Ikon Pass: Be Ready โ The Good Stuff Is Coming Brought to you by Ikon Pass As they say, itโs been a hot one. Baked, sweltering, and waiting โ thatโs 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.ย 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. Itโs more than a word. Itโs a lifestyle that comes with its own set of rules and fun.ย Related: The Ultimate Guide to Skier Slang One could […] Brains Quintin Mills | July 13, 2023 0 Comments
[VIDEO] Hokkaido, Japan 2023 Season Edit – After 30-Month COVID Shutdown, Japow 2023 Tasted Sweeter Than Ever… Need motivation for a pow safari to Japan? Come along for a musical shred journey to the land of the rising sun. Related: This Ski Area in Japan is Begging You to Be a Ski Bum After an extended 2.5-year Covid shutdown, Japow 2023 tasted sweeter than ever. The snow, as always, was amazing. But a trip to Japan is […] SnowBrains | June 23, 2023 0 Comments
5 Places Where You Can Ski and Golf in the Same Day Spring is a magical sporting season. Itโs the crossroads of winter sports and summer sports. Itโs almost time to switch out your skis for your clubs, but the snow gods were kind this year. The shredding continues. An article by the New York Times, using Sothebyโs International Realty data, revealed that in 2021, searches for global properties with access to […] Industry News Quintin Mills | May 28, 2023 0 Comments
[FOR SALE] $18 Million Newly Built Luxury Boutique Hotel in Niseko, Japan A newly-built boutique hotel is on the market in Japanโs most popular ski resort Niseko. The luxury hotel features 14 luxury condominiums and is a beautifully designed sanctuary in the middle of Hirafu, the bustling ski village at the foot of Nisekoโs ski area. Niseko used to be four separate ski areas united under the โNiseko Unitedโ umbrella. The other […] Industry News Julia Schneemann | May 3, 2023 0 Comments
What are Vail Resorts’ Plans for World Domination? Most skiers and snowboarders have heard of Vail and understand they are not just another ski resort in Colorado. However, most people do not know that Vail is owned by Vail Resorts, Inc., which owns and operates 41 resorts worldwide, focusing on luxury accommodations, iconic destinations, and world-class guest services. In the ski industry, Vail Resorts is a juggernaut and […] Industry News Gregg Frantz | April 10, 2023 0 Comments