiwa had standard Head skis and Burton snowboards. Didn't really see any powder specific gear there.

vince
vinceFebruary 8 24
Tabiji - Chthulhu rising!! Ika odori don may be too much if…

Chthulhu rising!! Ika odori don may be too much if you are squeamish. But this was the freshest squid I've ever tasted and it wasn't slimy at all. Each bite was crunchy and full of flavour. If you are going to try one thing in Hakodate this is it.

vince
vinceFebruary 8 24
Hakodate Morning Market - Squid fishing was a popular attraction with touris…

Squid fishing was a popular attraction with tourists. They will prepare and serve your fresh catch up sashimi style.

vince
vinceFebruary 7 24
Soup Curry Begirama - Hakodate is famous for squid and at Begirama you c…

Hakodate is famous for squid and at Begirama you can opt for a squid ink base for your soup curry in addition to their standard and coconut flavours. The recommended Hakodate special is served with deep fried whole squid, grilled scallops, crunchy vegetables and seaweed in a squid ink curry broth. Flavours reminded me of the sea. Modern looking restaurant with minimalist decor, professional kitchen and skater looking crew. Must visit again.

vince
vinceFebruary 7 24
Hakodate Seafood Market - You can get Hakodate seafood and souvenirs here. C…

You can get Hakodate seafood and souvenirs here. Check out the variety of Ika meshi - squid stuffed with flavoured rice.

vince
vinceFebruary 7 24
Hakodate Seafood Market - Not as well known as the Morning market. The seafo…

Not as well known as the Morning market. The seafood market in the Kanimori warehouses has cheap takeaway sushi and seafood bowls.

vince
vinceFebruary 6 24
Hakodate Shio Ramen Shinano - When you are in Hakodate, you just have to try Shi…

When you are in Hakodate, you just have to try Shio ramen the city is known for. Shinano is a small brightly lit shop conveniently located just across the station which specialises in the the salt based stock made with chicken and pork bones. Went for the recommended bowl and a serve of gyoza with Sapporo classic. The soup was flavourful and because it was so clear you could see a fair amount of oil on top. Make sure you let it cool because it retains a lot of heat.

vince
vinceFebruary 6 24
Hakodate Nanae Snow Park - Stunning day at Nanae ski resort. Everyone took ou…

Stunning day at Nanae ski resort. Everyone took out their phones for a snap.

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