About Jamie O’Brien

Planning a trip to Japan can be overwhelming, especially if you have a group or a family with different needs.

Questions that often come up when people are planning a …
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As a snowboarding brand, Head is at an interesting point in its evolution. It’s known as a rental brand for both skis and snowboards, and as a maker of entry- …
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It’s often said that Hokkaido isn’t steep. People come for the powder, but it’s almost as if the amazing snow quality makes up for the fact that challenging terrain is …
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Over the years, I’ve bought many different digital cameras, bullet cams and action cams specifically for filming ski and snowboarding trips. Looking back, I’ve dropped a lot of money on …
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For most skiers and snowboarders that flock to northwestern Hokkaido, the luxury and modern infrastructure of Niseko, Kiroro and Rusutsu are the big draw. Backcountry enthusiasts come here for a …
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Accommodation in Japan is getting expensive. Just a few years ago, it was possible to pay next to nothing for a room in a resort. In recent seasons, prices have …
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Japan is a unique destination, and to get the most from a skiing trip, it can be better to base yourself in a large town or city rather than stay …
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After visiting Japan for the last thirteen seasons hunting for tree runs, taking the odd cat tour or lift-assisted snowshoe tour, I felt it was time to sample the backcountry …
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Kiroro has abundant fluffy soft snow, modern lifts and resort infrastructure, excellent rental gear, luxury all-inclusive resort hotels, tree run zones, low crowds, and unbelievable backcountry – but what really …
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Ski trips inevitably involve some sort of compromise. It’s very hard to find a resort with great powder, modern lifts, slopeside accommodation, good food, activities other than skiing and snowboarding, …
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