Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti First to Open in Japan For 25th Consecutive Year On October 20, 2023, Japan kicked off its winter season. Continuing its 25-year-long streak, Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti was the first ski resort to open in Japan. The resort’s early start is no accident. The management team prides itself on its snowmaking ability. Each year, to retain its crown, the resort blows just enough snow to make a single […] Industry News Mike Humphrey | October 30, 2023 0 Comments
A $1.4 Billion Investment to Create a World Class Ski Destination in Japan We’ve probably all been to a ski resort that is a little bit smaller with a special place in our hearts. Those independently owned resorts keep the soul of skiing intact and are places where generations of families have learned to ski. Recently, it seems the skiing industry is making somewhat of a trend to provide luxury services and amenities to […] Industry News Gregg Frantz | October 16, 2023 0 Comments
Sapporo, Japan, Withdraws Bid to Host 2030 Olympic Winter Games Amidst Bribery and Bid Rigging Scandals Japanese Olympic Committee officials and representatives from Sapporo, Japan, announced on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, that the city of Sapporo will withdraw its bid to host the 2030 Winter Olympics. The decision to withdraw the bid came due to a lack of public support amidst the scandals following the 2020 Tokyo Summer Games. Sapporo Mayor Katsuhiro Akimoto and Japanese Olympic […] Industry News Julia Schneemann | October 11, 2023 0 Comments
Indy Pass Adds 54 of the Biggest Resorts in Europe, Japan, and Canada SkiWelt, Austria; Big White, BC; and Kiroro, Japan, join Montana Snowbowl to lead the 23/24 class of new resorts totaling 183 worldwide The Indy Pass announced today that 54 new partner resorts (see below) have signed on for the 23/24 season, including some of the biggest in Europe, Japan, and Western Canada, and dozens of independent Alpine and Nordic resorts […] Industry News SnowBrains | October 10, 2023 0 Comments
Ikon Pass: Be Ready – The Good Stuff Is Coming Brought to you by Ikon Pass As they say, it’s been a hot one. Baked, sweltering, and waiting – that’s how many in this mountain-minded community have felt. As we worked through the summer heat, we also anxiously awaited that crisp chill, a cozy sweater, and the first snowfall to appear. Because then, with an Ikon Pass in hand, The […] Featured Article SnowBrains | October 2, 2023 0 Comments
Overtourism Threatens Mount Fuji’s World Heritage Site Status From afar, the kimono of snow covering Japan’s Mount Fuji hides a stark reality. When UNESCO awarded Mount Fuji World Heritage Site Status it was stipulated that ever present crowds would be managed and environmental impacts would be minimized. Now, the mountain’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is under threat due to the mismanagement of worsening post-covid crowds and […] Climbing Jordan Guzman | September 19, 2023 0 Comments
[PHOTOS] The Steeper Side of Hokkaido, Japan Japan has a reputation for an abundance of snow but is not typically known for steep terrain. Those with insider knowledge of skiing in Japan are likely aware that Happo One, located near Hakuba on the main island of Honshu, boasts fantastic steeps. However, the north island of Hokkaido is often dismissed for its lack of steep terrain even by […] Brains Christopher Leach | July 19, 2023 0 Comments
A Look at the Word “Snow” in Different Languages Snow is a worldwide phenomenon. Different cultures experience the same excitement and struggles from snow and its effect. It’s present in the icy tundras of Antarctica to the majestic mountaintops of the Himalayas. It’s more than a word. It’s a lifestyle that comes with its own set of rules and fun. Related: The Ultimate Guide to Skier Slang One could […] Brains Quintin Mills | July 13, 2023 0 Comments