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.
March 6 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.
April 9 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.
February 26 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 28 23
Find out about Taro Tamai and his creation Gentemstick.
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.

vince
vinceApril 8 24
OMO7 Asahikawa - They have 2 ski board tuning stations with all the…

They have 2 ski board tuning stations with all the tools, waxing iron and a wax bar with different types of wax for various temps. Can be a bit of a line at night when people are getting their sticks waxed up for a powder day.

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.

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 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 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 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.

vince
vinceFebruary 6 24
Hakodate Nanae Snow Park - The katsu curry set at Sanroku Cafe in Hakodate Na…

The katsu curry set at Sanroku Cafe in Hakodate Nanae. This was pretty nice. It was made to oder. Had a bit of furikake on the rice and a larger portion of curry. The cafe had a very retro ski lodge diner vibe.

vince
vinceFebruary 6 24
Hakodate Nanae Snow Park - Wasn't much but I did find some powder! Top of the…

Wasn't much but I did find some powder! Top of the 4 person lift on the side of the Challenge course.

vince
vinceFebruary 4 24
Mojane - If you are after some snowboard gear in Sapporo be…

If you are after some snowboard gear in Sapporo be sure to check out Mojane an Indy snowboard shop at 2F location in Tanuki Koji. They carry some 👌 gear both International and local, and the owner was really helpful with advice. Picked up a nice Home Mountain board bag from there when they didnt have the right one at Burton.

vince
vinceFebruary 4 24
Ikinari Steak Sapporo - Finally got to try Ikinari steak on this trip. The…

Finally got to try Ikinari steak on this trip. The Jaoanese sizzling steak chain is located near Tanuki Koji. The steak comes perfectly seared but still underdone in the middle and is sliced up so you can grill each piece to your liking before eating. Ikinari add a sauce and some mustard which brings out the taste of each succulent piece. It’s really good value with the largest Wild Steak at 300g and vegetables costing only 2300 Yen. Seems popular with snow trippers looking to reset their taste buds from ramen and sushi and get that needed protein.

vince
vinceFebruary 4 24
Chaos Heaven - One of the best soup curries I have had. Ordered t…

One of the best soup curries I have had. Ordered the chicken thigh and vegetables with a heat level of 7 out of 10. The spice profile was very exotic, with a bigger punch than other restaurants. Probably my favourite soup curry so far. The place was pretty cozy with an underground feel. Jazz, skateboarding posters. I got in just before it opened for lunch and the place packed out quickly.

vince
vinceFebruary 2 24
Sapporo Noodle Zero - Located in Tanuki Koji, Sapporo's shopping street.…

Located in Tanuki Koji, Sapporo's shopping street. Ramen Zero serves miso and shoyu ramen with a signature massive piece of grilled spare rib which is so big it wont fit in your bowl. Its so good! The juicy fatty slab of meat just melts in your mouth with every bite. The soup tasted quite nice and had a layer of hot hot oil on the surface, so be careful when attacking the noodles.

vince
vinceJanuary 31 24
Otaru Kakuryu - Kakuryu in Denuki Koji is where you were meant to …

Kakuryu in Denuki Koji is where you were meant to go for the best Ankake Yakisoba - an Otaru special fried noodle dish with seafood served with a thick savoury sauce. It was good. but not sure if it is as good as Hokkien Fried Mee. One guy runs the whole operation so be prepared to line up and wait.

vince
vinceJanuary 31 24
Kiroro Snow World - Finally succumbed to the aroma from WDC Waffles. T…

Finally succumbed to the aroma from WDC Waffles. That sweet savoury smell greets you at the end of every day. Got a waffle dog before the ride back to the hotel. Delicious!

vince
vinceJanuary 31 24
Kiroro Snow World - Don’t really rate the Tomato Tan Tan ramen at Bras…

Don’t really rate the Tomato Tan Tan ramen at Brasserie Akaigawa. Thought I would be getting a fiery hot bowl of sichuan flavoured soup noodles. But got ramen noodles in tomato soup instead. No heat at all.

skijay
skijayJanuary 30 24
Kiroro Snow World - Favourite run. Yoichi 2, Kiroro

Favourite run. Yoichi 2, Kiroro

matt_lee
matt_leeJanuary 28 24
Kiroro Snow World - Found my fav meal at Kiroro. This is the Yuzu Scal…

Found my fav meal at Kiroro. This is the Yuzu Scallop ramen at Akaigawa bistro. Look at the size of those Hokkaido scallops.

matt_lee
matt_leeJanuary 28 24
Kiroro Snow World - There are 2 tuning stations opposite the Vainqueur…

There are 2 tuning stations opposite the Vainqueur ski shop near the lockers. You can also drop your skis and boards at the shop for a wax and tune.

matt_lee
matt_leeJanuary 28 24
Kiroro Snow World - Huge 50cm dump overnight coincided with the Murasa…

Huge 50cm dump overnight coincided with the Murasaki Sports demo day on the weekend. Good snow but the lines were the longest this week.

vince
vinceJanuary 27 24
Ramen Tokaiya - The first thing we did in Otaru was seek out 
Toka…

The first thing we did in Otaru was seek out Tokaiya. It’s a small space and there was a bit of a wait but it was worth it. We came for the special pork miso ramen which was recommend by a friend. The charred pieces of pork was something I have never had and it tasted 🤤!

vince
vinceJanuary 27 24
Sakaimachi Dori - A selection of the street food I had when the fam …

A selection of the street food I had when the fam was shopping on Sakaemachi dori. Wagyu beef croquette and Otaru beer, Zangi fried chicken and Nama cheese danish and coffee from DANI a LeTao cafe.

vince
vinceJanuary 26 24
Beer House TONOTO - This standing bar is just off Heiwa dori shopping …

This standing bar is just off Heiwa dori shopping street in Asahikawa. They have a wide selection of Japanese craft beers. You can choose from the menu over the bar and get a tasting paddle to try. The bartender is very helpful with recommendations. Also ordered a serve of monkfish liver pate and keema curry which were tasty and salty complimenting the cold beers perfectly. They were playing an 80s mix when we arrived which always means a fun time.