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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
Riding deep, deep powder on Mt. Yotei after a mega-storm
7 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
9 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?
10 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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What it’s really like to go backcountry touring in Japan for the first time
11 months ago

What it’s really like to go backcountry touring in Japan for the first time

By  •  Guides

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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Why Kiroro is probably the best destination ski resort in Asia for a day trip
1 year ago

Why Kiroro is probably the best destination ski resort in Asia for a day trip

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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Is Rusutsu the Japanese ski resort that truly has it all?
1 year ago

Is Rusutsu the Japanese ski resort that truly has it all?

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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Avoid the Niseko crowds and get off the beaten track at Japan’s Aomori Spring ski resort
1 year ago

Avoid the Niseko crowds and get off the beaten track at Japan’s Aomori Spring ski resort

This year, Japan has exploded as a destination as coverage on TikTok and other social media has fuelled record visitor numbers to popular tourist spots and the famous ski resorts …
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Japan has invented a totally new way for beginners to learn to ski
1 year ago

Japan has invented a totally new way for beginners to learn to ski

By  •  News

F Village isn’t really a ski resort at all, which is a very good thing if you’re a complete beginner or a family who want to try snowsports without the …
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An insider’s guide to planning a ski trip to Japan – and saving money
2 years ago

An insider’s guide to planning a ski trip to Japan – and saving money

By  •  Guides

If you want to save, planning and booking the individual parts of your winter trip to Japan online is the best move. It involves a little more effort, but when …
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I hired an Olympic gold medallist for the day at Japan’s Aomori Spring Resort
2 years ago

I hired an Olympic gold medallist for the day at Japan’s Aomori Spring Resort

By  •  Guides

I don’t think there are many places in the world where you can “hire” a snowboarding Olympic gold medallist for the day, but that’s exactly what’s on offer at Aomori …
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