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About Jamie O’Brien

Jamie has been skiing and snowboarding for more than 30 years. Based in Singapore for the last decade, he organises frequent multi-resort trips to Japan.
Latest Posts | By Jamie O’Brien
Do you really need a backcountry guide to get the most from a ski trip to Hokkaido?
18 mins ago

Do you really need a backcountry guide to get the most from a ski trip to Hokkaido?

By  •  Guides

There isn’t an easy answer, as it depends on many different things. You certainly don’t need a guide to have a good time. The famous resorts are busy, but they …
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SP FASTEC speed-entry bindings: “I just don’t see myself going back to normal bindings”
3 weeks ago

SP FASTEC speed-entry bindings: “I just don’t see myself going back to normal bindings”

Interest in speed-entry bindings seems to have exploded this season. Many people are trying them out, and opinions seem to be divided. Some people just hate the idea altogether, some …
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Hakuba Goryu: The best family-friendly resort in Hakuba Valley – with 900m of vertical!
2 months ago

Hakuba Goryu: The best family-friendly resort in Hakuba Valley – with 900m of vertical!

While Hakuba Valley is well known as a top-tier skiing destination, Hakuba Goryu, interlinked with neighbouring Hakuba 47, flies somewhat under the radar compared to Happo-One as a destination resort …
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Can a ski concierge solve all of your Japan ski trip dilemmas?
3 months ago

Can a ski concierge solve all of your Japan ski trip dilemmas?

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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2025-26 Head E.B.I LYT snowboard review – “a great choice for a trip to Japan”
3 months ago

2025-26 Head E.B.I LYT snowboard review – “a great choice for a trip to Japan”

By  •  Guides

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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“Definitely the steepest I’ve done” –  Mt Shiribetsu and West Hokkaido’s gnarliest terrain
4 months ago

“Definitely the steepest I’ve done” – Mt Shiribetsu and West Hokkaido’s gnarliest terrain

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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Why I sold my GoPro Hero and will be renting a 360 action camera from now on
4 months ago

Why I sold my GoPro Hero and will be renting a 360 action camera from now on

By  •  Guides

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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Riding deep, deep powder on Mt. Yotei after a mega-storm
5 months ago

Riding deep, deep powder on Mt. Yotei after a mega-storm

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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I ditched pre-booked ski hotels in Japan for a campervan road trip, and I don’t regret it
6 months ago

I ditched pre-booked ski hotels in Japan for a campervan road trip, and I don’t regret it

By  •  Guides

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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Is historic Otaru the next big Hokkaido destination for international skiers?
7 months ago

Is historic Otaru the next big Hokkaido destination for international skiers?

By  •  Guides

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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